Twitter is a great promotional tool, and a useful way to get new fans and traffic to your gigs and other web presences. Following these 10 tips and hints to get your band promotion rocking on Twitter!
Make your bio interesting
Make your bio interesting, this doesn’t mean try to fit your bands life story into the allowed 160 character bio allowance (this is 20 more than a standard Tweet) You are trying to get peoples attention and show them why you should be followed. Maybe try using a strong lyric from one of your best songs or an interesting profound message.
Use a relevant Background image
Make your background interesting, try using a good design featuring a band photo or base it around your latest CD release. *If you are doing this yourself I have made a useful Twitter background template to help you lay out your design here >>> http://www.asylumseventy7.co.uk/blog/2010/11/customize-your-new-twitter-layout
Spread the word
Now let the world know you have a new outlet for your gig info, band updates and general rantings For example, you could also add your Twitter URL in your site’s Footer, so it will appear at the bottom of every page of your website. Also add your Twitter URL and follow me message to any other online presence you may have: FaceBook, Your Blog, YouTube, MySpace, Bebo, Tumblr, etc (For example: “Follow Me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ASYLUMseventy7 “) Don’t forget about your email signature as well!
Remember your URL
Twitter has a space for you to add your website’s URL to your profile. This doesn’t mean you have to use the main page of your website, you could use your Myspace, facebook or maybe the gigs, contact, bio or blog page of your site.
Try to use keywords in your tweets
Phrasing in your tweets can be important for SEO . Try to start your tweets with a keyword/phrase to theme each message. Don’t fill your tweets with keywords and search able phrases ignoring the interesting relevant info your followers are looking for.
Make your Tweets retweetable
By having interesting and useful Tweets as well as keeping the character limit down, allowing for retweeting space. This means leave room for your followers to add RT @YourHandle in front of the tweet and maybe add a short comment as well.
Tweeps love links
Add links to interesting and relevant things such as gig dates, other interesting events, news updates of your favorite/influencing bands.
Run a Twitter Contest
Contest are great for getting engaged followers. These can be run really easily and simply, giving away a prize (such as, sticker, T-shirt, CD etc) for Retweeting the competition or promotion is just one commonly used idea.
@ people/band/labels/venues/promoters
It may sounds obvious, but if you want the attention of a certain twitter account/person (or Tweep) try Retweeting a post of theirs or mentioning their Twitter name often brings you up on their radar.
Be aware of basic Twitter etiquette.
Be polite to people and follow these 5 tips
- Reply back to people asap.
- Don’t use Auto DMs.
- Don’t swear.
- Don’t just tweet your own stuff and Credit people using Via @whoever.
- Follow back, this way people can direct message you and feel more welcomed to your band/twitter presence.
