Top 5 social music networks for local bands

Advertising and promotion are key elements in the success of any local band. In areas where competition is high and venues are scarce, keeping a high profile is crucial. Unfortunately most local bands don't have the financial means or backing to pay for promotional radio or print ads and paying an agent is just out of the question. However, internet savvy musicians have a good chance of staying at the top of the local music scene with minimal expense.

With social networking users on the rise and new social music sites popping up every day fundraising, advertising, and promoting your band can be fun, easy, and inexpensive. Social networks allow bands to keep in touch with fans, announce events and gig dates, and share multi-media information. Even better, most social network platforms allow fans to interact with their favorite bands by leaving comments and feedback. By staying active on social networks bands get free viral advertising and exposure on a world wide level.

Here's a list of 5 top picks for interacting with fans, selling original music and promo items, and funding music projects. Whether you're a fan or a band member, you'll enjoy visiting these web sites to stay connected.

1. iLike-Musical social network of over 50 million users. Bands and fans can have profiles, make friends, and share music across several social networking platforms including Facebook, MySpace, Bebo, hi5, iGoogle, and Orkut. Bands can get their next event listed on local rss feeders.
   
2. ReverbNation-Offers bands indispensable promotional tools including a way to sell original music through major online chain stores (Amazon.com, Walmart.com, etc), online fan tracking, web site hosting, online store for promo items (band t-shirts, coffee mugs, key rings, etc.), fan supported popularity contests, and ReverbNation shares 50% of all of their advertising revenue with contributing artists.
3. MySpace-Interactive social music platform and a place to upload and sell music and keep in touch with a favorite band or fans through email, games, and comments.
4. Sellaband-Fan based funding program for band projects. Bands can accept donations from fans for any need including advertising, promotion, travel, instruments, equipment, recording, etc...
5. Goyoko-Social music web site where fans can create free playlists of their favorite music or buy and download digital music (mp3's) directly from the artists. Bands can sign up free, create a profile, and set their own price for the music they sell.

If you're a fan, thanks for supporting your local bands. If you know of any bands that need help setting up a website, blog, or social network profile please refer them to Musical Notes for free information and detailed instructions for using social networks, branding, and promotion.

If you're a band member take advantage of every free advertising tool the internet has to offer. You can start by subscribing to Musical Notes for free promotion tips, social networking strategies, and musical resources.

Wishing you all the success you can stand...

♪♪♪ Tracey Lynn/Vocals-The Steel Horse Band
Midland TX Local Band Q&A Examiner-Examiner.com