Article Contributed by Corinne Ledling
Kickstarter is often used as a great example of a place where you can gain funding for a project, but many people feel that it might be too big for them to try it out. Actually, this crowdfunding platform can work for anyone, and there have been plenty of projects that came from obscurity and yet were fully funded. Here’s why you should give Kickstarter a chance – and how to make it work for you.
Search the projects
The first thing that you will want to do is to search the projects that are already on Kickstarter. Take a look around to familiarise yourself with what kind of projects get featured on the front page and seem to be doing well, and then use search terms that you would apply to your own project. If there are lots of similar projects in process, it might not be the best bet for you. If your project seems fairly unique on Kickstarter, however, then you’re in with a good shot.
Pursue original ideas
Whether you are unique on Kickstarter or not, it’s really important that you come up with original ideas. To take a silly example, let’s say that you wanted to start a project about printing out Google Maps onto paper for tourists to use. Most people wouldn’t want to back your project because printed maps already exist – this wouldn’t be a new idea! To make it original you have to add your own twist, like creating personalised maps for each traveller, or drawing your own maps with insider info that only locals know.
Offer good reward tiers
No one will pledge to your Kickstarter unless it has two things. The first is an original and worthwhile idea, as we have already discussed. The second is reward tiers that will make them feel they are getting something out of it. You could allow people to pre-order your product at a much lower price, print their name somewhere on it, give them exclusive goodies that won’t be offered ever again, and so on. You can also offer things not related to the Kickstarter if you are already known for something else. For example, if you have a successful podcast, you could offer to give supporters shoutouts in one of your episodes.
Give people reasons to pledge
Pledging money to a project is a big deal, particularly if some of your tiers are on the higher side. You’re asking someone to trust you to take their money and use it to produce something spectacular. Don’t write just a basic description and expect it to do all of the work for you. Explain in the text why people should pledge, and give them reasons to. Tell them how your project will improve their lives, or someone else’s. Let them know why they should choose your project instead of pledging to someone else. Don’t waste that description space! Provide regular updates, too, so that they can see their money will be put to good use and you are serious about finishing the project.
Share socially
After posting your campaign, be sure to share it as much as possible on social media. Encourage friends, family, and current pledgers to do the same so that the word spreads as far as possible. The more people see your project, the more chance there is that you will get the funding that you are looking for.
Kickstarter can work for almost everyone – so long as you have a good, original idea and know what you are doing before you start.
Corinne Ledling is a businesswoman who’s very passionate about her job. She’s a Content Manager at Bizstats.co.uk and loves to share career tips and tricks.