5 Things Every Band’s Website Should Have
The other day I was sent a link to a band’s website, and everything about the site was remarkably bad.
The header was a gif that had the potential to induce vomiting, and the rest of the site was just a bunch of links, the vast majority of which were so cryptic you had no idea what might come up if you clicked on them (a terrible idea for a myriad of reasons).
I’m sure all of this was done in an attempt to be some combination of artsy and/or cool, but when you’re a band looking to make a name for yourself, it’s pretty important that when people go to your website they can easily figure out who you are. The band in question’s site failed miserably at that task (and no, I’m not mentioning them by name, or linking to them. They deserve a chance to fix things).
So what should be on an indie band’s website? Glad you asked. Here are the five things that every band’s website should have.
1. Basic Band Info
I realize not every band can afford a professionally written bio, but at minimum every band’s website needs to have
* The names of the members of the band, along with which instruments they play
* The location of the band
* A photo of the band
* The type of music the band plays
I know a lot of bands don’t like the confines of describing themselves as a specific genre, but it’s important to at least give people a hint of what to expect when they click play on one of your songs, or videos.
Speaking of which …
2. Your Music
If I’m on your website I want to be able to hear your music there. Yes, I’m sure you’re on Bandcamp, YouTube, and Spotify, but when you already have a person on your site, don’t make them go elsewhere to hear you. Every step you require someone to make gives them an opportunity to get distracted, and do something else. This is the internet, distraction is what keeps us glued to our screens, so once you have us, you shouldn’t let us leave until we’ve heard you.
3. Social Media and Streaming Links
Once we know who you are, and have heard your music, we may want to find you on social media, and streaming services – this is when you can direct us elsewhere!
Your website should have links to all your social media pages, and where people can find you on streaming services, nicely organized in one place. Many bands do this either at the top, or the bottom of their site, while others choose to make it part of their Contact page. As long as it’s easy to find, that’s what matters most.
Speaking of your Contact page …
4. Contact Info
This is one I’ve had to mention to quite a few bands – you need to have an email address, or a contact form, on your website.
There’s an assumption that everyone is on Instagram, and people will just DM you. That’s simply not true, and it adds another step in the process of contacting you, a step many won’t take.
Having your band’s email address on your site lets writers, venues, bookers, and other bands all reach you with one click. None of those people want to go through a maze to contact you, so it’s best to make it as easy as possible.
5. Upcoming Shows and Previous Shows
Many indie artists can’t do extensive touring, but everyone has shows. Let people know when and where you’re playing, and link to where they can buy tickets (if that’s an option).
Even if you don’t have any shows coming up, a list of your previous shows will give people an idea of where you’re played, how often you hit the stage, and the venues where you’ve performed.
As an aside, don’t feel bummed if they’re all local venues. Your community supporting you is pretty awesome.
Bonus Tip – Throw in a few photos from your shows to get people excited to see you live.
So there you have it, five things every band’s website should have. I don’t think I’m breaking any new ground here, but sometimes it’s important to remember the basics.
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