What is the purpose of music industry websites?

Use the pen tool to brainstorm your ideas. Then click on the buttons to open up some suggestions. How do your ideas compare?

  • To help with building a brand/identity
  • To introduce a new artist/song
  • To provide information about the artist
  • To show off an artist’s image
  • To promote an artist or song
  • To link to an online store to sell merchandise and digital content
  • To provide information about the artist such as tour dates or release dates
  • To promote an artist or song
  • Provide links to all their social media platforms to increase social engagement from fans
  • Can provide an element of interaction with fans
  • To attract global fans and distribute to them
  • To let fans hear new music or see new videos

What devices do people use to access an artist’s website?

  • Computer/Desktop
  • Tablet/iPad
  • Phone

How do people find out about an artist’s website?

Use the pen tool to brainstorm your ideas. Then click on the eye to open up some suggestions. How do your ideas compare?

How do people find out about an artist's website?

  • Stated in the music press
  • By using a search engine to look for the artist
  • Stated on band promotional material such as posters, tour posters, flyers
  • Link on their social media page: Facebook/Twitter/Instagram
  • Stated on record label’s promotional material
  • From a mailing list
  • Word of mouth
  • Given on a CD/DVD cover or insert
  • Link on their YouTube page

Good examples of Websites

A website is an additional platform that allows an artist to generate new fans and keep existing fans engaged, therefore it should be well structured and easy to navigate.

Read through the following pointers at the bottom of the screen and decide if they are a good thing or a bad thing for a music website to do. There is no check feature, you will need to explain the reasons for your choice to the class.

Good website design

Bad website design

Music that starts when clicked. There should be a continual theme/colour scheme/use of font across all pages. Should include links to all social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Page should be simple and uncluttered. There should be a space for fan interaction – Twitter feed, chat room, forums, contact us. There should be access to free music for fans to listen to. Auto-play music. Each page’s colour scheme, font and theme should be completely different from each other depending on content. Just include YouTube links, fans will find the artist on Facebook/Twitter themselves. Pages should be absolutely jam-packed with information so audiences feel they are getting lots of value from the artist. Fan interaction belongs elsewhere and there shouldn’t be anywhere on the page that allows fans to get in touch with the artist. Only links should be provided for where fans can buy the artist’s music rather than any free music being available.