Generation DIY: Web sites are so 1999…or are they?

posted in: Features

Remember back in the day when people used to visit dot coms to get information on their favorite artists, sporting events, movie trailers and basically everything else? Well, since the social0-networking wave hit the digital shores, we’ve been brainwashed to rely on Web sites like Myspace, Facebook, Twitter and a boatload more to get all of our juicy news. Don’t let this fad fool you! Web sites are in fact still cool and still used by many artists, companies, sports teams, etc. It’s just a matter of making them look good enough to compete with those customized pages that all bands now have on Myspace. This week’s “Generation DIY” goes into some ideas of how to design, manage and promote your own dot com as well as available tools to help those who aren’t HTML and design savvy.
Let’s start off with the basics. Do you have the necessary skills and tools to build a Web site that people will actually enjoy visiting? If not then ask a friend, or seek out a designer/coder online through forums, The Musician’s Atlas (as I have once mentioned) or classifieds on OurStage. Don’t worry if you have the proper tools but not the skill set to make an intriguing Web site. If you have access to Dreamweaver, you can easily build a Web site using their built-in templates. You can even see the progress of your work using their preview options. There are also sites out there that have stripped-down tutorials on CSS, HTML, Java, etc. that can help get you on your way. Two highly-recommend sites are  W3Schools and HTMLDOG. Here you can view different pieces of HTML that you can implement into your site, as well as CSS tutorials to help the aesthetics. Remember: once you design and code your page, you’ll need to purchase some sort of URL (a dot com, a dot net, etc.) as well as host it on a site (godaddy, justhost, etc.). Both of these cost money and require monthly fees (yearly for the domain name).

Now let’s look at Web sites that can help you design your own page without the sweat and tears of manual codes and designs.

One of the best sites that I found, and personally use, is Bandzoogle. This company was created and managed by musicians and music fanatics alike who bring a cutting edge platform to independent, DIY bands inorder to help push through the masses. Before we get too in-depth on Bandzoogle it’ simportant to note that this is NOT a free site, but it is quite affordable for the artist looking to gain more online presence. There are  three possible plans: Lite $10/mo, Standard $15/mo or Pro $20/mo ” each with a great set of tools to help any band on their way. Personally, I’d say dish out the $20/mo and get the Pro package, which includes unlimited storage, 10,000 fan list members (email blasts and text message promotions), a FREE .com address, 10 email accounts, advanced fan stats (analytics for all activity to your page as well as email blasts), full design customization, and download codes (free downloads for songs hosted on the site ”this is one of the best promotional offers a young band can give). The best way to understand this Web site is to read exactly what they have to offer and can do for your band but I can assure you that you will not be disappointed when signing up on Bandzoogle.

So, there are two ways to go about creating and setting up a web site for your band, both of which have monthly or yearly fees. Put money into your band  if you are confident enough to invest “ if you aren’t, then why would a label? Prove to them and your fans that you’re here to stay and are ready to be the next big thing.

Until next time Generation DIYers. This is YOUR year!