Madalyn's Music Biz Blog

Social-networking giant Facebook is continuing to grow like mad. In fact, the company grew its active membership total from 90 million users in early July to 120 million now, according to Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook’s Chief Operating Officer. While speaking at Salesforce.com's Dreamforce conference, Sandberg also noted, “We got more (members) in the last three months than in the first three years of our existence.”

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Madalyn's Note: I find these numbers to be quite interesting. It's truly the power of the internet and the power of social networking. While Myspace is a great marketing tool for musicians, Facebook is a great way to not only reconnect with old friends but find new fans.

Hey, be my friend on Facebook by clicking here. :-)

Labels: Facebook

by Madalyn Sklar

I've been on the Social Networks bandwagon for sometime now. I can't help it, I'm a techie geek. I love new technologies. I get it. It make sense to me.

It's so cool how my two business worlds have collided by being a techie in the music business. On the flip side I find it interesting that there are plenty of music biz professionals out there who seem to think they get the techie stuff. Many don't. You can't just read about it and decide you're an expert. You have to do it, live it and teach it. And for a good while, no doubt.

So let's discuss my favorite social networks for musicians and why.

Myspace:

I have been a big fan of Myspace since early 2005. I will admit it was much easier to use up until earlier this year. Seems people have really bogged it down with their image heavy pages. Some take forever to load with their backgrounds, photos, videos, etc. I have been an internet marketer and web site developer since 1996 and I have to say download time on a homepage is critical. It can make or break a site. We live in a "hurry up and give it to me now" age. We don't have time to wait 45 seconds for a page to load. You have seconds to make a lasting impression. Sad but true.

What's so great about Myspace today? Well it's still a valuable site to gain new fans who will come to your shows and buy your music. Fans who will become your street team members, advocating your music. Like any social network, it doesn't work unless you work it. You have to spend consistent time on it.

Check out my Myspace pages:
http://www.myspace.com/gogirls
http://www.myspace.com/indiemusiccoach

Facebook:

I will admit that like most of you it took me awhile to like Facebook. We all got comfortable with Myspace so when we tried messing with Facebook it was so different. So confusing. But I soon found that I could have a really great presence on Facebook with little effort. How? They provide some great applications that shortcut things for you. I could set up Notes to automatically import my blog posts. Every time I blog it shows up on my Facebook page. Awesome I know! I also set up my Flickr photos to do the same as well as my Twitter posts. I then added ReverbNation's music application. And the mobile photo upload feature is great. I can take a picture with my iPhone (or any camera phone) and email it right to my Facebook page. Only takes seconds! I figured out so much that I recently put together a FREE "Facebook Marketing Tips for Musicians" e-Course at http://www.socialnetworksformusicians.com/. I would love for you to enroll in my free course and then let me know what you think.

Check out my Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=696545329

Twitter:

This is a techie favorite. It's taking longer for musicians to embrace Twitter but it's slowly happening. I think the biggest problem is that musicians are saying, "do I have to join ANOTHER site??" Um, no you don't... just the ones that matter is what I say. And you know what, this one matters in my opinion. Twitter is micro-blogging, plain and simple. You can only type up to 140 characters so you have to be concise. I love that! I've watched musicians use Twitter to let their friends and fans know what they are up to whether it's busy recording in the studio, being out on tour or just sharing a bit of their everyday life. What I love about Twitter is that it's a great resource for news and information. So many people are using it to share articles, blog posts, etc. And like Facebook I can email photos from my iPhone using Twitpic. Last night I was at the Melissa Etheridge concert here in Houston and Twittered photos in real-time. It's super cool and easy to do.

Check out my Twitter pages:
http://twitter.com/gogirlsmusic
http://twitter.com/madalynsklar

I recently polled our GoGirls Elite members, asking them what was their favorite social network and why. Interestingly one member said it was GoGirlsMusic.com. Funny how I started an online community for women in music 12 years ago not realizing that I had created a social network. There just wasn't a name for it then other than online community.

Here's some interesting responses to my poll:

"I thought I’d let you know about this new place I found called Reverb Nation. It seems a lot friendlier to musicians as far as downloads and such, plus it’s got this cool feature called widgets that they give to you and you can inbed in all your other pages (websites, myspace, etc) to make navigation and updating a whole lot easier. I’ve only just started using it but I can see a lot of potential for a non-geek like myself to be a little more in control of a my geek pages." -- Lojo Russo, http://www.lojorusso.com

"i am really loving facebook right now. i jumped into it a few weeks ago and every time i use it, i'm kicking myself for not joining sooner. why? lots of reasons, but for now, here's the top 3: unlimited photos; i can connect it to my blogs in the "notes" section, which saves a lot of time and work; the fans can interact with me and with each other, and that's especially cool. myspace is too massive to ignore and i'm updating there regularly but facebook feels like the next wave." -- Queen Esther, http://www.queen-esther.com

"MySpace continues to be my favorite social network because I've worked out a system that works for me. When it comes to networking with bands, industry people, venues and building relationships with potential new fans, MySpace is still #1 with me. Sean, my drummer, is our Facebook guy and he loves Facebook because it is easier to add friends and the ability to use applications that import your blog, schedule, etc. make it lower maintenance than MySpace. I'm just not sold on the rewards of Facebook in comparison to MySpace." -- Tish Meeks, http://www.3kisses.com/

Post a comment and tell me what are your favorite social networks and why.

Copyright © 2008 Madalyn Sklar, IndieMusicCoach

Madalyn Sklar is a music business coach & consultant, blogger, social networks expert and author. She founded IndieMusicCoach and has spent over 12 years working with a wide range of independent musicians all over the world. Her goal is to help indie artists achieve greater success in the music business by working smarter not harder. She is also the founder of GoGirlsMusic.com, the oldest and largest online community of indie women musicians, with a vision of bringing together and empowering musicians from around the world.

Madalyn is available for one-on-one consulting and coaching at affordable prices. Check out http://www.indiemusiccoach.com/ for more info.

Labels: Facebook, flickr, myspace, ReverbNation, social networks, twitter

I like Facebook. It's completely different from Myspace, in a cool way. I find it's a good compliment to your web site, Myspace and Twitter. If you keep up with Facebook then you probably heard about their new site design. I'm pretty excited about it! It may take a few days before you see it because they are rolling it out to all 80 million users. A big task no doubt! And hey, if you just don't get Facebook then sign up for my FREE Facebook Marketing Tips for Musicians e-course at http://www.socialnetworksformusicians.com. I help you make sense of it all.

Rock on!
Madalyn


PALO ALTO, Calif. — July 20, 2008 — Facebook® today released a new, cleaner and simpler design, along with the opportunity for users to preview and test the next-generation features and functionality. The company is inviting people to use the new design and try out the improved features by navigating back and forth between the new and current versions of the site. Access to the new design will be limited at first and gradually become available to all of Facebook’s more than 80 million users over the coming days.

“We’ve made the changes rolling out today in order to highlight the most recent and relevant information that users value, give users even more control and ownership over their profiles and simplify the user experience,” said Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg. “Facebook’s new design makes it a lot easier for users to share information, and we encourage them to check it out.”

The company has been developing the new design since early this year. Over the past six months, more than 100,000 Facebook users offered constructive suggestions on the layout and features, many of which were included in the final version.

The Power of Feeds

Facebook uses feeds to deliver people news and information in a social context. The evolution of the site design focuses on integrating powerful feed technology and the Wall, a forum for users and their friends to post comments, photos, videos and more, including content from third-party applications. The Wall now surfaces more current and pertinent information, or “stories”, about a user and their friends’ on Facebook.

New Types of “Stories”

Users have complete control over the stories published on their profile. They also have the ability to adjust the size and prominence of stories and can choose between having one-line stories, short or full stories. One-line stories are one sentence long, while short stories include thumbnail photos or content, and full stories display large, noticeable images.

Publish More Content

Located on the Wall tab, the Publisher feature enables users to create more content than ever and in a centralized place. From the Publisher, a user can add photos, upload video, or write notes, rather than navigating to each individual application. Similarly, users can add content to their friends’ profiles through the Publisher on their profiles.

Easier Site Navigation with Tabs

The top menu is similar to the old design and allows users to access their Profile, Friends, and Inbox. The left hand applications menu has been moved to the ‘Applications’ link on the top of the menu screen. The Profile is now split out into tabs:

• The Wall tab displays the most recent and relevant information both about the user and by the user;

• The Info tab shows information about the user that doesn’t change frequently;

• The Photos tab shows photos of the user as well as their albums;

• The Boxes tab features all of a user’s existing application boxes.

Users are also able to add individual tabs for their favorite applications. This gives users greater control over their own profiles and makes navigation faster and easier.

Applications and the New Design

Third-party applications are more tightly integrated into Facebook in order to make using applications simpler and more seamless. Users will have the option to interact with an application before adding it, grant it access to their information, and decide where they want it placed, if at all, on their profiles.

Privacy Controls

On Facebook, users choose what information they put in their profile, including contact and personal information, pictures, interests and groups they join. And they control the users with whom they share that information through the privacy settings on the Privacy page of their profile. The new design does not change any of the privacy settings previously selected by the user. The new Facebook design will be made available to users at http://www.new.facebook.com/. In the coming weeks, all Facebook users will automatically default to the new site design when logging in at http://www.facebook.com/.

About Facebook

Founded in February 2004, Facebook’s mission is to make the world more open and transparent by giving people the power to share. Anyone can sign up for Facebook and interact with the people they know in a trusted environment. Facebook is a privately-held company and is headquartered in Palo Alto, Calif.

Labels: Facebook

I came across this interesting blog post today:

Social Networking Stats: Facebook and LinkedIn Surging in US

Facebook and LinkedIn are really growing. If you are not set up and utilizing these you are missing out on countless opportunities.

That is where I come in... I'm here to help. I've been working with indie artists and music businesses for years, advising them on how to wade through and understand social networks.

Trying to figure out Facebook? Why not sign up for my FREE e-course: Facebook Marketing Tips for Musicians at http://www.socialnetworksformusicians.com.

Rock on,
Madalyn Sklar
IndieMusicCoach.com
~providing one-on-one indie music consulting & coaching~
http://www.indiemusiccoach.com

Labels: Facebook, LinkedIn, social networks

Hey everyone...

I excited to tell you about my FREE Facebook Marketing Tips for Musicians 7 day e-course that I launched today. It's for musicians, promoters or really anyone who wants to learn a few ins and outs when it comes to Facebook.

Amy from the band Burning Couch says...

"The information was formatted in a way that was quick and easy to follow and to absorb. There is just enough info in each step to move me along and give me a chance to absorb what I've learned and setup so far. The content is perfect for helping to get a good presence out there while weeding out some of the more confusing parts of Facebook."

Sign up at www.socialnetworksformusicians.com

Get this course in your hot little hands then tell me what you think. I welcome your feedback!

Rock on,
Madalyn Sklar
IndieMusicCoach.com
~providing one-on-one indie music consulting & coaching~
http://www.indiemusiccoach.com

Labels: e-course, Facebook

by Madalyn Sklar



It seems we have finally figured it out. The new face of DIY (do-it-yourself) indie music is social networking.

If you are not on board, you are missing out!

If you don't understand the concept of Social Networks, watch this cute video:



For musicians it started with Myspace years ago but look at social networks today. Now you can keep your friends and fans informed up-to-the minute in real-time with Twitter. You can use cool applications in Facebook so everyone knows everything you're up to via blogs, photos, events, etc. You can even post directly from your phone or mobile device.

Check out these links for your cell phone or mobile device:

Myspace: mobile.myspace.com
Facebook: m.facebook.com
Twitter: m.twitter.com
Flickr: m.flickr.com

With my iPhone I have it set up so I can email a photo that immediately shows up on Twitter, Facebook and Flickr pages all within minutes.

The best way to utilize these sites is to learn as much as you can about them then devote time each day to work it to your advantage. Don't miss out on countless opportunities and connections.

As I mentioned in my recent blog post, Do I Need These Social Network Sites?:

The Internet has evolved tremendously in the last few years. As indie artists, social networks allow us to form a bond with people within a community. That community is a web site whether it's Myspace, Facebook or what have you. Interaction is done more often through your computer screen and even on your mobile device than in person it seems. With these networks you can form relationships with potential fans. Just by reaching out on your computer you can develop an army of not only fans and music buyers but true advocates. Who are advocates? Devoted fans who will turn on their friends to your music. Devoted fans who occupy their Myspace music player with your songs.

That's my two cents. Tell me what you think. Leave a comment.

Copyright © 2008 Madalyn Sklar, IndieMusicCoach

Madalyn Sklar is a music business coach & consultant, blogger, social networks expert and author. She founded IndieMusicCoach and has spent over 12 years working with a wide range of independent musicians all over the world. Her goal is to help indie artists achieve greater success in the music business by working smarter not harder. She is also the founder of GoGirlsMusic.com, the oldest and largest online community of indie women musicians, with a vision of bringing together and empowering musicians from around the world.

Madalyn is available for one-on-one consulting and coaching at affordable prices. Check out http://www.indiemusiccoach.com for more info.

Labels: diy, do it yourself, Facebook, flickr, indie music motivation, social networks Myspace, twitter

First I have to say WHAT A GREAT CALL LAST WEEK! Thank you to those of you who were there with us. We covered a lot of ground. If you missed the call, no worries! I have a recording available to you free of charge.

The Social Networks Team:

Madalyn Sklar

Tracie Maloy

Tish Meeks

Carol Plunk

Here's a little bit of what we covered:

Do I really need to sign up for another social network?
I feel it's best to cast a wide net and reel people in. Once in you get to know them through one-on-one messaging. The goal is to turn your new, targeted friends into fans who then become buyers and possibly even advocates. Advocates are the fans who will post your songs on their personal myspace page, repost your bulletins and blogs and make the ideal street team member.

How can I use Myspace more effectively?
Spending an hour a day can make a huge difference! Consistently adding targeted friends, posting comments, post blogs and bulletins, etc. Spend time getting to know your friends. Take an interest.

I don't get Facebook!
Seems people either love, hate or just don't get Facebook. It's a great social network platform for one-on-one communication with lots of great applications especially Reverbnation. I spend the least amount of time on Facebook yet I have a great presence on there because I have set up several applications that automatically import my blog posts, twitter posts, flickr photos and youtube videos. I can even send up a photo from my camera phone in real-time to my Facebook page.

********************************************
Don't have time to figure it out? Why not hire Madalyn to walk you through this over the phone. In one 45 minute session she'll have you up and running! She can walk you through the process of setting up your Facebook profile to automatically import your blog, twitter posts, flickr photos and youtube videos. Or walk you through Twitter, Flickr or Blogger. Details at www.socialnetworksformusicians.com
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More on Facebook...
You can set up a band or business profile at www.facebook.com/pages/create.php

We cover WAY more on the call. Just head over to www.socialnetworksformusicians.com and take a listen.

On thing to remember...the bottom line when it comes to social networks is:
IT DOESN'T WORK UNLESS YOU WORK IT!

That's it for now! I hope you find all this information helpful to you. If you need additional help, please get in touch with me.

Rock on,
Madalyn Sklar

Check me out at:
Facebook
Twitter
Flickr
Myspace
Blogger

Copyright © 2008 Madalyn Sklar, IndieMusicCoach

Madalyn Sklar is a music business coach, consultant, blogger, social networks expert and author. She founded IndieMusicCoach and has spent over 12 years working with a wide range of independent musicians all over the world. Her goal is to help indie artists achieve greater success in the music business by working smarter not harder. She is also the founder of GoGirlsMusic.com, the oldest and largest online community of indie women musicians, with a vision of bringing together and empowering musicians from around the world.

Madalyn is available for one-on-one consulting and coaching at affordable prices. Check out www.indiemusiccoach.com for more info.

Labels: blogger, Facebook, flickr, myspace, social networks, social networks for musicians, teleseminar, twitter

"I love MySpace as it gives us a chance to do the one-on-one thing with people as well as make new connects that I can then go out and meet that person and form a real working relationship. I fear though that a lot of people are not taking it that far, especially bands- they think the computer is enough. I know sooo many musicians here that are constantly asking me, 'So how did you get a meeting with them?' or 'How'd you get THAT gig?' But they never GO anywhere! Not to see other bands, to take anyone out for a nice lunch or whatever. They just stay home with their computer, typing their fingers off and not really supporting anyone else's deal or showing interest in anything other than what they are doing. Life really is a two way street like you said! So many people don't seem to get that one. It's changing so fast, too- you never know what the wind will bring tomorrow. But, I know I have built quite a following by balancing computer and face-to-face networking so I am going to keep working on it."

Labels: blogger, Facebook, flickr, myspace, social networks, twitter

Last night I hosted a really great teleseminar on Social Networks for Musicians. We spent 80+ minutes talking about Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and Blogger.

Facebook is one of those social networks that people either love, hate or just don't get. For awhile I didn't like it because I didn't get it. It's so different from Myspace. Over time it made sense. I researched it. I read blogs on it. I started understanding it better. But what I really like most about it is that I have a good presence there and I hardly work it.

How you ask?

I have it set to import info from my other social network sites. With no effort my blog and Twitter posts show up automatically. So do my Flickr photos and YouTube videos. I can be at a show, take a picture with my iPhone and easily send it to my Facebook mobile photo album. It only took a few minutes to set each of these up. One time. Done. So yes, I have a Facebook presence with little effort.

Check out my Facebook profile. I would love to be your friend there.

I know, like most musicians your time is precious. You are out there creating and performing your music. That is where I come in. I'm a techie in the music business. Need help? Get in touch. My staff and I can take care of setting up your social network to benefit you!

Copyright © 2008 Madalyn Sklar, IndieMusicCoach

Madalyn Sklar is a music business coach, consultant, blogger, social networks expert and author. She founded IndieMusicCoach and has spent over 12 years working with a wide range of independent musicians all over the world. Her goal is to help indie artists achieve greater success in the music business by working smarter not harder. She is also the founder of GoGirlsMusic.com, the oldest and largest online community of indie women musicians, with a vision of bringing together and empowering musicians from around the world.

Madalyn is available for one-on-one consulting and coaching at affordable prices. Check out http://www.indiemusiccoach.com for more info.

Labels: Facebook, social networks