Do Musicians Still Need a Website? The Pros and Cons Explained

In an era where TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube dominate how fans discover music, you might be asking: Do I really need a website anymore?

The short answer is maybe, but it depends on your goals.

For local and independent musicians, a website can be a powerful tool for professionalism, promotion, and long-term brand growth. It’s not essential for everyone. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide what fits your career best.

The Pros of Having a Music Website

1. You Control the Narrative

Your website is your online home and not an algorithm’s playground. You decide how your music, photos, and story are presented.

According to the website builder made for musicians, Bandzoogle, “Your music website is a space online that only you own and control… it gives a professional polish to your unique artistic identity online, away from the distractions of notifications and news-feed algorithms.”

That kind of control is especially valuable when reaching out to booking agents, festivals, or press contacts who expect to see a professional presentation.

2. It’s a Central Hub for Everything You Do

A website brings all your links together and helps fans find your music, merch, tour dates, EPK, and contact info. Your fans and industry folks don’t have to hunt across multiple platforms.

As Bandzoogle explains, a dedicated band site “makes it easy to share music, promote upcoming shows, connect with fans, and sell your merch, all from one place.”

Even if your social pages do the talking, your website serves as the foundation underneath them.

3. Better Search Visibility (SEO)

If someone Googles your artist name, having a website means your official page is likely to appear first. That boosts your credibility and helps new listeners find you faster.

Bandzoogle’s SEO checklist recommends musicians “set up a custom domain, use keywords, and optimize each page” to improve visibility in search results.

Owning your domain name (like yourbandname.com) also gives your brand permanence that social media alone can’t.

4. You Own It and You Can Monetize It

Social media platforms can change or disappear, but your website stays. You can build an email list, sell merch, tickets, or even host exclusive content.

Bandzoogle notes that musicians using their platform have collectively earned “over $148 million in commission-free sales” directly from their websites.

That’s a big reason many artists like Katie Beth Mihm and Krislyn Arthurs use their sites as the main hub for business and fan engagement.

The Cons of Having a Website

1. It Costs Money and Time

Domains, hosting, and design tools can add up even with DIY options. A website only works if it’s maintained. Outdated tour dates or broken links can do more harm than good.

2. Social Media Might Be Enough For Now

If your audience mainly connects with you through TikTok or Instagram, and your goal is discovery, you might not get much extra traction from a website yet.

A simple Linktree, like GOGC have made, or a Bandcamp page, like Ri Wolf, could be enough while you grow.

3. Maintenance and Technical Work

Websites require updates, mobile optimization, and sometimes troubleshooting. If tech isn’t your strong suit, that upkeep can be frustrating. Most website builders, like Bandzoogle, have a customer support line to help you every step of the way.

4. Less Day-to-Day Engagement

Social platforms are designed for likes, comments, and viral moments while websites aren’t. Most visitors stop by for info and leave, so your site won’t replace the interactive energy of social media.

Finding the Right Balance

For most musicians, the ideal strategy is a mix of both. By using social media to engage, share stories, and grow your audience while using the website as your professional home base, where fans and industry contacts can find everything they need in one place. If you’re booking shows, sending out press materials, or expanding beyond your local scene, a website is worth the investment. Even a single-page site with your bio, photos, contact info, and a few links to your music can go a long way toward presenting you as a serious artist. Think of your website as a digital Electronic Press Kit (EPK) you send to important people in the in industry to advance your career, while your social media helps grow, identify, and communicate with your fan base.

At Loud and Heavy Booking, we’re here to support artists ready to build or strengthen their online presence. Our team is always available to offer guidance and resources when you’re ready to take that next step. We hope this article has provided some helpful insight as you consider creating a website for your music career.