Crowdfunding has become a popular way for entrepreneurs and creators to raise money for their projects. However, with so many campaigns out there, it can be difficult to make yours stand out and attract the attention of potential backers. In this article, we’ll share some hot tricks and tips for making your crowdfunding campaign a success.
Create a compelling video
A video is a great way to introduce yourself and your project to potential backers. It should be short, engaging, and provide a clear overview of what you’re trying to accomplish. Be sure to include a call-to-action at the end of the video, encouraging viewers to back your campaign.
For example, the game development campaign “Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night” had a clear and visually stunning video that helped them to raise over $5 million from their backers.
Build a community
Before you launch your campaign, start building a community of potential backers. This can be done by reaching out to friends, family, and colleagues, as well as by building a presence on social media. By having a group of people who are already interested in your project, you’ll have a better chance of reaching your funding goal.
A great example of this is the campaign “Divinity: Original Sin 2” which had a strong community of fans from their previous games, which helped them to raise over $2 million from their crowdfunding campaign.
Set realistic funding goals
Be realistic when setting your funding goal. If your goal is too high, it may be difficult to reach, which could discourage potential backers. If your goal is too low, you might not have enough funds to complete your project. Consider the costs of materials, labor, and any other expenses associated with your project when setting your goal.
Consider the costs of materials, labor, and any other expenses associated with your project when setting your goal. A good example of this is the campaign “Shovel Knight” which had a realistic funding goal of $75,000 and ended up raising over $311,502.
Offer perks
Perks are a great way to incentivize backers to support your campaign. These can range from small rewards like stickers and t-shirts, to bigger rewards like early access to your product or a chance to meet you in person. Be creative with your perks and make sure they align with your project.
For example, the campaign “Undertale” offered perks such as a special in-game item, a physical copy of the game, and even a chance to design a monster for the game, which helped them to raise over $51,000.
Keep your backers informed
Communicate regularly with your backers throughout the campaign. Keep them updated on your progress and let them know when they can expect their rewards. This will help to build trust and ensure that your backers remain engaged with your campaign.
A great example of this is the campaign “Star Citizen” which had a very active and transparent communication with their backers, which helped them to raise over $250 million.
Utilize social media
Social media is a powerful tool for promoting your campaign. Use platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to share updates and engage with your followers. Be sure to include links to your campaign in your social media profiles, so people can easily find and support your project.
An example of this is the campaign “Yooka-Laylee” which had a strong social media presence and leveraged it to reach a wider audience, which helped them to raise over £2 million.
Reach out to influencers
Influencers can be a great way to get the word out about your campaign. Reach out to influencers in your niche and ask if they would be willing to share your campaign with their followers. If they agree, be sure to thank them and offer them a special perk for their support.
A great example of this is the campaign “Dreams” which had support from big names in the industry like Tim Schafer and Media Molecule, which helped them to raise over £3.3 million.
Be prepared for the long haul
Crowdfunding campaigns can take time, so be prepared for the long haul. Have a plan in place for how you will continue to promote your campaign even after it has ended. Keep your backers engaged by sharing updates on your progress and by continuing to offer perks.
A great example of this is the campaign “A Hat in Time” which had a long-term approach, they continued to update their backers and offer new perks even after the campaign ended, which helped them to raise over $296,360.
Follow up with your backers
Once your campaign is over, be sure to follow up with your backers. Send them a thank-you note and let them know when they can expect to receive their rewards. Keep them updated on your progress and let them know when your product will be available for purchase.
A great example of this is the campaign “Oxenfree” which had a great post-campaign communication, they continued to update their backers on the development process and even offered a special discount for the game when it was released, which helped them to raise over $14,000.
Learn from your mistakes
If your campaign doesn’t reach its funding goal, take the time to reflect on what went wrong. Learn from your mistakes and make adjustments for your next campaign. Remember, crowdfunding is a learning process, and with each campaign, you’ll become more skilled and successful.
A good example of this is the campaign “Shadow of the Eternals” which failed to reach their funding goal, but the team used the feedback from the backers to improve their next campaign “Crowdfunding Again” which helped them to raise over $150,000.
By following these hot tricks and tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a successful crowdfunding campaign that stands out from the crowd. Remember to create a compelling video, build a community, set realistic funding goals, offer perks, and keep your backers informed. Utilize social media and reach out to influencers to promote your campaign. Be prepared for the long haul, follow up with your backers, and learn from your mistakes. With a little bit of hard work and dedication, you’ll be able to raise the funds you need to bring your project to life.