How can you use market research to find the best distribution channels for new music releases?

Market research is a powerful tool for any musician who wants to reach and engage their target audience. By collecting and analyzing data on the preferences, behaviors, and needs of potential listeners, you can make informed decisions about how to distribute your new music releases. In this article, we'll show you how to use market research to find the best distribution channels for your music, whether it's streaming, downloads, physical formats, or live events.

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1 Identify your target market

Before you choose a distribution channel, you need to know who you're making music for. Your target market is the group of people who are most likely to enjoy and buy your music, based on factors such as age, gender, location, income, tastes, and habits. You can use online surveys, social media analytics, fan feedback, and industry reports to gather information about your target market and create a profile of your ideal listener.

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Geovane Bento

Top Voice Linkedin | Sócio e Diretor na LEP Music Brasil | Coolhunter | Estrategista Fonográfico | Membro da Academia do Grammy Latino | Especialista em Diferenciação Profissional | Autor do Livro “Construído Estrelas”.
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To use market research for choosing the best distribution channels for music releases, start by identifying your target audience: their preferences, consumption habits, and favorite platforms. Use online surveys, focus groups, and data analysis from social media and streaming platforms to gather this information. Also, look at where your competition is successful. Evaluate the effectiveness of channels in terms of reach, engagement, and conversion. Based on these insights, pick channels that best meet your audience's needs, optimizing the visibility and impact of the release.

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2 Evaluate your distribution options

Once you have a clear picture of your target market, you can explore the different distribution options available for your music. Streaming platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and SoundCloud, can help you reach a large and diverse audience, but they pay low royalties and have high competition. Download platforms such as iTunes, Bandcamp, and Amazon offer more revenue per sale, but require more marketing. Physical formats like CDs, vinyl records, and cassettes create a loyal fan base but have higher production and distribution costs. Finally, live events like concerts, festivals, and tours build a strong connection with fans but come with high risks and expenses that depend on external factors.

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Geovane Bento

Top Voice Linkedin | Sócio e Diretor na LEP Music Brasil | Coolhunter | Estrategista Fonográfico | Membro da Academia do Grammy Latino | Especialista em Diferenciação Profissional | Autor do Livro “Construído Estrelas”.
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Releasing music on all platforms increases visibility, crucial for generating more listens. However, focusing on up to three platforms can be more effective. Being present everywhere extends reach, but concentrating efforts on main platforms allows for the massification of your music, building a solid and engaged fan base. This optimizes marketing resources and promotes sustainable growth. Identify where your target audience primarily consumes music and direct your main strategies to these platforms, maximizing impact and audience.

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3 Choose the best channel for your goals

After you have evaluated your distribution options, you can choose the best channel for your goals. Your goals may include increasing your exposure, generating more income, growing your fan base, or creating a unique brand identity. You can use market research to compare the pros and cons of each channel and how they align with your goals. For example, if your goal is to increase your exposure, you may want to use streaming platforms that have a large user base and offer playlist placement and promotion opportunities. If your goal is to generate more income, you may want to use download platforms that have a higher profit margin and offer more control over pricing and packaging.

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4 Test and optimize your distribution strategy

Finally, you can test and optimize your distribution strategy based on the results of your market research. You can use metrics such as streams, downloads, sales, reviews, ratings, and feedback to measure the performance of your distribution channel and identify areas for improvement. You can also use experiments such as A/B testing, split testing, and multivariate testing to compare different versions of your distribution channel and see which one performs better. By testing and optimizing your distribution strategy, you can maximize your reach and revenue and satisfy your target market.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Geovane Bento

Top Voice Linkedin | Sócio e Diretor na LEP Music Brasil | Coolhunter | Estrategista Fonográfico | Membro da Academia do Grammy Latino | Especialista em Diferenciação Profissional | Autor do Livro “Construído Estrelas”.
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An important consideration not directly addressed is the analysis of data and listener feedback. Understanding how your music is received across different platforms, which tracks perform best and why, can inform future strategies. Using streaming data and social media interactions to adapt your music, marketing, and even platform choice can significantly increase your listener count. Adjusting based on real feedback allows you to refine your approach and connect more effectively with your audience.

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How can you use market research to find the best distribution channels for new music releases?

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1 Identify your target market

2 Evaluate your distribution options

3 Choose the best channel for your goals

4 Test and optimize your distribution strategy

5 Here’s what else to consider

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