Your site can look great, but if it doesn\u2019t have engaging content to keep people interested, that won\u2019t matter.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a checklist of items and pages you\u2019ll want to be sure you\u2019re including on your site.<\/p>\n
This seems obvious, but you want people to be able to reach out to you. Whether they are fans or potential venue owners looking to book your band, you want to be sure they have a valid email address or other form of contact. Be sure to frequently check your inbox and respond to those who are reaching out to you. Digital channels of communication are appreciated because people can reach out instantly, or on their own time. <\/p>\n
You want your website visitors to chose how they want to keep up with your band\u2019s news. Give them the option to find you across the web so they can check up on you whenever and wherever they want.<\/p>\n
This will often be one of the main reasons someone visits your site. Whether they\u2019ve heard your stuff before or are just dying to hear their favorite song again, make it easy for them to find your mp3s and purchase links.<\/p>\n
Your fans are super pumped to see you play live. Make it easy for them to find out when you\u2019re playing and how to get there. Provide as much information as you can. Addresses, start times, ticket fees or door charges, and any insight you have about the venue. <\/p>\n
Spill a little bit about yourself. If a venue is trying to let people know what to expect when you play your show, they\u2019ll often go here and borrow what you\u2019ve written. Go beyond the typical elements of a biography and really share your story. If you\u2019re a band, explain how you all met, what your influences are. Add something personal about each of the members if you can. If you\u2019re a solo artist, share how you got started in the music world. <\/p>\n
Post frequently. Did you have a blast at your last show? Say so! Did one of your bandmates do something hilarious? Write about it. Are you super grateful for every fan you have? Let them know. Have a last minute show pop up? Spread the word. <\/p>\n
Your fans want to hear from you and feel connected to you. A blog or video blog is one of the best and easiest ways to keep in touch with them. It also gives people incentive to return to your site frequently.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ve already covered the reasons for needing a newsletter. Using your website as a collection source is a no-brainer. While social media platforms may come and go, you will always own your email list. Use your list to promote gigs, merchandise, events, and anything else that you want your fans to know about. <\/p>\n
High resolution photographs are a great addition to your site. You\u2019ve invested time and resources into making sure your website is polished, make sure your photos are too. While you might not need to hire a pro photographer, make sure your images are high enough resolution to fit their intended space without being stretched. <\/p>\n
Did your local paper write about you? Did a venue or fan post a review of one of your shows? Link to the articles so people can get some outside perspective about your music.<\/p>\n
You can get really complicated with this, but even using just the basic features of Google Analytics or Jetpack for WordPress can give you great deals of insight. Check up on your traffic and analyze it to see how effective your social media promotions, new releases, and blog posts have been. When you see something that is working to drive traffic to your site, you can start to tailor your strategy around what has been most effective.<\/p>\n
AudioTheme is designed around making it easy for you to add and maintain great content on your site. See it in action: <\/p>\n