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Step 1
Figure out what type of band website you want. Do you want to create it from scratch? Use a template? Figuring out the foundation for your site is imperative when it comes to the future of your web presence. When it comes to being on the go and moving from gig to gig, you're going to want a site that you're able to manage quickly. Three types of websites most bands prefer are forum style websites, social web sites and regular HTML enabled websites.
Forum websites have all the basics in place from password protection to site registration. With forum websites, users are able to register with their own user name and password, and can see who else is online. Forum sites can benefit bands who want to keep up with fans on a personal basis without the worries of spam and random posted messages.
There are two major forum website creators that have been around for a very, very long time that would be ideal for any new website manager (and they're free!): Invisionfree and Zetaboards. These forum-style boards are the ideal choice for those wishing to pursue this style of website. You can manage memberships, check statistics, see who's online as well as upload photos and manage comments and newsgroups.
Social websites like Facebook and MySpace are also rising favorites for bands to use as websites. Websites like these allow growth of fan bases through heavy networking. When a fan joins, the fan's network is also connected, which is good for bands who are looking to grow at a fast pace.
An HTML website that you construct on your own is the best option for those who have a specific vision of what they would like the website to look like. For those looking to get their feet wet and move on later, sites like 50megs.com can provide a great deal of options to start out with. This website has an easy to use web editor and templates (you only have to replace the demo photos).
Another site similar to this one (and that has an easy web editor) is Freewebs.com. The cons to these sites are that even though they do have good templates, they're not fancy. This is also the same disadvantage for many sites that provide free hosting such as Homestead.com. This site, unlike 50megs, gives you a short video presentation on the website creation progress and has more than 2,000 templates to choose from. -
Step 2
Think about what type of content you would like to have placed on the website. Are you considering band photos? Blogging? What will the front page look like? Creating your own website can be moderately easy nowadays with so many sites willing to give you free web space in hopes of you buying more services from them.
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Step 3
Add info to your website. Here are some basic website sections you might want to include:
Homepage--Place photos of your band here along with a short introduction. The homepage is a good place to link to other parts of your band website and other related websites, like any venues you'll be playing.
About Page--Here's where your band's biography goes. (When did it form? Where have you played? Who have you played with?)
Photos Page--You should have individual pictures of band members as well as group photos. Photos of you playing at multiple venues should also be included.
News Page--What's you're upcoming band schedule? Where can visitors buy tickets? Answer these questions here.
Guest Book--Let fans leave thoughts on your performances and appearances in their towns. -
Step 4
Network, network, network. Once you've put your website together, make it a selling point at all your events. As you introduce your band members, make sure you have your "shameless plug" ready for your website. The site will only be as good as the number of people that know about it. Be sure to also submit your site to all the major search engines so that prospective fans will be able to find it without any trouble. Place your site on your T-Shirts, flyers, in magazines at the end of your interviews and on your business cards.
