MUSIC TO THE EARS...FRIEND OR FOE

Thinking of adding music to your blog/website using an mp3 player or other device? Here are a few things to take into consideration before putting music in your readers ears.

1. If you already have a generous amount of traffic to your site, it's probably not a good idea to add a music player. Many of your readers have saved your site in their favorites and have also subscribed, so if any of them happen to check your site at work or other inappropriate place, and music starts blaring, they are likely to unsubscribe. Instead, start a new blog or page, and add music from the start. This way all your readers will be aware and will know what to expect.

2. If a music player suits your current theme, use a site where artists upload and share their songs. The songs on these sites are shared by unsigned artists, remix DJ's and Karaoke singers. By doing this you rid yourself of any copyright infringements. I use http://www.reverbnation.com/. They provide the songs and the player. Once you get the hang of creating your playlists, the rest is somewhat simple.

3. When time allows, change the order of your songs or use a different playlist. I try to do this on a daily or every other day basis. Visitors won't want to listen to the same song over and over again. I have yet to come across a player that will shuffle the songs. Changing artists and songs can also generate traffic, due to the fact, the artists will visit, so they can hear their music played, and probably refer their friends as well.

4. Place the player at the bottom of the page. Visitors will want to know where the music is coming from and are likely to scroll all the way down to find it, especially if they like the song that is playing.

5. Do not load too many songs on one player as this will slow down your page while the songs are loading. At reverbnation, you can create different playlists, so just put 4 or 5 songs in each playlist then you can alternate them.

Music on the web can be a great tool if used properly and can generate traffic to your site, depending on your target audience. A blog about computer technology, of course, is not a good target audience for music, but there are many others that are jumping on the bandwagon and heading down the highway.