The first step in getting heard is creating your own domain. (ex: www.homerecordingreview.com is a domain). This can be done for less than the cost of a new set of guitar strings every month. It will then give you a place to promote your band, and keep your fans up to date about where you are appearing etc.
How do you register your Domain Name?
It's really quite easy. You just go to a domain registar like GoDaddy.com
(TIP: Use coupon code DIGG2 and save $5!) and see if the domain that you want is available. There is a box there called domain name search. Just type in the domain name you would like, and it will tell you if it is available, and if it is not it will suggest other domain names that are available.
Important things to consider when selecting a Domain Name
- Select a .com domain name if at all possible. It will be easier to find on a search engine.
- Pick a domain name that relates to your band or topic. Keywords in the domain name will also make it easier for people to find you. Ex. www.pinkfloyd.com will be easier for people searching for pinkfloyd to find than www.rogerwaters.com.
- Don't use any registered trade marks in your domain name. By law if you do this, the person who holds the trademark can force you to turn it over to them, making all your work for nothing.
- Don't wait! Get it now, because you never know when that domain will no longer be availible.
What else do you need?
The other thing that you will need is Web Site Hosting
. This is the place where your website will actually sit, and be served up. Go Daddy can also get you this, and the last time I bought a domain there, i got it for a discounted price just because i purchased hosting at the same time. For less than $40.00 you can get both your Domain Name Registered, and your Hosting for an entire year.
What is next?
Now that you have your Domain Name and Hosting, you just need to get a website up there. This can be as simple as a couple pages, or as complex as you like it. If you are interested in a simple to use website we can get you set up with one like this website that would allow you to change the pages, and allow your visitors to comment, and interact with you. We of course don't do this for free, but do it for a very low cost, because we know that this is so important to your future success.
Getting People To your Website
As and internet marketing specialist, this is my strong suit. There are some great ways of getting people to visit your site, all of which are discussed in other articles. Here is a list of those methods.
- Myspace Marketing!
- Search Engine Optimization
- Print Materials
- Email Campaigns