How to Sell Music
Today there are a lot more opportunities than in the past for independent artists to be able to sell their music. This is because a lot of fans are no longer interested in paying the huge prices that the major record labels tend to charge. While it will take some time and persistence, you really can learn how to sell music.
- Start a website to sell your music. Feature samples, tour information and a biography to help fans get to know you. Actively promote your website.
- Create CDs. Do this by hand, as this is something that your fans will appreciate. Turn them into MP3s. Find websites that will help these CDs get exposure. Most of these websites will only charge you a processing fee in order to cover the cost of shipping and advertising.
- Attend open mic nights and sidewalk performances. This will bring in a small amount of money while helping you connect with perspective fans, which may lead to more sales in the future.
- Create your own record label. Design a logo, name and website for it. Market your music and merchandise in this fashion.
- Contact bookstores, music stores and music supply shops to create a distribution deal. This will entitle the owner to a share of your profits for selling your music. Don’t rely on these for all of your business. It is also important to be prepared to be rejected by business owners who oftentimes get swamped by requests from local artists.
- Get your creative friends involved in assembling records for you. They can help burn CDs, apply labels, design cover art and edit your music.
- Work to develop a loyal fan base. Sell t-shirts, stickers and other memorabilia through your website. Make sure that these items are priced affordably so that they will sell. This is important because these items will help to get your name out there even more, which may lead to even more fans and even more sales in the future.