Sell Your CD on iTunes

In real-time, the Music Thoughts Yahoo! Group is in the midst of a red-hot forum thread, titled something like

“RE: Cut to the Damn Chase! Who is Really Making Money on iTunes??”

While, I’ve been lurking in this forum for a month or so now, the current thread is of particular importance, so I’m tuned in like a hawk. One forum member, musician Cameron Mizell, responds with some info, and then includes a seemingly harmless little link to a blog post he’s written on the subject of selling your CD on iTunes. It’s a subtle suggestion, easily ignored. But being the curious girl, I am, I click that link. I proceed to print the article, and read it a few times over a half hour.

Wow.

After all my internet marketing independent studies this summer, I find his strategy extremely powerful and elegant (not to mention no-cost!). Crazier than that, I am blown away at his generosity at including his how-tos, for the betterment of all musicians. Says Mizell:

Being an independent artist is a lot like competing in a decathlon. To be successful you need to be more than competent at many different skills, from the creative process to the business side. But most of us spend more time perfecting the artistic side of our craft, so much that we can’t even comprehend the rest. I’ve heard people say most musicians spend more time practicing their craft than brain surgeons do theirs. Think about that next time you have a headache.

The key to making this work is to NOT think like a business person or marketer. Instead, think like a fan. When you’re writing songs or practicing, you’re trying to reach the level of the artists you love. You’re looking at the target from the perspective of a fan. If you want somebody to buy your music, why not use the same approach?

For the how-to’s, read Cameron’s article How To Effectively Promote and Sell Your Music on iTunes

Cameron Mizell is on to something, and I’m going to have to test it for myself. Stay tuned!

Just try to tell me that there’s no such thing a musical middle class. More musicians are proving this every day.

Six Tips For Selling Your Music on eBay ~ Guest Blog by Georgina Pierce

Six Tips For Selling Your Music on eBay
by Georgina Pierce

Believe it or not, you don’t have to be U2 or Coldplay to sell music CDs on eBay. Independent musicians can get their CDs sold on eBay, but it does take some strategy. Here are a few simple tips for success.

1. Set a low price.
Bear in mind that you’re competing with other sellers who are offering used or new CD’s from famous artists at low prices.

2. Be careful when using the names of other bands.
Some people get around this by using the names of similar, better-known artists in their titles. You’ll need to be careful when doing this, however, as eBay’s keyword spamming policy doesn’t permit buyers to use words that are not related to the product in a listing.

3. Include a picture.
Buyers perceive higher value when sellers include a picture. Upload your album’s cover art or a picture of your CD.

4. Feedback is important.
Always let the customer leave you feedback before you leave yours.

5. Offer a money-back guarantee.
Reassure buyers that there’s no risk to buying-they won’t have wasted their money if they don’t like your CD.

6. Keep in touch with that list.
One of the best things about eBay is that it’s a great way to collect a list of email addresses for people you can market to.

eBay can be a good place to get your CD’s into the hands of buyers. Follow these tips, and you may be able to build your fan base over time-and possibly make some money.

Ok that’s it for now. Hope you enjoyed the article. If you have any ideas or suggestions for content you’d like us to present on this topic please feel free to contact us via email or via the website listed below.

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Georgina Pearce works for the CD duplication company Magellan Duplication. For more info on CD duplication and replication services visit: http://www.magellanduplication.com/cd-duplication.htm

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