Musician Gear & Tech Discussion

Like to open up a conversation as related to various web services.
There are a myriad of "free" web sites, site builders, ETC utilizing templates and such.
However, in my limited experience, these do not meet the criteria one might place on such a service.
What criteria you ask ?
To my mind, if one has a page or site for one's band or as an individual artist, whom intends music as a business, there are few must haves that should be in place.
I'm going to make a short list . . . feel free to add thoughts, and or commentary, as to your personal needs / experience.
As for criteria, ( in no particular order of importance ) one should be capable of:
1) Remote management
2) Posting of media samples ( audio & visual ) for demonstration purposes.
3) Two way communications with fan base.
4) Retail of media & merchandising. ( this includes the ability to accept all the usual forms of remittance )

George

Security is absolutely a necessity. You'll need a certificate and run https rather than http.

The trouble of course with security is that you have to keep it out of the way of customers without exposing yourself to risk.

Additionally - you probably want your fans to log in, set passwords and ID's and gather some contact info for when you want to reach out to them.

Good to hear from you.

Talbot

Good input Mike.
Not being the "tech type" the security aspect was assumed on my part.
Thanks for bringing that to the fore.

Good to hear from you too Sir.

For mailing list and 'store' access, fan ID/login (registration) is definitely needed, but make sure that is NOT required for the causal fan/browser to view all your web pages - let them see/hear what you got first.

Engage the fans - ask for volunteers for a 'street team', offer a free song download ...

Make the site simple and easy to navigate - don't make people click through multiple screens to see a video or hear music or see your show listings.
Keep it updated - if a fan clicks to it once a week and sees no changes since the last time they visited, they might not come back for another month.

Well said ...
I totally agree.
One of the greatest short comings we deal with as a band is a stale web presence.

Another thing that is easy to add is a blog. It can be simple stuff, like talking about a gig you just had or have scheduled, or working in the studio, or writing songs - anything that might be entertaining for a fan - so it does have to be written well. make everyone in the band (well maybe not the drummer!) writes something weekly, then use someone to polish it up - a friend or relative with a modicum of writing skills.

George, glad to hear you guys are doing well and needing a web site! Covers? KOOL BEANS! playing covers takes a different kind of discipline but still a great way to expand your knowledge of music!

Another thing that is easy to add is a blog. It can be simple stuff, like talking about a gig you just had or have scheduled, or working in the studio, or writing songs - anything that might be entertaining for a fan - so it does have to be written well. make everyone in the band (well maybe not the drummer!) writes something weekly, then use someone to polish it up - a friend or relative with a modicum of writing skills.

Tumblr. Post anything from anywhere. Link it to your site. Simple design is free.

Thanks guys . . . all great input.

Before acquiring the MediaServer, we would like to know if presently there is a web services layer in your product or if it is in your roadmap.

Thank you,
Joao Correlo

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