Getting Started:

• The simple registration takes :30 seconds.
• Ideally you can get twitter.com/yourbandname
• Customize your page with your band logo and colors
  
• Include a link to your most frequently updated online site in the Bio section
• Follow @artistdata - http://www.twitter.com/artistdata

Getting used to Twitter

• Post what you are doing for a few days to test it out and build some content and activity.
• Upload your personal address book to see which of your contacts are already using the service. You might be surprised how many already are.

How to Build Followers:

• A good way to find your fans is to see who is already talking about you. Type your band name into http://search.twitter.com/ and start following anyone who talks about your band. Search for people who mention your record label or bands you are on tour with and start following them as well.
• Include a link to your band Twitter from your MySpace page and anywhere else you have an online presence. Make a sign with your Twitter URL to put on the table with your merchandise.
• Periodically go through everyone following you and make sure you follow them back!

What to Say:

• Offer insights into life in the band. Most people have no idea what it is like on the road, in the studio, on stage etc.
• Respond. Make sure to read all your @replies and Direct Messages and respond to each one!
• Post regularly. Being active attracts more followers.
• Your Twitter followers get real-time updates on your band and are the first piece of the promotion puzzle: use them to get the word out about special concerts, merchandise, new music and videos. Reward them with exclusive downloads, contests, tickets, or just some extra online or in-person attention.
• Don’t Spam your users with link after link to buy things. Include all your relevant online locations in the “About Me” section on the right side of your profile.
• Ask them questions, engage them in your band decisions. The purpose is to get as many responses from your followers as possible. Questions that received lots of feedback when I ran Sing It Loud’s Twitter were questions like:
  • Where should we go for dinner? Chipotle or Panda Express?

Other Great Resources

• How to Monitor what's being said about you on Twitter
• Great general intro to Twitter
• 10 Ways To Increase Your Twitter Followers by Kevin Rose
• Music Think Tank
• Twitter For Musicians and Bands: A How-To Guide
• Musicians’ Guide to Rocking Twitter