MusicRadar

Find out more about getting your music online in the latest CM Special.

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Everyone knows that the internet is a great place to share, publicise and even sell your music, but how can you make sure you stand out from the ever-growing crowd? The 12 tips below should set you on the right online course.

If you want to read more about the issues we’re addressing here, check out Computer Music Special Vol.28: The Musician’s Guide To The Net. On sale now, this is the perfect magazine for anyone who wants to make a success of their web-based musical ventures.

If you can’t find the mag in your local WH Smith, Borders, Barnes & Noble, Chapters or good independent newsagents, it can be ordered from www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk

1. Give it away
Remember that people need to hear your music and live with it before they’ll start wanting to engage in any sort of economic relationship with you. 30-second samples are pretty much a waste of time; don’t hoard the music – it’s not like you’re going to run out.

2. Get them talking
There are people who talk about music all over the internet. MP3 bloggers, in particular, are useful people to be in contact with. They make recommendations, often to thousands of readers who have come to trust what they have to say. You want them to be writing about your music, so give them your MP3s to share.

3. Get connected
One of the easiest ways to have people find out about you and what you do is to exchange links with other artists who might share a similar fanbase. Don’t be afraid that you’re sending people away from your site – be generous with the link love.

4. Build a community
The web used to be a land of signposts and (sometimes) destinations. Now it’s an environment where people do things. So, instead of just putting a brochure on your website, why not build a space where your fans can congregate, talk to each other and create the site content themselves?

5. Be seen
Make sure Google knows how to find you. A Flash-based website may look cool and the words may fly around the screen in an impressive fashion, but as far as the outside world is concerned, you might as well be hiding it. Relevant text and links are a good starting point.

6. Assemble your team
You may not need a record label these days, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have all the skills and knowledge you need to get where you want to go. Think like an online entrepreneur. Use resources like Elance.com and Guru.com to get the administrative, technical or promotional help you require.

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