Mistakes to avoid when playing music in your business
Choosing the right music for your business may seem like a no-brainer, but it is one of those decisions that, when done poorly, directly affects the customer experience and the perception of your brand. The sound ambience is part of the DNA of any commercial space and making mistakes in this aspect can detract from the coherence of your proposal. That is why today we are going to talk about some of the most common mistakes to avoid if you want music to become a true ally for your business.
One of the most common failures is choose the music you like without the customer in mind. It is normal to have an affinity for certain styles or artists, but the songs in a commercial environment are not there to please the owner or the workers, but rather to strengthening the brand image and improve the experience of the target audience, your customers. While it can also work to motivate employees, its main objective should be to accompany the customer on their journey through the space and connect emotionally with them. The key is to ask yourself: what do I want my customer to feel when they come in here?
If you have several outlets, not only do you need to have a good selection for each space, but it is important that you have a good selection for each space. unify the music in all those who are under your name. This doesn't mean that they all have to have exactly the same music, it means that they should have the same recognisable base; the customer should recognise your style and your atmosphere, whether they are in a big city shop or a small coastal venue. From this common musical style, you then add particularities to suit the atmosphere of each space.
Often also overlooked is the time of day. The morning is not the same as the afternoon or closing time. The flow of people, the general mood and the type of activity taking place in the venue can vary, and the music should adapt to these changes. Programming different sound environments according to the time of day is a subtle but powerful way to connect with the customer at every stage of their experience.
Another common mistake is not having a adequate sound installation. This means not only using good quality equipment, but also distributing the loudspeakers correctly or adapting the power to the space. It is sometimes tempting to install a system that is more powerful than necessary, which is not only a waste of money, but can also be annoying. Conversely, a poor installation can result in a poor, uninviting sound that detracts from the customer experience. Sound should be felt, not imposed.
The volume is another critical factor. There is no universal ideal level: it depends entirely on the type of business, the time of day and the customer profile. In a young fashion shop, slightly louder music can create a much more dynamic atmosphere. In a quiet café or a luxury shop, the volume should be lower and more discreet. The mistake is in not adapting and assuming that louder is always better, when in reality a inadequate volume can be what makes a customer come in or decide to leave.
Finally, we must not forget the legal restrictions. Ignoring copyright or not having the necessary licences to play music in a commercial space can result in financial penalties. It is important to make sure you comply with regulations and use services that offer legal music for public environments. Music can be an incredibly valuable resource for your business, but only if it is used with strategy, sensitivity and knowledge. Avoiding these mistakes is only the first step. To achieve a truly effective sound ambience that is aligned with your brand, it's best to work with specialist professionals who can design a bespoke music experience. At Ibiza SongsOur music curators select each song with intention, adapting it to the audience, the space and the values of your brand. And the rest of the team takes care of all the technical, legal and operational aspects so that you don't have to worry about anything. Because in the end, it's not just about playing music, it's about creating atmospheres that connect with your customers and reinforce your identity. And that's where the real value of leaving it in expert hands comes in.
