The world of music and the world of the Internet have always had a close but troubled relationship.  While a number of bands and musicians use the Internet as one of their key promotional tools, it is also used as a way to illegally copy and pirate music files.  MP3 files have revolutionised the distribution of music in the 21st century, and the same small file sizes that have led to the growth of the legitimate digital download industry have also led to the proliferation of illegal downloads.  Despite the large problems with music sharing and copying across the world, there is a growing trend for legitimate online music download sites.

With access to professional web site design software, and distribution rights brought off the music publication companies – it is still possible to get your foot in the door and set up a music download website.  The proliferation of personal computers and portable MP3 players has made the Internet the most important place for the distribution of music in the 21st century.  With a good site design, effective promotions, and access to good music, there is a lot of potential to make money through digital downloads.  While websites are relatively easy to design these days with web design software, any music site will need to have an exceptional design and an innovative promotional campaign in order to stand out from its competition.

Websites vary a lot in design, from simple static pages through to interactive and media rich online environments.  While it is often unnecessary to include a lot of audio, video, and animation in a regular website, for a music download website, these media are often included.  While the goal of an e-commerce music site is – of course – to get people to download music files for money, a good looking website can go a long way in creating brand awareness and making your site stand out in the crowd.  Music sites thrive with good graphics and exciting animation, and most website design software will allow you to do these jobs from a single interface.  The music industry is going through a big transitional period at the moment, and MP3 download sites are at the very edge of these changes.