The New Fan Club

Fan clubs in the music world have been around for a very long time, possibly one of the oldest examples of community out there. I remember being a part of them when I was a kid, and I'd love coming home and seeing a quarterly newsletter in the mail from one of my favorite artists or a random autographed photo that was unsolicited. In essence, community before the internet.

Now, connecting artist to fan has never been easier. While the internet does facilitate a good connection, managing that community via a social network is the best way I've seen yet to truly connect everyone, including fan to fan. I recently helped roll out The Lee Ann Womack Country Music Appreciation Society and Social Club, which not only allows Lee Ann to connect with her fans, but for them to connect with each other. While Lee Ann is at the main subject of interaction on the site, fans are utilizing it as a gathering place to connect together.

I believe this type of community management is the future of the fan club, but the most important thing to remember? Transparency. If you truly want to connect with your community, you can't just provide a place for them to gather, but you must interact, be human, and be giving. They'll respond to that, and the benefits you'll reap will be tenfold.