Your website is one of your most valuable tools for being found by fans all around the world. Unlike social media accounts, you own your website and its content.
For those that feel they might not need one, or, don’t prioritize it, here’s why your website is better than only using social media:
• Online searches (like Google) will direct more traffic to your website.
• You can’t be blocked or have your website cancelled like a social media account.
• Merchandise can be sold through your website quickly and easily.
• Current and important information can be organized so it’s easily accessible to fans.
Send People from Social Media to Your Website
Your reach on social media is limited to those who follow/friend you, so add your website info to posts as often as possible to increase your traffic. You can create website pages with all the relevant types of information in one place instead of just random, short posts on social media. Think of your website like your whole music album compared to just one verse of one song shared on social.
Search Engines Love New Content
If you want new fans and people with opportunities to find you online, you must regularly add new content to your website. A blog is great way to consistently add new content and increase your search results. Blogs can include a compilation of multiple social media posts, the transcript from an interview (video, radio, podcast, etc.), or personal stories about your craft that inspire or show insight into your work. The key is to write new content for your website regularly and consistently.
Another option is to add a “latest news” section. Keep this current with updates about your music plans and projects as well as what fans can expect next.
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Write New Ideas Constantly
Think about questions you are commonly asked like how you got started, what gear you use, how you achieved your goals, tips on what worked and didn’t work, and what advice you would give other artists. What details can you add that are relevant and interesting? These are great for blog posts and other content you need to create.
Keep a running list of content ideas to post on your website. This list can also generate stories to use when you’re being interviewed as well. Create categories of topics then add main points to support them. Edit, revise, and add to this list regularly.
Your musical career has a story that pulls in your ideal audience – it’s up to you to craft that story in a way that is intentional and not left up to chance. Like great song lyrics, it may come to you in pieces, it may practically write itself, or it may be something you work on for months to get it just right.
Repurpose Your Content
Whether you enjoy writing or not, one way to make your life easier is to repurpose information. If you record and post videos discussing your craft, repurpose those videos into blog posts. Have a well-written social media post? Convert that into a blog or newsletter.
Your social media pages and website should feed into each other; use your social media pages to send new traffic to your website, while your blog can attract those who don’t follow you on social media. Repurposing your information is an effective way to boost traffic to all parts of your online presence.
Build a Better Bio Page
Fans, people in the music business, and interviewers want to know your story. It should be a combination of:
• facts about your life
• inspiration for the music you create
• professional accomplishments
• unique trivia about yourself so readers remember you
Be intentional about this information; does it provide real insight, or is it a random story that might make fun dinner conversation but doesn’t add anything substantial?
A great bio you can reuse in multiple ways is an important timesaver. Keep as much as possible “evergreen” (I started playing guitar in 2001 instead of I started playing guitar 20 years ago) so you don’t need to update it every year.
Spelling and Grammar Check
Your writing is an extension of your art and should help you build credibility. If your spelling and grammar aren’t as professional as your music, use grammar and spelling checks on Microsoft Word, Grammarly.com, or hire a professional to ghostwrite your content.
Some quick tips:
• Remove the word “that” if the sentence makes sense without it.
• Know the difference between “your” (your music) and “you’re” (you are).
• Know the difference between “there” (a place), “they’re” (they are), and “their” (their music).
• Have someone else read your writing before sending it out or posting it.
Your Content is Important
Consistently updating your website with well-written content is key to attracting new traffic. If your content is old and outdated, fans may see you the same way. Keep it fresh! If you need help doing that, let me know at Kim@ExpresslyWritten.com. Then you’ll have more time for making music and doing what you really love.