Recording artist, your website serves as a central hub for fans, industry professionals, and media outlets to learn more about you as an artist, your music, upcoming performances, and more. Having a professional looking website is very important. If your website is not up to par many people may click off of your website without even listening to your music.
Your first impression means a lot, so lets get your website on point now. Below are a few things you should include on your website. Go through this list and make updates to your website if you are missing some items.
- Homepage: The homepage should make a strong first impression, featuring a visually appealing design, a nice header image, and your name or logo. It should also have a brief bio or tagline that summarizes your style and genre.
- About/Bio: A detailed bio that provides insight on your background, musical journey, influences, and achievements. This helps fans connect on a personal level and understand your story.
- Music: A section dedicated to your music, where visitors can listen to tracks. Also, include links to purchase or stream your songs through popular platforms like Spotify, Itunes, Apple Music, etc.
- Photos and Videos: A gallery of high-quality images and videos from live performances, studio sessions, and behind-the-scenes footage. Visual content adds depth to your persona and creates an engaging experience.
- Tour Dates/Events: A calendar of upcoming tour dates, concerts, and events. Make it easy for fans to find out when and where they can see you perform live.
- Merchandise Store: An online store where fans can purchase merchandise like t-shirts, posters, albums, and other branded items. This not only generates income but also helps to build a stronger fan connection.
- Contact Information: Provide clear contact details for bookings, press inquiries, and fan communication. It could be a contact form or an email address.
- Social Media Links: Links to your official social media profiles, like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc. Social media helps to keep fans updated on what you are doing and engaged in your content.
- Press Kit: A downloadable press kit with high-resolution photos, a detailed bio, discography, fan feedback, videos, social media links, contact info, and any press coverage or notable mentions. This is helpful for media and industry professionals.
- Newsletter Signup: Encourage visitors to subscribe to your newsletter to receive updates, exclusive content, and special offers.
- Blog/News Section: A blog or news section where you can share updates, stories, and insights on a variety of topics. This helps to keep the website content fresh and encourages visitors to return.
- Fan Interaction: Consider including a guestbook or comments section where fans can leave messages and interact with you the artist.
- Accessibility: Ensure that the website is user-friendly and accessible on various devices, including mobile phones and tablets.
- Privacy Policy and Terms of Service: Include clear information about the website’s privacy policy and terms of service to protect both you the artist and the visitors.
- Music Press Kit For Industry Executives: Optionally, you could provide a page on your website for music industry professionals that would include everything in your normal press kit, but this one will include downloadable high-quality audio files and other necessary information for media and record label representatives. This should be a hidden link that you share or password protected so fans can’t download all of your music for free.
Remember, the website’s design should reflect your music style, genre and brand. It should also be regularly updated to keep fans engaged and informed about your latest activities and releases.