The Internet has become a vast web of people from all over the world building relationships, engaging in conversation & ultimatelyexpanding their networks. We’ve already stressed the importance of social networkingon this commercial misting fan blog but wanted to take it a step further. As an artist, it’simportant that you utilize Web 2.0 to engage your fans by allowing themto connect with you in ways artists couldn’t just 5 years ago. Everysocial network you’re not a part of is a potential group of fans you’velost. The following are the five most useful online communities youcan be a part of to begin expanding your network and building solidartist-fan relationships:1. MySpace MusicThis is the most popular of all social networks for musicians. Anyone from the garage band next door to deceased artists have a MySpace Musicpage. It’s the easiest way for fans, especially potential fans, to geta taste of your music and even get in touch with you. On MySpace youcan post songs, videos, pictures, have blog entries, tour information,band information, etc.  
It’s almost like an electronic press kit or resume of sorts all on one page.2. FacebookAlthough Facebookhasn’t yet developed a full fledged Music section like MySpace has,there are still thousands of users you can connect with, many of whomare not on MySpace. On Facebook you can create a fan page thatfunctions almost like a group for users to join. Similar to MySpace,you can post pictures, videos, discography and allow fans to write onyour Wall. Facebook is slowly becoming the next best tool on theInternet for musicians. Click here for a list and description of applications for musicians on Facebook.3. Create a WebsiteMany musicians start off with a MySpace Music page and eventuallycreate their own website. This helps legitimize yourself (or selves)and allows you to do more, such as creating a forum, for your fans todiscuss your music/concerts/news/etc.Having your own website allowsyou more freedom to get creative and provides a way for people to findyou via search engines.  
For example, if you create a blog on yourwebsite and use key word rich text, there is a good chance someonesearching for your style of music will land on your page. Click here for an article containing useful tips on Search Engine Optimization for musicians.4. TwitterEarlier we did a post on the Five Twitter Applications for Musicians and Bands. More and more musicians continue to create Twitteraccounts. What’s unique about this micro-blogging social network isthat it allows your fans to get a further glimpse into yourlife/recording process/recommendations and anything else you can fitinto 140 words. Especially now with phone applications, your Twitterfollowers can get updates sent directly to their phones that way theycan stay connected with you at all times.5. ReverbNationWhat’s great about ReverbNationis that it was created with musicians specifically in mind. Byproviding various tools and widgets, musicians are allowed to spreadtheir music and information anywhere.