After the boom and bust of the first Dot Com Era it is believed that we’ve entered into what’s been called Web 2.0. In Web 2.0 the biggest thing increasing companies, consumer trust and return on investment is intimacy. You now as an internet company and marketer are forced to reach out in unusual ways, at least in comparison to the way Web 1.0 operated. Consumers these days want to know who you are and what you’re all about before they make a purchase from you. Nowadays placing product on a website, no matter how good there quality, is no longer enough to get consumer dollars.

Here are five ways that you as an independent artist can promote your band in Web 2.0:

1. Emails - Setting up your own newsletters with services like Yahoo Groups or Google Groups or a paid service like the email marketing package at Godaddy.com is essential in Web 2.0. The key is to build up your email lists by simply asking. Every show you play at, every blog post, and on your own band website simply ask people to sign up for your email lists and possibly give a free t-shirt, CD, or download to those that do so. From there you frequently contact them with newsletters, updates, and most importantly product offers. Be careful not to try to overly sale products to this list though, only twice a week at most should you directly try to sale your items.

2. Social Networks - Myspace, Friendster, and Facebook are a few of the most popular social networks. These sites allow you as a musician to create huge networks of people from across the world. On them you can also inform fans and friends about your band, upcoming shows, post blogs/podcasts and even make your music available to hear or purchase. You can even sort of create your own merchandise storefronts, assuming you know enough html coding or have a friend that does. Social networks are a new phenomenon, but they are certainly here to stay. If you use this in your music promotions campaign you are sure to gain more exposure and possibly even sales for your band.

3. Online Videos - Places like AOL Videos, Myspace, Brightcove Mogulus, and You Tube are ushering in the newest Web 2.0 interaction – video. Users can upload videos they’ve made and instantly show them to the entire globe. These services are all also free and easy to use. You can use them to post your own original low budget music videos, answer fan letters, give special birthday and holiday greeting, or to announce band news and contests. Videos only further the whole intimacy theme of Web 2.0 and are a great way to get viral marketing campaigns under way. People love sending funny and other interesting video around the web.

4. Blogging - Blogging or weblogging has been around for awhile, just not in its current form. You can get a free blog account from places like Blogger, Myspace, or the popular WordPress. Here you simply create an account and write whatever you want, especially relating to your band happenings. Don’t be afraid to get personal, that’s what most blog readers are looking for. It is important that you update your blog regularly and frequently. Also make sure you frequently answer comments and promote your blogging sites as you would any other website. No one can find what they don’t know to look for after all.

5. Podcasts - Podcasts are basically downloadable radio/television-type programs that users can create to basically do whatever they want with. You can use them as a question and answer forum for your fans, give briefings on band happenings, play your songs or those of other bands you like on a radio type casting, or maybe something creative like a cd listening party online. While most aren’t streamed live you get the idea. You can find a great free podcasting service via GarageBand.com here.

With these five promotional tips you should be on your way to creating your bands first full functioning Web 2.0 promotional campaign. Just don’t forget the key to your success will be frequent contact, being accessible, and breaking down the usual wall that exists between musicians and their fans. Do this and you should find great success in Web 2.0.