As a band with a website I can kind of tell you guys a few things and pointers to remember.
Web design isn't that difficult, however there are just a few tricks that can make the process a lot easier.
Macromedia Dreamweaver is probably the best software to use, and if you do it yourself then you definitely know that you are portraying your image correctly.
Sites with a lot of text are just a yawn factor ,
so the best thing to do is keep it simple, not loads of images, silly flash files, you'll just annoy people.
You must remember that people with 56k and broadband might be using your site, with different size screens so it must be accessible to everyone.
As a starter site keep away from bright colours if you want a professional look. Making a root folder is important, put all the pictures in there and name them accordingly to avoid confusion.
Links are extremely important, make sure they are always correct and that all the pages are uploaded.
If you are using pictures, try using Adobe Photoshop or something like that to edit them, Macromedia Fireworks is also a popular choice of web software.
Our band has a site, which is updated weekly, it hasn't got any flash files in order to keep loading down to a minimum.
On 56k modems the pictures don't display fantastically, but it portrays the right kind of image for us.
I'm constantly changing it though, it will never be 'finished' as such, and I hate going to sites that are updated so make sure you have enough time to keep the site up-to-date.
In order to get gigs, publicity plays an extremely important role, and it isn't just a thing that will happen.
Someone in the band (or if you're lucky a friend) needs to be appointed as a band publicist, local press is important in building up a small fan base, and a website is also important to provide all information at one stop.
Charity work is a great way to get publicity, putting on events and then getting papers to print an article.
Local radio stations might support you and plug this, and depending on your audience you could try local schools/colleges, student radio and that kind of thing.
Posters, word of mouth, and getting to know other bands is important for festivals and being invited to play, don't worry about being first on as its really a start.
Surf the web for any events you could play at, and just keep your eyes peeled.
Get to know people in the newsrooms of radio stations and if you record a track get that sent to them, also enter any talent contests possible and you'll soon be known.
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Web Site Design and Band Publicity |
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