How to Make and sell CDs (and Other Physical Media) to your Online Audience

CDs are making something of a comeback recently. With the resurgence of popularity in physical media over streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, it might be a really good time to get with the movement and release your next project on a CD.

Vinyl is great too but let's be real, CDs have excellent sound quality, are small and compact, and probably most importantly, are easy to rip and back up so you actually own high quality versions of the music you love.

So, you want to get some of these compact discs made, and you want it done professionally, without necessarily needing the help of a recored label? I've got you. Here's how you can do it:

1. Find a CD Manufacturing Service

Several companies specialize in CD manufacturing for independent artists, offering options for both small and large runs. Some popular options include:

• Disc Makers: Known for working with independent musicians, they offer CD pressing, printing, and packaging.

• Kunaki: A budget-friendly option, ideal for small runs, with automated production and shipping.

• CD Baby: Primarily a digital distributor, they also offer physical CD manufacturing with worldwide distribution options.

  Look for companies that offer services like printing on the CD surface, jewel case inserts, or eco-friendly packaging to match your aesthetic and budget.

2. Prepare Your Album for Pressing

• Master Your Audio: Make sure your album is professionally mastered so that it sounds high-quality on physical CDs. Once its been pressed, you can't go back and fix mistakes in the mix, so be sure to get all that sorted out.
• Design Your Artwork: Design or hire a graphic designer to create your album cover, liner notes, and any other printed materials. The CD manufacturer will usually provide templates with specs for artwork. You definitely wanna avoid sending in low quality images that look fine on a phone or computer screen, but look off when printed out. Also, you'll need to decide on whether you want any artwork or text printed on the actual disc itself or not. The more elaborate the disc print is, the higher the cost, but it could be worth it if having it helps express the artistic vision.
• Decide on the type of Packaging: There are a few different types of cd cases available, namely the jewel case which is honestly made of pretty brittle plastic, the paper cases that kinda look like mini vinyl record sleeves, and the aluminum (or maybe tin?) cases. You can probably even get creative with other custom packaging options as long as you can find someone who can produce your idea.

3. Place Your Order

Most manufacturers allow you to order in quantities as low as 100 units if you’re just starting out. Larger orders are more cost-effective per unit, so you might want to estimate based on fan demand and any pre-orders you might collect. You can try to gauge how many you should get made based on how many fans you have across your social media platforms.

4. Sell Digital Downloads and CDs Together

Use an e-commerce platform to sell both your CDs and digital downloads. Options like Bandcamp, Shopify, or Link to Me make it easy to offer both formats in one storefront. Link to Me, for example, allows fans to buy physical copies while receiving immediate digital downloads, giving them instant access to your music.

5. Consider Inventory and Shipping

Decide if you’ll keep CDs on hand or use a manufacturer’s fulfillment service, where they handle the shipping. Fulfillment services cost more but can save you time and logistics, especially for international orders.

6. Consider Companion Products to the CD

Now that you have the CD (or the idea of how you want it to be), you can easily create other print based products that share the same artwork as the CD. Fans who would purchase a CD from you would probably also like to have a t-shirt, hat, or poster.

7. Market Your Release

Announce your album on your website, social media, and mailing list. Offering signed CDs, limited editions, or bundles with digital downloads can create excitement and boost sales.

By handling these aspects independently, you’ll have full control over your album release, keep a larger share of profits, and connect directly with your fans, all while giving them something physical that they can hold on to. Streaming is great in how convenient it is, but there's just something about having physical copies of an artists work that feels nice.