PURPOSE OF YOUR WEBSITE
It may seem obvious, but do you know what is the main purpose for your site? Is it to provide information about your band? To post concert dates? For interaction with fans? To sell CD's? Maybe it is all the above. But, are any factors more important than others? If so, find a way to prioritize their visual presence. Make sure they grab attention in order of their importance. Failure to do this may confuse or overwhelm your visitors... not good.
MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION
The home page is the first page visited and is the key to the website. Use it for that purpose. You have about 10 seconds to convince the visitor to remain at the site. Most visitors expect the page to load quickly (even on their dialup connection). They want to find the info they need, how to navigate to it, or have something to do. Waiting for a page to download is not interesting. So, avoid things like large animation files that entertain with the "LOADING" progress bar.
DON'T OVERWHELM THE VISITOR
Don't put everything on the Home page. You will overwhelm your visitor. Make it easy for them to navigate to appropriate sections to find the info they seek. Feature only the most important info and links and images. Link to the details, don't include them on the Home page.
PUT THE VISITOR IN CONTROL
It makes sense to include music samples on the site. However, including auto-play, especially on the Home page, is debatable. Some people expect it, others would rather initiate it themselves. Whatever you decide, give the visitor an obvious way to turn it off. Make sure finding the samples of your music is very easy.
MAKE IT EASY TO BUY THE MUSIC
Make it easy to buy and/or download the music. Use a prominently-visible button so the visitor does not have to solve a puzzle to win the prize. Reward them for simply clicking the mouse.
DON'T OVER-DESIGN
Don't over-design the pages or the site. Interesting images, fonts, animations, movies, etcetera are great but don't make them compete with one another. The purpose of your site is to communicate, not to confuse or share every idea you have (you wouldn't put all your ideas into a song either). The design does not need to be simple, flat, generic, and boring... but do avoid clutter or it will intimidate and/or frustrate your visitor.
DESIGN FOR YOUR FANS
Having a website is not for telling what a great band you are! Yes, you read that correctly. That assessment is for the fans to make. (Of course, it is good to put good reviews of your music and such for fans to read.) Focus on creating the site to benefit the fans. Without them you are sunk. Create the content, design, and interactivity that concentrates on their needs.
INTERACT WITH YOUR FANS
Figure out ways to interact with your fans. They really like that. A forum is one method. Even providing updates via emails or announcements on MySpace.com (and SideBMusic.com) keeps them informed, but more importantly, it keeps them involved and connected with you.
USE SIDEBMUSIC
Keep SideBMusic up-to-date with your schedule and send pictures and info about your activities. It is important to have presence with your fans and potential fans in as many places as possible. We can contribute by including such info on our site and in our promotions, even if it is a link to a page on your website where there is more to be seen, heard, and read. |
