🚀 Getting Started

What is Artalyx?

Artalyx is an all-in-one WordPress plugin designed specifically for record labels, music promoters, and artists. It helps you:

⚙️ Installation & Activation

Step 1: Install the Plugin

1. Log into your WordPress admin dashboard
2. Go to Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin
3. Click Choose File and select artalyx-12.6.3.zip
4. Click Install Now
5. Click Activate Plugin

Step 2: Activate Your License

1. After activation, you’ll see the Artalyx menu in your WordPress sidebar
2. Go to Artalyx → Settings → License Tab
3. Enter your license key (sent to your email)
4. Click Activate License

🔧 Initial Setup & Settings

Artalyx now features a tabbed Settings interface for easier configuration. Access it via Artalyx → Settings in your WordPress admin menu.

⚙️ General Tab

Configure your basic business information:

• Operating Mode: Choose Label, Promotions, or Full mode (see below)
• Company Branding: Label name, logo, website, contact email

Operating Modes Explained:

Mode	Best For	Features Available
Label Mode	Record labels	Artists, releases, royalties, contracts, manufacturing, A&R, tours, venues
Promotions Mode	PR companies, promoters	Campaigns, pitches, contacts, email marketing (no label-specific features)
Full Mode	Labels doing their own promo	Everything – all label and promotional features

📧 SMTP Tab – Traditional Email Setup

Configure traditional SMTP email sending if you prefer this method:

• SMTP Server Settings: Host, port, encryption type
• Credentials: Username and password
  • Gmail users: Must use an App Password, not your regular Gmail password
• From Email & Name: How your emails will appear to recipients
• ✅ Test Your Setup: Send a real test email to verify SMTP is working correctly

🔗 Google Services Tab – OAuth Integration (Recommended)

One OAuth authorization unlocks both Google Calendar sync AND Gmail API email sending:

Why Choose Gmail OAuth Over SMTP?

• ✅ Works on ALL hosting providers (no SMTP blocking issues)
• ✅ More secure (no password storage)
• ✅ Better deliverability via Gmail infrastructure
• ✅ Automatic open and click tracking
• ✅ Also enables Google Calendar task syncing

OAuth Setup Steps:

1. Go to Google Cloud Console
2. Create a new project or select an existing one
3. Enable Google Calendar API and Gmail API
4. Create OAuth 2.0 Client ID (Web application type)
5. Add the Authorized Redirect URI shown in the Settings → Google Services tab
6. Copy Client ID and Client Secret
7. In Artalyx Settings → Google Services Tab:
   • Enter your Calendar ID
   • Select “OAuth 2.0” as authentication method
   • Paste Client ID and Client Secret
   • Save settings
8. Click “Authorize with Google” button
9. Grant permissions for Calendar AND Gmail
10. Configure Gmail From Email and From Name in the Gmail API Settings section
11. ✅ Test Your Setup: Send a real test email via Gmail API to verify OAuth is working

🤖 Automation Tab

Configure automatic task creation and notifications:

• Auto-Create Tasks: Automatically generate task lists when creating campaigns or releases
• Deadline Notifications: Get email reminders before tasks are due (7 days, 3 days, 1 day before)
• Status Notifications: Email alerts when task statuses change
• Milestone Reminders: Notifications for important campaign milestones

🔑 License Tab

Manage your Artalyx license and view usage limits:

• License Activation: Enter and activate your license key
• Current Tier: View your plan (Free, Starter, Pro, Business)
• Usage Limits: See how many artists, releases, contacts, and monthly emails you have left
• Upgrade Options: Compare available tiers and upgrade your plan

⚠️ Advanced Tab

Danger Zone – advanced operations:

• Delete All Data: Completely wipe Artalyx data (use with caution!)

🎯 Try Sample Data (Recommended for New Users)

What’s Included

The sample data file contains realistic examples to help you understand how Artalyx works:

How to Import Sample Data

1. The sample data file is included with your plugin at:
   /wp-content/plugins/artalyx-plugin/examples/sample-import-data.json
2. In WordPress, go to Artalyx → Import/Export
3. Click “Import Data”
4. Navigate to and select the sample-import-data.json file
5. Review the import preview
6. Click “Import”

After Importing

Once imported, explore your populated Artalyx dashboard to see:

• How artist profiles are structured
• Example release information and metadata
• Campaign planning and tracking in action
• Contact database organization
• Email template examples
• Task management workflows

This hands-on experience with real data will help you understand Artalyx’s full capabilities before managing your own music business!

📊 Dashboard Overview

Your Artalyx dashboard gives you a quick snapshot of everything happening with your music business:

Quick Stats

• Total Artists: How many artists you’re managing
• Active Releases: Upcoming and recently released music
• Campaign Performance: Email opens, click rates, pitch responses
• Pending Tasks: What needs your attention today

Upcoming Events

See all release dates, deadlines, and important milestones at a glance.

Recent Activity

Track what’s happened recently – new contacts added, emails sent, campaigns created.

Usage Indicators

Visual indicators show your current plan usage:

• Green: Under 80% of limit
• Yellow: 80-99% of limit
• Red: At or over limit

🎤 Managing Artists

Adding an Artist

1. Go to Artalyx → Artists → Add New
2. Fill in artist details:
   • Artist name
   • Bio and description
   • Genre(s)
   • Location
   • Social media links (Spotify, Instagram, Bandcamp, etc.)
3. Upload artist photo
4. Add contract details (Label Mode only)
5. Click Publish

Artist Profiles Include:

• Biography: Full artist story and background
• Discography: All releases linked to this artist
• Contracts: Deal terms and agreements (Label Mode)
• Revenue Tracking: Earnings and royalty splits (Label Mode)
• Social Links: Spotify, Instagram, Bandcamp, Apple Music, YouTube, etc.
• Campaigns: All promotional activity for this artist

💿 Managing Releases

Adding a Release

1. Go to Artalyx → Releases → Add New
2. Enter release information:
   • Album/EP/Single title
   • Release date
   • Format (Album, EP, Single)
   • Genre(s)
   • Catalog number
   • UPC/EAN barcode
   • ISRC codes for tracks
3. Upload artwork (minimum 3000x3000px recommended)
4. Add complete track listing with durations and ISRC codes
5. Link to artist(s)
6. Add distribution links (Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, etc.)
7. Click Publish

Release Features:

• Track Listing: Song titles, durations, ISRC codes, credits
• Distribution Management: Track all streaming platform links
• Physical Products: Vinyl, CD, cassette details with manufacturing info
• Press Kit (EPK): Auto-generate electronic press kit with one click
• Campaign Tracking: See all promotional activity for this release
• Revenue Tracking: Link to sales/streaming data (Label Mode)

📇 Contact Management

Building Your Contact Database

Artalyx helps you manage all your industry contacts – bloggers, journalists, playlist curators, radio DJs, podcasters, and more.

Adding Contacts

1. Go to Artalyx → Contacts → Add New
2. Enter contact details:
   • Name and outlet/publication
   • Email address
   • Website and social links
   • Contact type (Blog, Magazine, Radio, Podcast, Playlist, YouTube, etc.)
   • Genre focus (what music they cover)
   • Priority level (High/Medium/Low)
   • Submission guidelines and notes
3. Add notes about past interactions
4. Click Publish

Importing Contacts

Already have a spreadsheet? Import it!

1. Go to Artalyx → Import/Export
2. Click Import Contacts (CSV)
3. Download the CSV template to see required columns
4. Map your columns to Artalyx fields
5. Click Import

Contact Types:

• Magazines & Blogs
• Radio Stations (college, community, commercial)
• Podcasts
• Playlist Curators (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.)
• YouTube Channels
• Music Influencers & TikTok Creators
• Record Stores & Distribution

Smart Filtering

Filter your contacts by:

• Contact type
• Genre focus
• Priority level
• Location/region
• Recent communication history

📢 Promotional Campaigns

Creating a Campaign

1. Go to Artalyx → Campaigns → Add New
2. Set campaign details:
   • Campaign name
   • Release (what you’re promoting)
   • Campaign type (Album Release, Single Drop, Tour Promo, etc.)
   • Start and end dates
   • Budget
   • Goals and KPIs
3. Auto-generate task lists (if automation enabled)
4. Select target contacts from your database
5. Create your pitch using email templates
6. Click Publish

Campaign Tracking:

• Email Tracking: Opens, clicks, and response rates
• Media Coverage: Track which outlets covered you and what they said
• Budget Tracking: Monitor actual spending vs. planned budget
• Results Tracking: Streams gained, social followers, sales, etc.
• Task Management: Track progress on all campaign tasks

Pitch Templates:

Artalyx includes ready-made templates for:

• Album announcements
• Single premieres
• Music video reveals
• Tour announcements
• Interview requests
• Playlist pitches

Campaign Analytics

Track campaign performance with detailed analytics:

• Email open rates and click-through rates
• Conversion rate (pitches sent vs. coverage secured)
• Budget efficiency (cost per coverage placement)
• Timeline adherence (are you hitting your milestones?)

📧 Email System

Artalyx includes a comprehensive email system with Gmail OAuth integration, SMTP support, template management, open/click tracking, and automatic communication logging.

Email Configuration

Choose between two email methods (configured in Settings):

Method 1: Gmail OAuth (Recommended) ⭐

Setup Location: Settings → Google Services Tab

• ✅ Works on ALL hosting providers
• ✅ No SMTP port blocking issues
• ✅ More secure (no password storage)
• ✅ Automatic open and click tracking
• ✅ Better deliverability via Gmail infrastructure
• ✅ Send test emails to verify setup

Method 2: SMTP (Traditional)

Setup Location: Settings → SMTP Tab

• Use your email provider’s SMTP credentials
• Requires server details, username, password
• Gmail users need an App Password
• Send test emails to verify setup

Email Features:

• Merge Fields: Personalize emails with dynamic content
• Open Tracking: See who opened your emails
• Link Tracking: Track clicks on your links
• Email Templates: Save and reuse frequently used emails
• Bulk Sending: Email multiple contacts at once
• Communication Logging: Every email is automatically logged

Available Merge Fields:

Personalize your emails with these dynamic fields:

• {{contact_name}} – Contact’s name
• {{contact_outlet}} – Publication/website name
• {{artist_name}} – Artist being promoted
• {{release_title}} – Album/EP/Single title
• {{release_date}} – Release date
• {{your_name}} – Your name
• {{label_name}} – Your label/company name

Sending Emails

Individual Email:

1. Open any Contact record
2. Click “Send Email”
3. Select a template or compose new email
4. Merge fields auto-populate with contact/artist/release info
5. Review and send

Mass Email Campaign:

1. Go to Communications Hub → Email Center
2. Filter contacts by type, genre, priority, or location
3. Select recipients (or select all filtered)
4. Choose email template
5. Preview personalized emails
6. Send to all selected contacts
7. Track opens and clicks in real-time

Communication Logging

Every email sent through Artalyx is automatically logged with:

• Recipient details
• Subject line
• Sent date and time
• Open status (was it opened?)
• Click status (did they click links?)
• Linked campaign
• Follow-up reminders

Access all communication history at Communications Hub → Communications Log

📬 Newsletter System

Artalyx includes a complete newsletter system for building subscriber lists and sending mass email newsletters to your fans.

Subscribe Forms

Add newsletter subscription forms anywhere on your website using shortcodes:

Basic Form:

[artalyx_newsletter_subscribe]

Customized Form:

[artalyx_newsletter_subscribe button_text="Join Our Mailing List" success_message="Thanks for subscribing!"]

Available Parameters:

• button_text – Customize the subscribe button text
• placeholder – Customize the email field placeholder
• success_message – Customize the success message after subscription

Managing Subscribers

Access your subscriber list at Marketing Hub → Newsletter Subscribers

Subscriber Management Features:

• Add subscribers manually
• Import subscriber lists via CSV
• Export subscriber lists
• View subscription date and source
• Track subscription status (subscribed/unsubscribed)
• Remove unsubscribed contacts
• View subscription history

Creating Newsletters

1. Go to Marketing Hub → Newsletters
2. Click “Add New Newsletter”
3. Enter newsletter title (for internal reference)
4. Load a professional template from the sidebar, or write your own HTML
5. Customize content in the HTML editor
6. Preview your newsletter
7. Save as draft or publish

Sending Newsletters

1. Open your saved newsletter
2. Click “Send Newsletter”
3. Select subscriber list or segment
4. Schedule for immediate send or schedule for later
5. Click “Send”
6. Track opens and clicks in the newsletter analytics

📊 Plan Limits & Upgrades

License Tiers Comparison

Feature	Free	Starter	Pro	Business
Price	Free	$49/year	$149/year	$299/year
Artists	1	5	25	Unlimited
Releases	3	25	Unlimited	Unlimited
Contacts	100	1,000	10,000	Unlimited
Emails/Month	50	1,000	10,000	Unlimited
Users	1	2	5	Unlimited
Operating Modes	Label or Promo	Label or Promo	Label or Promo	All Modes
Support	Email	Email	Priority Email	Priority Email

View All Plans & Upgrade

What Happens When You Hit a Limit?

• Artists/Releases/Contacts: You won’t be able to create new ones until you upgrade or delete existing ones
• Monthly Emails: You won’t be able to send more emails until the 1st of next month (or until you upgrade)
• Visual Indicators: Dashboard shows usage with color coding:
  • Green = Under 80% of limit
  • Yellow = 80-99% of limit
  • Red = At or over limit

💬 Support & Help

Need Help?

We’re here to help you succeed with Artalyx!

📧 Email Support

Email us at support@artalyx.app – we typically respond within 24 hours (48 hours on weekends).

📚 Documentation

Access comprehensive documentation directly in WordPress:

• Quick Start Guide: Artalyx → Quick Start (in admin menu)
• Full Manual: Artalyx → Manual (in admin menu)

💡 Feature Requests

Have an idea for a new feature? We’d love to hear it! Email your suggestions to info@artalyx.app

🐛 Found a Bug?

Report bugs to bugs@artalyx.app with:

• Clear description of the issue
• Steps to reproduce the problem
• Screenshots if applicable
• Your WordPress version and Artalyx version

System Requirements

• WordPress: 5.8 or higher
• PHP: 7.4 or higher (8.0+ recommended)
• MySQL: 5.6 or higher (or MariaDB equivalent)
• Server: Most shared hosting works fine (cPanel, Plesk, etc.)

Useful Links

• Artalyx Homepage
• Pricing & Plans
• Contact Us
• Changelog & Updates