Sell Music Online 1-2-3
How to Sell Your Music
You may be a talented musician with amazing song writing abilities, but a big part of
succeeding as a musician is being able to market yourself. However, most talented artists are great at
producing music - not great marketers.
Although marketing may be a challenge, it is becoming easier with the growth of the internet. Musicians can
now reach a large number of people quickly, whereas before it was much more difficult to do on your own. These
days, there are several platforms through which artists can easily promote their music themselves.
If you are interested in selling music online, below are some resources that can help you reach a large
number of listeners in a short period of time - and at minimal cost.
Where to Sell Music Online
- Music Forte
With Music Forte, you can sell your music online (MP3 downloads, digital music, sheet music and advertise
your shows) and keep 100% profits. The website also helps musicians connect with labels, agents and other
musicians. Get your music played on the Music Forte Radio and submit press releases to generate
interest.
- ReverbNation
ReverbNation helps you sell your music and book Gigs while building a fan base. A unique feature that they
offer is the Reverb Store, where you can sell band t-shirts, hats, ringtones and more to Facebook fans and
Twitter followers straight from the website. Their Gig Finder helps you locate venues looking for
entertainers, and the Reverb Press Kit assists in booking gigs.
- CDBaby
This website lets you sell your songs and albums through their website - but also through iTunes and
Amazon.
In addition to music-exclusive websites, there are also other web-based marketplaces where you can advertise
your songs and albums. Some of the marketplaces are free to use, while other platforms charge a store set-up
fee, a monthly charge or a transaction fee. Here are 18 online marketplaces where you can
promote yourself on the internet.
Make Your Own Online Store... Using Wordpress and MarketTheme
Wordpress is widely known as a blog site, but it is also an easy and low-cost way to set up your own music
store online. With a program called MarketTheme, you can turn the Wordpress platform platform
into your own online store.
MarketTheme works well for small retailers or artists because it does not require you to have website design
experience. MarketTheme lets you design your own professional site and save money. It has a built-in shopping
cart program that integrates easily with PayPal.
How are MarketTheme sites different from other sites out there? Visually, your website will display the more
recognizable blog format (that shoppers are comfortable with), but it will act like a storefront (or you can
use the traditional "grid view" storefront display - your choice). Click here to see
demo
How to Accept Payments:
Many music websites and online marketplaces a built-in payment system for you. However, if you want to
accept payments through your own website, you need to set up your own merchant account - but this does not have
to be difficult or costly. PayPal and Merchant Express are two low-cost and simple options.
PayPal: Free to sign up with no software or equipment to install. They are a trusted,
recognized brand worldwide, and they offer a secure platform through which your shoppers can make purchases.
They charge a nominal transaction fee which is deducted from each transaction. This means that you don't
have to pay any money up front to use their service.
Merchant Express: With Merchant
Express, you can accept MasterCard, Visa and bank ATM cards. Plus - you can apply for American Express and
Discover; there is no fee to set up American Express, there is a $50 set-up charge if you want to accept
Discover Cards.
Some benefits:
- Less-than-perfect credit OK - they have a high approval rate
- Business license not required (although can be helpful)
- Transaction fees (discount rates) are low, compared to industry standards
- Money deposited directly into your business bank account, usually available within 2 business days
- Live 24-7 customer service and fast application process: most applications approved in 72 hours
