Additional Information:
What's the difference between IndieCard types?
There are several different types of physical IndieCards, which are broken down into two main categories:
1. Static, which has the same code on the back of each card
or
2. Variable, which has a unique code on the back of each card. Variable cards come in paper, plastic, and recycled material.
The physical cards come with a year of service on our IndieCard Platform- the webpage that hosts their content, where fans go to download the music. All IndieCards include full color printing on the front and back.
We have another option called the “Digital” IndieCard, which essentially is JUST the download platform, without a physical card. You would still have a link to a webpage that has your music available for download, but you would get this code out to your fans via a vehicle other than the physical IndieCard. The different quantities available represent the number of variable (unique) codes we create for you to give out (100, 500, 1000, etc). If you opt for this option, you will basically be given an excel spreadsheet with a list of the unique codes that unlock the content on your IndieCard page.
When deciding which IndieCard type is best for you, you may want to first determine the use of your IndieCards. If you are using them strictly for promotion, Static IndieCards will probably suit your needs. However, if you are selling your IndieCards or are worried about the promo code getting shared, you can opt for variable data, choosing for the individual promo codes to expire after a certain amount of uses (determined by you).
How do I upload content onto my IndieCard platform?
Once your order has been paid for, your IndieCard page will be activated by your sales rep. To login, please go to bandsonabudget.com/login and enter your user name and password. Once in your user account, click the "View IndieCard Projects" link under "IndieCard Management".
Select which IndieCard Project you'd like to manage (if you have multiple campaigns) and click the "Edit" (paper icon) option on the right.
Once in your control panel, click the tab on the top that says "Manage Media" to begin uploading your content!
How do I set up my IndieCard artwork?
IndieCards are 2" tall by 3.5" tall and include full color printing on the front and back. Please set up your artwork at 300DPI, in the proper template, with all fonts outlined.
Templates for the different card types can be found here:
https://bandsonabudget.com/templates
What are IndieCards and how do they work?
IndieCards are digital download cards which link your fans to a place online where they can download your music, videos, etc.
There are several different types of physical IndieCards, which are broken down into two main categories:
1. Static, which has the same code on the back of each card
or
2. Variable, which has a unique code on the back of each card. Variable cards come in paper, plastic, and recycled material.
The physical cards come with a year of service on our IndieCard Platform- the webpage that hosts their content, where fans go to download the music.
We have another option called the “Digital” IndieCard, which essentially is JUST the download platform, without a physical card. You would still have a link to a webpage that has your music available for download, but you would get this code out to your fans via a vehicle other than the physical IndieCard. The different quantities available represent the number of variable (unique) codes we create for you to give out (100, 500, 1000, etc). If you opt for this option, you will basically be given an excel spreadsheet with a list of the unique codes that unlock the content on your IndieCard page.
What the simple coupon is, is a .pdf with some text saying “Go to this link and put in this code”, etc. On each of those coupons is a unique code. Since we’d only be sending you a .pdf of these “coupon cards”, you would be printing them out yourself (it’s 100% digital on our end, no physical product is sent to you). While this option isn’t MUCH less expensive than just ordering the physical Static IndieCards, it is rather significantly less expensive than ordering Variable IndieCards.
Here is some additional information that you may find helpful:
Article explaining what indiecards are and how they work:
https://bandsonabudget.com/articles/225-what-are-indiecards-and-how-do-they-work
Can I put the IndieCard player on my website?
You have several options for where to display your IndieCard player, thanks to widgets!
On the back of your IndieCard, you can direct users to any of these pages:
1. Your Bands on a Budget IndieCard URL (which will look like: http://yourband.bandsonabudget.com/projectname)
2. Your website. To do this, simply login to your IndieCard Campaign Control page, click the tab on the top for "Widgets & Social Media" and embed the first widget code onto your website. Your website must be able to allow iframes.
3. Your Facebook page. To do this, simply login to your IndieCard Campaign Control page, click the tab on the top for "Widgets & Social Media" and embed either of the two Facebook widget codes onto your website. The "Force Like" code forces fans to "Like" your band page before they can download the music, and the "Content Code" simply embeds the player on your page.
Please note- we HIGHLY recommend testing the widgets on your website or Facebook page before we print the direct link on the back of your IndieCard.
What's the turnaround time on IndieCards?
You can opt for either 5 business day turnaround OR 7-10 business days.
How do I put my IndieCard player on my Facebook page?
What are Digital IndieCards?
When ordering “Digital” IndieCards, you are essentially just ordering the IndieCard download platform, without a physical card. You would still have a link to a webpage that has your music available for download, but you would get this code out to your fans via a vehicle other than the physical IndieCard. The different quantities available represent the number of variable (unique) codes we create for you to give out (100, 500, 1000, etc). If you opt for this option, you will basically be given an excel spreadsheet with a list of the unique codes that unlock the content on your IndieCard page.
What the simple coupon is, is a .pdf with some text saying “Go to this link and put in this code”, etc. On each of those coupons is a unique code. Since we’d only be sending you a .pdf of these “coupon cards”, you would be printing them out yourself (it’s 100% digital on our end, no physical product is sent to you). While this option isn’t MUCH less expensive than just ordering the physical Static IndieCards, it is rather significantly less expensive than ordering Variable IndieCards.
What can I use IndieCards for?
IndieCards are an extremely versatile product. Here are a few different ways IndieCards can be used:
Music. We'll start with the obvious one; the avenue that most download card platforms started off with. As physical CDs continue to phase out into the more popular digital mediums, digital download cards have become a great solution to distributing something digital in an un-invasive physical form. Musicians can sell or hand out these business card-sized IndieCards with a link on the back, leading their fans to a page that has all sorts of content to unlock with their unique code; songs, photos, websites, tour dates, etc. IndieCards also go hand in hand with the returning popularity of vinyl records; many bands couple this old school format with a more digital-friendly IndieCard, so fans can still access the music on their computers in addition to their turntables.
Video. Have a short video you're trying to distribute? Want to spread around a movie trailer for an upcoming film you're promoting? IndieCards are a great way to distribute videos. Used the same way that bands would use them for music, fans would simply follow the link on the back of the card, enter their promo code, and be able to download your video right on the spot. This is a great way to keep your footage exclusive, but accessible.
E-book. Independent publishing is on the rise, and with many different resources available for authors these days, we figured we'd throw in one more. Because IndieCards are used to spread around a link containing content to download, there's no reason a writer couldn't use the IndieCard platform to make their e-book available to their readers. Whether you're adding short stories, clips, or your entire award-winning novel, we can accommodate your talents and give you a way to digitally distribute your independently published e-book- with no strings attached.
Portfolio. Looking for a unique, cutting-edge way to represent yourself as an artist, prospective employee, producer, etc? IndieCards can be used as a platform to host your portfolio; from video clips you've created, photos (great for photographers, artists, and models), music (hello musicians, producers, engineers), and documents (resumes anyone?). This form of distributing your portfolio sure beats your standard sheet of paper!
EPK. The electronic press kit. A forward-thinking way of promoting your band to record labels, publishing companies, etc. Once you have your EPK produced and ready to be sent out, what distribution technique can you use that doesn't cancel out the innovative nature of your product? Sending a CD or a link via email might get it where it has to go, but it's not going to make you stand out. Instead, try distributing a full color, glossy card that has a link and promo code to download your EPK. It's innovative, it's easy, and it gets the job done while representing your creative and cutting-edge nature accurately.
What's the difference between static and variable data? Which one is right for me?
There are two main options to select from when choosing your IndieCard type: Static and Variable.
The difference between the two is that static has the same code on the back of each card while variable data has a unique code on the back of each card. Variable cards come in paper, plastic, and recycled material.
When deciding which IndieCard type is best for you, you may want to first determine the use of your IndieCards. If you are using them strictly for promotion, Static IndieCards will probably suit your needs. However, if you are selling your IndieCards or are worried about the promo code getting shared, you can opt for variable data, choosing for the individual promo codes to expire after a certain amount of uses (determined by you).
We have another option called the “Digital” IndieCard, which essentially is JUST the download platform, without a physical card. You would still have a link to a webpage that has your music available for download, but you would get this code out to your fans via a vehicle other than the physical IndieCard. The different quantities available represent the number of variable (unique) codes we create for you to give out (100, 500, 1000, etc). If you opt for this option, you will basically be given an excel spreadsheet with a list of the unique codes that unlock the content on your IndieCard page.
Are there any set up charges for IndieCards?
No, we do not apply a set up charge to IndieCard orders. The price you see includes the physical IndieCards (unless they're digital-only) plus a year of service on our IndieCard platform.
How much content can I upload on my IndieCard page?
How long does my IndieCard Campaign stay active?
Your IndieCard account will remain active for 1 year after activation. If you would like to extend your campaign, you may do so for only $19.99 per additional year.
Additional upgrade information:
Upgrade to 250MB for $9.99
Upgrade to 500MB for $18.99
Add 1 year service for $19.99
Upgrade to 500MB and add 1 year of service for $29.99
Can I use IndieCards to collect information from my fans?
Yes! When setting up your IndieCard campaign, you can opt to create custom questions to ask your fans when they enter the promo code to download your music. To do this, simply login to your IndieCard control page, click the tab on the top that says "Manage Questions" then enter your question in the "Add New Question" field. You can then chose if you want to make this question mandatory or optional.
To access the answers to these questions, just click on the "Stats & Reports" tab on the top left, and download the spreadsheet with all of the information! You can see how many fans have downloaded your music, and also obtain the information you've collected with your custom questions. This is a great way to build up a mailing list!
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