Navigating the diverse landscape of beat selling platforms can be perplexing for aspiring beat makers aiming to establish their presence in the online market. The multitude of options, including various templates and themes, often leads to indecision, potentially causing missed opportunities for financial gain. Today, we delve into the three distinct categories of beat selling websites, shedding light on the features and suitability for different types of music producers.
In my journey as a beat seller since 2017, I’ve explored numerous platforms, templates, and themes. Through this experience, I’ve identified three primary types of beat selling websites:
1. Traditional Beat Store:
Definition:
A beat selling website hosted on a specialized beat marketplace platform, such as BeatStars or Airbit.
Key Features:
- User-friendly interface for both producers and artists.
- Centralized marketplace for beat display and purchase.
- Hosting and subdomain services.
- Various licensing options for producers.
Pros (Advantages)
- Minimal maintenance required.
- Quick and robust functionality.
- Easy beat management.
Cons (Disadvantages)
- Suitable for:
- Emerging Producers: Those initiating their beat-selling journey seeking a ready-made platform.
- Artists Seeking Variety: Individuals in search of a broad selection of beats and producers in a single marketplace.
- Limited customization options.
Templates or Themes
2. Hybrid Beat Store:
Definition:
A website built on platforms like WordPress, Wix, or Shopify that integrates an embedded beat store using iframes from external beat marketplaces.
Key Features:
- Seamless integration of the beat store within the website.
- Customization options for the overall website design.
- Utilization of features from external beat marketplaces.
- Simplified checkout process without domain redirection.
Pros
- Seamless Integration: The beat store smoothly integrates within the website, offering a cohesive user experience.
- Customization Options: Users have the flexibility to customize the overall design of the website.
- Utilization of Marketplace Features: It leverages features and functionalities from external beat marketplaces.
- Simplified Checkout: The checkout process is streamlined, eliminating the need for users to be redirected to a different domain.
Cons
- Dependency on External Marketplaces: The functionalities are limited to what the external beat marketplace offers.
- Design Constraints: Customization options may be constrained compared to a fully custom solution.
3. Custom Beat Store:
Definition
A beat selling website created on platforms like WordPress, Wix, or Shopify, featuring a custom-built beat store instead of relying on an external marketplace through iframes.
Key Features
- Independent and customized beat store integrated directly into the website.
- Full control over design, layout, and user experience.
- Tailored branding to align with the overall website aesthetic.
- Ability to implement unique features beyond standard marketplace offerings.
- Direct management of transactions and customer interactions within the website.
Pros
- Full Independence: The beat store is integrated directly into the website, offering complete autonomy.
- Total Design Control: Producers have full control over design, layout, and user experience.
- Unique Branding: Tailored branding aligns with the overall aesthetic of the website.
- Advanced Features: Users can implement unique features beyond what standard marketplaces offer.
- Direct Management: Transactions and customer interactions are managed directly within the website.
Cons
- Higher Maintenance: Requires more active maintenance compared to traditional beat stores.
- Development Time: Building a custom beat store takes more time than setting up a store on a marketplace.
- Hosting Responsibility: Users need to handle hosting for their website.
- Potentially Higher Costs: Initial setup costs and ongoing maintenance may be higher compared to ready-made solutions.
Carefully considering these pros and cons should help beat makers make informed decisions based on their specific needs, preferences, and the level of control they desire over their online beat-selling platform.