STME58
780 posts
Apr 21, 2014
8:14 AM
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I have gotten a couple of gigs just by practicing in public and I am getting to the point where I would like to do a few more. This is still a hobby for me but I wouldn't mind making a bit of money at it. It seems that having a business card with a link to a web site with some sound samples on it would be a good thing to have to generate interest. I created a very simple web site about 15 years ago and I am sure things have changed a lot since then. I would like to hear suggestions or warnings on how to create a web presence from some of you who have done it. Also does anyone have a good suggestion for reading on how to move from a pastime to a paid hobby without destroying the fun of playing?
Thanks Steve
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Frank
4172 posts
Apr 21, 2014
9:16 AM
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Two words 1YOU 2TUBE....
As far as keeping it "fun"...If you can play the music you truly love with band members you really like - that should go along way with fun staying in the paid equation.
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Rgsccr
243 posts
Apr 21, 2014
9:17 AM
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Steve, The thread on gig advice from a venue owner has great suggestions about various ways to create a presence including on the web. A couple things my band has done are to create a page on Reverbnation (easy and free) and link it to a page on Facebook.
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Larrystick
72 posts
Apr 22, 2014
6:46 AM
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I second the Reverbnation.com recommendation. The integration between Reverbnation and Facebook is impressive. ----------
Stickman from walkthatwalk.org
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harpdude61
1987 posts
Apr 22, 2014
3:21 PM
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Facebook page is the way to go. Create a personal FB page, then create a band page off of it. Get your best friends, family, and die hard fans to share your gig info. Free help! For less than the price of a web page you can pay for FB boosting for any gig. That way your friends friends see it too. My goal is that 1% of the viewers of my flyers show to a gig. So the 30,000 or so that see my flyers works perfect for the 300 seat venues we play. I have people that share my flyers religiously. You are lucky if people see your web page once. You would not believe how many people have came up at a gig and said "I've been seeing your flyers for a while now, thought I should come check it out. Glad I did." Of course having a great product is what brings them back the second time. Good luck! ---------- www.facebook.com/catfishfryeband
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Greg Heumann
2689 posts
Apr 22, 2014
5:09 PM
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Facebook and YouTube are great but ultimately their job is to drive people to YOUR web page! By themselves - not good enough. SO - you still need a web site.
Check out "bandzoogle.com" - GREAT way to put up a band / musician web site - handles mailing lists, streaming, performance schedules, etc. You just fill in the blanks and choose a template. Change the template and you see your info in a totally different look. Very extendable and customizable as well. ---------- *************************************************** /Greg
BlowsMeAway Productions See my Customer Mics album on Facebook BlueState - my band Bluestate on iTunes
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harpdude61
1988 posts
Apr 22, 2014
9:04 PM
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FB has been more than enough for us. Fans can interact, post videos and pix they made, and share comments. A new fan can expose you to hundreds even thousands with one click.
Best thing is you can create an event. Once friends accept, they can invite their friends with a few clicks.
FB also gives you great insights like the demographic that engages your page.
FB goes deep if you get into it. ---------- www.facebook.com/catfishfryeband
Last Edited by harpdude61 on Apr 22, 2014 9:08 PM
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STME58
783 posts
Apr 23, 2014
9:55 AM
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Thanks for the info guys. I may have to spend a bit more time going up the learning curve on facebook. It frustrates me currently. I will also be checking out Reverbnation and bandzoogle. I am hoping I will be able to get the occasional gig and perhaps hook up with other musicians so I can join or form a band.
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