Music marketing business

Starting a music marketing company will allow you to help build artist brands and increase awareness
in the marketplace. Music marketing differs from music promotion in that you are building a brand, fan
and buyer-base, rather than promoting a particular product or event as a music promoter does.
Marketing involves creation of the artist's graphics and website design, creating promotional materials
and assisting in developing image and the stage show. Music marketing companies can specialize in
one or more areas of marketing and can be paid on a per-project or ongoing basis.

Step 1
Obtain a business license from your local and state government to open a business checking account
for your new business.

Step 2
Equip and office in your home or rental space with a computer, printer, telephone, office furniture and
supplies. You will be doing a lot of work online, so an Internet connection is necessary.

Step 3
Procure business cards, brochures and stationery from your local printer, and avoid making them
yourself on the computer. Home-made business printing has the look and feel of homemade and can
adversely affect your credibility.

Step 4
Outline a product and services list you will be offering with estimated fees to use as a guideline.

Step 5
Market your company and promote your services to local artists and others found on Internet music
sites.

Step 6
Create detailed proposals for interested clients and prepare contracts for all parties to sign if the
proposal is accepted. Hire an attorney to draft contracts to ensure that they are legal and binding in
your state.

Step 7
Collect a deposit at the time the contract is signed, and be sure the contract contains a clause that
expects the client to pay the balance upon completion of the work, or within a specified time period. It
is not unusual for any creative firm to require a deposit before work is started.

Tips & Warnings

 Out-source skills you may lack to other individuals and businesses and spend your time marketing
and selling. Examples may include copy writing, photography, videography, printing, graphic design
and illustration.
 You may offer services to other music-related business, such as retailers, performance venues,
managers, booking agencies and concert promotion companies. These businesses are also a good
source of referrals.
 When creating marketing materials, you are the copyright owner and are selling intellectual property
to your client. Use a copyright transfer form drafted by your attorney in which you transfer all rights to
the work to the buyer when payment is made. Failure to use this form, or at least include a similar
clause in the initial contract, may result in the client's use of your work if they choose not to pay you.
 Don't take on projects that are too complex to handle unless you have a reliable out-sourcing network.
Not following through on projects or delivery undesirable work will ruin your reputation and may cause
legal issues depending on the terms of the contract.