Social media, as I’m sure you all know, is incredibly important for bands and artists. Not only does it allow you to advertise your music, merchandise and gigs, communicate directly with fans and make connections in the music industry, it’s also a central hub for information about you. And yet, I frequently come across social media accounts belonging to bands that could simply and easily be improved.

As a music journalist, I often visit the profiles of bands and artists to find out a bit more about them; find out who their members are, how they describe themselves, etc. Many bands still have profiles that are lacking information, are outdated, or are generally lacking in updates. As social media is how most people will find you online nowadays, it’s important to maintain. Remember it’s what potential new fans, promoters or journalists will use to see if they want to check out your music.

Below are a few tips for simple improvements which add up to make difference. Most of these points are very simple, and will probably have already occurred to most of you, but it’s important to get the basics right.

#1 Provide as much information as possible

This may seem fairly obvious but so many bands and artists leave areas on their socials, particularly Facebook, blank. Promoters, journalists, fans – they want to know about you! Write a bio, even if it’s only a couple of sentences that explains how you formed, the inspiration behind your band name, your influences etc. People connect with personalities and stories, use this to your advantage.

Ensure you provide full contact details – how are potential promoters supposed to reach you? Creating a band email address is highly recommended for this. Also fill out the names of the band members and what their roles are. A list of first names with no mention of who does what: vocals, guitars, keys etc. is a pet peeve of mine and many other journalists!

#2 Use high quality photos

It’s well worth in obtaining some high quality band photos for social media, which can also be used in press packs, on gig posters etc. If fiances are tight for hiring professional photographers search for students starting out. These photos will help solidify your brand, show you’re serious and appeal to the aesthetic focus of many social media platforms.

Each platform has its own layout. Scale photos and logos to fit the size of each if possible, especially the profile picture. A quick internet search will reveal the most up to date dimensions for each social media platform. It helps when your logo is fully visible at a glance! It’s also worth noting that the platforms often compress photos so try not to use images that are sourced directly from them.

#3 Share links

Make it easy for visitors to your profiles to find your music on streaming platforms, your website, any links to purchase merch! The unfortunate reality is that if links aren’t instantly available, many people won’t go searching through your profile to find them. Making it as easy as possible for fans to reach your music, merchandise and any other external sites, will increase the traffic to them from your profile.

#4 Post a range of content

Original music, news, photos etc. are, of course, staples across your accounts, but variety also helps. Throw in links to external articles, share music from your friend’s bands, and maybe add a few memes into the mix. This will help to draw in potential fans from a variety of places. Sharing any press: reviews, features, interviews, is a must too!

#5 Be responsive and engaging

Reply to comments and engage with your audience – in the busy virtual world the personal touch goes a long way. And on that note, don’t wait six months to respond to messages, especially if they are from promoters or industry experts trying to help you! The workload can soon add up so divide up the load between your band mates.

Need some more info or advice? Email me at [email protected]

Keep headbanging!

Holly x