Part 4: How to sell out (online)
Previously, we have looked at the rising importance of getting your band seen (and heard) on the internet. This week we look at online sites that help you sell your music to fans.
The iTunes store sold its ten-billionth digital download back in February 2010. It’s proof that digital music can be big business! The problem for smaller independent bands is that iTunes generally doesn’t seem that interested in catering to their different needs. Luckily, there are some sites that care a great deal:
CDBaby
Key Features:
• Customizable page
• Sell in iTunes and other major stores
• Fixed Price ($9.99US single, $49.99US album)
• Small fixed label cut
• Once-off fee
• Physical disc sold alongside digital
Limitations:
• Focused on US market
• 9% fee on profits
Tunecore
Key Features:
• Sell in iTunes and select other stores
• Fixed fee $.99
• 100% profit goes to artist
• Customizable widget for blogs and social media
• Potential for tracks to be licensed to film and television
• UPC and barcode provided free of charge
Limitations:
• No physical product option
• Yearly fee per single/album
• Music only available through online stores
Bandcamp
Key Features
• Sign up for free- you’re only charged once you’ve sold your music
• Complete control of pricing
• Embeddable widget for blogs or Facebook
• Discount and coupon options
• Useful statistical breakdown
• Range of download options from highest to lowest quality
Limitations:
• No entry into iTunes
• Relies on self-promotion
• Only 200 ‘free’ downloads per month
Which to choose…
While there remain dozens of other sites, these three are at the top of the game (for the time being at least). Each has a different focus, and it’s up to you as a musician to decide what will work best for your situation.
For instance, CDBaby began life as a physical CD distributor (in the US), and maintain a strong network of physical printing and packaging connections to provide you with the hardcopy version of your work.
Tunecore focuses on giving bands digital ownership of their music (0% cut), and is more individually focused. Their service has been used by Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails.
Bandcamp puts everything into the hands of musicians, from pricing to artwork to webdesign. They don’t distribute to iTunes, however, so you’ll have to focus on marketing your music through other services. Bandcamp is the only service that allows you to set your own price for music, or let fans download for free in return for an email address.
These sites give your band choices on how to distribute your music digitally without needing a record company. It’s worth checking around and deciding which suits your band’s interests best.
Does your band use any of these sites?
Seen any other useful services for selling music online?
Let us know below…
