Radio is an excellent example of this.  People listen to songs on the radio over and over and yet they still feel inspired to purchase the album or single. Music has an addictive quality which creeps slowly into our consciousness until it becomes an indispensable part of who we are. This is why it’s so important to allow your fans access to your music before they purchase it.  Let them build a relationship with your tunes and they will be much more likely to spend money on your merchandise.

This is also why live shows are such a great place to sell albums.  Your audience hears the music, forms an emotional and/or nostalgic connection to it, and then feels compelled to own the music which gave them the experience in the first place.

Protecting your music from the public before it is purchased will inevitably mean fewer sales. Now I’m not necessarily suggesting you give it all away for free, but offering selected ‘free tracks’ is a great way to create long lasting fans who will repay your generosity by going to your shows and purchasing your products.

How you present your free tracks is also of great importance. Make sure that your fans understand that you are giving them something special, exclusive, and personal.  A great way to do this is by using the age-old barter system.  Offer your fans a free track if they sign up to your mailing list. Offer them a free track if they can guess your favorite ice cream. Give them a free track if they give you a shout-out on twitter. Give them a free track if they show up to your concert. This will benefit your marketing efforts, your interactions with your fans, and it will increase the value which fans assign to your music.  ‘Something for nothing’ is never as satisfying as getting something ‘free’ that requires a little footwork.

Check out this tutorial for placing a free Mp3 into your ListBaby sign-up form using the HostBaby Wizard.