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Carvin Guitars
For over 60 years, Carvin has been building high-quality guitars, basses, amps and audio gear for pro and hobbyist musicians alike.
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Guest Column: Flash Vs. Content
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Flash Vs. Content
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by Tim Sweeney
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Page added in
February, 2003
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About the Author
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Author Tim Sweeney is head of Tim Sweeney & Associates, who are entering their 18th year of being, "the only true artist development company in the world."
Tim is one of the music industry's most sought after experts and consultants, and has written several influential books including "Tim Sweeney's Guide To Releasing Independent Records".
Send comments or questions to Tim Sweeney.
© Tim Sweeney
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An ongoing frustration for the vast majority of businesses as well as music artists is the Internet. Most feel we were sold a big "hype" job about how it would be the ultimate place to sell your CDs and get your music heard. Ironically most artists can't remember where they heard that story or who "sold" it to them.
Well there is no question that the Internet is here to stay. At least in one form or another. With that in mind, it is your job to make the most of this medium to generate the exposure you want for your music and most importantly, the additional CD sales you want.
With that in mind, let's talk about an issue that I am constantly asked about. When it comes to your own web site, is flash more important to catch fan's attention or is it the content in the site?
Ironically, the answer to the question is quite simple and there is a great analogy. Let's think of the issue this way. When you go to buy a CD of a new artist is it the album cover that sells you, or the songs inside? Obviously the songs! You don't show all of your friends your new CD and say, "Look at the art work on this CD. Once I saw it I knew I had it have it! Forget what the songs inside are like. I just wanted the art work!"
The same holds true for your web site. While the visual impression of the site is important, it is the written content and your songs on your site that will bond with people. Not the name of your band dancing or spinning around.
With that said, one final thought to keep in mind. The overwhelming percentage of music fans that buy CDs online have 56K dial up modems. Flash is slow, annoying and makes them want to leave your site before they ever get in there to learn about you or hear your music.
Use the content in your site to introduce yourself and bond with people. Then your music will be the deciding factor as to how many new fans you will have.
**If you are not selling at least 25 CDs a month through your site order a copy of "The Complete Guide To Internet Promotion For Musicians, Artists & Songwriters". If you would like me to review your site, please contact me through my site at www.tsamusic.com.
**If you are serious about your music and you want to do your music full
time, plan of joining me at www.musicstrategies.com.
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Additional Columns by Tim Sweeney
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- And 37 more in the Guest Columnists series, view the index
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