As well as using Physical CDs and Streaming Platforms to release your music, you might also consider Download Cards as an immediate way to get paid for all your hard work!
A card that you sell at shows. A card that offers all the benefits of a digital download to your audience who may not have a CD player, but wish to take your tracks away right there right then. Much better than announcing that your music is available on Spotify.
NOT EVERYONE HAS A CD PLAYER, but people want something to bring home from your shows. Music download cards are a physical card containing a unique code that allows buyers to download digital music, thereby bridging the gap between physical and digital sales.
You can sell your cards at live shows, online, or through various promotional efforts.
Better still, with a music upload and a batch of redeemable codes, you can print your own cards – or get them printed for you.
Download cards offer a modern and cost-effective way to distribute your music, get new tracks into the hands (and ears!) of new audiences, and help you grow a fan base and monetize the investment you have placed into recording your music.
Physical card: Download cards are the size of a business card, made of plastic or card, and feature your custom artwork.
Unique code: Each card has a unique code printed on it for buyer redemption.
Website redemption: You sell the card. Your buyer goes to the web address printed on the card, and then enters their unique code to download your music.
Direct sales: Download cards enable artists to sell music directly to fans at live events or through other channels – local retailers or your own website with immediate delivery.
Cost-effective: They offer a more affordable way to distribute music compared to physical CDs.
More money in your pocket: A Music Download Card featuring a four track EP can sell for $10 to $15. Alternatively, Spotify streaming royalties are a fraction of this.
Limited and Special Editions: Get new tracks and new arrangements out fast. Late festival slot coming up? Release music on a download card only for that festival.
Fan engagement: They can be used to incentivize fans to visit websites, social media pages, or join mailing lists.
Modern format: They provide a convenient and modern way for fans to listen to your music or add to Apple iTunes.
Bundle with Vinyl: Old Skool and Digital!
Include with your EPK: Track listens by adding download codes to your Electronic Press Kit
Distribute New Music through Newsletters and Emails.
For 200 cards, each card can cost less than a dollar. Obviously, the more cards you buy, the cheaper they become. It’s up to you how much you sell the cards for.
Specialized companies: Companies like Dropcards, Atlanta Disc, ProCards, and NationWide Disc offer code generation, redemption, custom download card design and printing services.
Or Do Your Own. ProCards can set up the redemption and sell you the redeemable codes. You do the printing. Print on card. Or print on a T-Shirt!
Design and customization: Again, choose a design that reflects your brand and music. You should already have a base artwork stash from creating artwork for a CD or a streaming platform.
Website functionality: Ensure the redemption website is user-friendly and reliable. The redemption website is usually operated by the company that you bought your cards from.
Pricing and marketing and promotion: Determine the optimal price point and the marketing strategy for your cards.
