I have been in the web design business for 8 years now.
My first few site were local band's web sites.
I needed the work and they needed a site.
The problem was their desire for the cutting edge and my ignorance.
Most bands feel their site must push the envelope.
They want flash, movies, and every other pain in the butt web frill.
As a young web designer I had to speed enormous amount of hours creating a site that was enough for them.
I didn't realize then that they were killing their web site.
They wanted the design to be the focal part of the site.
Now I know that the band should be the focal point.
My problem was the bands I was creating sites for were lazy.
They didn't want to sit down and create valued content.
They expected me, an outsider, to write their promotional material.
Personally, and don't tell them, I was not a big fan.
You can imagine the copy that I produced.
Now I understand that content is the most important aspect of a web site.
If your design drives your site, buckle your seat belt!
You will rarely redesign your site.
Once people have passed the cool factor, content is all you have.
Think about the sites you visit regularly.
Why do you go there?
Is it their cool shade of red?
Is it that nice navigation?
I will bet you it is their content.
Every site needs fresh content, and lots of it.
Sites need to be constantly updated.
Every band needs one person who can read and write, and be able to update your site.
Leave the design to your designer, but learn to write about your band and music.
You should write a good 350 word article a week about your band.
You write lyrics, so you can write a unique content page about your band a week.
I know bands that post lyrics they are toying with online.
Other bands keep journals about whats going on.
Give your visitors a reason to come back.
You never know, you might improve your writing skills.
Please think of the children. Save the designers. We are visual artist.
You guys are the ones who put emotions into words.
It is your band. You know it best.
Anyone else will just miss the point.
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