We first introduced BetterThanTheVan.com to our readers back in July 2008. Since then, BTTV has grown a loyal fan/band online community. However, in order to continue providing a quality service for it’s users, BTTV will be adding some neat features to the website. Since web design and development isn’t cheap, BTTV is running a campaign to raise $3,000 to help pay for a programmer and designer. Check out their fund raising page over at Kickstarter, make a pledge and receive some sweet BTTV goodies!

Click through for a list of features this redesign project will include.

• Searchable Tour Dates and Locations – Bands can input their tour dates and locations.

Bands need a better way to let hosts and other bands know when and where they are touring. It will also allow bands to easily search for other bands playing the same cities on the same dates, facilitating show-swapping.

• Automated Notifications – Bands and Hosts need to receive intelligent and timely email / text alerts.

People need to be notified (like Facebook) when a band is touring through their city, and if they need a place to stay. Likewise, bands can be notified if another band is looking for a show in their city.

• Saved Searches and RSS Feeds

This will allow users to save searches to reference quickly and allow them to subscribe to those searches via RSS feeds.

• Increasing Accuracy Of Current Search Engine

Our search engine needs a little more refining by offering more options and a bit more savvy when delivering search results to both bands and hosts.

• General Site Design Changes

With the additional features comes a need to make some design changes to incorporate them into the site. Plus we have a few design issues that need addressing in order to make the site more user-friendly.

These features will make BTTV a more powerful resource for bands and a better experience for hosts. Help us and them spread more music to more places!