Music business articles - advice needed

by JB
14 replies
I'm about 12 weeks away from a pretty major relaunch of my site. I've currently got around 25,000 members and want to keep them loyal while attracting new users by adding additional services and content including good quality articles on all aspects of the music business (all aspects of production and some promotion). Anyone got any ideas where I could find such a resource? I've never gone down the articles route before so this is new territory for me. I could probably put together about 30 but that won't cut it for a site this size, especially for where I see it coming after the rebuild.
Any tips or links would be much appreciated.
Regards,
Dave
#advice #articles #business #music #needed
  • Profile picture of the author monopuff
    There are lots of people who would be willing to research and write some quality articles for you.

    What kind of length are you looking for?
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    • Profile picture of the author JB
      I need quality stuff that would keep home producers happy and informed - the content has to be informative. Production techniques for bedroom producers mainly, I see this as being a big area. They wouldn't have to be overly lengthy once they are informative. The only problem with musicians is they are a passionate lot and like to get down to every detail so the articles would have to have quality information. Enough for someone to read in one sitting while sneaking a peak at work or at home in between producing a track. Not too long and not too short I suppose!
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  • Profile picture of the author monopuff
    Hey JB, I sent you a private message.

    My main advice would be to try outsourcing to different writers on Warrior Forum. Since we're hanging out on an IM forum you tend to get people who are in tune with what you are looking for.
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    • Profile picture of the author video-creator
      JB, what about reworking some content from trade magazines? (maybe even some older issues where the topics are still relevant).

      Greg
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      • Profile picture of the author JB
        As far as me doing all of the articles and content goes I simply don't have the time. The new site will have so many new features that need to be managed including a brand communication strategy and social networking campaign that I'll be on the front lines full time. Thanks for the tip anyway, I got some PM's already too and will look into them aswell.
        Cheers,
        Dave
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  • Profile picture of the author Profnet
    Ok, maybe you'll think this is a bad idea but with a list that size would it be a bad idea to send them a broadcast email asking if any one of them have material they would like to submit to the site?

    I have done this successfully by having a "Submit Your Idea" form on my site. That could maybe be modified to "Submit Your Story".

    Respectfully,

    Nancy Roebke
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    • Profile picture of the author JB
      Hi Nancy,
      That is going to be part of the knowledge base of the site - user generated articles and video content. I still need to be able to provide content that is coming from the site though - something that sets a very high standard and can be used in the site blog as well as knowldge base.
      Ultimately the user generated content will run that section of the site but I need to kick start things while boosting the rep of the site as a source of information. I reckon I need about 2 years worth of weekly articles before the user generated material overwhelms the need.
      Thanks for the reply!
      Dave
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  • Profile picture of the author edman
    Not too sure exactly what your membership website is about, and if your question is about what you can do to keep the audience happy... Maybe if you told us more it would help.

    From my end, on articles I would say it's not "how many articles" is what's important, rather, "What they contain"... you may have a million subscribers and good advice in a well researched and written article once every two weeks, or even a month will keep your viewers happy.

    I would focus on the users real needs... those needs that brought them to you in the first place

    cheers
    Signature
    Don't Google it... ASK Edward
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  • Profile picture of the author Kat Fuschillo
    Hey JB,

    I just sent you a PM.

    Kat Fuschillo
    Signature

    Need Killer content? Head to -www.KatFuschillo.com

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  • Profile picture of the author Mark Riddle
    Dave,

    The first place to look for additional content is your current members.

    I am sure that I don't have to tell you a high number of musicians are also writers.

    That also means the typical keyword articles used to general traffic won't pass the test for your market.

    The music industry is more likely to be influenced by style and depth of content, many in your market are pros and have no patience for fluff, or hype.

    I think it may be a mistake to plan out 2 years worth of articles, that's an eternity in the industry.

    Mark Riddle
    Signature
    Today isn't Yesterday, - Products are everywhere if your eyes are Tuned!
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    • Profile picture of the author defy
      Something told me today would be the day to stop lurking on the forum and finally start posting. One of my areas of expertise is home music production as it's been a passion of mine for many years. I also am here to offer my article writing services. What size articles are you looking for? What subjects are you most interested in? I know everything from Fruity Loops to Pro Tools and software plugins to hardware reviews.

      I can give you information on making vocals sound clear, hooking up your setup with proper patch-ins, product recommendations for first time producers, etc.. I would've PM'd you but I don't have the post count. Drop me a line and I'll get back at you as soon as I get the posts.

      ~Defy
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      • Profile picture of the author Holr13
        I would be happy to do some writing for you. I am a certified English teacher, and I have been writing consistently for GetContent.com. I write 400 word articles for $10-15 depending on the topic.
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  • Profile picture of the author ScottFox
    Hi Dave,
    I have two thoughts for you:
    1. I agree with Mark Riddle above - why not ask your members? You could make a contest out of it. (Just be sure they sign something to transfer all rights in the articles over to you so you can use them as you want going forward.)
    2. Elance.com - This online marketplace matches buyers/sellers of all sorts around technical and content projects. There are thousands of freelance writers there (with ratings) and you could probably find some who are qualified to write on the specific music industry topics you need.
    Hope that helps.
    Scott Fox
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  • Profile picture of the author deezine
    I sent you a pm. I tried my hand at the music industry and learned a few things and my brother is a "bedroom producer" so I can get some good quality articles for your site.

    Donna
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