Set up music accounts with MySpace and Facebook. These sites generate more traffic than any other networking sites. Best of all, they are free.
With MySpace the artist can customize their profile and upload music that can exponentially increase their chances of people hearing it. Don't be afraid of giving away your music. If you are a new artist you should be unencumbered by the thought of someone stealing it. This can happen to well-established artists, but in most cases if you are a new artist no one cares enough yet to steal it. Fact of the matter is that if people are interested enough to steal your music, then you are doing OK.
Make sure your profile pages look attractive and professional. There are web designers who have adapted their skills into creating custom pages for their clients.
Remember to always look your best.
Facebook works much the same as Myspace, though it has a few more features that allow you to multiply your chances. In addition to the standard profile page you can create a Fan Page where people can add you as a fan. You can also create multiple groups that feature you as an artist.
Both MySpace and Facebook allow you to upload music and video, but the differences lie more in the demographics of each respective networking site.
MySpace generally targets a younger audience and lots of bands and musicians. This is great, but can be redundant in some circumstances. The main point being is that you can end up promoting your music to mostly other musicians. Let's be honest; most musicians are broke, jaded and concerned with themselves. So marketing your music to primarily this demographic can be futile.
Facebook operates in a similar fashion, though it is more private and selective. I see it appealing to people who want to get in touch with prior classmates, jobs or family. This is a great way to generate interest from those "who knew you when." These people love this. And can quickly get your music moving in avenues you had no idea could be so valuable.
One more feature of these site is the ability to blog. If you have something to promote, then blog it. Blog about everything. There is no need to feel overexposed. If this were really the case you wouldn't be doing this stuff in the first place.
Promote every show. Use superlatives. Make yourself appear like a star. I once heard a famous rock star describe the secret of his success. He said, "Make people think you are the s**t and they will eventually believe it." Sounds a bit crude and self-indulgent, but it clearly worked for him.
Keep in mind that industry professionals monitor these sites regularly. Several artists have risen to success just by their presence on these sites. And given the traffic that the networking sites generate, the music industry will act aggressively if you possess a commodifiable value for them. It has happened.