Music Curation Hacks for Small Businesses on a Budget

Indeed, music is powerful. It sets the tone, changes moods, and creates memories. The right music makes customers feel welcome, enhances their experience, and keeps them coming back. But how do you curate the perfect music for your business without breaking the bank?

The good news is you don’t need a big budget to make a big impact. With some smart planning and creativity, music curation can be affordable and effective. For a tailored music experience that elevates your business, connect with corporate event DJ Will Gill today! Visit his Instagram profile for engaging snippets with AT&T Business, CDW, Team USA, Virgin Galactic, and more!

Check out the video below to watch Will Gill energize the crowd.

Here are some simple hacks for small businesses to curate music on a budget.

Why Music Curation Matters

Before we jump into the hacks, it’s crucial to understand why music is worth the effort. Actually, the songs playing in your space aren’t just background noise—they significantly shape the customer experience. A thoughtfully chosen playlist can:

• Strengthen Your Brand: Music should match your business identity. For instance, a cozy coffee shop might go for soft acoustic tracks, while a trendy boutique might opt for upbeat indie or pop music.
• Influence Customer Behavior: Studies show that slower music makes people linger longer, while faster beats can inspire quicker decisions.
• Boost Staff Morale: Music isn’t just for your customers. Upbeat tunes can make your workspace more enjoyable for the people working there.

Now that you know why this matters, here’s how to do it without spending too much.

1. Use Friendly Free and Affordable Platforms

Many excellent platforms cater to small budgets. Some even offer free services with features perfect for small businesses. Here are a few options:

• Spotify: While it’s mainly for personal use, Spotify’s free version allows you to explore millions of songs. Upgrade to Spotify Premium for an ad-free experience at a relatively low cost.
• YouTube: With countless playlists available for free, YouTube is a treasure trove for curators. Just be mindful of ads unless you invest in YouTube Premium.
• SoundCloud: An excellent place to discover indie music and less mainstream tracks. Many creators offer their music for free, as long as credit is given.
• Pandora for Business: For a formal setup, try affordable options like Pandora for Business for music licensing.

Pro tip: Confirm the licensing terms of these platforms. Publicly playing music may require specific permissions or subscriptions.

2. Use Royalty-Free Music Resources

License fees can feel daunting for small businesses, but royalty-free music can be your savior. Websites like these offer affordable (and sometimes free) tracks you can use legally:

• Epidemic Sound: Offers high-quality music tracks with flexible subscription costs.
• Bensound and AudioJungle: Provide a wide range of affordable royalty-free songs for business needs.
• Free Music Archive (FMA): A great site filled with free, legally usable songs in various genres.

However, royalty-free doesn’t mean low quality.

3. Curate Playlists That Fit Your Business Vibe

It’s tempting to shuffle through popular songs simply, but intentional playlists can transform your space. Here’s how to create an impactful playlist:

• Know Your Audience: Are your customers young and trendy, or do they prefer things classic and cozy? Match the music to the tastes of your typical customer.
• Define the Purpose: Want to energize the room? Pick upbeat, fast songs. Want a calm atmosphere? Go for mellow, soothing tracks.
• Time It Right: Adjust playlists for different times of the day. Early hours might call for slow, relaxing music, while peak hours could need something upbeat.

A bakery might play French café music in the morning and easy-listening tracks later.

4. Repurpose Existing Playlists

You don’t need to start from scratch. Many platforms have pre-made playlists designed for different genres, moods, and settings. Search ‘chill restaurant vibes’ or ‘cozy retail music’ on Spotify, YouTube, or SoundCloud for business music.

If you like certain playlists but don’t love every song, use them as a starting point. Add or remove tracks to make them more tailored to your brand.

5. Rotate Your Music on a Schedule

Customers appreciate variety. Hearing the same songs every visit can make your space feel stale. To avoid this:

• Build Multiple Playlists: Even three or four playlists can add diversity.
• Switch It Up Weekly: Rotating playlists ensures customers (and staff) don’t get bored.
• Seasonal Music: Match playlists to the time of year. For instance, warm jazz during fall or cheerful acoustic tunes in spring.

6. Collaborate With Local Musicians

Supporting your community benefits everyone. Reach out to local artists or bands and ask if they’d like to feature their music in your store. This gives them exposure and gives your business a unique, personal touch.

Some ways to collaborate include:

• Hosting a small live-music event at your business.
• Playing their recorded tracks in your space.
• Featuring their albums for sale at your counter.

This is a win-win, often achieved with little expense.

7. Keep an Eye on Licensing

To avoid surprise legal issues, pay attention to music licensing rules. Depending on your country or region, playing music publicly may require a license. Here’s how to handle this affordably:

• PRO Licenses: Licensing companies like ASCAP, BMI, or PRS provide permissions to publicly play music.
• Choose Music With Open Licenses: You can freely use royalty-free or Creative Commons songs in your business.

8. Collect Feedback and Experiment

Your playlist might sound great to you, but what about your customers? Ask regulars or staff if they like the music. Their input can guide future curation.

For example, you might learn that your jazzy playlist doesn’t match the upbeat crowd during lunch hours, prompting you to explore livelier options.

9. Monitor the Volume

Music isn’t only about songs; it’s about how they’re presented. Too loud, and it’s distracting. Too soft, and it fades into the background too much. Choose a moderate volume that sets the tone but still allows for conversation.

10. Track the Results

Music can have measurable effects on customer behavior. Try noting changes in customer behavior when switching playlists or styles. For instance:

• Do customers linger longer with relaxing music?
• Are employees happier working with high-energy tracks?

Understanding these effects can refine your curation strategy.

Music Curation Can Help Small Business

Music can help your small business stand out without requiring a huge investment. Use affordable tools, smart licensing, and thoughtful choices to create a memorable customer experience that fits your brand.

Remember, the best music curation reflects the heart and soul of your business. Start small, experiment often, and enjoy the ambiance you create!