Blog

[isaacs]

I've redesigned the 'News" page blog at my website (link to website below, hit "News") and made some new posts for those that might be interested. There is a new "Comments" facility too and comments are very welcome, bearing in mind that an artist's website is a promotional tool frequently visited by potential clients of all ilks and so I will obviously delete comments that stray too far into the OJF larrikin spectrum.

[vickihb2]

Mark, that is a good idea.

If you want to get people visiting your website frequently you must, must, MUST update it regularly and make it quick to download. (60 per cent of Aussies still on dial up). If you visit a site and it is out of date, would you be inspired to go back?

If you are selling CDs or just promoting gigs on your site you want people coming back, so you should update it at least fortnightly, blogs are a great way to do this. Fans love this kind of thing.

I would advise anyone wanting to promote themselves on line to:

*Have simple navigation with a nav bar acorss the top of every page (test it on someone not au fait with net)

*Have changing (monthly) free downloads.

* Lose the Intro page as they annoy most web users.

*Sell your own ring tones (they outsell CDs now)

*Change/rotate images frequently

*Create and sell jazz music e-cards and list them in Google Adwords - you can pay per click, reasonably cheap.

* Get Paypal and sell your own cds

* Collect mobile numbers and email adresses for future marketing


Any musician who wants help with more marketing advice is welcome to contact me via this forum. I have 20 years experience in all aspects of Communications.

[isaacs]

Thanks for your knowledgeable and generous advice Vicki. I'm sure everyone around here appreciates it.

I had the idea two years ago to use the really user-friendly blogging interface software (such as from Blogger) to have a dynamic News page that could be updated easily at anytime from anywhere in the world (as well as the free calendar software I already used for my Gig Guide). I must admit I was surprised at how the websites of many jazz musicians (even very distinguished ones) were these frozen time capsules that did not change. These applets and interfaces are the way to go, rather than hassling your web designer to make changes. All good web designers should be setting up these interfaces for their clients, the web-based ones are brilliant for touring musicians.