Create a Band Website
One of the key elements to succeeding in the music business is having a cool, professional Website to spread the word about your music. The Internet is one of the biggest means by which news and information travels today. Having a Website allows your band to connect personally with fans and keep in touch with them in a way that was impossible before. If you want to make it in the music industry today, you will have to take full advantage of the Internet and all the tools it offers.
Instructions
1. Choose a domain name for your site and have the domain name registered online. Your domain name should basically be your band name as this will make it easy to remember the site. If the band name is already being used for another site, try adding a few words like "online" or "music" to the end of the domain. Register your domain name with GoDaddy.com for $9.95. This is one of the best sites to register your domain with because of the price and because of the great customer service.
2. Purchase web hosting. There are plenty of sites like HostMonster.com that will give you a complete web hosting package for around $5 a month. This package includes hosting, Website building tools, advertising tips, Google Adwords credits and more.
3. Design a cool, professional home page for your Website. Avoid using bright-colored backgrounds as this puts strain on the eyes of those who come to your site. Also make sure that you place a header featuring the logo of your band at the top of the page so people will know for sure what site they are on. Make sure to include a greeting from the band, either written, audio or video.
4. Place a media player on your Website that will automatically play the track samples that your band has when someone comes to the site. There are a lot of options for the media player you can put on your site, but one you might want to check out is Winamp. Upload your tracks to the player and set it so they play as soon as someone visits the site.
5. Create a biography page for the Website. Make sure you include either a full biography of how the band got started or individual biographies of each member of the band. It would probably be a good idea to do both, but the option is really up to you.
6. Add a merchandise page and a contact page. When people come to your Website and they like your music, they will want to know where they can go to purchase it and other band-related merchandise. This is where you will need to install an e-store on your site so people can make purchases of your merchandise. Also set up a contact page where fans can email your band with questions or just to give you encouragement and support.
7. Create a page for tour dates and a page for links. When you start to grow a fan base, many individuals will be wanting to hear you play your music live. Let your fans know where you will be playing at, what time the show starts, and give directions for people who may want to come in from out of town. Build a links page where you can display links for the type of instruments you play, other bands you like or that are similar in style to your band, and other information you think your fans will benefit from.
8. Publish your Website and maintain regular updates.
