Creating An Internet Presence - Digital Distribution

Hi guys!!

So we all know that the industry changes daily. The methodologies that worked in the 90's, no longer work in 2014. We live in a "hot pocket" society and in order to keep fans and create new ones, we have to make every thing EXTREMELY accessible. Basically, at your finger tips. Hence, why the digital world has taken over the industry. People aren't buying records as frequently any more, and many record stores have basically gone out of business. RARELY, nowadays do you see record stores, and long aisles with cd's in stores any more. Why? Because of the word, DOWNLOAD.

Downloading and streaming music is not only more convenient, as you can do it from home or a cell phone, it also makes choosing what you actually WANT to hear, even easier. You can download only the songs you want and leave the rest, as well as it being a lot faster. You no longer have to drive 10 miles to the nearest f.y.e to get your favorite track. Every thing again, is AT YOUR FINGER TIPS.

But before we go any further, let's make sure every one understands what Digital Distribution actually is. Digital distribution is the process of releasing your music online and placing your music in online retail stores. Unlike physical distribution, which is the placement of your music in actual physical stores such as Target, Walmart, etc, DIGITAL distribution is a lot cheaper, easier to get, and can help you get your music to a larger audience, faster. Literally, over night.

So how can a new artist on a budget get his music to the masses? How can an artist on a budget, who is NOT signed to a major label, still be able to make an impact online and reach his target audience new and old, without breaking the bank? Take a look below at an email I sent an artist who inquired about this with me just last night. The email below is a recap I sent to him this morning, to follow up our conversation. Mind you, though I'm GIVING you this information free, there are a lot of of people who make a living charging big bucks, as consultants, SELLING YOU this same info. Consider yourself privileged. ♥♥


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Hi Tyler!

So just to follow up on our conversation from last night here are the links that I think may give you a good jump start on creating an online presence. I went through the sites and got the links for you so you don't have to search for them.


Digital Distribution
Tune Core - This is the site I told you would create you an iTunes account for you in addition to other digital distribution outlets like Google Play, Spotify, Amazon.com, etc.

http://www.tunecore.com/


Press Kits (Electronic) -

If you were interested in creating the EPK we spoke about, here is a great site you can create one on without paying hundreds of dollars. EPK's run about 4 to $500. This will save you lots of money. In addition, there are several major industry heads who use this as well. Look at the samples, they are DOPE. They look like mini websites. And depending on how well you create yours, you may not even need a website in addition to this.

http://www.myppk.com/

Sample: http://www.powerpresskits.com/PPKs/indexC.aspx?PPK=3989


Reverbnation "PromoteIt"

Now, let's say you didn't want to use Tunecore, or MY PPK, you can always use Reverbnation. Reverbnation has a promotions department of it's own that does really well in regards to digital distro and press kits. Go to the links below and check it out. It's pretty neat.

You can get ad space: http://www.reverbnation.com/promote

You can get Digital Distribution (Includes iTunes): http://www.reverbnation.com/band-promotion/how-to-sell-music-on-itunes

You can get Press Kits: http://www.reverbnation.com/band-promotion/epk-electronic-press-kits

MTV Beta

Here is another artist site that can help build your online Buzz: With this site you can link your other sites, like FB, Twitter, IG, etc. so that when you click one, they are all tagged together making it easier to Google you. Because the real key to creating an online presence, is the ability to be able to "Sync" your sites and relevant information, allowing you to pop up in search engines, etc.

http://www.mtv.com/artists/about/

So! Hope this gets you started. I have tons more info and sites with ways you can create an online presence as well as how to get some major media placements on sites such as All Hip Hop.com, Hype Magazine, etc. And just remember, with the internet, you can LEARN ANY THING. All you have to do is put in the time. I spend some times 3 - 4 hours PER DAY researching and learning this industry. I'm up all night some times! That way, NO ONE can sell it to me. And you should do the same.  But! If you're still too busy after reading this, or is not internet savvy enough to figure this stuff out yourself, you should then hire some one to do it for you. Nowadays this industry is like 30% talent, 70% BUSINESS. Your best bet is to find some one who knows it.

Please call me if you have further questions. ♥

Vivian Cash| Indie Promoter| Founder, C.B.M