Time your CD release carefully

Artists who have recorded a CD need to consider far more than the track listing and the terms of their record company contract.

One issue that is critically important is the release date. Get it right and it could be snapped up, but get it wrong and you will struggle to sell any copies.

Major acts rarely release new material at Christmas, for example, as the market is flooded with compilation albums such as Greatest Hits CDs.

With consumer spending so heavily focused on festive gifts, a new album could easily be overlooked by shoppers.

Summer is another period that major acts tend to avoid. While it could be easier to get a higher chart placing at this time of year, many potential buyers will be on holiday and miss it completely.

Once you have determined your ideal date, develop your promotional strategy accordingly.

Leave enough time - ideally a few weeks - for journalists and radio stations to acquaint themselves with your material, print reviews and play your songs before the time of release.

Then hopefully you should be ready to notch up healthy sales when the CD comes out.

Product category: Home recording studio