Tuesday, March 12th, 2024.
Hey, it’s TJ Miller, “You want some game?” Let's #tipundathehat!
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Unda The Hat is now doing affiliate marketing for Amazon. “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.” We feature musical equipment, OG music band Tees & merch, games, and books. This week's Amazon feature is Ruby Camille
Do you really need a Website? - Let’s Geaux -
I know I’ve talked about this topic before, but it bears repeating. The necessity of a website for musicians has been explored, talked about and wondered about. The question at hand is: do you indeed need a website? The short answer is YES! While you may possess profiles on various social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and others, it is not a good idea to rely solely on these platforms for your online presence. Engaging in the music industry requires a dedicated website, as emphasized by Forbes Advisor's finding that 71% of businesses maintain websites. And yes, you are in the music BUSINESS, so act accordingly.
Recent events have demonstrated the vulnerability of social media platforms.
500,000 Facebook users that had issues logging in and accessing the site? 76% of complaints were about logging in, 17% were with the app, and 8% were with the website. 92,000 Instagram users reported issues, with some users reporting that their feed was not refreshing. Others on Threads were met with a blank white screen. LinkedIn had a big outage just a day after Facebook and Instagram went down. These platforms, which musicians often utilize for music promotion and sales, are susceptible to unexpected shutdowns and leave you scrambling like last week.
Having a dedicated website provides greater control and offers a central hub for directing fans. Additionally, it enhances the discoverability of musicians through search engines, as individuals searching for your name are more likely to find your website than your social media profiles. Social media platforms are subject to algorithm changes and potential buyouts, which can affect your visibility and reach.
A website serves as a permanent and consistent online presence, free from the volatility of social media platforms. It provides musicians with complete control over their online identity, enabling them to create a comprehensive and professional brand. Moreover, a website allows musicians to showcase their music, videos, photos, and other creative content in a more organized and comprehensive manner than is feasible on social media platforms.
A website also presents opportunities for direct monetization. By incorporating e-commerce functionality, musicians can sell music and merchandise directly to fans, generating revenue and fostering a stronger connection with their audience. Furthermore, a website enhances a musician's professional image, establishing credibility with fans, industry professionals, and potential collaborators.
Reaching fans by email is still one of the best ways to create direct-to-fan connections. Most website platforms have email capability. On your website you can offer a free track download in exchange for an email address, to build momentum with your list. Keeping in touch regularly by email is an excellent way to promote your upcoming releases, tour dates, and crowdfunding campaigns and even gain valuable insight into your fan data.
While a well-put-together website can dazzle your followers, your website also has a lot of data to help you make informed decisions. Set up a Smart link for your music release, as well as Landing pages to see where your fans are coming from, and which tracks they play most. Whether you’re promoting a new album or launching a marketing campaign, page-level data helps you get to know your fanbase.
In conclusion, while social media platforms offer valuable tools for music promotion and fan engagement, they are not an adequate substitute for a dedicated website. A website is yours and provides musicians with greater control over their online presence, enables them to build a more comprehensive brand, and offers opportunities for direct monetization. So go get you a website.
This week's #IAOTW - Independent Artists Of The Week is - Ruby Camille. It’s Women’s History Month. This song, from Singer Songwriter Ruby Camille, captures the essence of the month like no other it’s called, Call Us Queens!
Click on the name link, scroll down to the picture, and then click, and support. For more information on this or to hire Unda The Hat as your brand or label consultant send a message via undathehat.com. If you are an Indie artist and want to be featured, hit me up. See you next week!!