Institution

Talent
Record companies want big, fast, safe returns on their investment
Always start with continually refining and perfecting your talent

Product
Find a demo studio
Always be sure how many hours you need before you book it

Placement
Find an online home for your recording
A website or a blog
It's about marketability and presentation

Promotion
Build a fan club
Start with Facebook, connect with smaller, local radio stations

Transition 
Natural culmination of doing the first four steps really well
Don't get it perfect - just get it started

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ruan_De_Lange

What record companies might sign us?

1) 4AD

Year Established: 1979

Genre Focus: Underground American Rock, Electronic, Indie Pop
Website: www.4ad.com

How is this website useful? 

Sophisticated, clear lay out

'Latest news' section, keeps audience members up to date

Music samples at the side, opportunities to listen and show interested 

Headers to other page links at the top, lots to look at

2) Rough Trade Records

Year Established: 1978
Genre Focus: Post Punk, Indie Pop, Underground Rock
Website: www.roughtraderecords.com

The story of Rough Trade Records is an oldie but a goodie. In fact, the label itself is one of the oldest on our list, dating back to the dusty year of 1978. Prior to its inception, founder Geoff Travis successfully promoted and sold records by a number of punk, very early indie pop, and early post punk bands like The Smiths and Buzzcocks. At the time, Travis was also operating a record shop off Ladbroke Grove in London by the same name. This combination of a retail storefront presence and promotional experience ultimately led to the Rough Trade Records label. Once established, the new platform quickly setup a distribution arm that would service independent retail outlets across the UK, a network commonly referred to as the Cartel.

How is this website useful?

Cool picture collage at the top

News section, keep audience members up to date

'Sign up' section, opportunity to receive news etc

YouTube links, new music they are interested in