How to Start a Jingle Writing Business

Business Overview:

Attention musicians: if you’re looking to start a fun part-time business that you can run from home, learn how to start a jingle writing business. Many business that advertises on television or radio have a catchy jingle associated with their product or service. And in these days of internet marketing, businesses include jingles in their online ads as well. These tunes are short songs, usually 30 seconds or less, that directly promote whatever the business is selling. They are designed to help potential customers remember a product, service, telephone number or web address. The better the hook in a jingle, the more likely it is that people will remember it (and even gets it stuck in their heads – which is what a business wants). If you are a singer or songwriter, adding jingles to your repertoire is a great way to start a small business and earn some extra income. Writing can be done from the comfort of your own home and you can work as much or as little as you like. Before you start writing, research what businesses in your area might need a jingle for their advertising. You can do this by contacting the businesses directly or viewing their current ad campaigns. You could write a jingle first, then present it to the business and try to sell it or you could sign an agreement with the business first, then draft one or more jingles for them to use. If you don’t play an instrument, consider teaming up with a pianist or guitar player. You can write the songs and your partner can compose the tunes. As you can see, this is one of the more unique business ideas available but it is perfect for a musician or songwriter looking to start a business.

A Day in the Life of a Jingle Writing Business Owner:

Your day will begin with a check of any ongoing projects. You will spend some time writing and try to finish jingles you are working on. You will contact local businesses to try to sell your jingle writing services.

About Your Customers:

Your customers will be business owners or advertising agencies looking for catchy jingles for ad campaigns.

What You Need to Start:

• Musical talent and the ability to write catchy jingles
• Digital recording device
• Computer with digital editing software
• Finance software
• Transportation (to meet with customers at their places of business)

The Good:

• The demand for catchy jingles will always be high.
• You can be paid upfront and work out a contract where you’re paid every time one of your jingles plays.
• You can work as much or as little as you want.
• This business can easily be run part-time and from home.
• You are likely to get repeat business if your jingles increase your customers’ sales.

The Bad:

• Competition can be high; you must be talented in this area in order to be successful.
• Work will not be steady and will depend on what businesses need jingles for ad campaigns in your area.

Resources:

• American Song Writers Association
• American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP)
• Bureau of Labor Statistics on Music Directors and Composers
• Wikipedia on Jingles

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