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3 Tips To Launch A Successful Crowdfunding Campaign

Photo: Gil Dantas, Founder of Jigglist and Barrios; Source: Courtesy Photo You’ve made your product prototype, shot a nice explainer video, designed your marketing materials, and now you’re ready...

Photo: Gil Dantas, Founder of Jigglist and Barrios; Source: Courtesy Photo
Photo: Gil Dantas, Founder of Jigglist and Barrios; Source: Courtesy Photo

You’ve made your product prototype, shot a nice explainer video, designed your marketing materials, and now you’re ready to set your crowdfunding campaign live? Yes. But there are still a few important crowdfunding steps to follow.

The truth is: successful crowdfunding campaigns are not built overnight. It takes a lot of time, hard work and a strategic mindset to launch it.

Here are three tips to build momentum for your next crowdfunding campaign:

 

  1. Define your pitch with clarity.

    Have you communicated your product value clearly? You’d be surprise how many startups do a lousy job on stating their value proposition. 

    What is compelling about your product? How does it benefit customers? State the answers to these questions clearly and update the campaign with feedback from backers. Read the comments section carefully. Pay attention to what people are saying on social media about your product and competitors. Listen and keep supporters engaged.

    A LIVALL smart helmet campaign on Indiegogo does a great job of keeping backers engaged with the use of strong graphics, press mentions, online video, timely comment replies and FAQ’s to answer key questions.
     

    Photo: LIVALL Bling Helmet; Source: Indiegogo
    Photo: LIVALL Bling Helmet; Source: Indiegogo

  2. Provide an amazing experience everywhere.

    If your product is simple and easy to use, you should replicate that ease-of-use into your crowdfunding campaign too. Pay attention to consistency. I’ve seen campaigns on Indiegogo that, on one hand have a beautiful website introducing the product, but on the other hand, the crowdfunding campaign is not user-friendly; it’s altogether a different experience. This leaves prospective backers and customers confused. A first good impression is crucial across all channels.

    Make sure your social media presence and website reflect the same value and brand image you propose on your campaign. For instance, Peak Design’s campaign for the The Everyday Messenger™ bag is simple, consistent, and beautiful everywhere you look.
     

    Photo: The Everyday Messenger™; Source: Peak Design
    Photo: The Everyday Messenger™; Source: Peak Design

  3. Create a social media strategy.

    Share your crowdfunding campaign on key social media channels and consistently use relevant and unique hashtags. Reaching out to the right people is essential for successful crowdfunding efforts. Once you engage, stay consistent and vibrant.

    As MediaShifts’ Julie Keck explains: “There is no guaranteed way to get millions of people to see your crowdfunding pitch video, so focus on what you can control: giving your crowd consistent (and consistently engaging) messages that remind them that you’re still working hard and that they are still a part of the team.” One trick I use is to find key influencers and engage them by using tools like BuzzSumo and connecting with them through Twitter.

 

This article has been edited and condensed.

Gil Dantas is a marketing leader and a startup founder with over 8 years of leadership experience in startups, digital marketing, fundraising, and strategic partnerships. She is the founder of Jigglist (a New York-based app funded by AngelPad) and Barrios, an online magazine focused on neighborhoods. Connect with @barriosmag on Twitter.

 

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