Sell Before You Stream: A Proven Strategy to Make Money from Your Music

If you are ready to make real money from your music, it starts with one simple shift: sell your song before it goes live on streaming platforms.

Streaming platforms are great for visibility, but they rarely generate meaningful income. Instead, treat platforms like Spotify as marketing tools. The real revenue comes from selling your music directly to your audience first, even if you think you have no audience yet.

1. What Is the Sell Before You Stream Method?

This strategy is simple: release your music to your fans as a paid digital download before releasing it on streaming platforms. Use your own website or a platform like Bandcamp. Set a base price (for example, one dollar) and allow fans to pay more if they choose. This gives your true fans a chance to show support.

We have seen fans pay $20, $50, or more (not because they have to, but because they value your work).

2. How to Start With No Fans

Think you have no fans? Start with your phone; your contacts are your audience! Go through your list and begin building your email database, because even 100 names is a solid start.

3. Build Your Email List

Ask contacts if they are willing to give feedback on your upcoming release. Use this message template:

“Hi [Name], sorry if this is out of the blue. I am putting together a list of awesome people who might be willing to give me feedback on my new song. Can I add you to the list? If yes, send your email and I will give you a shoutout on social media.”

Once you have emails, add them to platforms like AWeber or Mailchimp. This allows you to send announcements when your music drops.

4. Use Livestreams and Social Media

Go live on platforms like Instagram and talk about your upcoming release. Call out people by name and ask them to join your email list. Tell them they will get the music video or download first. Make it fun, and keep your tone personal and grateful.

5. Set Up a Simple Landing Page

Create a basic landing page with links to your music video, streaming platforms, and email signup. Include multiple file types (such as WAV and MP3) and offer bundle options later like CDs or merch.

6. Pro Tips to Grow and Promote

Use direct messages to start conversations and build relationships.

• Cross-seed audiences by tagging your business pages and collaborators.

• Engage in the comments. Always respond and build community.

• Share content from both your personal and professional accounts.

7. Final Thoughts

Having “zero fans” does not mean zero sales, your contacts list is your starting point. Brand-building begins with the people who already know you, not strangers online.

If you found this method helpful, download the free Sell Before You Stream cheat sheet for the full checklist and next steps.

Need help developing a plan? Book a consultation with one of our attorneys to help strategize your next steps.

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