You have been in the studio for weeks and your EP or album is finally ready. You have had a large supply of CDs pressed and you have organized a fantastic release party. Very nice of course, but have you also thought of the online distribution of your music? We are happy to help you on your way with a number of practical tips:
1. Plan your online distribution well in advance
It is wise to make a step-by-step plan for your CD release in advance, in which you also record your ideas for the promotion. Take your online strategy with you from the start. If you decide to also send your music through iTunes, Sell Spotify, etc., keep an eye on the release date. After all, it would be nice to have your EP or album go online at the same time as the physical release. The sooner you provide the required material for this, the greater the chance that it will actually succeed.
2. Provide the best source material
In line with the proper preparation for your release: make sure you have all source files in the highest possible quality. For delivering to the stores you cannot suffice with a mp3 of 128kbps and artwork in stamp format is also not enough. Ask the studio and your graphic designer for a copy of all relevant material and make sure that you have an overview of song titles, composers, etc. That saves you unnecessary searching when you want to distribute your music or when you use the material in a later stage again.
3. Learn about the differences between download stores
iTunes and Spotify are familiar to most music lovers, but Deezer or Tidal away from the rest? And how does it work? YouTube Audio Content ID? In order to optimally use the various stores and streaming services for the promotion and sale of your music, it is advisable to test these services yourself. This makes it easier to determine which channels are really relevant to you and which you can possibly ignore.
4. Treat your fans
This tip actually always applies regardless of what format you release your music to: let your fans feel involved in what you do. Don't be afraid to give away one or more tracks from your album for free. Or "play" with the composition of your release: put an extra track on the physical CD that is not on iTunes, or vice versa. Let your fans watch the entire process in the run-up to your release, for example by sharing photos and videos from the recording sessions.
5. Share your music
Following on from the previous tip: share your music. It is not without reason that all stores now have options to share your release via Facebook, Twitter, e-mail, etc. Also consider the possibility to create playlists in Spotify and Deezer with your favorite tracks and songs from your own release. Often these also show up in the search results of the relevant stores. Also consider applying for a 'verified account'at Spotify or claiming your own profile Google Play Music. You can find more information about this on our website help page.
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Still in doubt? Then also read: Why should I opt for WM Digital Services?
Do you need more information? Feel free to mail to info@wmdigitalservices.nl.