Selling your music online is harder than it seems! You can’t just list your songs on Bandcamp and expect to make a living. That would be great if you could, but the reality of the situation is you have to promote your music as if you’re running a business. If you want to make a living from your music and sell music online successfully, you’ll have to run your operation like a business. In this article, we’ll go over how to sell music online successfully so you can live a happy life, making money while doing what you love.
Step 1 – Set Up a Bank Account & PayPal
The first step to selling your music online successfully is to set up a bank account and PayPal account. This will allow you to receive payments from your fans and customers when they purchase your music. When you’re setting up your accounts, make sure to include all the necessary information and keep it updated. This way, you’ll avoid any delays or issues when it comes to getting paid.
Step 2 – Produce High-Quality Recordings
If you want to sell your music online, it’s essential to have high-quality recordings that sound professional. Whether you’re recording in a home studio or in a professional recording studio, make sure to invest in the best equipment and software you can afford. You don’t have to spend a fortune, but don’t skimp on the essentials like microphones, preamps, and monitors.
Once you’ve recorded your music, make sure to have it mixed and mastered by a professional. This will ensure that your music sounds its best and will stand out from the crowd.
Step 3 – Copyright Your Music
Before you start selling your music online, it’s essential to protect your intellectual property. This means copyrighting your music, so no one else can use it without your permission. You can do this by registering your songs with the copyright office in your country or by using a copyright service like Songtrust or CD Baby Pro.
Step 4 — Build Hype Around Your Music
To sell your music online successfully, you need to build hype around it. This means promoting your music on social media, creating engaging content, and building a fan base. One of the best ways to build hype is to release a single or EP before your album drops. This will give your fans a taste of what’s to come and will generate buzz around your music.
Another effective way to build hype is to collaborate with other musicians or influencers in your genre. This will help you reach a wider audience and gain new fans.
Step 5 – Distribute Your Music Far & Wide
Once your music is recorded, mixed, mastered, and copyrighted, it’s time to distribute it. There are many online music distribution services available, such as CD Baby, DistroKid, and TuneCore. These services will help you get your music on popular platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
In addition to these platforms, it’s also a good idea to sell your music on your website or Bandcamp page. This will give your fans a way to purchase your music directly from you and will allow you to keep more of the profits.
Step 6 – Run Digital Ads
Running digital ads is an effective way to reach new fans and promote your music online. You can run ads on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and Twitter, as well as on search engines like Google.
When running ads, it’s essential to target the right audience. This means targeting fans of similar artists or musicians in your genre. You can also target fans based on their age, location, and interests.
Step 7 – Build an Email Subscriber List
Building an email subscriber list is one of the best ways to keep in touch with your fans and customers. You can use email marketing tools like Mailchimp or Constant Contact to create newsletters and promotional emails.
To build your email list, you can offer fans exclusive content or discounts in exchange for their email address. You can also collect email addresses at live shows or through social media.
In conclusion, selling music online successfully requires a combination of hard work, dedication, and business savvy. By following these seven steps, you can build a strong foundation for your music career and reach a wider audience. Remember to always invest in your product (your music), build hype around your releases, and engage with your fans and customers