I recently posted Merlin Mann’s thoughts on the top 5 mistakes bands and label web sites make. I think his notes are all spot on, but I thought I’d make my own list as well.

1. Not Having A Web Site

If you’re starting from scratch, here is fast track plan for getting online:

• Set up a MySpace Page (keep it simple)
• Register your Domain Name (i.e. my-band-name.com) and point it to your MySpace page.
• Set up a simple site that has your music, a bio, contact info and info on how your buy your music.

(Later in this series I’ll outline the technical details of how to complete these steps. )

2. No Music Player / Music Auto Plays

If you’re a musician, your music needs to be front and center on your home page and every page of your web site. But please don’t make it play automatically. Many people surf while at work or listening to other music and they’ll click away if they’re greeted at your site by blaring auto playing music.

When you add your music I recommend that you not use a proprietary format - meaning don’t require that your visitors jump through hoops to download Real Player or Windows Media Player in order to listen to your music. Use a flash player or link to the mp3 files.

The whole goal here is to make it easy for people to fall in love with your music.

3. Rarely Updated

If you’re going to have a website, make sure it’s a web site and not a brochure. Use your site to frequently communicate with your audience. You don’t have to write long or profound news bits, but do write regularly. Give people a reason to come back to your site.

4. No Mailing List

Allowing your visitors to sign up for your mailing list frees them up from having to remember to visit your site regularly in order get the latest news on your music. It also gives you the opportunity to contact them immediately when something newsworthy happens rather than posting something on your site and just hoping that’s the day that they choose to stop by.

5. It’s All About The Sales

Your website shouldn’t just be a sterile, cold online store. It should be about connecting with and building your audience rather than simply selling products. Few people come to your site just to buy your CD. They come to learn more about you, hear your music and possibly connect with you. Give them the opportunity to do that.

Questions? Suggestions? Comments?

As we walk through this series, I’ll try to be as detailed as possible about the ways to correct these mistakes and to make your site as effective as possible. If you have any questions along the way, please don’t hesitate to ask.