Client: Jay Benjamin (Yes, I Hired Myself. It’s Called Self-Investment.)
Project Overview
As a musician with a voice smoother than a freshly paved highway (and lyrics that’ll make you ponder the mysteries of the universe), I needed a website that could capture the essence of my musical journey. It had to be a place where fans could immerse themselves in my melodies, connect with me on a deeper level, and discover when and where they could experience my music live. Oh, and it had to look good doing it, because aesthetics are like the harmony to a melody – they complete the experience.
The result? A digital haven that’s as inviting as a warm cup of coffee on a rainy day. It’s a hub where fans can explore my music, catch up on my latest shenanigans, and even snag some cool merch to show their support. Think of it as a virtual campfire where we can gather around, share stories, and sing along to some heartfelt tunes.
Challenge
Let’s be real, being a musician isn’t exactly the most lucrative career path (unless you’re one of those pop stars with a private jet and a diamond-encrusted microphone). So, when it came to building my website, I had to be mindful of my budget (ramen noodles and peanut butter sandwiches are a staple for a reason). I also needed a platform that could grow with me as my music career blossoms (fingers crossed for a Grammy nomination someday).
Solution
Enter WordPress, my website-building knight in shining armor. This platform is so intuitive, it’s like they designed it specifically for creative souls like myself. I also tapped into the power of plugins, those nifty little add-ons that can transform a basic website into a full-fledged online experience. Think of them as the spices that add flavor to a dish, or the reverb that gives a guitar solo that extra oomph.
Social Wall
The social wall is my way of keeping fans in the loop. It’s like a curated feed of all my social media activity, showcasing my witty banter on Twitter, my picture-perfect moments on Instagram, and my Facebook musings that are so deep they’ll make you question the fabric of reality (or at least what you had for breakfast).
Music Engine
This is where the real magic happens, folks. My music engine lets fans listen to my soulful tunes, purchase my music (support your local artists, people!), and even see a cool waveform that dances along with the melody. It’s like a mini-concert right on their screen, minus the sweaty crowds and overpriced beer.
Merch Store
Who doesn’t love a good piece of merch? My website features a merch store that’s powered by Printful, a service that’s so seamless it’s almost like teleportation. I design the merch, and they handle the rest, from printing to shipping. It’s like having my own personal team of elves working tirelessly to fulfill my fans’ desires for Jay Benjamin-branded swag.
EPK
Okay, so my EPK (Electronic Press Kit) is still a bit like a rough draft. I’m not the best at tooting my own horn (it feels a bit like boasting), and I haven’t exactly reached superstar status yet. But hey, it’s there, waiting in the wings, ready for the day when I can fill it with glowing reviews and impressive accolades.
Results and Reflection
My website has been a game-changer, like discovering a hidden chord progression that unlocks a whole new level of musical expression. It’s helped me connect with fans, showcase my music, and even generate some income (goodbye, ramen noodle diet!). It’s like having my own personal online stage where I can perform 24/7, without the stage fright and the occasional heckler.
One thing I learned from this project is that it’s okay to start small and build up, like a crescendo in a symphony. I didn’t try to create the most elaborate website on the planet right out of the gate. I focused on the essentials and added features as I went along, like a painter adding layers of color to a canvas.
Another key takeaway was the importance of using the right tools, like a luthier selecting the perfect wood for a guitar. WordPress and its plugins made it easy for me to create a professional-looking website without having to decipher cryptic code. It’s like having a guitar with built-in effects; you can still play it acoustically, but the effects add a whole new dimension to your sound.
And the beauty of this setup is that it’s built for expansion, like a modular synthesizer that can be endlessly tweaked and customized. The website runs on WooCommerce, so if I ever want to add my own merch alongside Printful, I can. I also have a separate event listing feature, which would allow me to sell tickets directly from my site. With WooCommerce installed, the possibilities are endless – I could even launch my own Patreon or Kickstarter campaigns.
When I set out to build this website, I looked at other musician websites and noticed a lack of diverse revenue streams. So, I made it a priority to incorporate as many income-generating opportunities as possible. From accepting tips via Venmo, Square, and PayPal to monetizing my blog articles with Adsense, selling Printful merch and MP3s, and even offering sponsor listings, I’ve created a website that’s not only a creative hub but also a sustainable business platform.
Technology
- WordPress
- Bandsintown
- Printful
- Social Wall
- Music Engine plugin
- WooCommerce
- Venmo
- Square
- PayPal
- Adsense
