Maybe you haven’t followed “The Rule of 4 C’s”– consistently create compelling content!

Bands, solo artists, hip hop crews, jazz ensembles– you’re losing fans on Facebook; your engagement is going down and you don’t know why.

Wait. Really? You don’t know why? With a gazillion users, Facebook is the world’s most popular social network– so you can cross “lack of audience” off your list of possibilities.

The answer is simple: you’re not creating content worth sharing. And worse, you might be annoying the hell out of your existing fans– the ones you so desperately need to keep in order to build a larger following.

10 ways to turn off your fans on Facebook

I know there are thousands of bands who are doing things right, winning new fans with engaging posts and videos (and I don’t really mean to suggest that YOU aren’t one of ’em). But if your Facebook fan interaction is on the decline, you might be guilty of one or more of the following social media sins:

1. Multiple bands creating separate events for a single show

If I had a dollar for every time I’ve received separate event invites from every band on a bill, I’d probably have enough to buy that sweet parlor guitar I’ve had my eye on for a while. No, it’s not the end of the world– none of these “Facebook crimes” will spell the end for you– but it’s just… annoying. Put 5 minutes of forethought into your show promotion, coordinate with all the bands, and create ONE event that each of you can promote and share. Plus, it’ll look better when everyone is RSVPing in one place!

2. Constantly asking for people to vote for you

Contrary to what shows like American Idol and The Voice may tell you, music isn’t a competition. Sure, you can take your career to new places and get your fans engaged with the occasional songwriting, performance, or fan-voting contest, but stop entering every damn one you come across. It looks a little desperate.

3. Leaving your facebook page half-completed

Did you get all excited about Facebook at some point and then abandon it? Is it hard to tell from your page if you actually exist as a band anymore? If so, either complete the missing info and post some new content, or de-activate your page. It looks unprofessional.

4. Posting your stream of consciousness updates every 20 minutes

If you’re posting more than a few times a day, it better be good stuff! Don’t use your Facebook band page as your personal profile. The few folks who might care what you’re up to every day will stop caring quick.

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5. Incessant negativity

Every once in a while it’s ok to be honest and vulnerable on Facebook. You can vent your frustrations from time to time. But keep those kinds of posts as the exception. Bitching, whining, sour grapes, jealousy, and putting other bands down– no one needs a daily dose of that.

6. SHOUTING IN ALL CAPS!!!!

OK. WE GET IT!!!!! You have something really important to tell us. May I suggest instead you choose from the following list of words: excited, thrilled, stoked, psyched, amped, beside-ourselves, overjoyed, blitzed, inspired, amazed, flushed, or atingle?

7. Posting crappy photos that don’t even feature the band members

Oh, great. Another highly pixelated image of… what is that? A pint glass next to a taco wrapper? Next!

8. Requiring someone to do something before they can hear your music

People don’t like to jump through hoops. Let fans listen to your music right away– even if it’s only a couple tracks. One easy way to do this is with CD Baby’s MusicStore for Facebook app!

9. Advertising by posting on someone else’s wall

Remember MySpace? This is the kinda nonsense that would happen on MySpace all the time– and why people stopped using it. Do NOT put your marketing messages on other people’s Facebook walls. That is what YOUR wall is for.

10. Begging for “likes”

It’s probably OK once or twice a year to ask your friends on Facebook to “like” your band page. Don’t make a weekly habit of the practice, though. Your band page won’t get “liked,” and you might just get de-friended.

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I’m sure I forgot a few good examples of bad Facebook practices. What annoys you on Facebook? Let us know in the comments section below.

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[Image of angry computer lady from Shutterstock.]