Record labels, like any other businesses, rely heavily on their online presence. A well-crafted website can make all the difference in showcasing your artists and attracting fans. However, there are common pitfalls that many record labels fall into when it comes to their websites. In this blog post, we'll explore the top 10 website mistakes that record labels make and offer practical solutions to ensure your website stands out and functions flawlessly.

Mistake 10: Out of Date News

Mistake: An out-of-date news section on your website can create the impression that your label is inactive or not up to date.

Solution: Keep your website's content evergreen. Rather than a news section that's prone to becoming outdated, focus on generating content that remains relevant over time. Keep time-sensitive content on social media!

Mistake 9: Link-in-Bio with Too Many Options

Mistake: A cluttered Link-in-Bio with too many options can overwhelm visitors and hinder their ability to find what's most important. Outdated links can confuse users, leading to missed opportunities.

Solution: Streamline your Link-in-Bio (e.g., LinkTree) to feature only the most important options, such as preorders, webstore, etc. Ensure time-sensitive links are set to auto-deactivate.

Mistake 8: The Paradox of Choice

Mistake: Presenting visitors with too many choices can lead to decision fatigue and make it challenging for them to find what they're looking for on your website. It may result in them leaving without taking any action.

Solution: Simplify navigation and make it easy for visitors to find what they're looking for. Highlight your key offerings and prioritize the most important actions you want them to take.

Mistake 7: No Label Playlist

Mistake: Failing to provide an easy way for visitors to QUICKLY and EASILY discover music on your website can lead to missed opportunities to engage and convert new fans.

Solution: Consider including a Spotify playlist or a Bandcamp compilation on your website to showcase your artists. This enables visitors to sample your music immediately, increasing the likelihood of them becoming fans.

Mistake 6: Too Self-Indulgent

Mistake: Presenting visitors with a lengthy and detailed biography can overwhelm them and deter them from reading about your label.

Solution: Create a concise, one-line elevator pitch to introduce your label, followed by a brief "WHO, WHY, HOW" bio. Offer visitors the basics to start and the option to explore further.

Mistake 5: Deadlinks

Mistake: Dead links on your website can frustrate visitors and leave a negative impression. Unprofessional and defeats the purpose of your website altogether!

Solution: Regularly schedule audits to check for dead links on your website. Or ask a friend or family member to click around for you!

Mistake 4: Not SEO-Friendly

Mistake: Neglecting SEO (Search Engine Optimization) can result in your website being difficult to find in search engine results, limiting your online visibility and discoverability.

Solution: Optimize your website for search engines by using descriptive headlines, including relevant keywords in your content, and ensuring your site is mobile-friendly. Incorporate clear descriptions of your label (genre, location, mission) in your headlines for improved SEO.

Mistake 3: Missing the Basics

Mistake: There are a few basic elements that you need, things like a contact section, link to buy music, and a way for fans to hear music. Surprisingly, this is missing on a lot of label sites.

Solution: Make a list of the top 5 things you should have that serve your overall objective!

Mistake 2: Too Ugly, Too Busy

Mistake: A website that is visually unappealing, cluttered, or disorganized can drive visitors away and negatively impact your label's image.

Solution: Your website isn’t Walmart, it doesn’t need to have everything for everyone. While aesthetics can be somewhat subjective, focus on creating a clean and organized layout that is visually appealing. Ensure that your website is easy to navigate and free of distracting clutter.

Mistake 1: Lacking an Objective

Mistake: Without a clear vision or objective for your website, visitors may be unsure of what to do when they arrive, resulting in missed opportunities for engagement and conversion.

Solution: Clearly define the purpose of your website. Identify your top priorities for visitors and ensure that your website's design and content align with these objectives. Make it evident what you want people to do when they visit your site!