KICKSTARTER

WHAT IS KICKSTARTER?

• Kickstarter is a small company based out of New York City's Lower East Side
• Using crowd funding, Kickstarter has quickly become a viable fund raising platform for creative projects
• You start by setting a financial goal for your project: How much money do you need?
• Next, pitch your project to potential backers. This is most effectively done through video.
• If you meet your goal, you keep the money. If not, the money stays with the backers.

KICKSTARTER BY THE NUMBERS

KICKSTARTER BY THE NUMBERS

DEFINING YOUR PROJECT

• Your project should be well defined with a clear start and end
• This is important so backers can judge whether or not your goal is realistic
• Your project should fit into one of Kickstarter's predefined categories:
• Art, comics, dance, design, fashion, film, food, games, music, photography, publishing, technology, theater
• Transparency with your backers goes a long way

REWARDING BACKERS

• The primary reward you offer should be a result of the project itself.
• Don't charge a premium for these things; keep it reasonable.
• Projects with rewards at $20 or less are more successful vs projects without.
• Some examples of rewards:
• Copies of the thing, creative collaborations, creative experiences, mementos.

SETTING YOUR GOALS

• Research your budget
• Consider your networks
• Choose your goals
• Set a deadline (most successful campaigns are 30 days long)
• It is important to stay realistic about your expectations and limitations

MAKING A VIDEO

• It doesn't need to be a masterpiece; it just needs to be YOU
• Tell your story and your projects background
• Ask for support explicitly
• Advertise your rewards with images if at all possible (generate desire)
• Be sure to close on a good note!

BUILDING YOUR PROJECT

• Title should be simple, specific, and memorable
• Should include the project you're raising funds for
• Pick an image that accurately reflects your projects and is aesthetically pleasing
• Write a short description and a bio
• Get feedback from friends and fans

PROMOTING YOUR PROJECT

• A nice, personal message is the best way to let someone know about your project
• No email blasts! Contact people individually, it helps.
• Contact local media to cover your campaign.
• Avoid spamming at all costs. It comes off as tacky and reflects poorly on your project.
• Stay as transparent as possible with your backers.

PROJECT UPDATES

• Building momentum; keep your backers informed & inspired so they will spread the word
• Share the process, including behind the scenes decisions.
• This helps bring your project to life, and people like being included.
• Celebrate success by sharing reviews, press, anything to get the word out
• The point is to keep your audience captivated and motivated to help you.

STARTING YOUR PROJECT

SUCCESS RATES

REWARD FULFILLMENT

• When your project is complete, the final step is rewarding your backers
• Stay organized! It is going to be much simpler if you plan ahead
• Get backer info once the project is funded using the survey tool
• Take shipping costs into account before starting a project.
• Constant communication with your backers is essential at this stage

THE FINISHED PROJECT

• If your project was successful, congratulations!
• Be sure to keep promoting the project once the campaign is done
• If your project was unsuccessful, you can try again and adjust your goals
• Thank you!