Last Updated on October 12, 2024 by Arif Chowdhury
Ever dreamed of making serious cash from your music?
Wondering if it’s actually possible to quit your day job and live off your tunes?
I get it. I’ve been there too.
Let me tell you something: building a $7,000 monthly income from selling online music tracks isn’t just a pipe dream.
It’s totally doable.
But here’s the kicker – it’s not going to happen overnight.
You need to put in the work, be smart about your strategy, and stay persistent.
Let’s break it down, step by step.
The Reality Check
First things first: let’s talk numbers.
According to a 2023 survey by the Future of Music Coalition, only about 12% of musicians make their entire living from music.
Shocking, right?
But here’s the thing: you’re not going to be in that 88%.
You’re going to be in that 12%.
Why? Because you’re reading this article, and you’re about to learn the secrets that most musicians don’t know.
Step 1: Master Your Craft
You can’t sell what you can’t make.
So, priority number one: get really freakin’ good at making music.
Here’s how:
- Practice every day. No excuses.
- Learn from the best. YouTube tutorials, online courses, whatever it takes.
- Experiment with different genres and styles.
- Collaborate with other musicians.
Remember: your music needs to be top-notch if you want people to pay for it.
Step 2: Find Your Niche
Here’s where most musicians mess up:
They try to appeal to everyone.
Big mistake.
Instead, find your niche. The more specific, the better.
Maybe you make:
- Lo-fi beats for studying
- Epic orchestral tracks for movie trailers
- Relaxing nature sounds for meditation apps
Whatever it is, own it.
Become the go-to person for that specific type of music.
Step 3: Build Your Brand
You’re not just selling music.
You’re selling yourself.
Your brand is everything.
Here’s what you need:
- A killer artist name
- A professional website
- Strong social media presence
- A consistent visual aesthetic
Make it easy for people to recognize and remember you.
Step 4: Create a Ton of Content
Now, here’s where the rubber meets the road:
You need to create. A lot.
I’m talking at least one new track every week.
Sounds crazy? Maybe.
But here’s the thing:
The more content you have, the more chances you have to make a sale.
It’s simple math.
Step 5: Diversify Your Income Streams
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
Here are some ways to monetize your music:
- Sell tracks on stock music sites
- License your music for TV, film, and ads
- Offer custom music creation services
- Sell sample packs and presets
- Create and sell online music courses
The key is to have multiple income streams.
That way, if one dries up, you’re not left high and dry.
Step 6: Master the Art of Licensing
Here’s a little-known fact:
Music licensing can be incredibly lucrative.
According to the IFPI Global Music Report, synchronization revenues (music licensed for TV, film, and ads) grew by 22.4% in 2022.
That’s huge.
To get in on this:
- Research music supervisors and pitch your tracks
- Join music licensing platforms
- Create music with licensing in mind (think: versatile, easy to edit)
Step 7: Leverage Stock Music Sites
Stock music sites can be a goldmine if you play it right.
Sites like AudioJungle, Pond5, and Premium Beat are always looking for quality tracks.
Here’s the strategy:
- Upload consistently (remember, one track a week minimum)
- Use relevant tags and descriptions
- Study what’s selling and create similar tracks
- Price competitively
It might take a while to gain traction, but once you do, the passive income can be substantial.
Step 8: Offer Custom Music Services
Want to really boost your income?
Offer custom music creation services.
This could be:
- Creating jingles for local businesses
- Composing theme music for podcasts
- Producing custom tracks for YouTubers
The key here is to deliver high-quality work and build a stellar reputation.
Word-of-mouth referrals can become your best friend.
Step 9: Create and Sell Digital Products
Here’s where you can really scale your income:
Create digital products related to your music.
This could be:
- Sample packs
- Preset banks for popular synths
- MIDI packs
- Tutorial videos
The beauty of digital products?
You create them once and can sell them infinitely.
Talk about leverage.
Step 10: Build an Email List
Don’t overlook this:
Your email list is gold.
It’s your direct line to your fans and customers.
Here’s what to do:
- Offer a freebie (like a free track) in exchange for email addresses
- Send regular updates about new tracks and products
- Provide exclusive offers to your subscribers
An engaged email list can be your ticket to consistent sales.
Step 11: Optimize for Search Engines
Here’s something most musicians don’t think about:
SEO.
Yeah, I know. Sounds boring.
But listen:
If your tracks show up first when someone searches for “epic orchestral music for trailers,” you’re going to make a lot more sales.
Learn the basics of SEO and apply them to your track titles, descriptions, and website content.
Step 12: Analyze and Adjust
Last but not least:
Track everything.
I’m talking:
- Which tracks sell the most
- Which marketing strategies bring in the most customers
- Which income streams are most profitable
Use this data to constantly refine your approach.
Remember: what got you to $1,000 a month might not get you to $7,000.
Be willing to pivot and adjust as needed.
The Bottom Line
Building a $7,000 monthly income from online music tracks isn’t easy.
But it’s absolutely possible.
It takes hard work, smart strategy, and relentless persistence.
But if you follow these steps and stay committed, you can turn your passion for music into a thriving business.
Now get out there and start creating.
Your $7,000 monthly income is waiting.