The very first question I direct toward a band seeking promotional help is this: “Do you have a Twitter?” For the most part they respond by saying that each individual band member has their own account, and that is satisfactory enough for them.

If you are in a band, and you are seeking all possible methods of spreading your music to the world, Twitter is an easy and free tool you should be using. Here is why: bloggers use Twitter. Labels use twitter. Promoters/sponsors use Twitter. Do I need to continue? Oh, how about one more: your FANS are on the world’s hottest new social networking site as well.

Here are some tips for how to get the most out of your ensemble’s tweets:

Seek out appropriate followers: Most people are notified when you begin to follow them. Since your band’s name acts as leverage, (and a snazzy picture of the group of you helps), it should be simple enough to entice these followINGS to become your followERS. Choose carefully. You can easily search Google for “musicians on twitter,” or “record labels on twitter,” to find numerous sites, blogs, and information on the usernames of those professionals in the industry that you should be following. I personally recommend finding individuals in your local area that are in the music scene as well- they will tweet with their friends about upcoming events, and the networking goes from there. I recommend the blog www.monkeywatcher.com because they often tweet about indie record labels and music professionals and their involvement in social media. Also, check out this site for a list of possible followings: Artists, Bands, and Musicians on Twitter.

If those don’t turn out the results you’re seeking, just stick with the default option: http://search.twitter.com

So, once you have spent a few hours carefully searching for your industry contacts, it’s time to steal some fans. Obviously begin with those people you already know, however, don’t be afraid to scan through other bands’ followings. Try to stick to kids who have more followINGS than followERS. This means they are actively tweeting on a daily basis, and are taking the site seriously. (Note: Anyone following less than 30 people probably is not interested in Twitter, and therefore won’t give a rat’s ass if you exist. They just joined because someone suggested/forced them to). I know it can feel redundant clicking that “follow” button over and over, but I promise it will be worth it. Stay away from mass adding software that can be downloaded online. It will not guarantee you the followers you are seeking.

Next, you need to establish that everyone in the band will be using the account, and that each tweet should be “signed” by the member who writes it. Four Year Strong is good at consistently doing this. It feels more one-on-one.

Keep your updates short, sweet, and slightly humorous. You definitely want to keep people hooked. Tell them what you are doing AS A BAND. Save your personal stories for your own account… this is band-related material only. Discuss upcoming shows, exciting events, tour photos (twit pic!) recordings, shows, contests, news, and anything you would bring up in casual conversation with your fans, your label (or potential label), and your managers/sponsors. Obviously make it fun to read- but never forget who might be watching you. On a completely related note: reply to everyone! This is very important, especially in the beginning. “@replies” are the best ways to attract more followers; especially fans. If you keep up in conversation with your followers, their friends will take notice in the fact that you are sociable. You care. You are their “friend.” It draws them in like moths to a flame, trust me.

Once you are a master of your domain, you will begin to notice your myspace plays increasing, more people attending your shows, and more merch/album sales! I say this matter-of-factly becuase it is true. So long as people like Pete Wentz and Mark Hoppus are tweeting the day away, you’re golden. Keep it up! And as I always say to bands who need that extra boost: just be confident. If you believe in your music, your fans will believe in you too.

Always be aware that your band is like a product you are selling. You need to practice appropriate “branding” skills, and input them into your daily life. This should be something you keep up with for at least 30 minutes each day. Get your “brand” name out there, sell your “product,” and the rest will fall into place. Never turn down a social media network; especially when it is free, fun, and simple as hell to join and maintain.

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