13/52: Keep Your Socials Updated & For God's Sake, Have a Website!
Photo: Nicole Mago
Ok - this is something I am kind of passionate about. Maybe even borderline obsessed with and can go on 37 minute rants over. I’ll break it down into 2 pieces for you:
For the love of God, be on all social media platforms & keep them updated
AND FOR CRYING OUT LOUD HAVE A WEBSITE
One of my biggest pet peeves (there are lots of them if you haven’t noticed) is when a band reaches out to me and doesn’t link one single website or social site.
I assume they want me to use my spare time to sort through google and hope I find the correct band named “BAND” -- even worse when they don’t even HAVE a website. I’m talking a landing page, people! Something with quick links to socials, contact info, show dates if you have them, and how to listen to your music. This doesn’t have to be some crazy, involved thing. How is anyone supposed to want to work with you or become a fan if they can’t find you? I am completely and utterly flabbergasted when I come across this phenomenon. And it’s OFTEN. This is one of the easiest things you can do for yourself!
Equally annoying is when I go to a band’s socials and they were updated MONTHS ago. MONTHS!
That tells me that absolutely NOTHING has happened in your career in months! And that no one cares! A lot of newer bands don’t want to seem annoying or like they have an ego. TRUST me - it’s worse if it looks like you put out one song and gave up. Social media is meant for bragging sharing. People get it.
And don’t get me started on this -- of course there are exceptions to the rule. Some bands barely use social media, get tons of fans, and sell out shows all over the place. That very likely will not be you. That’s some sort of wizard magic trick that very few people have access to. And if you don't know if you have it or not, you don’t. So toss up that post on Instagram. Just do it!
See? I RANT.
Reason to ignore this advice: ARE YOU KIDDING ME.