Independent artists used to be limited to selling their music only after a performance or out of the trunk of a car in parking lots. Now with the Internet and social networking websites, independent artists have a broader and more effective way to market their music to audiences worldwide. One way to market music is to sell it on iTunes.

Master Your Music

Before your music reaches any potential customer, you want to make sure it sounds as close to professional quality as possible. Mastering will manipulate the EQ levels, dynamics and volume to give your recording a crisp, professional sound. You can master it yourself or pay a professional to master it at a local recording studio.

Obtain a ISRC and UPC Code

The initials IRSC stands for Internet Revenue Service Code and allows IRS to calculate taxes owed on your music sales. A UPC code is a unique 12-digit number that identifies your album and/or single. Any music that is sold requires a UPC code to keep track of actual album or single sales numbers. Companies vary greatly in fees they charge to provide you with this code. CD Baby is one service that charges only $35 for a UPC code and the ISRC code is free. Codes can be used on both a standard CD and a digital versions for download.

Find a Distributor

Due to the volume of interests and quality control, Apple no longer allows just anyone to sell music on iTunes. You must now have a established distributor. One of the best distributors is CD Baby. CD Baby will not only distribute your music to online sites like iTunes, Amazon and Rhapsody, they will also sell your music on their own website. CD Baby will also maximize the quality and encoding of your recording. They charge $35 per album. TuneCore is another established distributor. Each distributor has different fees for setup, maintenance and even artwork for your album cover. To get a distribution deal, just set up for an account with a digital music distributor. Make sure that any distribution deal you agree to allows you to keep full and exclusive rights to your content.

Source:

Garage Spin: Ways to Sell Your Music on iTunes

More Information:

TuneCore Distribution

CD Baby Distribution