I have already recorded a CD, what do I do next?
If you have invested your hard-earned money into a recording, finding creative ways to market that project is probably one of your top priorities. You may not be overly concerned about the money you might make, but marketing your music is not just about making money. It is fundamentally about spreading your message. Here are some ideas that might help you get the word out into the marketplace.
Local Markets
1. At concerts. The most logical place for you to sell your CDs or cassettes is at your
performances. Many people will want to take home a sample of your music. You can increase sales at your concerts by being creative with your display. Make sure you have plenty of table space to display your CDs, T-shirts, etc. Drape the table with black tablecloths and one colorful cloth. Use a backdrop of some kind so people will still be able to see your product, even with people standing in front of the table. These are just a few ideas. Use your imagination. Notice the displays of other artists when you attend concerts.
2. Local retailers. If you have developed a strong following in your home area, you will probably find local bookstore and record store owners fairly open-minded about putting your product in their shops. If so, make sure you promote those retailers at your concerts and tell your fans to mention they came specifically to buy your recording. Be sure to check back with store owners frequently and keep them stocked with your product.
3. Friends and family. Many local performers sell a great deal of product through family and friends. Enlist your fans to spread the word about your recording.
4. Christian radio. Although you may not be able to talk your local Christian radio station into playing your music regularly (few stations play music from artists who don’t have a major recording contract), you might talk the program director into doing a short interview and preview of your new release. You can also offer to give the station a few CDs to use in contest give-away promotions. This might help spread the word about your recording.
Regional Markets
When you begin to spread out from your hometown, you will find the going gets a little tougher. Since people don’t know you, they are less likely to embrace you and your music.
1. Retailers. If you are beginning to tour heavily in the new market, you may find retailers willing to place your product on consignment.
2. Direct mail. When you perform in these new areas, try to get a mailing list started of people who come to hear you and buy your product at your show. When you release new material, you can mail a flyer to these people and offer your new CD to them through mail-order.
National Market
Although some artists have success marketing their recordings nationally before they have a national touring presence, most of the money performers spend on these endeavors is not recouped by national sales. In order to sell your product nationally, you will likely need a recording contract with a major label or a contract with a national distributor who is willing to market your independent project.
