aaamusic | On 13, Aug 2019

It is no secret that the word “starving” is often immediately followed by “artist”. Indeed, musicians are often forced to struggle for months or even years before their work gains enough exposure to garner a significant number of followers. However, times are changing. The presence of the Internet has served to redefine the entire process of marketing and musicians need to be aware of the tools at their disposal. Let’s take a quick look at how e-commerce solutions can be applied to this industry as well as what suggestions you will need to keep in mind along the way

Are E-Commerce and Music Related?

In a single word, yes. Although e-commerce may sound like a phrase employed by accountants and financial advisers, it is actually quite simple to understand. E-commerce is the process by which goods or services are exchanged between to people or businesses. How does this relate to the musical industry? Some relevant examples can include:

• Posting online ticket sales.
• Advertising for an upcoming event.
• Interacting with your fan base.
• Offering discounts to loyal followers.

You might still be wondering if an expert level of knowledge is needed in order to leverage the actions mentioned above. In fact, the majority of e-commerce solutions have been built with a user-friendly nature in mind. Whether referring to website widgets, automated email advertising or bespoke POS (point of sale) systems, you will be amazed at the sheer variety of options.

What to Look for in a Provider

Now that we have covered the basics in reference to the principle of e-commerce within the music industry, where you you begin? The first step is becoming partnered with a worthwhile provider. Although there are some firms which claim to offer free services, their functions and options are limited. Always remember that you get what you pay for. However, the top names in the business such as Shopify offer a number of payment plans and you can always opt for a free demonstration version so that you feel more comfortable making a future commitment.

Let’s assume for a moment that you have narrowed your options down to a handful of firms. Always be sure to take a look at what other clients have had to say about the services rendered. Word of mouth goes a long way towards transparency and most e-commerce solutions list testimonials from current customers. It is also a good idea to examine how flexible the platform is. You may need to increase or decrease the number of tools in the future as your musical venture grows. A scalable platform is the best way forward, as you will not be required to switch providers and to learn a host of new techniques.

There are numerous opportunities for musicians within the online community if you know where to look. Assuming that you perform the proper amount of research, breaking through to that next level of virtual exposure could soon become a reality.