How to Sell Your Music

Social media has the ability to connect people around the world. The websites like YouTube and the digitization of music are all contributing factors to the ongoing change in the music industry. Musicians need to sell their songs online. We help you whether you're looking for information on streaming platforms or the best website builders for musicians.

We'll walk you through all of the options for selling your music in this article. Our goal is to make sure that all of your hard work and skill are acknowledged and valued for the music you create and make a little money in the process.

1. Start Selling Through Your Website

Owning your website has numerous benefits for musicians. It provides a dedicated space on the internet that is completely under your control, allowing you to shape the narrative surrounding your music without relying on social media algorithms or trends for exposure. Selling your music on your website allows you to create an online store where fans can buy your music directly from you. Many music enthusiasts prefer this direct method, as it ensures that streaming platforms do not take a significant portion of the purchase price.

In addition to selling music, having your website allows you to build a broader online community and establish a strong presence around your discography. You have complete control over the content and information you share with your fans, whether it be music, messaging, or merchandise. We recommend using Squarespace to create your website.

Pros

• Everything related to the production and release of music is completely in your control.
• You will keep all of your earnings, and costs are minimal.
• The capacity to create a flourishing online music community.

Cons

• To attract the right audience to see your website, you'll need to launch a significant marketing campaign.
• Your website needs to be updated and optimized for search engines.
• Managing things by yourself might take a lot of time.

2. Sell on Online Music Stores

Owning your website is a fantastic way to connect with your fans directly, but it can be challenging to attract attention in the beginning. Relying solely on organic traffic may result in little sales. In addition to your website, it's crucial to explore other online music platforms. These platforms can help you expand your reach and ensure that your music reaches a larger audience.

One popular option for selling music online is Bandcamp. Bandcamp is an independent platform that enables you to sell your music in various formats, such as MP3 and WAV. You can also collect valuable data and email addresses from your fans, which can be useful for promoting new music and keeping them informed about upcoming events and releases.

Bandcamp provides a fantastic way to discover new music and artists. The platform's focus on exploration is clear through its app, blog posts, and weekly podcasts, which actively recommend music to users. However, it's important to note that Bandcamp takes a 15% commission on all sales, so it's important to consider this when using the platform and setting prices for your music.

Pros

• An audience that is eager to buy your music.
• Provides additional time for you to devote to creating music.
• The store's increased marketing and promotional efforts can help you.

Cons

• You will have to offer the online retailer a portion of your earnings.
• Online music retailers are very competitive and it's simple to get lost in the crowd.
• You will need to be willing to comply with specific rules set by some online retailers.

3. Sell on Music Download Sites

Music download platforms allow users to conveniently select, purchase, and download music directly to their device, providing the flexibility to enjoy their favourite songs anytime, anywhere.

Listeners often prefer to obtain music from well-known sites such as iTunes, Amazon, and YouTube. For example, iTunes operates in multiple countries and simplifies the music downloading process by enabling users to make payments using their saved account and card details. iTunes offers valuable marketing tools such as pre-sales and instant gratification tracks. This instant access to music eliminates the need for physical copies, which are more expensive and labour-intensive to sell.

Pros

• Save time and effort as the download website will handle the marketing and promotion of your music.
• Tap into an existing audience that is ready to discover and enjoy your music.
• Cut down on costs compared to independently producing and distributing your music.

Cons

• Face tough competition on download sites due to the large number of artists and musicians.
• Be prepared to share a percentage of your earnings with the download website you choose.

4. Sell on Music Streaming Platforms

Music streaming subscriptions are experiencing rapid growth. Streaming platforms provide a valuable opportunity for emerging artists to build a following among fans who may later support them by purchasing their CDs, downloads, and merchandise.

Although the earnings artists receive from streaming platforms are typically modest, the exposure they gain is invaluable. Spotify, widely regarded as the most popular streaming platform, boasts an impressive 356 million active monthly users. Just reaching a small fraction of this audience could have a transformative impact on an artist's career. Apple Music, another prominent streaming platform, may have entered the scene slightly later than Spotify. Still, it has quickly amassed an audience of over 60 million users that cannot be overlooked.

Pros

• Simple to use, making it easier to increase sales and expose more people to your music.
• Less money and labor-intensive than creating and distributing physical CDs of your music.
• You can use marketing options like album showcases and pre-sales on the majority of streaming services.
• Data on activity and listening habits is available.

Cons

• No matter how many times your music is played, streaming services that operate on a subscription basis may result in virtually no income for you.
• Millions of songs are available for streaming on the internet, so getting discovered will be difficult.
• A portion of the money you earn will go to the streaming provider.

5. Use a Music Distributor

Using a music distributor can greatly simplify the process of getting your music heard by a wider audience. Distributors like TuneCore or CD Baby take care of all the hard work for you. By simply uploading your music to these platforms, they will ensure that your tracks are distributed to all the major download and streaming platforms worldwide, including iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify.

Music distributors make your life easier, and it also guarantees that you cover all the necessary bases. Your music will be featured on multiple platforms, allowing potential listeners and fans to access it in their preferred way. Considering the pros and cons of using a music distributor is essential in making the right decision for your music career.

Pros

• All of the sales are yours to keep.
• It sometimes provides financial advances for upcoming revenue efforts.
• TuneCore offers both digital and physical distribution.
• Its publishing arm for administrative purposes will assist you in locating composer royalties.

Cons

• It can get costly due to the uploading fees, commission, and first sign-up fees.
• Additional streaming or distribution channels must be added to your first order for a cost.
• It's entirely distribution-focused, so there won't be any marketing assistance.

6. Sell Physical Copies of Your Music Online

You may sell individual copies of your music to customers in the same way that people buy clothes online. When someone purchases your record, they will also pay for shipping and taxes. After that, you may send a hard copy of your album to the address you have provided. You can achieve this by using your website, your Facebook page, or even Amazon.

7. Sell Your Music Publicly

Independent artists have various options to sell their music. They can showcase their work at local shows, concerts, coffee shops, art galleries, and markets. Certain places, such as coffee shops, may charge a small fee for managing your display, while farmer's markets may require payment for a booth. If you're seeking additional avenues to sell your music, inquire within the local arts and music community to discover businesses that support local artists. Approach these businesses and inquire about setting up a display to sell your records.

8. Submit Your Music to Radio Stations

It is an effective method to promote your music, and getting exposure is still very important for musicians. Make careful of customizing your demo for a certain DJ when submitting it; try to find someone who plays music that is similar to yours. Send your songs to college and university stations, web radio stations, satellite radio stations, and music bloggers. These days, musicians have more alternatives than just local radio.

Conclusion

There are many ways to promote your music and increase visibility in the industry. Utilize the internet and social media to showcase your skills and monetize your music. You can sell your music on platforms like Bandcamp, iTunes, Amazon, and YouTube.

Use music streaming platforms and work with distributors like TuneCore or CD Baby to reach a larger audience. Offer physical copies of your music for those who prefer tangible products. Perform at local venues and submit your music to radio stations for more exposure. By following these steps, your music will gain recognition and connect with a wider audience.