Web 2.0 Powered Websites
We have developed our own, unique “art and science” of website design and it’s an intentionally different approach than typical, traditional web design. We believe that in today’s day and age of interactivity, social media, and Web 2.0, function rules over aesthetic. While everyone (especially artists) usually enjoy a flashy, fancy, art-driven website that has cool images floating around and all kinds of bells and whistles and fun things to look at… we’ve learned that today’s consumers really want to cut to the chase and easily find and/or accomplish what they’re looking for.
Example: The Dimes Website
Fans and consumers don’t want to watch long Flash intros… they don’t want to be forced to click all over your site and hunt for Easter eggs… they don’t want to have your music instantly blaring out of their speakers the second then land on your page… and they probably don’t want to spend more than about a minute or two of their day on your site. And don’t worry, it’s not you. A typical user probably doesn’t want to spend too much time on U2 or the Kings of Leon’s site either. People are just too busy for that. Most music fans would rather listen to music or go to a live show than spend a lot of time hanging out on a band’s website. A website should be an interactive communication tool, connecting artists with fans and information, experiences, and products/services fans are seeking. Today’s fans aren’t looking for a place to hang out.
In short, consumers want to do what they want to do – NOT what you want them to do. Therefore, you must have a site that is easy to understand, easy to navigate, diverse in appeal, and ultimately gives the controls to the consumer. Simplicity, information, and function should be the key objectives of an artist website. We develop websites that are high function, effective for fan acquisition (ie: give away a free song in exchange for an email address, connect them to your Facebook page and Twitter feed), and support a high level of interactivity and participation for fans, including other social media sites and outlets.
Example: The Dandy Warhols Website
Typically, today’s users have social media sites and channels that they prefer and like to use. Therefore, it’s important to quickly and easily give your fans the opportunity to go where they want to go (ie: your Facebook fan page, your Twitter page, your blog, your LastFM page, your LaLa page, etc). If you hold them hostage on your site, funneling them and forcing them to do what you want them to do, they’ll leave your site in about 1.5 seconds (probably less) and will never return.
For more info on why this kind of approach is crucial to success on the web, read this article: http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2009/10/labels-emphasize-artist-specific-social-networks-websites For examples of the basic design and approach we employ, please check out: www.loganlynnmusic.com OR www.thedimes.com OR www.normansongs.com or www.dandywarhols.com.
Our services include website design, development, training, support and associated services. Our sites are developed on a WordPress-powered platform, which the artist will ultimately manage and update through a very simple and easy-to-use content management system that even an eight-year-old can manage. So yes – we are big fans of WordPress and fully embrace it as an ideal platform for artists and web 2.0, social media powered sites. Sure, some people may not like WordPress. Those people are mainly old school, curmudgeon web designers, who are stuck in the past, or are having their careers threatened by the simplicity and high function of WordPress. Okay, that’s all we have to say about that.
Example: Dolorean Website
Once we develop a site for you, you will manage about 95% of all updates, changes, and content on your site and once you are trained, you will find that it is about easy as managing a Myspace or Facebook site. This is the best, most effective and low cost website solution for independent artists. You shouldn’t have to pay a web designer $50 or $100 every time you want to add an image or add a new page to your site. We won’t nickel and dime you with future charges and bill you for every update. Once we build you a site, you should be set and good to go for at least a year or two, maybe longer. The WordPress platform is dynamic, fluid, is being constantly improved and developed and is a leading platform for search and social media focused marketers.
We think our prices for web design are pretty low. In fact, all of our sites are priced under $1000 – training and basic support included. To continue this discussion and learn more about what we can do for you, please reach out and drop us a line here.
Example: Marmoset Music Website
Example: Norman Website
