While MySpace has become the platform for bands and musicians to plug in to the global community and promote their talents, many artists are looking into new ways to reach their fans. One of the dominating tactics used by both bands starting out on MySpace and well established groups is the use of email marketing programs.

While paper flyers may have been the avenue for 'spreading the word' in years past, email marketing programs give MySpace bands access to create, send and track professional new-age digital flyers. Since most email marketing programs are easy to use and integrate seamlessly into your MySpace profile, there are very little barriers or obstacles holding any band back.

The key element of making an email marketing program work for your band is to build a quality mailing list. Everything starts with the caliber of your contacts. If you build up a solid mailing list of loyal friends, family and fans, then your email marketing efforts will produce outstanding results. Most email marketing programs will help you grow your mailing list by giving you a signup button for your MySpace profile. The sooner you add this button to your MySpace page, the sooner people can start becoming both your MySpace friend and your mailing list subscriber.

The following are the top 3 ways MySpace bands use email marketing programs...

1. Announce New Songs

As soon as any band releases a new song, the goal is to get it out for people to hear it. On MySpace there are thousands of new songs added every day, so it can be difficult to fight through the clutter to get people (including your fans) listening to your song. Many bands setup their email marketing program to blast out an email to their entire contact list as soon as the new song is released. Since this email marketing message is read away from MySpace (and away from all that clutter), it's a lot easier for your fans to click on a link in your email and instantly be playing your new song on your MySpace profile. Some bands choose to use their email marketing program for each new song they release, while others wait until a new set of songs are available and then blast out the email.

2. Promote Concert or Show Dates

Whether you're announcing a new international tour or just a gig at the local pub, many bands have found that using an email marketing program can help pack a crowd. Since your fans are already interested in seeing you perform, the goal is really to make sure they know when and where they can come see you in action. Many bands use their email marketing program to announce a show that is several weeks away, just to build a little bit of awareness and buzz early on. Then, as the show date looms closer, they will use their email marketing program to send out reminder messages, so everyone knows the time is coming closer and to mark it on their calendar, buy tickets, or whatever else they have to do to get to the show!

3. Keep Your Fans In The Loop

Most loyal fans are actively interested in what is going on with your band. From the big issues to the small stuff, inviting your fans to become an intimate part of your band and get an inside look helps build an incredible bond. Many bands on MySpace update their profile regularly, so their audience can constantly see fresh updates. But, by using an email marketing program, you can ensure that these updates reach your fans right in their inbox. Many bands use their email marketing program to send out a monthly (or even bi-weekly) newsletter, keeping fans up to date on all the latest happenings. Some bands have even started incorporating a "Question From The Fans" section in their email marketing newsletter, where they publish a question that was asked through the last issue. This type of email, which is packed with unique quality content and involves your fans in a two-way conversation, is a great way to build that special connection.

With intense competition to get attention, using an email marketing program can give your MySpace profile a boost and give your band an extra edge.