How a Music Distribution Firm Can Help You Align with the 4 P’s of Marketing: The Product

The Role of Music Distribution in the Marketing Mix

In the context of the 4 P’s of marketing, a music distribution firm plays a crucial role in ensuring the availability of the "Product"—your music—in formats that are accessible, playable, and conform to industry standards in terms of sound quality and file size.

The Product

The core product to be sold is, of course, "the music." With the advent of digital music distribution platforms, music products now come in both "physical" and "digital" formats.

Physical Product

In traditional formats, physical music products include CDs, DVDs, vinyl records, and even cassette tapes, though the latter are largely obsolete. Despite the decline in physical formats, they still hold value in certain markets. Physical music distribution covers record stores and specialty retail stores. If you want your music sold over the counter, your distributor should make your product available in these traditional outlets.

Digital Music Product

Digital music distribution is the breakthrough business model that has largely replaced physical formats. An efficient digital music distribution platform should make your songs available in two primary portals where music is often purchased and consumed:

1. Internet

   • With the proliferation of music players and gadgets, numerous online retailers have emerged. Your music distribution network should make your music available for online sales and downloads. Standard file formats include MP3, MP4, and AAC, compatible with devices like iPods and iPads.

2. Mobile

   • Mobile phones are now multifunctional devices used for calling, texting, and listening to music on the go. Music is also used to personalize phones through ringtones and caller tunes. Ensure your music distribution covers mobile music retailers and partners. People now download music from mobile network providers and through mobile apps, so make sure your music is available there.

Interesting Stats

• Digital Music Revenue: In 2022, digital music revenue reached $23.1 billion globally, accounting for 65% of the total music industry revenue (Source: IFPI).
• Streaming Dominance: Streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music contributed to 83% of the total digital music revenue in 2022 (Source: Statista).
• Physical Sales: Despite the digital shift, vinyl sales have seen a resurgence, with 41.72 million vinyl records sold in the U.S. in 2021, the highest since 1985 (Source: RIAA).

Choosing the Right Music Distribution Partner

When looking for a music distribution deal, choose a partner with established connections with digital music retailers and a wide reach. Look for an aggregator that provides access to over 600 retailers and mobile partners across 100 countries. Ensure they have connections with major digital music retailers like iTunes and Amazon, mobile partners like Nokia, and music streaming portals like Spotify.

Conclusion

Music is your product. Work with a music distribution firm that can make your music available and accessible in digital formats and access points like the web and mobile, and physical CDs if needed. For a musician looking for an ideal music distribution deal to sell music online, one must look out for a music distribution partner that has established connections with digital music retailers and offers a global reach.

By aligning with a competent music distribution firm, you can ensure that your music reaches your audience in the most efficient and effective manner, adhering to the principles of the 4 P’s of marketing.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of how a music distribution firm can help independent artists align with the 4 P’s of marketing, focusing on the "Product" aspect. It highlights the importance of choosing the right distribution partner to ensure your music is accessible in both physical and digital formats.