After doing a major overhaul on my official web site, I started looking for online directories on which to post my details: “casting the net far and wide”. It soon came to my attention that most directories for Australian musicians are in a poor state. There are a lot of small directories provided by recording studios, others provided by industry associations, but nothing that was 1) well designed 2) comprehensive 3) able to compare apples for apples and 4) well designed (I think I may have said that twice). Content may be King, but online “dress and grooming” is the Crown Prince. The one site that blew me away is Music Teachers Online.
Started by Matt Rowbottom in 2000 and getting a major upgrade in 2007-2008, this site has listings for almost 3000 music teachers across all of Australia’s capital cities and major regional centres. Teachers and Schools alike can register (either for free or upgraded membership) and effectively open their own website, listing their general details, what services they provide, testimonials, etc. Check out the profile that I have created on the site.
Of course, a lot of websites claim to do this too, but this site stands head and shoulders above the others because:
- It is well-designed!!!
- Teaching services are sorted into locations and standardised categories, allowing you to quickly track down a teacher in your local area who offers what you are looking for. With that said, it still lets you customise the description of what you do and provide detailed information on such.
- It is currently the #1 Google result for “music teacher” on google.com.au so it is the most likely place that prospective clients will visit. No point listing your info on a site that people will have to search high and low to get to.
Until next time,