At this point, I focus on my web site. When I post new content, I link to it in a status update through Ping.fm that hits Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Google Buzz, and the rest. Important updates go out to my mailing list, and I may also post them on iLike, MySpace, and Jango (as a mass email).

So while my net is a little wider, I think an artist could get away with a web site, mailing list, Facebook, and Twitter. YouTube is definitely important too, and I really do need to get some videos up! For now, there are plenty of fan videos, many of which I linked to here: http://colortheory.com/you

A lot of sites online are variants or repetition of sites already there. Everyone is on Facebook and everyone is on Youtube and everyone who isn’t on either is on Google or has access to Google.

My opinion is less is more and you only join a service if it is adding to your efforts in a monetary sense. For me having done heaps of research I am concluding that (Jango excepted) you only need to run on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube and Myspace Music. Jango is another kettle of fish because that is pure marketing and I read with keen interest your experience therein.

Oh and Blip TV as an alternative to Youtube is a must because you can limit people to watching your videos from your site. Incidently I am listening to a Jango classical station as I am working and haven’t looked at the site once so I think when I run the ultimate test between Google and Jango I will have to announce the artist name and website before the music finishes.

I’ve hired professionals for three of my radio campaigns: The Planetary Group, Music Media Network, and DSBP (who admittedly is a friend and more of a club promoter). I promise to share my experiences soon!

I must admit I feel a little torn discussing this with you guys, my promoter and DJ friends! My intention isn’t to devalue or disparage what you do, but to share my honest opinions forged over years of trial and error.

@Ian – My statement wasn’t aimed only at you, but also at emails and Facebook comments I received. Still, “a band should take every marketing and promotional opportunity open to them” sounds a little bit like “try everything” to me! Thanks for clarifying.

“I think what works for one band differs from what will work for a musician which differs from what will work for a producer…”

…but you happen to be all of the above. Is it possible that the offline (non musical) promotions you speak of were administered incorrectly? It is difficult to argue my points on effective college radio promotion until I hear your experiences, but my point is….maybe….just maybe you are too close to the project (i.e. your music) and approach your offline promotions emotionally. You need someone reliable, honest and experienced to look at your art as a small business. Someone who can remove the passion out of the equation. You can’t do everything, which is why DIY is such a misnomer.

Anyway, the online and off-line worlds have merged, I watch YouTube videos on my television and read the newspaper online! –is that good or bad? Over the next decade it will become even more so.

I really do agree with one point, it Is the secret to success, connect and communicate with your audience – I suppose that’s called a conversation. And that is what we’re doing

People in big biz listen to the college stations, fairly often in fact.

Now I can reach more people with an interest in the genres of tunes on the show because of social networking. I look forward to meeting these new friends with the new program. Exciting times in 2010.

I think everyone finds their own groove if they are not being handled by a major label.

About a year ago I went through and subscribed to a ton of music marketing/artist success blogs in Google reader. The majority of them just re-post content from each other or are just a bunch of hype.

Your blog is one of the few that I return to consistently. Your articles are well researched, written, and have ACTUALLY helped me promote myself online. Thank you for all your hard work.