Michael J. Media

YOUR MONTHLY DIY PR TIP FROM MIKE FARLEY

OCTOBER 2007

The Importance of a Good, Updated Bio

Some aspects of PR, and about marketing your own band, are very tedious and time-consuming. Having a good photo is one of them, and something we talked about a few months back. Let's take a look at another often overlooked item: the artist bio.

It's important to update your bio frequently, and in some cases maybe once a month, depending on how much success you or your band is having. But first, you need to have a good foundation. The items that make up an important bio are: how and when the band formed or started performing, where you're from, what you sound like, a list of members and instruments, accomplishments such as awards or TV placements or impressive attendance figures from shows, who you've toured with, and how many albums you've released with release dates.

What you should omit is anything the reader doesn't care about, such as how old you were when you picked up an instrument, or that your first gig was at your uncle's trailer park. It's even a stretch to say who you've opened for, unless you've toured with artists for more than a few shows. Most of all, nobody wants to read something "artistic" that leaves you trying to figure out what the point is and what the artist is all about. Give them facts. You can make it entertaining, but be sure to give them facts.

Most of you musicians are not best suited to write your own bios, mainly because you're too close to your own situation. So hire someone to do it. This will cost you anywhere from $100 to $300, but will be well worth it. You may even have a friend who is a journalism student or something who will do it for nothing or almost nothing. Then, it's important that you tweak that bio every time something happens, or if it's a big enough reason to tweak it, send out a press release or media alert announcing what just happened.

Also, make sure your bio is easy to find and frequently updated on your website or MySpace page. I'm guilty of not doing this myself on my own Michael J. Media site sometimes, but I'm trying to remember to do it more frequently. I also make sure to keep my clients' press bios, press releases and tour alerts as up to date as possible.

I hope this advice helps, and good luck out there!

Mike Farley

Michael J. Media Group

If you would like to receive these monthly tips through email, please email mike [at] michaeljmedia.com to be added to the list.
Thank you!