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Hi Andy, since the MySpace for Musicians book wasn't released as an ebook, I'm afraid there isn't a downloadable update. Many of the same marketing concepts apply from the first to second book, however the way musicians promote themselves on the site has changed a bit, as have the features available. This includes things like the music player, apps/widgets, and band advertising. Additionally, the appendices in the second edition were revamped and lots of new resources added.
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First, congratulations on having a website up where users can hear your music! An artist website is an important part of the marketing mix. It’s yours, you own it, and have full control over the branding, message, and offerings. However, it's your job as both artist and marketer to reach fans in the way THEY want to be reached. And right now, that's largely through social media in most cases.
If you want to build a dialogue with fans, increase loyalty, and give them easy ways to send your clips of your music/videos and tidbits of your artist magic onto their friends (viral marketing), then you need to go where your fans are. Social media offers you an opportunity to have a conversation with fans and to bring them into your world, share up to the minute info, and even reach them on the go (mobile). More and more people rely on social media tools to keep in touch with friends/family, get news, and stay abreast of developments from favorite musicians, retailers and brands. So, if you’re not on social media sites, there’s a large part of your fan’s experience that you are neglecting and opportunities for promotion, word-of-mouth marketing, and relationship-building you are letting slip through your fingers.
When a fan adds himself to you page on Facebook or MySpace, or follows you on Twitter, they are saying they want to hear from you and keep tabs on your music, opinions, and updates. The information you post integrates seamlessly with other updates they receive from friends, family, and business contacts, making you feel much like a friend. This doesn’t happen with just a simple web site.
Each social media tool serves different purposes and has certain strengths. Twitter is great for quick updates. Facebook is excellent for that stream of conversation that takes place amongst updates, and for easy sharing of media. MySpace is a more branded experience than the previous two and many journalists and music industry types like to check out your MySpace for a quick snapshot of your music and activities.
There are multiple sides to the argument of whether or not musicians should engage in social media and how much fan access is too much. In my opinion, indie artists especially should take advantage of the benefits free and low-cost promotions that sites like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and even blogs, offer. Have a plan to update your content regularly… even if just a couple of times a week. Balance this with your other priorities – writing, rehearsing, gigging, day job, family/friends. See how other artists are using social media and incorporate what you like from what they do into your own social media activities. Think of your official artist website as home base—your hub—and other profiles and social media endeavors as spokes emanating out of the hub to reach out to fans, media, industry and the public at large.
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Fran Vincent’s Bio
Fran Vincent is the author of MySpace for Musicians (Cengage PTR), and the founder and president of Retro Island Productions, Inc., a social media, Web PR, and music-industry consulting firm.
