Facebook was created as a social networking site, that’s true, but its business model has changed. These days, people use Facebook to hawk their goods and sell their wares. For music artists and bands, they have also started to use Facebook as a tool to sell music online. Isn’t that great? You make friends and even manage selling your songs and increase sales of your newly released track or album. Having a Facebook account also guarantees you a fan base – in short: loyalty – and consumers of your music. It’s a win-win!

I know we’re not talking about restaurants but compare that same scenario to promoting your music. If you’re any good the word spreads about you and doors open much faster for you. Doing shows and giving away your product at times can really help you move up the free music promotion ladder. Another thing I do to promote my music is to come up with other products that get my name out there. I’ve produced short films and written books even though my main objective is selling my music. Doing other things just help you stand out as an artist and enhance your customer’s experience with your brand. That’s why you now see many rappers trying to get into films. What better way to sell more music than to get someone to stare at you on a screen for nearly two hours.

This doesn’t mean sit down and have coffee with every fan that gives you a thumbs up and you don’t even have to take them fishing. Just show that you care by responding to their messages. You can even go as far as asking them to put your banner and music on their page. You can get a PayPal account and begin paying your fans if you want. This technique alone can bring massive success in a short period of time and cut your internet music marketing efforts in half.

Make your brand name, use a name or label that will catch your fans as well as sell your music. Be creative and original; choose a decent and meaningful name that won’t create controversies about your personality or character.

Don’t forget social media. Profiles on MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and Bebo are a great start for your social networking efforts. However, it is not enough to create one. You must keep it active to grow your friends list and keep interest in your work thriving.

The online world is a gold mine for independent artists. There are even tools like myspace plays and view adders that can save you time and get you the results you need in a fraction of the time previously.

Now you go to them and say you have an idea that if you all put in $300 a month, you could employ a music promotion company. This will help you play bigger and bigger shows and easily pay the costs.