So do you have a up and coming band or an established band with a huge following? Make sure you follow these 7 simple rules when building your band website.
Rule #1: Build a Strong Homepage
According to Mashable.com a website has approximately 2-4 seconds to make a lasting impression on a first time user. Make sure your website is clear and concise and most importantly.. easy to navigate.
Game Changing Design Integrations
- Integrate the Soundloud Widget or an Embedded Music Player
- Embed Your Latest Music Video through YouTube
- Integrate Your Recent Blog Posts
- Newsletter Signup (W/ Free Track)
- Display Your Upcoming Shows/Gigs and Remove Past Shows
- Have a Link to you New Music or Merch for Purchase
Rule #2: No Adobe Flash
Flash has a number of inherent drawbacks in regards to security, functionality and usability, I’ll admit in the right situation flash websites can be great but for the masses will have mixed reactions. Your website needs to appeal to EVERY user and make them want to return to keep up with your brand.
Rule #3: Build Your Website in WordPress
Using WordPress as a management system for your website is essential. WordPress Boasts on the fly updates with an easy to use interface to keep your website updated without the hassles of having to connect to the server remotely through FTP. WordPress should be your only choice when choosing a CMS and there a number of E-Commerce Integrations to sell your merchandise and increase profits.
Rule #4: Keep Your Website Up to Date
Either designate a person in your band to keep the updates flowing or hire a company to manage the posts and make daily or weekly appointments with them to keep everything up to date.
Rule #5: Integrate Your Favorite Social Media
Social Media is the best way to self promote yourself or your band. Integrate any social media platform that you regularly update.
Social Media Platforms We Love for Artists
- SounCloud
- Spotify
- RevebNation
- YouTube
- Myspace
- Tumblr
Rule #6: Engage Your Users in a Personal Way
Make sure the content and artist direction mirror your style and personality. Your fans are there to engage with you and your band. Making weekly blog posts about life on the road, upcoming projects and features in media are a great way to keep you users coming back time and time again.
Rule #7: Buy Premium Hosting
Buy the best hosting you can afford, a website that takes forever to load is going to irritate your users and most likely they won’t be back anytime soon.
Hosts we Recommend:
- WpEngine
- Dreamhost
- BlueHost
Hosts to Avoid:
- HostGator
- GoDaddy
- 1and1
Still Not Sure What You Need? Visit Our Band Website Design Page for More Information