With social media and streaming services easily accessible, you may have a great online presence already. So why do you need a website to stand out as a musician?
Having your own music website appears professional, signaling to industry experts that you take your music career seriously. It is also a space that you own and control, which makes it the best way to build authentic relationships with your fans.
Here are ten reasons why you should have a website as a musician:
1. Industry and media expect to find your website
Industry experts point to a dedicated website when asked how they prefer to access your music and learn more about you as an artist. Make a music website so that journalists, bloggers, and talent buyers know you are a serious musician.
2. You own the experience
With a music website you both create and control the content. Everything about you is in one place. This makes it easy for someone to help promote your music and understand who you are as a musician. You can create branding with a website design - it will set you apart and highlight your vibe.
3. It is more permanent than social media
Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are great platforms to promote your band and your music. However, a website is permanent and not subjected to changes in algorithms or buy-outs. You are not at the mercy of paid posts or low organic reach. You can direct anybody, at any time, to visit your website. Additionally, not everyone in the music industry is on Facebook - those people can still visit your website.
4. Show your band's unique personality
A website can be anything you want it to be. You can base your website design on your latest album artwork or set a visual tone that reflects the vibe of your music. You can get as personal as you would on social media with blog posts or photos. Compelling website content that shows off your music is the reason fans will keep returning.
5. Sell music and merch to fans
Over the course of the pandemic fans turned to online purchases of music and merch to show support for their favorite artists. If you have started to build a fanbase, be sure to add merch and music to your website. Sales of music and merchandise through your website is one way to make additional money.
6. Add an EPK to your website
Any booking agent or promoter will check out your website before booking you for a show. You can use this to your advantage by highlighting your best work and including your most recent music and videos in an EPK directly on your website. You can also use your EPK to garner press for an upcoming album or single, or to reach out to radio stations.
7. It is good for organic SEO
With your own music website, you can add text to your pages that mentions your artist’s name and your latest music. You can choose a custom domain, based on your artist or band name. As a result, Google will match your band keywords (album titles, tracks, band members, etc.) to your website. Having your music website come up in top search results gives it more authority than a social media account.
8. It is one of the best ways to build your mailing list
Reaching fans by email is still one of the best ways to create direct-to-fan connections. On your website you can offer a free track download in exchange for an email address, to build momentum with your list. Staying connected regularly by email is an excellent way to promote your upcoming releases, tour dates, and crowdfunding campaigns.
9. Gain insight into fan data
Below the dazzle of your website exists data to help you make informed decisions and to get to know your fanbase.
10. You have complete control
Your website is your very own hub online, to post and curate any content you would like. Take advantage of this space by making a website that embodies your sound and speaks to your audience. Use your website to create authentic relationships with your fans to see you through your next career move, be it a new single, a video, a competition, or a tour.
If you are serious about your music career, you will want to invest in a music website. As a homebase, it is your one-stop shop on the web - add your music, bio, merch, press kit and more, within your own unique design. Your custom website will boost your professionalism with music industry specialists and with fans alike.