10 Proven Tips For a Successful Crowdfunding Campaign

Thousands of crowdfunding projects occur on a yearly basis, however; only some turn into as big names as the Amabrush or Cubetto. It makes you wonder what it is about those projects that led to their success. While it’s tricky to determine the exact reasons for their success, it appears that selecting products that are out of the box, as well as promoting add-on features, has a dramatic effect on the success of a crowdfunding project. The following ten tips can be used to help take your crowdfunding project to the next level:

1. Find Brand Ambassadors

It’s important to find your brand ambassadors before launching your campaign. Brand ambassadors help to promote your project and draw in some much-needed attention. They can include friends and family (especially those with a decent social media following), potential backers, and more. 

2. Add Some Suspense

Suspense seems to work with the general public, so it's a good idea to generate anticipation by keeping the launch date a secret for a little while. Create a pre-launch discount scheme or a giveaway for early backers and collect them using your project’s Twitter, Instagram or Facebook profile. Add to the suspense by running promotions or sneak peeks every so often until the spontaneous announcement on the day of your launch. 

3. Use Reputable Marketing Services, Consultants and Agencies

Marketing is a vital component of your crowdfunding campaign, so you’re going to need extra hands if you are going for a 6 or 7 figure campaign. With numerous shady marketing services out there, save your time and effort by using the Crowdfunding Association to determine which ones are trustworthy and and valuable to your success. Some of the best consultants we've worked with are Khierstyn Ross, Ran Cory and Ivaylo Kalburdzhiev.

4. Gain More Attention with Instagram Stories and Snapchat

Aside from the regular social media platforms, try implementing new channels such as Instagram Stories and Snapchat to gain even more attention and generate awareness. Talk about your project, share behind-the-scenes footage, and turn your promotion into a more personal experience. 

5. Never, EVER Beg

When a person decides to back your project, they are essentially using their money to back your idea and your story, if you start begging for funding in forums, comment sections of crowdfunding articles you basically misrepresent your product and your team. Instead of begging and commenting wherever you can, use that time to improve your campaign page, marketing message and conversion rate.

6. Get Great Photos

Considering how much we rely on visuals these days, it’s advisable to only show your product at its best. You can take lifestyle images with your camera and see how they turn out. If they’re anything less then great, you’re better off hiring a professional. Lifestyle images are the best option since they give people a relatable idea of when, where, and how they’d use your product. 

7. Use Videos Wisely

Some crowdfunding videos just show the product and end with a request for pledges. This approach is so boring for the average viewer. Instead, work on making your video more personal, descriptive, and even interactive. You only have a short amount of time for your product to make an impression so put your best foot forward. The faster you help them find a use-case for your product the faster you'll convert them.

8. Create a Powerful Pitch

No one wants to read a boring pitch. If you share your project in a dull way, it’s likely that it won’t get the attention it deserves - even if the product itself is excellent. Make your project stand out from the rest and work on creating extraordinary pitches. You want the reader to feel as passionate as you do once they’re done reading it. Present the the problem - introduce your product - talk about the solution. It's simple.

9. Stick to Delivery Dates 

Campaign creators often fall short when it comes to delivery dates. If you can’t meet the deadline, then at least keep responding efficiently to queries and emails. Don’t let people become disappointed. You have to think as a brand not as "one campaign", if you do everything right, crowdfunding might end up being a full time job so you have to be careful and protect your brand reputation as much as you can.

10. Say Thank You

Your backers deserve all the thanks they can get. Be sure to let them know how grateful you are for their contribution in whatever way you can. You can turn your customers into future brand ambassadors by impressing them with your product and your conduct.