I just created a Facebook Page for GarageSpin. If you’re on Facebook, let’s connect.
What is a “Facebook Page”? (i.e. not a “Facebook Profile”)
Most folks know how to use Facebook to create a regular, personal profile page. But not everyone knows about “
Facebook Pages“, and if you’re a musician, band, or artist, you should. Facebook Pages were created by Facebook to enable bands, artists, businesses, politicians, whatever, to create pages for themselves within the social network that are separate from personal profile pages.
Why Should I Create a Facebook Page?
Well, it’s super easy, so why not? But more importantly, Facebook usage is skyrocketing, and it’s become one of the most popular social platforms for sharing stuff (links, photos, music, quotes, news, and random nonsense.) Rather than my writing a “Facebook for Dummies” post, you should try it yourself if you haven’t already. Check out these traffic trends (Facebook is blue, MySpace is red):
It’s clear that Facebook is currently crushing the once almighty MySpace, and isn’t close to stopping. As a musician or artist promoting music or art, you need to get plugged in. The Band Page can be used to communicate to fans, manage gig schedules, store video and event info, and other stuff. You can see an example of one by checking out my
GarageSpin page.
How Do I Create a Band Facebook Page?
It takes 2 minutes:
- Use your Facebook login to access your account (or create a new one).
- Then go to the Create New Facebook Page.
- Select the 3rd radio button titled “Artist, Band, or Public Figure”.
- Then select “Band” or “Musician” (or whatever applies) in the dropdown box.
- Click on “Create Page”.
- Your Facebook Page now exists. Now pimp it out with stuff. (Note: When you upload your music, you will need to upload a driver’s license or passport photo to verify your ID.)
Facebook Applications: How to Add Music to Facebook
So, maybe you’re not in a band, and you just want to add your favorite music to Facebook. There are some alternative, and pretty cool facebook applications built to let you add music to your personal profile. Facebook apps have been created by a bunch of third party websites. Two great facebook apps are the
iLike app and
Last.FM app. Be sure to check them out. You’ll need to create an account with any site whose Facebook application or music widget you decide to use.
If you’re in a band, and you want to add your band’s music to your personal profile page, you can do a couple things. Once you create a band Facebook Page, you can add it to your regular Facebook profile’s “Favorites” section. You can also use one of several band
Facebook applications, such as the
ReverbNation App. iLike’s and Last.Fm’s facebook widgets would also work. Which one you decide to use is your call.
Customize Facebook Profile
Facebook isn’t MySpace; it doesn’t allow much in the way of free facebook layouts, facebook hacks, or the other garbage that plagues MySpace. If you want to play with your band Facebook profile, customise it with the many
Facebook applications that exist. There are some ugly apps out there, though, so be careful what you test or activate. (Personally, I use
ReverbNation’s Facebook App.)
Be Searchable
A quick word about Facebook search optimization. If you have an odd band name or last name, be sure to somehow, somewhere, include multiple versions or spellings of your band’s name so your fans can find it. For example, if your band was named “Facebook” (though I’m not sure why’s you’d do that to yourself), you might want to include variations such as faceboook, facebok, faceboo, facbook, acebook, etc in a little “keyword” section somewhere within your profile.
Unblock With Facebook Proxies
Another quick word, this time for those of you who can’t use Facebook because it’s blocked at school or at work — use one of many
Facebook proxies to unblock Facebook. A proxy is usually able to grant you access to your account indirectly, bypassing your school’s or company’s filtering systems.
Go Forth and Conquer
Okay, I rambled waaaay more than I intended to about the ‘Book. Take 2 minutes to create your own page, or add new music to your personal profile. Then,
connect with me so we both have more friends and feel more popular.]]>
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