How to Create a Successful Kickstarter Campaign from a Buyer
I love searching through Kickstarter, I have found so many crowdfunding campaigns to back on there to help them raise money for some amazing creative projects.
But I’ve also found some listings that have left me scratching my head.
As well as backing some projects which have left me wondering, just why did I do this?!
So while I can’t tell you I have run a successful campaign that’s been funded 100s of times over. I am one of the people who will likely be looking at your Kickstarter page and wondering if I should buy in.
As such, I thought it might be an interesting idea to give you some insight into what I look for when I go and back a Kickstarter project. So if you’re starting one or you’ve already launched a Kickstarter campaign, this post is for you.
Here’s how to create a successful Kickstarter Campaign from a potential backer.
Illustrations.
While you might not have a picture of the finished products, illustrations always catch my eye.
I want to know what the finished product may look like and this really helps to bring projects to life.
Of course, with some products illustrations aren’t possible such as movies, so think about how you can make the pitch pop.
Walls of text can be really hard for a potential backer to get past.
Sell Yourself.
While Kickstarter is about getting money for a product or project, as a backer we are really buying into you as a person.
After all, in backing, we understand we may not get a product.
So talk about yourself, what makes you the perfect person to back for this particular project, why this is a good idea and why we should help you to hit your funding goal. If you have a compelling story to tell then share it!
Talk To Your Backers.
I recently have had a couple of different situations come about. Both basically had issues with the product.
One person kept us up to date at all times via an email list, the other never said a word. Even messaging direct was met with silence.
The first even if I never received a thing from this project I would back again a million times over, the second even if I received something, in the end, I would never back again.
When you know the full situation it is easy to empathise with the project leader, when you are ignored it is easy to become disillusioned and annoyed.
When people are on board with your campaign, it’s easier for them to help spread the word so don’t forget them. Try using emails and social media channels to keep in touch with your backers.
Make Great Rewards but Try and Set Your Goal Low.
From watching different campaigns I have noticed a trend.
A campaign which has a lot of rewards which are opened by hitting smaller goals is more likely to be funded than one which has all the rewards open when a large goal is hit.
I have also noticed that sometimes you need to change those goals. Talk to your potential backers. If a later goal is more loved than an earlier one switch the price points around.
It may just help you open more targets.
Be Ready for People to Not Pay.
We all have issues which come up and it means we have to drop out. I have had to do this a few times before a Kickstarter ends and I always try and make sure it keeps the project funded. Dropping down tiers instead if it is a viable option.
However, one thing I’ve noticed is that in almost every project there are a number of non-payers.
This is when the project is ended, everything is set and suddenly the project holder is left short from what they expected.
This can leave the campaigner with issues. So think of the target you need to reach your goal then add on a bit extra. Hopefully, this will allow you to make sure you aren’t left paying for things you can’t afford.
So that’s how to create a successful kickstarter campaign. I hope this helps a few people who are looking to kickstart their project on the crowdfunding platform!
Perhaps I will find myself backing you next!
Do you use Kickstarter as a funding platform or a way to back others?
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I am curious in finding out more about Kickstarter, so I shall go and check it out! Thanks for posting.
Your welcome I still love it I should post more of what I’ve got from there.
Never heard of Kickstarter before now, a very interesting write up and will definitely be looking into this more, thank you for sharing
It is such a great website to back small companies via!
I have never really sold anything to honest. And this is the first time I’m hearing about kickstaryers.
I haven’t heard of kickstaryers I will check into it. I buy things from online, yet to try selling things.
I have to admit I’ve not tried selling only ever been the buyer.
This website sounds so interesting! Going to check out Kickstarter after I post this. I do agree that I’m more likely to support products I can see and sellers who know how to communicate and storytelling.
It is such a great website I probably spend way to much on backing people haha!
Wow, that was one heck straight forward post after a longggggggg time. I am bookmarking it as I will share it to my various social media ids very soon.
Thank you so much I hope it helps.
I once backed a new running compression sock company via Kickstarter. It was interesting to watch the business process unfold over the course of six to eight months. The designs of the socks made me fork over some cash. Getting the updates regarding progress/production of the product made me feel like I was truly a part of the company. And when my socks finally arrived? It gave me a sense of pride. Go, Kickstarter!
It is amazing isn’t it – I love getting to see behind the scenes a little as well.
I haven’t heard of kickstaryers and will have to look further into it. I love selling items online
It’s well worth looking into they are such a fun website.
This is the first time that I’ve heard of Kickstarter. I will have to check the site and see what I can find.
Just don’t get hooked like I did haha!
Getting paid for what we are selling is what every seller expects but you are right, seller should be ready for few buyers not to pay, it happens.
Definitely especially when it comes to crowd funding.
I have backed up a few projects on Kickstarter before. I didn’t know though that the buyer can withdraw their funds and don’t pay but still get the product. That is so bad and dishonest.
No they don’t get the products but it can happen after the campaign ends so the runner will assume that money is coming in. I probably didn’t explain it well.
Thanks for these great tips. Definitely, right your concept is really great.
It is such a great way to try and raise funds for new projects.
These are great tips for anyone wanting to use Kickstarter. I’ve never thought about backing a new product like this. It looks like exclusive online shopping!
Honestly it is great, normally if it’s not exclusive to Kickstarter and people looking to fund something to start you will find you get a great discount compared to normal RRP.
Wow, I have always wanted to learn about Kickstarter and I thank you for the insight. I think it is a great way to test a concept, service or product but has also its risks as anything else.
Most definitely both backer and runner needs to be aware of what could happen.
You shared a lot of good things for people to think about. I’ve backed a few Kickstarters, but they didn’t come to fruition. Like you, the groups that kept me updated and in the loop, I would support again. The one that just seemed to disappear, was very disappointing, and I probably won’t support them again, even the idea was great.
Yeah I just feel like if someone disappears they probably didn’t do anything (even if they did) if someone shows you the process, you feel like your taking the ride with them and when things mess up you feel that same upset with them and just want to say it’s OK you know you tried.
I have seen a few things on Kickstarter I would love to invest in but then I never do it. I need to invest the next time I see something that interests me!
I’ve had some great things come through I have to admit I check it most days!
I’ve never been successful on Kickstarter, but I know a few companies that it’s really worked for!
I think there are definitely types of things that work well on there. Games, pins, unique crafts.
Great ideas. I’ve never even thought about just browsing Kickstarter. Now I’m going to have to go check it out!
I get lost sometimes when I start browsing I have to admit.
Well, I must confess – I hadn’t heard of Kickstarter before reading your post. How interesting though, and what an awesome opportunity to get noticed!
It’s well worth just having a nose around 🙂
Kickstarter is a interesting site, I search on their site alot for tech, even though it can be a prototype and when that business get up and running they can change a lot of features on it. Also their New York location is amazing have you ever been?
I have never been, definitely, something I would love to see though, I bet it is incredible.
I see lots and lots of kickstarters and most of them I wouldn’t give to. Perhaps people do need tips for getting them off the ground.
Kickstarter is a mixed bag for sure it has such a range of different items on offer.
I can imagine that the non-payers could be frustrating. I wonder if the starter sometimes bails out also.
Yes, I’ve not had it happen when I’ve backed any but part of Kickstarter is that it isn’t a shop and while campaign runners are asked to do as much as possible to make sure the project is finished. Of course, there are those who don’t follow it up.
I haven’t heard of kickstaryers and I don’t even know why clearly I live in my own bubble and need to research or get out more.
Haha no, not at all, they are a great website though and lots of items now sold around the world were started there.
Once I had a shop, maybe I should have found these tips first;)
You ran your own Kickstarter how did it go?
I love that you wrote this from a buyer’s perspective. I need to be intrigued. Give me something interesting to pull me in, or I’ll just keep right on scrolling.
Most definitely I think first impressions really do count!
Haven’t supported any Kickstarter campaigns in a few years. There was one that I sent a few bucks to but it was because it was for a product one of my friends launched.
I think it’s a lovely way to be able to support friends and small businesses!
I’ve heard of Kickstarter, of course, but I didn’t know a whole lot about it. Now I want to check it out.
Just don’t get addicted to it like me I now have superbacker status lol.
These are some great tips. I have never done a kick starter what even looked at one for somebody else. I am now very intrigued and I think I’m going to go check out different kick starter programs.
It is well worth having a nose around it’s amazing the ideas some people come up with.
I get emails sometimes asking me to back a campaign on there, but I haven’t felt passionate about one to donate money yet. I may someday, though.
I often find the ones in emails don’t interest me, most I love are from small businesses who are doing something different.
i def need to think more of this bc i get a few emails but i haven’t really looked into it much. thanks so for sharing!
It’s a fun place to look around for sure! So much being funded on there.
I have heard of Kickstarter before. I sometimes get random emails asking if I’ll donate to one, but I never have. I should check it out. I’m always amazed at what people come up with.
Most definitely worth having a look around, I got some really lovely things for Christmas from it.
For those wanting or trying to sell anything from a site if there are not detailed photos included and good description well I move on to someone else.
That is so true – you want to sell what you are making, text and photos is everything.
I like your point that as a backer we are buying into a person. That is very true. Thanks for sharing your perspective.
Thank you I really hope it helps some people who are looking to set up a campaign.
I have never tried to start a Kickstarter but I am a fan of looking out for new ideas that I think would improve the human experience!
It is great to look around, I normally check what’s gone up most days to see what people have thought up.
right on point, this is a great list! I personally think that illustrations work best this day, simply because people tend to use their phones a lot and illustration is easier to understand this way.
Most definitely, you can’t imagine what something will be like so pictures are a must.