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 (available in paper material only)
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?
Your IndieCard account will be activated by the BandsonaBudget.com team once your IndieCard order has been paid for. Once your page is activated, follow these steps to get your page set up:
1. Login to your user account at bandsonabudget.com/login
2. Click "View IndieCard Projects" under "IndieCard Management" on the bottom left
3. From here, you'll be able to view your IndieCard campaigns. To edit/set up content on one of your campaigns, click the "Edit This IndieCard button", which looks like a pencil and paper. This will bring you into the IndieCard dashboard.
4. To update/submit your general information, such as your website and hometown, click the "Edit General Information" button.
5. To upload music, .PDFs, video files, etc. simply click the Manage Media tab. You can either drag files into the field, or click the "select media" button.
Once the uploads are completed, your content will be ready for fans to download!
How do I set up my IndieCard artwork?
IndieCards are 2" tall by 3.5" wide and include printing on the front AND back of your cards. Static IndieCards include full color printing on front and back, while dynamic cards include full color front and 1 color back. Templates for each of the IndieCards can be found here: https://bandsonabudget.com/templates. Your artwork must be 300dpi with all fonts outlined. Please be sure that you do not flatten your artwork onto the template. Preferred file formats are .psd, .ai, .eps, and high res .pdfs.
Why do we ask you to use a template? Print-products such as IndieCards are printed on large sheets, and then cut down to size when they're done being printed. In order to have your image bleed off the edge without getting any important art or text cut off, the template shows you exactly where the bleed area should extend to, as well as the approximate cut line. By using the templates, you'll be able to visualize exactly where these areas are and how your end product will look.
Below is a screenshot of the Static IndieCard template. The blue area around the edge is the bleed area- your art should extend all the way to the edge, filling up this whole box. The red area is the approximate cut line (which is never exactly accurate). The black dashed line is the "safety" area. It is recommended that you keep all text inside of this area; if it extends past the dashed line, it could get cut off. Anything within the dashed line is safe for printing and does not risk getting cut off. Please note, this screenshot is for reference only (please use high resolution template at https://bandsonabudget.com/templates when setting up artwork).
The back of the Indiecard has an area where the URL and promo code will need to be entered- you can either enter this information yourself, or we can add it in for you. You are not required to use the information and design from the template for the back of your card; however, if you choose to create your own layout, please make sure that your URL and promo code are very clear.
If you are setting up artwork for a Dynamic IndieCard (IndieCards that have a different code on the back of each card) please leave the promo code space blank; we will enter the unique codes before printing.
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?
On the back of your IndieCard is a URL that directs fans to a page where they can download the content you've made available to them. You have two main options for this: to direct them to a custom BandsonaBudget.com URL or to direct them to your website, where they will access your content on a widget which you have embedded.
For option #1, your Bands on a Budget IndieCard URL will look like this: http://yourband.bandsonabudget.com/projectname. Here is a sample page: http://thewrongcrowd.bandsonabudget.com/therightmix
To direct fans to your website, you will need to embed a widget onto the backend of your site. 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.
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?
There are no set up charges associated with IndieCards.
The pricing tab on the IndieCard page (http://bandsonabudget.com/products/82-indiecard-digital-download-cards) includes the IndieCards, 100MB of space to upload content, and a year of service on our download platform. There are OPTIONAL add-ons, such as upgrading space and length of duration. Shipping, is not included in the price (estimated shipping on 1,000 IndieCards is $12).
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, 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 choose 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, and rest assured, this information is for your use only.
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