How To Start A Kickstarter

Introduction

Welcome to the world of crowdfunding! Kickstarter is an incredible platform that allows creators like you to bring your innovative ideas to life with the support of a global community. Whether you’re an artist, inventor, or entrepreneur, Kickstarter provides a unique opportunity to showcase your project and raise the funds needed to turn your dreams into reality.

In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through the step-by-step process of starting a successful Kickstarter campaign. From refining your project idea to engaging with backers, we’ll cover every aspect of the journey, providing valuable insights and tips along the way.

Crowdfunding on Kickstarter is not only about raising money; it’s about building a community and creating a buzz around your project. It requires careful planning, compelling storytelling, and effective promotion. By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll increase your chances of not only reaching your funding goal but also establishing a strong foundation for your project’s future success.

Whether you’re a first-time creator or have previous crowdfunding experience, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to launch an impactful Kickstarter campaign. So, let’s dive in and explore the exciting world of Kickstarter and how you can make your campaign a resounding success!

Finding Your Project Idea

Before diving into the world of Kickstarter, it’s essential to start with a compelling project idea that resonates with your target audience. Here are some key steps to help you find the perfect project idea:

1. Identify your passion and expertise: Start by exploring your personal interests and skills. What are you passionate about? What unique talents or knowledge do you possess? By aligning your project idea with your passion and expertise, you’ll increase your motivation and ability to deliver a high-quality campaign.
2. Research the market: Conduct extensive market research to identify gaps or opportunities that align with your interests. Look for trends, consumer demands, and competitor analysis. This research will help you ensure that your project idea is unique, relevant, and has the potential to attract backers.
3. Address a problem or fulfill a need: A successful Kickstarter project usually addresses a problem or fulfills a specific need. Consider the pain points your target audience might have and how your project can provide a solution. This will make your project more relevant and appealing to potential backers.
4. Validate your idea: Before launching a campaign, it’s crucial to validate your project idea. Seek feedback from friends, colleagues, or online communities. Conduct surveys or interviews to gauge interest and collect valuable insights. This validation process will help you refine and shape your project idea further.
5. Consider feasibility: Assess the feasibility of your project idea by evaluating the required resources, budget, and timeline. Ensure that your idea is realistic and achievable within the given constraints. This will help you set realistic goals and prevent potential setbacks during the campaign.

Remember, the key to a successful Kickstarter campaign is a unique and captivating project idea. Spend sufficient time and effort in this initial phase to ensure that your idea stands out and has the potential to capture the attention and support of backers. With a solid project idea in place, you’re ready to move forward and set goals for your campaign.

Setting a Goal and Timeline

One of the most important aspects of a successful Kickstarter campaign is setting a realistic goal and establishing a well-defined timeline. Here are some steps to help you determine your funding goal and timeline:

1. Budget your project: Start by calculating the costs involved in bringing your project to life. Consider expenses such as production, manufacturing, shipping, marketing, and any other relevant costs. It’s crucial to have a clear understanding of your financial needs to set an achievable funding goal.
2. Consider Kickstarter fees and taxes: Keep in mind that Kickstarter charges fees, typically around 5% of the funds raised, and there may be additional payment processing fees. Factor these costs into your budget when determining your funding goal. Additionally, consult with a tax professional to understand any tax obligations related to your Kickstarter campaign.
3. Set a realistic funding goal: Consider your project’s scope, the size of your target audience, and the costs involved. It’s important to strike a balance between setting a goal that is challenging enough to cover your expenses and achievable enough to motivate backers to support your project. Overly ambitious goals can deter potential backers.
4. Create a timeline: Establish a clear timeline for your campaign, including the duration of the campaign itself and key milestones along the way. Consider factors such as production time, manufacturing lead times, and delivery estimates. Having a well-defined timeline helps you manage expectations and communicate progress effectively with your backers.
5. Build in buffer time: It’s wise to include buffer time in your timeline to account for any unforeseen challenges or delays that may arise during the production or fulfillment process. Building in some extra time prevents unnecessary stress and ensures that you can fulfill your promises to backers without compromising on quality.

By setting a realistic funding goal and establishing a clear timeline, you demonstrate transparency and professionalism to potential backers. It also helps you manage your project effectively and ensures that you have a solid plan in place. With the funding goal and timeline determined, it’s time to create a compelling campaign page that showcases your project and attracts backers.

Creating a Compelling Campaign Page

Your campaign page is the heart of your Kickstarter project. It’s where you have the opportunity to showcase your project, tell your story, and convince potential backers to support you. To create a compelling campaign page, follow these essential steps:

1. Craft a captivating headline: Your headline is the first thing that potential backers will see, so make it catchy and attention-grabbing. Clearly communicate the unique selling point or benefit of your project in a concise and compelling way.
2. Tell a compelling story: Use the “Story” section of your campaign page to engage and connect emotionally with your audience. Share the inspiration behind your project, your journey, and the impact it will have. Make it personal, relatable, and authentic to capture the interest and empathy of potential backers.
3. Showcase high-quality visuals: Visuals play a crucial role in grabbing attention and conveying your project’s essence. Include high-resolution images and videos that highlight your product, prototype, or artwork. Professional-quality visuals create a positive impression and instill confidence in potential backers.
4. Break down your project: Clearly explain the different components of your project and how the funds will be utilized. Provide a breakdown of the costs involved, whether it’s production, materials, or research and development. Transparency in explaining how the funds will be allocated builds trust with backers.
5. Highlight unique features and benefits: Showcase the distinctive features and benefits of your project. What sets it apart from similar offerings in the market? Explain why your product, artwork, or idea is special and how it fulfills a need or solves a problem. Clearly communicate the value proposition to potential backers.
6. Create compelling rewards: Offer a variety of enticing rewards at different price points to cater to different backers. Your rewards should provide value and be relevant to your project. Consider offering limited-edition items, early-bird discounts, or exclusive experiences to incentivize backers to support your project.
7. Add social proof: Incorporate testimonials, endorsements, or press mentions to add credibility and build trust with potential backers. If you have received positive feedback or recognition from influencers or media outlets, make sure to highlight them on your campaign page.

Remember, your campaign page is your chance to make a compelling impression on potential backers. Put effort into creating an engaging story, visually appealing content, and persuasive rewards. Keep your page informative, concise, and visually appealing to increase the likelihood of attracting backers to your project.

Building a Strong Project Video

A well-crafted project video can be the difference between capturing the interest of potential backers and them scrolling past your campaign. Here are some essential tips to help you build a strong project video:

1. Keep it concise and engaging: A project video should generally be around 2-3 minutes long. Keep it concise and to the point, capturing the viewer’s attention from the very beginning. Use compelling visuals, captivating storytelling, and a dynamic pace to engage your audience throughout the video.
2. Introduce yourself and your project: Start the video by introducing yourself and your team (if applicable) to establish a personal connection with the viewers. Clearly communicate the purpose and goals of your project, highlighting its unique features and benefits.
3. Showcase your project in action: Use visuals to demonstrate your project in action. Whether it’s showcasing your product prototype, artwork, or the impact of your idea, visually capturing the essence of your project helps potential backers better understand what you’re offering and increases their excitement to support you.
4. Include testimonials (if available): Incorporate testimonials from satisfied customers, early backers, or experts in your field. These testimonials add credibility and social proof, reinforcing the value of your project and demonstrating that others believe in it. Real-life experiences and endorsements can be powerful persuasion tools.
5. Explain how funds will be used: Use the video to provide a clear breakdown of how the funds will be used to bring your project to life. Explain the production process, costs involved, and any other relevant details. This transparency helps potential backers understand where their contributions will go and builds trust.
6. Create a sense of urgency and excitement: Convey a sense of urgency and excitement in your video to motivate viewers to back your project. Clearly communicate the limited-time nature of the campaign and any early-bird rewards or discounts available. Leveraging FOMO (fear of missing out) can be an effective strategy to encourage immediate action.
7. End with a strong call-to-action: Close the video with a clear call-to-action, inviting viewers to back your project and share it with their networks. Provide a link or direct viewers to your campaign page so they can easily take the next step. Make it easy for them to become backers and support your project.

A compelling project video is a powerful tool to capture attention, engage potential backers, and communicate the essence of your project. Spend the necessary time and effort to create a visually appealing, concise, and engaging video that effectively conveys the value of your project. With a strong project video in place, you’re ready to move on to planning your rewards and stretch goals.

Planning Your Rewards and Stretch Goals

When planning your Kickstarter campaign, one of the most critical aspects is strategically designing your rewards and stretch goals. Here’s how you can effectively plan and implement them:

1. Create enticing rewards: Think creatively and offer a range of rewards at different price points. Consider exclusive early-bird offers, limited-edition items, or personalized experiences related to your project. Ensure that the rewards are relevant, valuable, and align with your project’s theme or target audience.
2. Set realistic funding tiers: Determine the minimum contribution amount to receive a reward and carefully structure the subsequent tiers. Make sure there is a clear progression of value as the contribution amount increases. Avoid overwhelming potential backers with too many complexity or options.
3. Consider limited availability: Create a sense of urgency by offering a limited number of certain rewards. This promotes scarcity and motivates backers to act quickly to secure their desired reward. However, ensure you can fulfill the promised quantity without compromising quality or timelines.
4. Offer exclusive stretch goals: To encourage additional funding beyond your initial goal, create stretch goals – additional features, upgrades, or milestones that will be unlocked as funding reaches specified thresholds. These goals incentivize backers to increase their pledges and create a sense of excitement and progress throughout the campaign.
5. Communicate stretch goals effectively: Clearly outline your stretch goals and include them on your campaign page, updates, and social media posts. Make the progression of stretch goals transparent and highlight the benefits they bring to the project. Regularly communicate with your backers to keep them informed about any new stretch goals reached.
6. Assess the impact of stretch goals: Before setting stretch goals, carefully evaluate their impact on your project’s timeline, production costs, and feasibility. Make sure the stretch goals are achievable and align with your project’s vision. Don’t compromise the quality or delivery of your core project by setting unrealistic stretch goals.
7. Show gratitude and appreciation: Express your gratitude to backers by offering heartfelt acknowledgments and exclusive updates. Keep them engaged throughout the campaign by providing regular progress updates and involving them in the journey. A strong connection with backers encourages ongoing support and positive word-of-mouth promotion.

By effectively planning your rewards and stretch goals, you create incentives for potential backers to support your project and provide additional funding. Carefully consider the value, availability, and relevance of your rewards and stretch goals to make your campaign appealing and engaging. With a well-planned rewards structure in place, it’s time to focus on promoting your Kickstarter campaign and reaching a wider audience.

Promoting Your Kickstarter Campaign

Promotion plays a crucial role in the success of your Kickstarter campaign. Here are some effective strategies to help you reach a wider audience and generate more interest in your project:

1. Build a pre-launch email list: Prior to launching your campaign, start building an email list of potential supporters. Use social media, your website, and other platforms to collect email addresses. This pre-launch list will serve as a valuable audience to promote your campaign to once it goes live.
2. Create compelling campaign updates: Regularly update your backers and potential backers with engaging content throughout the campaign. Share behind-the-scenes insights, progress updates, and exciting news related to your project. Keep your audience engaged and make them feel personally invested in your campaign.
3. Utilize social media: Leverage the power of social media to expand your reach. Share visually appealing content, such as images and videos, on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Engage with your audience by responding to comments and encouraging them to share your campaign within their networks.
4. Reach out to influencers: Identify influencers in your industry or niche who align with your project. Reach out to them and offer to provide them with exclusive access or samples of your project in exchange for promotion or a shout-out to their followers. Influencers can help significantly expand your campaign’s reach and credibility.
5. Collaborate with complementary campaigns: Identify other Kickstarter campaigns that complement your project and propose a collaboration. Cross-promoting each other’s campaigns can expose your project to a new audience who are likely to be interested in your project as well.
6. Engage with online communities: Participate in relevant online communities, forums, and groups related to your project or target audience. Provide valuable insights and build relationships with community members. Avoid being overly promotional, but subtly mention your campaign when appropriate or when asked for recommendations.
7. Optimize for search engines: Ensure your campaign page and updates are optimized for search engines. Use relevant keywords in your campaign title, description, and updates to improve visibility when potential backers search for related terms. The higher your campaign ranks in search results, the more exposure it will receive.
8. Offer referral incentives: Encourage your backers to spread the word about your campaign by offering referral incentives. Provide them with unique referral links or codes that they can share with their friends, family, and social networks. Reward backers with exclusive perks or discounts for successfully referring new backers.

Remember, promoting your Kickstarter campaign requires active participation and consistent effort. Continuously explore new avenues and experiment with different strategies to find what works best for your project. By effectively promoting your campaign, you increase its visibility, attract more backers, and enhance the overall success of your Kickstarter journey.

Engaging with Backers

Engaging with your backers is a vital aspect of running a successful Kickstarter campaign. It not only helps you build strong relationships with your supporters but also fosters a sense of community around your project. Here are some key strategies to effectively engage with your backers:

1. Respond promptly: Be responsive to messages, comments, and inquiries from your backers. Promptly address any concerns or questions they may have. Timely responses show that you value their support and are actively involved in the campaign.
2. Provide regular updates: Keep your backers informed and involved by providing regular campaign updates. Share progress, achievements, and any new developments related to your project. Use updates to maintain interest and enthusiasm among your backers throughout the campaign.
3. Show appreciation: Express gratitude and appreciation to your backers for their support. Personalize thank-you messages and acknowledgments whenever possible. Consider featuring backer names or profiles in your updates or project documentation to recognize their contribution publicly.
4. Offer exclusive backer rewards: Provide special rewards or perks exclusively to your backers as a way to show your appreciation. These can include exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes access, or limited-edition items. Make your backers feel valued and that they are part of an exclusive community.
5. Seek feedback and input: Give your backers opportunities to provide feedback and suggestions. Ask for their input on features, design elements, or stretch goals. Engaging them in the decision-making process makes them feel more invested in your project and fosters a sense of ownership.
6. Run backer-only events or contests: Organize special events or contests exclusively for your backers. It can be a virtual Q&A session, live streaming, or a giveaway. These backer-only activities create a sense of exclusivity and strengthen the bond between you and your supporters.
7. Encourage user-generated content: Motivate your backers to share their experiences and content related to your project. This can include user testimonials, unboxing videos, or photos showcasing your product in action. User-generated content not only provides social proof but also fuels engagement and attracts potential backers.
8. Personalize updates and interactions: Make your communication as personal as possible. Use backer names when addressing them in updates or messages. Tailor your interactions to their individual interests. This personal touch demonstrates that you value them as individuals, not just as backers.
9. Stay transparent and communicate openly: Be transparent about the progress, challenges, and any changes in your project. Keep your backers informed about any delays or unexpected hurdles. Open communication builds trust and maintains the credibility of your campaign.
10. Maintain post-campaign communication: Continue engaging with your backers even after the campaign ends. Keep them updated on the production and fulfillment process. Regularly communicate any new milestones or delays. This ongoing dialogue provides a positive post-campaign experience and cultivates future support.

Engaging with your backers creates a loyal and supportive community around your project. By actively involving them, expressing appreciation, and staying transparent, you can foster long-term relationships, enhance their overall experience, and encourage ongoing support for your Kickstarter campaign.

Fulfilling Rewards and Keeping Backers Updated

Once your Kickstarter campaign is successfully funded, it’s crucial to fulfill the rewards promised to your backers and keep them updated throughout the process. Here are some key steps to effectively fulfill rewards and keep your backers informed:

1. Organize your fulfillment process: Plan and organize your fulfillment process before the campaign ends. Determine the logistics, such as packaging, shipping, and tracking of rewards. Consider any necessary customs or import/export requirements, especially for international backers. Having a well-structured process ensures smooth and timely delivery.
2. Communicate your timeline: Clearly communicate the estimated timeline for reward delivery to your backers. Provide regular updates throughout the fulfillment process, highlighting progress and any unforeseen delays. Open and transparent communication keeps your backers informed and manages expectations.
3. Pay attention to quality control: Ensure that the quality of your rewards matches or exceeds what you promised during the campaign. Maintain high standards during production, packaging, and shipping. Thoroughly inspect each reward before it is shipped to avoid any potential issues or disappointments for your backers.
4. Provide backer surveys: Send out surveys to your backers to collect any necessary information such as shipping addresses, preferred sizes/colors, or personalization details. Surveys streamline the fulfillment process and ensure accurate delivery of rewards.
5. Offer tracking options: If possible, provide tracking numbers for shipments to your backers. This allows them to monitor the progress of their rewards and gives them peace of mind. Tracking information reduces the chances of lost or delayed packages and enhances the overall experience for your backers.
6. Address backer inquiries promptly: Respond promptly to any inquiries or concerns raised by your backers. Be proactive in providing timely updates and resolving any issues that may arise. Prompt and helpful communication demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction and builds trust with your backers.
7. Share production updates and behind-the-scenes content: Keep your backers engaged and excited by sharing production updates and behind-the-scenes content. Use photos, videos, or live streaming to showcase the progress and milestones of your project. This exclusive content gives backers an inside look into the creation process and strengthens their connection to your project.
8. Express gratitude and appreciation: Throughout the fulfillment process, continuously express your gratitude to your backers. Thank them for their patience, support, and belief in your project. Show your appreciation by including personalized notes or small surprises with the rewards.
9. Offer exceptional customer service: Provide exceptional customer service to address any post-funding concerns or issues. Offer solutions, replacements, or refunds if necessary. A positive customer service experience ensures that your backers feel valued and satisfied with their involvement in your project.
10. Solicit backer feedback: Once rewards have been received, encourage your backers to provide feedback on their experience. This feedback helps you improve future campaigns and strengthens your relationship with your backers. Actively listen to their suggestions or concerns and take them into consideration for future projects.

Fulfilling rewards and keeping your backers updated is crucial for maintaining a positive reputation as a project creator. By providing clear communication, quality rewards, and excellent customer service, you can build trust, loyalty, and repeat support from your backers. Remember, a happy and satisfied backer is more likely to become an advocate for your future endeavors.

Managing the Post-Campaign Phase

After your Kickstarter campaign ends, it’s important to effectively manage the post-campaign phase to fulfill any remaining obligations and maintain a positive relationship with your backers. Here are key steps to successfully navigate the post-campaign phase:

1. Finalize reward fulfillment: If there are any outstanding rewards to be fulfilled, prioritize completing them promptly. Maintain open and transparent communication with your backers, informing them of the progress and estimated delivery timeframe. Provide regular updates throughout the fulfillment process.
2. Handle late pledges or pre-orders: Some backers may have missed the campaign but are still interested in supporting your project. Consider offering a late pledge option or pre-orders on your website or through a separate platform. Clearly communicate the terms and estimated delivery dates for these late backers.
3. Manage any changes or setbacks: If unforeseen challenges arise during the fulfillment process, promptly communicate them to your backers. Be transparent about any delays, changes, or problems that might affect the delivery of rewards. Offer solutions, such as alternative rewards or additional benefits, to mitigate any inconvenience caused.
4. Engage with your backers post-campaign: Stay connected with your backers even after the campaign concludes. Provide regular updates on the progress of your project, share milestones, or offer sneak peeks of future developments. Continually engage and value the ongoing support of your backers.
5. Solicit reviews and testimonials: Request reviews and testimonials from your backers once they have received and experienced your project or rewards. These reviews can be used to build credibility and attract future backers. Encourage backers to share their experiences on social media, review platforms, or your website.
6. Plan for future communication: Develop a strategy for ongoing communication with your backers even after fulfillment is complete. This can include exclusive updates, new product launches, or invitations to follow-up campaigns. Maintain a strong relationship with your backers to foster their continued support and advocacy for your work.
7. Express gratitude: Always express your sincere gratitude to your backers for their support and trust in your project. Send individual thank-you messages, include personalized notes, or offer exclusive perks as a gesture of appreciation. Make your backers feel valued and acknowledged for their contribution.
8. Monitor and respond to feedback: Pay attention to feedback from your backers and address any concerns or suggestions they may have. Actively listen to their feedback and incorporate it into future projects or improvements. Respond promptly and professionally to maintain a positive rapport with your backers.
9. Evaluate your campaign performance: Take time to evaluate the performance of your Kickstarter campaign. Review what worked well and what could have been improved. Analyze the data and metrics of your campaign to inform future strategies and make adjustments for better results in subsequent projects.
10. Maintain transparency and professionalism: Throughout the post-campaign phase, ensure transparency and professionalism in your communication and actions. Honesty, integrity, and a commitment to delivering on your promises are essential in maintaining the trust of your backers and building a strong reputation as a reliable project creator.

Managing the post-campaign phase is crucial to fulfill your obligations, nurture relationships with your backers, and set the stage for future success. By staying engaged, responsive, and appreciative, you can create a positive post-campaign experience and foster continued support for your future endeavors.

Conclusion

Congratulations on reaching the end of this comprehensive guide on starting and running a successful Kickstarter campaign! By following the steps outlined in this guide, you now have a solid foundation for planning, launching, and managing your campaign effectively.

Starting a Kickstarter campaign is an exhilarating journey that allows you to bring your creative ideas to life and connect with a global community of supporters. It requires careful preparation, compelling storytelling, and active engagement with your backers.

Remember, finding a compelling project idea, setting realistic goals, and creating a compelling campaign page are crucial for capturing the attention and support of potential backers. Building a strong project video, planning enticing rewards and stretch goals, and effectively promoting your campaign are key to reaching a wider audience and generating excitement.

Engaging with your backers, fulfilling rewards promptly, and keeping them updated throughout the process are essential for maintaining strong relationships and building a community around your project. Furthermore, managing the post-campaign phase with professionalism, transparency, and gratitude ensures a positive experience for your backers and sets the stage for future success.

As you embark on your Kickstarter journey, remember that each campaign is unique, and success requires both careful planning and adaptability. Be open to learning from your experiences and continuously strive for improvement.

We wish you the best of luck in your Kickstarter campaign and the fulfillment of your creative dreams. Embrace the excitement, overcome challenges, and enjoy the rewarding journey of bringing your vision to life with the support of a passionate community of backers!