Response to UBP Blog Post - Splash Bang CodsWallop??

2008-07-04T07:39:00.000-07:00

To view the post I am writing about, check out http://www.unsignedbandpromotion.com/band-promotion-blog/2008/06/10/search-engine-optimization-seo-for-bands/

unfortunately, the admin has disabled comments so I have to post responses to it here

I have a bit of a gripe about your gripe on splash pages.

I think its mainly your definition of what you would call a splash page (a 500x400 image saying "Click to Enter"), but they can be made in such a way that they can be optimised by search engines.

For starters, like you said it could be used to protect the young from explicit language, adult themes and violence

But…

The bbc.co.uk homepage is effectively a splash page, displaying information such as weather in the area, news tidbits and latest information
A splash page can be used as a holding area whilst the whole site pre-loads (Angryblue.com was an example of this)
Sites which can be run full screen, use splash pages to inform the user of what is about to happen. (I think interactive electronic press kits could really utilise this feature - check Apollo440's "Getting High On Your Own Supply")
As a redirecting page for appropriate countries and languages. (The Malloys are developing a UK Version and a ROW Version of their site)
It can make notes of accessibility issues such as disabilities or low-bandwidth restrictions
It can be great to use as your own personal billboard, plugging your latest Single, Album, Gig or Merchandise. (gorillaz.com)

All in all, it should not be "NO TO SPLASH PAGES" but "NO TO NON-SEO NON-STANDARD AND NON-ACCESSIBLE SPLASH PAGES"

There is totally no point in having a splash page if it is just a logo image with an CLICK TO ENTER. But then again, a band should always have news, always have gigs, always giving away something new, so if they don’t, what's the point of having a website in the first place?! Keeping something up and running, without maintenance and updating is a total waste of money… If the band is dead, mercy kill the website too.

Sites Every Band / Artist Should Get Involved In

2008-06-17T11:10:00.000-07:00

Below is a list of websites and networks that I personally feel all bands and artists must participate in to increase online presence and maximum media exposure.

Airplay Direct (http://www.airplaydirect.com)
AirPlay Direct makes YOUR broadcast quality music available to radio stations around the world! Get your free account today!

Bebo (http://www.bebo.com)
Allows users to share photos with music, and blogs, and draw on members' White Boards

Blogger (http://www.blogger.com)
Free weblog publishing tool from Google, for sharing text, photos and video.

Digg (http://www.digg.com)
Digg is a place for people to discover and share content from anywhere on the web

Facebook (http://www.facebook.com)
Facebook is a social utility that connects people with friends and others who work, study and live around them

Flickr (http://www.flickr.com)
Flickr is almost certainly the best online photo management and sharing application in the world

Garageband (http://www.garageband.com)
The web's largest independent music community and home to the definitive charts of the best emerging artists

iLike (http://www.ilike.com)
Over 20 million people use iLike to share music tastes and playlists, and to learn about new artists and concerts together

Last.fm (http://www.last.fm)
The world's largest social music platform.

Music.download.com (http://music.download.com)
Download.com Music is your source for legal and free MP3 downloads. Download MP3s from thousands of artists.

MySpace (http://www.myspace.com)
An international site that offers email, a forum, communities, videos and weblog space.

Podsafe Music Network (http://music.podshow.com)
Listen to these great podcasts from personalities who are passionate about their playlists.

Reverb Nation (http://www.reverbnation.com)
Post music from ReverbNation to your other web pages with our arsenal of Widgets and Applications

Slash Music (http://www.channel4.com/music/4unsigned/)
Listen to the best in new music and unsigned bands at 4unsigned…

TEO Music (http://www.teomusic.co.uk)
TEO Music is a small tribe of artists, managers, promoters and designers who collectively have over 30 years experience developing and promoting

TheSixtyOne (http://www.thesixtyone.com)
Radio sucks so let's do something about it. At thesixtyone, musicians upload music and listeners decide which songs go on the homepage.

Tunecore (http://www.tunecore.com)
Get your music up on iTunes with Tunecore!

Twitter (http://www.twitter.com)
Social networking and microblogging service utilising instant messaging, SMS or a web interface.

Unsigned Band Promotion (http://www.unsignedbandpromotion.com)
unsigned band promotion - bands resources include a free website and promotion package check with how to promote your name, gigs and music

Youtube (http://www.youtube.com)
Hosts user-generated videos. Includes network and professional content.

I'm sure there is many many more, so I hope you post them in the comments area.

The Blog Of Stuff

Response to UBP Blog Post - Splash Bang CodsWallop??

Sites Every Band / Artist Should Get Involved In