The secret of effective band websites: a call to action | Bandzoogle Blog Features Examples Pricing About Us Blog Help Try it Free Sign in Try it Free Sign in The Bandzoogle Blog All posts Bandzoogle News Beautiful Band Website Templates COVID-19 Resources for Musicians Free eBooks Interviews Music Career Advice Music Marketing & Promotion New Features Selling Music Online Website Tips The secret of effective band websites: a call to action Posted by Chris Vinson on May 14, 2010 in: Website Tips When a fan hits your site what is the most important thing you want them to do? This "action" should be clear from the instant they arrive. Some examples are: sign up to your mailing list download a new track buy your CD Sure, they may do these things on their own. But by making this option stand out, and specifically guiding fans to do it, the chances of it happening are a lot higher. In marketing terms, this is your site's "call to action". Having a clear call to action not only guides visitors, it also helps to focus your page layout and serves as a benchmark for the effectiveness of your site. Unique visitors and music plays are important numbers, but each "action" completed should be the ultimate measure of success. Some of the best Bandzoogle sites have a prominent call to action on their sites: Join the community for access to exlusive content Signup / tweet for a free download Signup for exclusive content Here are three tips to make an effective call to action: Make it stand out. It's important that the call to action jumps out when viewing your page. Put it high up (so you don't have to scroll to see it) and consider reducing the amount of other content on the page so your call to action stands out. Show them the benefits. Visitors want to know "what's in it for me"? Sweetening the deal by offering something free is always a good tactic. For example, "Sign up and get a free track!" or "Buy our CD and get an exclusive acoustic version!" Repeat the offer. A call to action doesn't have to be limited to your front page. Consider adding it in to your footer or in other places in your site. The front page can be the strongest version, but adding small links to reinforce the action can help. Also, don't forget your social networks; post links to your website with your call to action (and a sweet offer) on Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter. Have questions about making your call to action? Post in the comments! Why not share this with your friends? Twitter Facebook Build a stunning band website and store in minutes Promote your music on your own unique website. Sell music & merch directly to your fans. Keep 100%. Grow your fan base with built-in marketing tools. Start your 30 day free trial Free 30 day trial, no credit card needed. Share your thoughts Comments on this post are disabled. Comments Posted by SheSaidSunday on May 21 2010 4:32 PM How can you format the look of the email submission area, without knowing code? On the "template" based sites, it only accepts one line of text. Posted by room11band on Jun 7 2012 12:35 AM Makes sense to me will jump right on it! Thanx Chris! Posted by Abby Feferman on May 15 2010 4:32 PM Thank you so much for this advice! Since first reading this, I am now noticing the "actions" on other people's websites. I guess I just didn't put a name to it. Thank you for always giving me ways to improve my website! Please keep them coming! :) Posted by She Said Sunday on May 21 2010 4:32 PM How can you format the look of the email submission area, without knowing code? On the "template" based sites, it only accepts one line of text. Posted by Anonymous on May 21 2010 10:20 PM Hi Chris! I just implemented this ideas thanks to your post (o: I made myself an eye-catchy little graphic that says "Free Music" so hopefully that will start building more fans. Also, I added some icon buttons so that in addition to using the menu bar, people can go straight to top priority pages by clicking the little pictures (I have a grand piano for the music page). Please let me know what you think (o: Thanks! Jennifer:love: Posted by Anonymous on Jun 9 2011 5:00 AM I like the "Call to action" theory Chris. I heard you speak on this at the Memphis Folk Alliance as well &amp; I think it's a valid point. Even an option to join your Facebook page is good and Facebook has made that really simple with some great widgets: http://developers.facebook.com/docs/plugins/ Posted by Sandy Harless on Jun 20 2011 4:10 PM every time I come in here I feel the need to tweek my website! all kidding aside, thanks for all the great advice! Posted by The Audacity on Jan 19 2012 4:33 PM Thanks. I have read your advice and completely changed the Home page. I think it now looks much simpler and more attractive to visitors. Cheers Posted by Heath Millett on May 21 2012 9:21 PM Good to know. i see these things a lot should i just page source codes? Posted by Allison Sharpe on May 23 2012 8:16 PM Heath - We have our own built in mailing list sign up form (edit pages&gt;add feature), but if you'd like to use an external mailing list you can paste the html code into our html code feature. If you have any other questions, email us from the HELP tab and we'll be glad to help. Posted by Anonymous on Jun 7 2012 12:35 AM Makes sense to me will jump right on it! Thanx Chris! Posted by Benjamin Longmire on Jun 18 2012 9:22 PM Hey Chris thanks a lot man! I was wondering if you would take a look at my site and give me some pointers. I know you are really busy! Posted by Anonymous on Jul 12 2012 4:17 PM ;) Hey Chris, Thxs for your message. I need to find a way to make my website in 2 languages (French &amp; English). :bawling: Posted by Allison Sharpe on Jul 13 2012 10:50 PM M2LUX - Please email us your questions from the HELP tab and we'll be glad to help further! Build a stunning website for your music Bandzoogle gives you all the tools you need to create a your own unique band website, including responsive templates and commission-free selling tools. Build your website Free 30 day trial, no credit card needed. Get Our Newsletter Advice, inspiration and resources for musicians navigating the new music industry delivered right to your inbox. Get updates Unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy. 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