Utilize the quick, easy and free way to build up your fan base with social networking sites. Sites like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and MySpace will allow you to create your own band page for free. These sites will help your band spread its music to thousands -- even millions -- of people. These sites also serve as a way for your fans to connect to you in a casual way. They also serve as quick references for concert dates and times, your discography, biographies, even clips of songs.
Make your own website. Purchase a domain name -- if your desired domain name is open it will typcially only cost your between $10 and $40 -- and build your site. Using sites like Go Daddy, WordPress or BlogSpot, you can learn how to build a legitimate website on your own. You can also hire website builders who will take your ideas and craft them into a professional-looking site. Link your band site to your social network pages so your fans can have direct access to your tour dates, merchandise and songs.
Performing live shows will definitely get your fan base to grow. You may have to start small, but booking shows are local bars, popular clubs, area fairs and festivals will help you to connect with fans who might not typically look you up online. Performing a lot of live shows will certainly get your band noticed and, if your new listeners like what they hear, word about your music will spread.
Giving away free music is a huge perk for a lot of fans, and you can do this in a number of ways. Simply have your songs available on your sites, or offer promotions. For example, you can tell your social networking friends that those who "Like" your band's profile page will have access to your music. When these friends "Like" your page, your band will become visible on their networking page. This will make your band's page visible to all their friends, thus spreading the word of your band to thousands of people.
Build your fan base the old-fashioned way with demo tapes. Record several of your best tracks and send the demo tape to every record label you can think of -- including independent and small labels. And don't stop there, send your demo tape to radio stations and music magazines. If your band is really good, professionals in the music business will take notice and start spreading word of your band.