1. First, you'll need to add keywords to your account. The Finder uses a matching system that requires that you take a few seconds to describe your band and your music to us so we can get you connected with the right folks looking for your music. Without keywords, your account pretty much ... well ... just sits there.
   
   To add keywords to your band account, log in to your band manager and look for the "Listing Tool" link in the top menu. This listing tool is a quick, easy way to intuitively add a whole bunch of keywords to your account at once. The Keyword Listing Tool opens in a new window, so please make sure you disable your pop-up blockers for this site for it to work.
   
   
2. Once you've opened up your Keyword Listing Tool, you'll see the form fields for entering your band's information. Remember that this information is used to "extract" your keywords, so please remember to keep it simple and exact. Your artist or band name should simply be what you are called. This will be used as a title for your listings. Your website or URL is where fans will go once they click on your listings (this can be a website or an artist page, such as at SoundClick.Com or PureVolume). The description should simply be a matter-of-fact description of your band and your music. This is going to be used for your keyword descriptions in your listing, so you should refrain from using this space as a "bio" or "shout out". Keep it as simple as possible. For instance: "Tuvalay is a three piece acoustic jazz punk trio out of Austin. Download MP3s, visit the fan forums and more at their website." is perfect. However, "We are a jazz trio and we started out in 1995 with a friend from Eugene named Tom and we all work in a coffee shop and like eggs come check out our website" is probably not the best thing to go with. Remember that fans use these descriptions to decide what to click on, so put some thought into this one.
   
   
3. Next, type in your location -- city, state, region, province, and country. These will be made into keywords for geographical searches.
   
   
4. Now, choose up to three genres that apply to your band. Remember, if you need to add more of anything, you can do this at the bottom of the form as well as in your Keyword Manager in your Band Area.
   
   
5. Add your genre descriptions. These can be considered sub-genres, and are constantly being added to. Think of it as a "modifier" for your genres. For instance, "Poppy acoustic folk" is a little different from "Folky acoustic pop". The genre modifiers are what really help you describe your sound. You can choose up to five at the moment.
   
   Got an idea for more "sub-genre" keywords? Send a note to our editor at avallon@bandfreaks.com
   
   
6. Now, add a gender and a member count keyword. Searches like "male solo acoustic" or "Female polka band" are very common in the Finder. Choose the option that makes the most sense -- usually, this is based on your vocalist or front-individual. If you describe yourself as an ensemble or orchestra, be sure to choose that, too.
   
   
7. Mood keywords help match you up with searches the most. It helps fans get specific, but is sometimes hard to describe for bands. Choose up to seven moods that tend to predominate your music. This is a wide question about your general, overall sound, so you may want to think "CD catalogue" here and not "single".
   
   
8. In the next section, add up to six other "well known" artists that might be compared to your music or your band. These may or may not include influences -- just how you or others might describe your sound. If someone is searching for a Warren Zevon-ish feel, it helps to even actually sound just a little bit like Warren Zevon. This is mainly a way to help fans match up what they're looking for in "Sounds Like" terms. Fans rarely just search with these terms, so it's safe to use people that can be partially compared here and there.
   
   
9. If you have anything else that you would find relevant that might help fans find you, use the next section to add those keywords as well. This can include more geographical information, other band names you might be called or found under, your name or band member's names, more moods and sub-genres, or anything else you can think of.
   
   
10. That's it! You're done. Well ... almost. Now, you just need to submit the form and check to make sure everything was entered correctly. Look for spelling mistakes, typos, and other odd things that you would want to take care of before submission. IF you make a mistake, however, you can always edit your keywords, band name, description, and other info in your Band Management area.
    
    
11. Once submitted, your keywords are approved by our Content Management Team. This is to ensure the integrity of the Finder. Keeping our content useful and accurate is makes the Band Finder a success! Keywords are rarely denied, however a few are denied, we'll send you an email with an explanation so you can fix them and re-submit (if you need to). Keywords are usually approved within 3 - 6 hours after submission, Monday through Saturday.
    
    
12. Keywords approved! Now it's time to check your rankings and improve your bids! Read this tutorial on how to get started using the Finder.
    
    
    Next Tutorial: "What's Next?": Learning to Use the Finder

Questions? Comments? Feel free to contact Band Finder support at support@bandfreaks.com, or contact us for help via the forums in our Help & Support section:

http://www.bandfreaks.com/support