5 tips for Web 2.0 and Musicians

A journalist asked me for 5 tips for Web2.0 for musicians to help promote themselves. Little known fact: I used to manage a couple of bands (poorly I'll add!). Well, here goes:

#1) Donate some of your music to the podsafe music network. You'll get widespread exposure to your music from podcasts, and the podcasters will also mention your song name and you as the artist every time. It WILL help drive sales.

#2) Sell music online. CD Baby is the favorite of many independent artists.

#3) Join MySpace and visit daily. Learn how you like to use it to connect with fans and potential new fans. How you use it may very well differ from how others do.

#4) Forget about a Website! Start a blog where you can post info on new shows, music, and other info (you'll place much of this info into MySpace too). You can also place audio clips  on your blog, perhaps from live shows, as well as video.

#5) Do NOT forget about email -- it still works and is the #1 method for selling on the Internet. Entice your fans to signing up for your fan ezine, and periodically tell them about what is happening with your music -- upcoming shows, new CDs/MP3s/etc. for sale.