Website Advice

[crochetchick]

Hi harp community,

I have decided it’s time to get serious about playing for money, more than just the random gigs that happen to find me, and I want to create a website. I’m not really sure what is reasonable to pay or expect for a good site and I’m hoping some of you have some experience and advice. I’ve gotten a couple quotes from web developers but want to make sure I am investing my money wisely. I have already decided against do it yourself websites. I have seen too many bad sites. If I do this, I want it to be done right so it reflects well on me as a professional. So here are my questions.
1. About how much did you pay for your site, or do you feel you would pay for a good site?
2. Any companies or platforms you recommend I use or don’t use?
3. What functionality do you think is needed in a good harp site? What does yours have, or what do you wish yours had? Here are some things I am thinking would be nice to have besides straight content: pictures, audio and video samples, contact form, calendar (for performance and gig schedule), online contract signing (I hate waiting for contracts in the mail), a way to sell CDs from the site.

Thank you for your advice. And I’d love to see your websites if you are referencing your own as an example.

[Alyson Webber]

The March/April 2015 Harp Column issue has some information about the kinds of things you should put on a website, and Kristina Finch’s blog covers some of the ways to get recording samples to potential clients.

I also wanted to see if this tread could be revived, as I am looking into making a website myself!

[Author]

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