Thursday, August 12, 2010

Solving Problems...


Me being thoughtful


I just read an article that said that people always have a hard time figuring out how to solve their own problems - despite the fact that they can see many solutions for other problems. I thought to myself, "Hmm, my readers are all smart people! Maybe they can help me*!"

I don't have a terrible problem, per se, but I'm trying to think of creative, out-of-the-box ideas of how to make money from my music! I just started a custom song shop on Etsy and I've been submitting songs to various music libraries that supply songs for t.v. shows and such. My albums are for sale on iTunes, Amazon and CDBaby but the trick is getting people to hear them! Ha!

It's just that I'm only six (!) weeks away from Baby's arrival and I'd really love to have some other ways to make money from home (preferably from my music) so I can stay with my Baby and buy groceries too! Yay!

So, here is my question for you, smart readers: what are some ideas of ways to make money through music from my home? What about ways to promote my music and increase sales? I'd love any ideas - from crazy to logical - some of which I may have tried, but I'm sure there are plenty I've never even thought of!

Thank you a million times for suggestions and help!


13 comments:

  1. YOu look so lovely here - the blue of the dress is perfection with your gorgeous flame coloured hair! I think those are great ideas you've got going so far *must go check out your Etsy shop*! Ummm...I keep thinking of children's B'day parties for some reason - only because Mum's are forever trying to make their little one's B'day extra special - maybe a tune just for them?

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  2. Maybe try a giveaway which is really a marketing plan.... Offer the winner a CD of yours, or a custom album. The deal is they set one of your songs to a video and post it on youtube with a link back to itunes or CDbaby. After a set amount of time the three videos with the most views can be put up to the vote on your blog. Reader's vote, you have a winner!

    Maybe...?

    Love Grace.

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  3. My mother suggested that you do a cd of lullabyes, some of your own and some classics like Summer Time. Children's cds can sell well since every kid needs a cd of lullabyes and it will introduce new people to your music.

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  4. I have no idea, but I can wish you good luck! So good luck!

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  5. Such a pretty picture of you!

    xoxo
    Miss Neira

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  6. Have you sent cds to magazines for review? I used to write music reviews for Venus Zine and Bitch and they're just sent by random people sometimes. Also, how about local publications? Good luck! You deserve it!

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  7. hi, emma! oh wow, ure just six weeks away?? this is so exciting!:) how about promoting your music on other blogs? it seems that many businesses (large and small) purchase sponsorship spots on blogs or perhaps, offering a 10% discount to your albums to their readers. hosting a giveaway at ur own blog or at another blog is another promotion strategy:) i hope this helps, emma! you have such an awesome talent and i really hope u're able to increase sales asap! have a great weekend:)

    TheOwlsCloset.blogspot.com

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  8. p.s. this is a lovely picture of u:)

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  9. good idea is ask ur friends to promote it other wise put in you tube
    or i will think and tell u


    http://smsjar.blogspot.com/

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  10. I love the idea of your new Etsy shop! It's tough to think of creative ways to make money (from home) with music.. I know you already give out copies of your song sketches, and that's a great way to get your music out there -- but maybe you could have a special subscription where people pay a certain amount and get bonus songs or something! Perhaps if they pay $x you could send them your cd as well as automatically sign them up to receive your song sketches for a full year or something? Just a thought! :)

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  11. I LOVED Grace and Elinor's ideas! Also, maybe music lessons from home or voice coaching? You have an fantastic voice and I think the blog you have here would definitely be a good way to advertise your classes. Also, a youtube video I think is always a help... people love to hear and see live performances and pretty videos. Congratulations on the baby Emma!! That's so amazingly... :)

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  12. I like the idea of a lullaby CD.
    Possibly a Holiday CD? Emma style, of course!

    Have you considered, or are you already, teaching voice, piano, music theory?
    In your home.. should work, right?

    If I come across any bright ideas, I'll be sure to let you know.

    Good luck!

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  13. Emma, I was going to suggest (though I think you might be like, Duh Marie!) trying private lessons out of your home rather than where you are now? I took
    private violin lessons for years, and that was my teacher's only gig, right out of her living room. She had so many students as the years went by. My sis also took private vocal lessons and her teacher made a living out of it. I really like the lullaby and holiday cd idea- good baby lullaby music is hard to come by! Your baby is lucky to have you.

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