Simplebooklet.com Powers Independent Distribution Collective Digital Marketing

San Francisco-based Independent Distribution Collective (IDC) is now promoting album releases to retail using a digital booklet created using Simplebooklet.com. They attribute orders from new buyers to their use and feel that it gives them a professional presentation that can be delivered much more quickly and immediately than physical packages. For indie artists, Simplebooklet.com's basic free accounts with tools for creating and distributing digital booklets via email or as embeds on websites and social networks are well worth a look.

Though Simplebooklet.com is not designed specifically for music marketing, IDC has developed a template for promoting artists they distribute that gives an example of the possibilities.

Screenshot of IDC Digital Sampler for BPos

The above screenshot gives a limited view of IDC's solution for their artists but you should see it in action for the full effect. It includes basic text, two streamable songs, an album cover graphic, a screenshot of their website that links to the site and an embedded press release that links out to a full-sized version.

This booklet is hosted at Simplebooklet.com and includes a menu of options for embedding and distribution on social media. It can be made available wherever you can embed code and is also ready to go for fans than want to spread the word by posting on their sites or accounts.

Simplebooklet.com offers a variety of formats and templates from flyer size to Tumblr booklet to sidebar ad. Booklets can be multipage and, in addition to what's shown above, can include numerous elements such as interactive forms, embedded video and Google maps. In addition to their website, you can find out more on their blog.

The basic service is free and includes plenty of features for single projects or evaluation purposes. Those that want more can pay a $20.00 fee that appears to be annual. For more examples, go to the homepage and click "START". On the "new user startpage" click the dropdown menu in the upper left hand corner labeled "my booklets."

If you try it out, please a drop a link in the comments so we can see how you've used it or let us know about similar services that are useful and affordable for indie artists.

Hypebot Features Writer Clyde Smith maintains his freelance writing hub at Flux Research and music industry resources at Music Biz Blogs. To suggest topics for Hypebot, contact: clyde(at)fluxresearch(dot)com.