Crowdfunding Tips for a Successful Campaign

Crowdfunding Tip #1: Come Prepared. 

Create a crowdfunding campaign that tells a story, and makes the donors understand the importance of donating to such a cause. People do not want to back a campaign that they don’t believe in, or that will not work. If you have an idea in mind for a crowdfunding campaign for yourself, then make sure it is fully thought out, and be ready to support any questions that may come your way.

Crowdfunding Tip #2: Pick the Crowdfunding Platform for You

There are many different types of crowdfunding platforms online that reach different audiences and demographics. It is important to find the right fit for your type of campaign. One of the newest platforms, for example, is Black Money Builder, a crowdfunding platform that helps support Black communities across the nation. This platform has been proven successful because it allows you to crowdfund your own projects on top of donating over 8% of their total revenue back into Black communities in need.

Crowdfunding Tip #3: Select the Right Social Platforms. 

Sharing your crowdfunding campaign on different social media platforms is essential to creating a successful crowdfunding campaign- and that’s why this crowdfunding tip sits in third place. If you don’t have a large social media presence, then consider reaching out to family members and friends who do, asking them to share your crowdfunding campaign.

If you do have a large following on social media, then make sure you customize your campaign according to each platform you’re promoting on. For example, if you’re sharing your crowdfunding campaign on Twitter, then draft a few short sentences that get to the point since you don’t want to lose your audience’s attention. On Facebook, it would be the contrary, feel free to tell your story in more words, since the Facebook audience is more likely to read longer texts and want to better understand why they are being asked to donate.

Crowdfunding Tip #4: Consider Making a Video. 

Videos have been proven to be more successful than still images when it comes to crowdfunding campaigns. A well made video will help emphasize the importance of your campaign and help donors better understand your project, making them more likely to donate.

Keep in mind that it’s important to make your video the best you can, because an amateur-looking video could backfire and really damage your reputation.

If your crowdfunding campaign is time sensitive for personal reasons, or medical emergencies, then having a video is not as important.

Crowdfunding Tip #5: Wait to Ask For Money

If donors, friends and family see how enthusiastic you are about your project or campaign then they will naturally want to help by donating. If you’re immediately asking for donations, this might turn some people off from helping out. That’s why our fourth crowdfunding tip is to not ask for money immediately. Show donors the benefits of donating to your cause, and make it clear that they can pledge as little or as much as they like.

Crowdfunding Tip #6: Get People Interested 

Before even launching your crowdfunding campaign, make an effort to spread the word and get people interested! The anticipation of a campaign will go a long way in future donations. Reach out to your community, and tell them the story behind your project, or why you need their help. Take some time to think about your hook- what makes your project so important and worthy of donors money?

Crowdfunding Tip #7: Communicate Often 

Donors want to understand what is going on, and stay informed about the project. It does not matter if it’s good or bad news, it’s essential to keep donors in the loop by posting regular updates to your crowdfunding campaign. You can celebrate milestones with donors by sending out an email blast to everyone involved. When and if you reach your campaign goal, it’s important to communicate this to donors as well.

Crowdfunding Tip #8: Keep it Personal 

If the crowdfunding campaign is for you, or for a friend, make sure you keep it personal by giving your audience an introduction. Explain who you are, or your relationship to the cause, and provide donors with some background information. By keeping it personal, donors will feel like they know you better and will be more likely to donate to your cause.

Crowdfunding Tip #9: Appeal to Your Audience and Everyone Else

At the end of the day, crowdfunding comes from people and the more people you can reach, the more likely you are to meet your goals. Engage with your audience, by communicating effectively (one of our crowdfunding tips above) and showing donors what is in it for them. If there is no physical reward, then make sure to reiterate the impact they are making by supporting your cause.

Crowdfunding Tip #10: Be Grateful. 

If your campaign is taking a while to take off, and you’re eager for quick results, then you are not in the right mindset. Crowdfunding comes from the generosity of others, and we cannot expect results overnight, although sometimes it happens. Telling the right story and reaching out to the right people are the correct steps towards a successful crowdfunding campaign.

Implementing these crowdfunding tips to your future campaigns will make it easier to reach your goals! Start a crowdfunding campaign today with @blackmoneybuilder and help others by helping yourself.