How to Build a Website to Sell PDF Sheet Music
The Internet constantly challenges intellectual property rights, which makes online sales of sheet music an inherently risky and potentially unprofitable activity. For example, one person could download the sheet music and then distribute it to others, destroying your profit margin. Overall, building a website to sell PDF sheet music requires finding the proper host for the website, designing and building it, installing basic protections, and then deciding on your delivery model (e.g. everyone gets the same copy of a file or you change the password to each file and e-mail them individually.)
Instructions
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Choose a host for the website. Consider your skill level with building websites and whether you have the time or desire to build one yourself. For a list of numerous websites that can host your site and provide basic design templates, type "website builders" into any major search engine. For a list of website designers, type "website designers" into any major search engine. When dealing with designers, you should already have a basic template of your website in mind (e.g. the number of pages on your website and the things you want your website to do). Double-check that the website you build has a "Checkout" area.
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Design your website to match the type of music you want to sell. For example, if you want to sell sheet music of the classical genre, avoid images of rap or modern rock artists.
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Create a PayPal account. The vast majority of online small commercial payment transactions are done through PayPal. Link the "Checkout" area of your website to your PayPal account. If you are not sure how, call the owner of the website-building company or the website designer (whichever service you selected) and ask for directions.
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Password protect your PDF files. To password protect the files, go to "File" and then click "Document Security." In the new window, click Acrobat Standard Security. Check the box for "Password Required to Open Document" in the new window. Enter the user password for the document. This will enable you to control access to the document, since it will require a password that you can distribute.
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Upload your document to your website or a message requesting prospective customers to e-mail you once they have purchased the document. Set it up so that your document is only downloaded by the customer after they have "Checked Out." This is a standard feature with all website builders and designers. Customers should receive the password and document as soon as possible after completing their purchase.
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Tips & Warnings
For a more thorough set of protections for your PDF sheet music, consider enrolling in a specific program provided by Adobe to protect your files. Information is available at createpdf.adobe.com.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit music book. manuscript. music score image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
