A composer’s website is their portal to the rest of the world. A website serves to keep your audience up to date on your work, act as your all-purpose 24/7 representative, and stores valuable media such as recordings, photographs, and biographical information for programming and press outlets. Having a quality website is essential to building your music career in an ever growing e-world. Here are a few important things to consider when building your site:

1. When choosing the design for your site make sure to consider ease of use so that visitors can navigate your site easily.

2. Show your activity by updating your site with new performances of your music.

3. Make sure your catalog always contains your most recently completed work. This is the most effective way to let performers find works for their instrument.

4. Make sure to have both a full and a short biography available on your site which includes people with who you’ve collaborated, press, credits, etc. Frequently interested parties will request short biographies specifically.

5. Let online guests demo your work by having at least three music clips available in .mp3 format.

6. Post links to your profiles at social networking sites which are hotbeds for new music activity. Get in on it!

7. Use a professional sounding contact address that is easy to remember. Get rid of that old guitarguru 44 @ yahoo.com email address you’ve probably had since you were 12 and use your business name or formal name.

An effective website that follows the above suggestions will increase your visibility and undoubtedly lead to extensive career opportunities. However, while you should maintain a certain level of professionalism you should not be afraid to show a little personality. It is certainly good to show your credentials but visitors will feel a stronger connection to you if you show your human side.

Go forth and prosper!