The Blog

September 9th, 2009

Survival Guide: Bands on Twitter

Getting Started:

• The simple registration at twitter.com takes :30 seconds.
• Ideally you can get twitter.com/yourbandname
• Customize your page with your band logo and colors
• Include a link to your MySpace page or most frequently updated online site in the Bio section
• Although each band member should have their own account, the most responsible person with a smart phone should be in charge of the “band account”

What to do with an Account:

• Post what you are doing for a few days to test it out and build some content and activity.
• Don’t stress out about your first post; write something stupid like “Hello World!” Most people will never read it.
• Upload your personal address book to see which of your contacts are already using the service. You might be surprised how many already are.
• Some inspiration: a crowdsourced list of artists with Twitter accounts (add yourself!)
• Make sure you add your Twitter account to your Next Big Sound page so that you can track your growth in followers (you need to be logged in to edit profile pages)

How to Build Followers:

• You need to find your fans and start following them. If your “tweets” are interesting and they are actually a fan, they will follow you back.
• A good way to find your fans is to see who is already talking about you. Type your band name into http://search.twitter.com/ and start following anyone who talks about your band. Search for people who mention your record label or bands you are on tour with and start following them as well.
• Include a link to your band’s Twitter from your MySpace page and anywhere else you have an online presence. At shows – make a sign with your Twitter URL to put on the table with your merchandise.
• Periodically go through everyone following you and make sure you follow them back!

What to Say:

• All you really need to do is be yourself. Say what comes naturally.
• Your fans really do care what you are doing.
• Offer insights into life in the band. Most people have no idea what it is like on the road, in the studio, on stage etc.
• Respond. Make sure to read all your @replies and Direct Messages and respond to each one!
• Post regularly. Being active attracts more followers.
• Your Twitter followers get real-time updates on your band and are the first piece of the promotion puzzle: use them to get the word out about special concerts, merchandise, new music and videos. Reward them with exclusive downloads, contests, tickets, or just some extra online or in-person attention.
• Don’t Spam your users with link after link to buy things. Include all your relevant online locations in the “About Me” section on the right side of your profile.
• Ask them questions, engage them in your band’s decisions. The purpose is to get as many responses from your followers as possible. Questions that received lots of feedback when I helped set up Sing It Loud’s Twitter were questions like:
  • Which song do you like better – Come Around or I’ve Got a Feeling?
  • What is your stripper name? (Your First Pet) + (Name of Street you Grew up on)