Crowdfunding-Projects Guide
CROWDFUNDING PROJECTS GUIDE 🚀💰
Complete Crowdfunding Encyclopedia: Kickstarter, Indiegogo, GoFundMe, Patreon Platform Comparison, Campaign Success Strategies, Reward Tiers, Marketing Tips, Legal Requirements, Success Stories & Everything To Fund Your Dream Project!
💡 WHAT IS CROWDFUNDING?
📌 Simple Explanation
Crowdfunding: Many people ("the crowd") each give small amounts of money to fund a project, product, cause, or business. Instead of one big investor, you get 100s or 1000s of small backers!
How It Works:
1. You have an idea/project that needs money
2. Create campaign on crowdfunding platform (Kickstarter, etc.)
3. Set funding goal ($10K, $50K, $1M, etc.)
4. Offer rewards/perks for different pledge amounts
5. Promote campaign to friends, social media, press
6. People pledge money (credit card held, not charged yet)
7. If you hit goal by deadline → Cards charged, you get money!
8. If you don't hit goal → No one charged (on some platforms)
🎯 Types of Crowdfunding
1. Reward-Based (Most Common)
• Backers get product/perk for pledge
• Example: Pledge $25 → Get the product when it ships
• Platforms: Kickstarter, Indiegogo
• Best For: Products, creative projects, tech gadgets
2. Donation-Based (No Rewards)
• Pure donations, nothing in return (maybe thank you)
• Platforms: GoFundMe, JustGiving
• Best For: Medical bills, charity, emergencies, causes
3. Subscription-Based (Ongoing)
• Monthly recurring payments from fans
• Backers get exclusive content/perks
• Platforms: Patreon, Ko-fi, Buy Me a Coffee
• Best For: Creators, artists, podcasters, YouTubers
4. Equity-Based (Investment)
• Backers get shares/equity in company
• Platforms: SeedInvest, StartEngine, Republic
• Best For: Startups seeking investors
• Complex legal requirements!
5. Lending-Based (P2P Loans)
• Borrow money, pay back with interest
• Platforms: LendingClub, Funding Circle
• Best For: Business loans, personal loans
📊 Crowdfunding Stats - The Reality
Success Rates (Kickstarter):
• Overall success rate: ~39% (less than half succeed!)
• Best categories: Comics (66%), Dance (62%), Theater (60%)
• Hardest categories: Technology (20%), Food (24%)
Funding Stats:
• Average successful campaign: $20,000-$30,000
• Median pledge amount: $25-$50
• Average number of backers: 100-300
• Only 0.1% raise over $1 million
Why Campaigns Fail:
• Unrealistic goals (too high)
• Poor presentation (bad video/images)
• No pre-launch audience
• Weak marketing during campaign
• Unclear product/value proposition
🏆 MAJOR CROWDFUNDING PLATFORMS
🎨 REWARD-BASED PLATFORMS
🟢 Kickstarter
Most Popular All-or-Nothing $7.7B+ FundedBest For: Creative projects, Tech gadgets, Games, Design products, Art, Film
Fee: 5% platform fee + 3-5% payment processing
Funding Model: All-or-nothing (must hit goal or no money!)
Stats:
• 245,000+ successfully funded projects
• 22 million backers worldwide
• $7.7 billion pledged total
• 39% success rate
Categories:
• Art, Comics, Crafts, Dance, Design, Fashion
• Film & Video, Food, Games (Tabletop & Video)
• Journalism, Music, Photography, Publishing
• Technology, Theater
Requirements:
• Must create something (no charities/causes)
• Must have clear deliverable/prototype
• Available in 24 countries
• Bank account in supported country
Pros:
• Huge audience, Best brand recognition
• High traffic (people browse for projects)
• All-or-nothing = backers commit fully
• Quality reputation (curated feel)
Cons:
• All-or-nothing risky (miss goal = $0!)
• Strict rules (no equity, no charity)
• High competition, Visible failures
Website: kickstarter.com
🟣 Indiegogo
Flexible Funding More Options $2B+ FundedBest For: Tech products, Hardware, Inventions, Social causes, Anything!
Fee: 5% (fixed funding) or 9% (flexible funding) + payment processing
Funding Model: Choose Fixed OR Flexible funding
Fixed vs Flexible:
• Fixed: All-or-nothing (like Kickstarter) - 5% fee
• Flexible: Keep what you raise even if miss goal - 9% fee
Unique Features:
• InDemand: Continue selling after campaign ends!
• More international-friendly
• Less strict rules than Kickstarter
• Can offer equity (Indiegogo Equity)
Categories:
• Tech & Innovation, Creative Works, Community Projects
• Small Business, Causes (allowed!)
Pros:
• Flexible funding option (get money even if miss goal)
• InDemand feature (keep selling!)
• Less restrictive rules
• Good for hardware/tech
Cons:
• Less organic traffic than Kickstarter
• Flexible funding = higher fee (9% vs 5%)
• Slightly less prestigious brand
Website: indiegogo.com
❤️ DONATION-BASED PLATFORMS
💚 GoFundMe
Largest No Platform Fee! $25B+ RaisedBest For: Medical bills, Emergencies, Charity, Memorial funds, Personal causes
Fee: 0% platform fee! Only payment processing (2.9% + $0.30)
Funding Model: Keep all donations (no goal required)
Stats:
• Over $25 billion raised
• 150+ million donors
• Most popular donation platform
Categories:
• Medical, Emergency, Memorial
• Education, Volunteer, Animals
• Community, Sports, Events
• Business, Creative, Wishes
Unique Features:
• GoFundMe Guarantee (refunds if misuse)
• Built-in social sharing tools
• Donor protection
• Available in 19 countries
Pros:
• NO platform fee (amazing!)
• Easy to set up (5 minutes)
• Great for personal causes
• Mobile app, Social sharing built-in
• Fast withdrawals (2-5 days)
Cons:
• Not for products/businesses
• No organic traffic (must promote yourself!)
• Donor fatigue (too many campaigns)
Website: gofundme.com
🔵 JustGiving
Charity Focus UK PopularBest For: Charity fundraising, Marathons/events, Nonprofit causes
Fee: 0% platform fee for individuals, 1.9% for charities + processing
Popular In: UK, Europe (less common in US)
Website: justgiving.com
🎭 SUBSCRIPTION-BASED PLATFORMS (ONGOING SUPPORT)
🧡 Patreon
Creator Favorite Recurring Income $3.5B+ Paid OutBest For: YouTubers, Podcasters, Artists, Writers, Musicians, Game devs
Fee: 5-12% platform fee (based on plan) + payment processing
Model: Fans pay monthly subscription for exclusive content/perks
Membership Tiers Example:
• $3/mo - Early access to content, Discord access
• $10/mo - Exclusive posts, Behind-the-scenes, Monthly Q&A
• $25/mo - 1-on-1 video call, Name in credits, Custom requests
• $100/mo - Executive producer credit, Personal mentoring
Stats:
• 250,000+ creators
• 8+ million active patrons
• $3.5 billion paid to creators
Pricing Plans:
• Lite: 5% fee (basic features)
• Pro: 8% fee (analytics, promo tools)
• Premium: 12% fee (dedicated support, workshop)
Pros:
• Recurring income (not one-time!)
• Build community of superfans
• Predictable monthly income
• Great for ongoing creative work
Cons:
• Need consistent content output
• Fees add up (5-12% + payment processing)
• Must already have audience
• Takes time to build patron base
Website: patreon.com
☕ Ko-fi
0% Fee (Free Plan) SimpleBest For: Artists, Illustrators, Writers, Smaller creators
Fee: 0% on free plan! (5% on paid plan for extra features)
Model: "Buy me a coffee" donations ($3-5 tips) OR monthly memberships
Features:
• One-time donations, Monthly memberships
• Sell digital products, Commissions
• Shop feature, Gallery
Pros:
• 0% platform fee on free plan (only payment processing!)
• Simpler than Patreon, Lower barrier to entry
• Multiple monetization options
Cons:
• Less features than Patreon, Smaller creator community
• No mobile app
Website: ko-fi.com
💝 Buy Me a Coffee
5% Fee Simple TippingBest For: Content creators, Developers, Writers
Fee: 5% platform fee + payment processing
Model: One-time "coffee" donations ($5) + memberships
Website: buymeacoffee.com
💼 EQUITY-BASED PLATFORMS (INVESTMENT)
📈 SeedInvest
Startup Equity Vetted CompaniesBest For: Tech startups, Growth companies seeking investment
Investment Range: $500 - $100,000+ per investor
Vetting: Only 1% of applicants approved (highly selective!)
How It Works:
• Company applies (extensive vetting)
• If approved, create investment campaign
• Investors buy equity shares
• Minimum raise typically $250K-$1M
Investor Requirements:
• Must be accredited investor (high income/net worth)
• OR invest max $2,000 if non-accredited
Pros:
• Serious investors with money, Prestigious platform
• Large funding amounts possible
Cons:
• Extremely hard to get approved, Complex legal requirements
• Giving up company equity, Long process
Website: seedinvest.com
🏛️ Republic
Open to All Low MinimumsBest For: Startups, Real estate, Gaming, Crypto projects
Investment Range: As low as $10 minimum!
Model: Equity crowdfunding for everyone (not just accredited investors)
Categories:
• Startups, Gaming, Real estate, Crypto/Web3
Pros:
• Open to non-accredited investors
• Low investment minimums ($10-$100)
• Diverse investment types
Cons:
• Still complex legally, High risk investments
• Long-term hold (hard to sell shares)
Website: republic.com
🚀 StartEngine
Public Investment $650M+ RaisedBest For: Startups seeking equity investment from public
Investment Minimums: Typically $100-$500
Notable: Over $650 million raised, 500+ funded companies
Website: startengine.com
📊 PLATFORM COMPARISON TABLE
| Platform | Best For | Fee | Funding Type | Traffic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kickstarter | Creative projects, Products | 5% + processing | All-or-nothing | 🔥🔥🔥 High |
| Indiegogo | Tech, Hardware, Flexible | 5-9% + processing | Fixed or Flexible | 🔥🔥 Medium-High |
| GoFundMe | Personal causes, Medical | 0% + processing | Flexible (keep all) | 🔥 Low (must promote) |
| Patreon | Ongoing creators | 5-12% + processing | Monthly recurring | 🔥 Low (need audience) |
| Ko-fi | Artists, Small creators | 0-5% + processing | Tips + memberships | 🔥 Low (need audience) |
| SeedInvest | Serious startups | 7.5% + legal | Equity investment | 🔥🔥 Medium (investors) |
| Republic | Diverse investments | 6% + processing | Equity investment | 🔥🔥 Medium (investors) |
🎯 Quick Decision Guide
Choose Kickstarter if: Product/creative project, Want prestige, Can hit goal, Want organic traffic
Choose Indiegogo if: Need flexibility, Tech/hardware, Want InDemand, International audience
Choose GoFundMe if: Personal cause, Medical/emergency, Don't want platform fee
Choose Patreon if: Ongoing content creation, Want recurring income, Have existing fans
Choose Ko-fi if: Artist/small creator, Want 0% fees, Simple tipping
Choose Equity Platforms if: Serious startup, Need $250K+, Willing to give equity
🎯 CAMPAIGN SUCCESS STRATEGIES
📅 PRE-LAUNCH PHASE (60-90 Days Before)
1. Build Pre-Launch Audience (CRITICAL!)
• Reality: 30-40% of funding comes in FIRST 48 HOURS!
• Why? Early momentum attracts more backers
• Need email list of interested people BEFORE launch
Build Your List:
• Create landing page ("Coming to Kickstarter soon!")
• Offer early bird discount for email signups
• Goal: 500-1,000 emails minimum
• Post on social media, Forums, Communities
• Tools: MailChimp, ConvertKit, LaunchBoom
2. Create Campaign Assets
• Video: 2-3 minutes, Show product/story, Who are you?, What's the need?, How does product solve it?, Show it working!, Clear call-to-action
• Images: High quality product photos, Lifestyle shots, Infographics, Size comparisons, Multiple angles
• Copy: Campaign description, Problem → Solution, Features & benefits, Specs, FAQ
3. Plan Reward Tiers (CRUCIAL!)
• Early Bird Special: $20 (50% off retail) - Limited 100 units
• Standard Backer: $30 (40% off retail) - Main tier
• Deluxe Package: $50 (Product + accessories)
• Premium Pack: $100 (Multiple products + bonuses)
• Mega Supporter: $500+ (Your name on product, Private event, etc.)
Pricing Strategy:
• Most backers choose $25-$75 range
• Offer 30-50% discount vs future retail
• Create scarcity (Limited early birds!)
• Always have $1 tier ("Just want to support!")
4. Get Feedback
• Show campaign draft to 10-20 people
• Ask: "Is it clear what this is?", "Would you back it?", "What's confusing?"
• Iterate based on feedback!
5. Reach Out to Press/Influencers
• Make list of relevant blogs, YouTube reviewers, Journalists
• Send personal pitch (NOT spam!)
• Offer free sample to review
• Time coverage for launch week
6. Calculate Real Costs
• Product manufacturing cost per unit
• Shipping costs (domestic + international)
• Platform fees (5-9%), Payment processing (3-5%)
• Taxes, Fulfillment costs
• Marketing budget
• Rule: Need 3x goal to actually profit!
7. Create Launch Strategy
• Email list: Schedule announcement email for launch hour
• Social media: Pre-schedule posts
• Friends/family: Ask them to back in first hour (momentum!)
• Press: Confirm coverage timing
8. Prepare for Launch Day
• Clear your schedule (respond to comments immediately!)
• Test payment methods
• Write FAQ answers ahead
• Have team ready (if you have one)
🚀 LAUNCH PHASE (Day 1-7)
🎯 First 48 Hours = Make or Break!
The Critical Window:
• 30-40% of total funding happens in first 2 days
• Kickstarter algorithm boosts campaigns with early momentum
• Press/backers see "trending" campaigns and join in
• If you hit 30% of goal in 48 hours → 80% likely to succeed!
Hour 1-6: Go All In!
1. Email your entire list (as soon as live!)
2. Post on all social media
3. Message friends/family personally
4. Post in relevant communities (not spam!)
5. Respond to EVERY comment within minutes
Day 1-2: Maintain Momentum
• Update hourly milestones ("50% funded in 6 hours!")
• Share backer testimonials
• Behind-the-scenes content
• Thank backers publicly
• Engage in comments constantly
Week 1: Build Proof
• Aim for 60-70% funded by end of week 1
• Announce when hitting milestones
• Add stretch goals (if doing well)
• Media outreach (easier to get coverage when trending!)
📈 MIDDLE PHASE (Day 8-25)
• Days 8-25 = slow period (normal!)
• Excitement wears off, Organic traffic drops
• Don't panic! This happens to every campaign
• Focus on keeping engagement alive
Keep Campaign Alive:
• Regular Updates: 2-3 per week minimum, Show progress, Behind-the-scenes, Answer questions
• Engage Community: Reply to every comment, Ask for feedback, Create polls, Show you care!
• Add Excitement: Announce new reward tiers, Release stretch goals, Limited-time offers, Collaborations
• Content Marketing: Blog posts, Guest posts, YouTube videos, Podcast appearances
• Paid Ads (Optional): Facebook/Instagram ads, Google Ads, Retarget website visitors
🏁 FINAL PUSH (Last 72 Hours)
💥 The Final Sprint - Second Momentum Wave!
Why Last 72 Hours Matter:
• 20-30% of funding comes in final 3 days!
• "Ending soon" badges attract attention
• FOMO kicks in (fear of missing out)
• Fence-sitters finally commit
Final Push Strategy:
• Email list AGAIN ("Last chance!")
• Social media blitz (multiple posts per day)
• Personal messages to warm leads
• Countdown posts every few hours
• "Only X hours left!"
• Live video / Q&A session
• Thank you video to backers
Final 24 Hours:
• Post every 4-6 hours
• "We're 90% there - help push us over!"
• Share celebration plans if funded
• Final hour: Real-time updates
🏆 SUCCESS STORIES - LEARN FROM THE BEST
💰 Pebble Time - $20.3 Million
Highest Funded Kickstarter RecordProduct: Smartwatch with e-paper display
Goal: $500,000
Raised: $20,338,986
Backers: 78,471
Year: 2015
Success Factors:
• Already had successful first Pebble campaign (built-in audience!)
• Proven product (not just idea)
• Perfect timing (smartwatch hype)
• Clear value proposition vs competition
• Strong video showing real product
• Multiple reward tiers ($159-$10,000)
Lesson: Having proven track record + existing community = massive advantage!
🎲 Kingdom Death: Monster 1.5 - $12.4 Million
Board Game High-TicketProduct: Boutique horror board game
Goal: $100,000
Raised: $12,393,139
Backers: 19,264 (Average pledge: $643!)
Year: 2016
Success Factors:
• Niche passionate audience (horror + miniatures gamers)
• HIGH-TICKET product ($400 base pledge)
• Exclusive/limited availability (FOMO!)
• Amazing miniatures artwork
• Cult following from previous version
Lesson: Don't need millions of backers - deep passion from small audience = huge success!
🥤 Coolest Cooler - $13.3 Million (WARNING STORY!)
Failed After Success Cautionary TaleProduct: High-tech cooler with blender, Bluetooth speaker, USB charger
Goal: $50,000
Raised: $13,285,226
Backers: 62,642
What Happened: Company failed to deliver to all backers, Sued, Bankruptcy
What Went Wrong:
• Underestimated manufacturing costs (too complex!)
• Sold at retail before fulfilling backers (betrayal!)
• Poor communication when problems arose
• Overpromised, Couldn't deliver on time/budget
Lesson: SUCCESS can be DANGEROUS if you can't fulfill! Be conservative with goals, Factor in ALL costs, Manufacturing is HARD!
🎮 Exploding Kittens - $8.8 Million
Card Game Viral SuccessProduct: "Kitty-powered Russian Roulette" card game
Goal: $10,000
Raised: $8,782,571 (87,725% funded!)
Backers: 219,382
Year: 2015
Success Factors:
• Created by The Oatmeal (huge existing audience!)
• Hilarious concept/artwork
• Simple to understand
• $20 pledge point (impulse buy territory)
• Viral sharing (people wanted to share funny concept)
• Perfect video (funny, clear, shareable)
Lesson: Existing audience + viral concept + perfect price point = explosive growth!
📖 Brandon Sanderson Secret Projects - $41.8 Million
RECORD BREAKER 2022Product: 4 secret novels by famous fantasy author
Goal: $1 million
Raised: $41,754,153 (NEW RECORD!)
Backers: 185,341
Year: 2022
Success Factors:
• Bestselling author with MASSIVE fanbase
• "Secret novels" = mystery/excitement
• Beautifully presented premium books
• Quarterly delivery (one book every 3 months)
• Clear communication, Professional presentation
• Multiple tiers ($40-$500+)
Lesson: Strong existing fanbase + quality product + professional execution = records broken!
💡 CREATING A WINNING CAMPAIGN
🎥 Video is KING (80% More Likely to Succeed!)
Stats: Campaigns with video succeed 80% more than those without!
Perfect Campaign Video Structure (2-3 minutes):
First 10 Seconds (HOOK):
• Grab attention immediately!
• Show product in action OR
• Bold statement / Intriguing question
• Example: "What if you could cook a gourmet meal in 5 minutes?"
0:10-0:30 (THE PROBLEM):
• What problem exists?
• Why do people struggle?
• Make viewers nod "YES, I have that problem!"
0:30-1:30 (THE SOLUTION):
• Introduce your product
• Show it solving the problem
• Demonstrate features
• Show it in use (real footage!)
• Multiple angles/scenarios
1:30-2:00 (WHO YOU ARE):
• Introduce yourself/team (build trust!)
• Why are YOU creating this?
• Your passion/story (authenticity matters!)
• Show you're real people, not corporation
2:00-2:30 (THE ASK):
• "We need your help to bring this to life"
• Explain what funding will do
• Mention reward tiers
• Create urgency ("Limited early bird!")
Last 10 Seconds (CALL TO ACTION):
• "Back us today!"
• Thank viewers
• Show URL/CTA graphic
Video Production Tips:
• Don't need professional studio (iPhone is fine if good lighting!)
• Natural lighting or softbox lights
• Clean background (not messy room!)
• Clear audio (CRITICAL - use external mic!)
• Show REAL product (not just 3D renders if possible)
• Edit for pacing (cut dead air!)
• Add captions (many watch without sound!)
• Music: Upbeat, Not distracting, Licensed properly
📝 Campaign Copy That Converts
Page Structure (Top to Bottom):
1. Hero Section:
• One sentence value proposition
• Example: "The world's most comfortable wireless earbuds that actually stay in"
2. The Problem:
• 2-3 paragraphs describing pain point
• Use relatable scenarios
• "We've all been there..."
3. The Solution (Your Product):
• Introduce product
• Key features with images/GIFs
• How it works (simple explanation)
• Comparisons to competition (if relevant)
4. Features & Specs:
• Bullet points (easy to scan!)
• Use icons/graphics
• Technical specs in table
• Size comparisons
5. The Team:
• Photos of team members
• Relevant experience
• Why you care about this
• Build trust & authenticity
6. Manufacturing Plan:
• Show you've thought this through!
• Timeline (design → prototype → manufacturing → shipping)
• Factory/partner photos (if you have them)
• Address "Can you actually deliver?" concern
7. Risks & Challenges:
• Kickstarter requires this section
• Be HONEST (builds trust!)
• "Manufacturing always has risks..."
• Explain contingency plans
8. FAQ:
• Answer obvious questions
• Shipping costs? International?
• When will it ship?
• What if something goes wrong?
Writing Tips:
• Short paragraphs (2-4 sentences max)
• Use subheadings (scannable!)
• Bold important points
• Break up text with images
• Conversational tone (not corporate!)
• Use "you" and "we" (personal!)
• Check spelling/grammar (typos = unprofessional)
🎁 Reward Tier Strategy
$1-5: Pure Support Tier
• "Just want to support!"
• Thank you in updates + digital wallpaper
• Captures people who can't afford more
$15-25: Early Bird Special (LIMITED!)
• 50-60% off future retail price
• First 100-500 backers only
• Creates urgency & FOMO
• Example: "Early Bird: $19 (Retail $49) - Only 200 left!"
$30-50: Standard Backer (MAIN TIER)
• 40-50% off retail
• This is where most backers land
• One unit of product
• Example: "$39 (Retail $79) - Unlimited"
$75-100: Deluxe Package
• Product + accessories/extras
• Better perceived value
• Example: "Product + Carrying Case + Extra Batteries"
$150-200: Multi-Pack
• 2-3 units (gift to friends!)
• Or premium version
• Example: "Get 2 for family (30% savings)"
$500-1000: Super Backer
• Multiple products + premium perks
• Name engraved on product
• Private Q&A with founders
• Behind-the-scenes access
$2,500+: Mega Supporter
• Executive producer credit
• Visit factory/HQ
• Limited to 5-10 spots
• Mostly for prestige projects
Tier Pricing Psychology:
• Price anchoring: Show future retail price (makes discount feel bigger!)
• Limited quantities: "Only 50 left!" creates urgency
• Odd pricing: $29 feels much less than $30 (psychological!)
• Comparison: "Save $40!" vs retail
• Multiple options: 5-8 tiers ideal (choice without overwhelm)
⚠️ COMMON MISTAKES & HOW TO AVOID
❌ Top 10 Campaign Killers
1. No Pre-Launch Audience
• Mistake: Launch cold with 0 email list
• Reality: Need momentum in first 48 hours!
• Fix: Build list for 60-90 days before launch
2. Unrealistic Funding Goal
• Mistake: "We need $500K!"
• Reality: Average success = $20-30K
• Fix: Start low, Hit goal fast, Stretch goals after!
3. Poor Video Quality
• Mistake: Blurry phone video with bad audio
• Reality: Video is #1 factor for success
• Fix: Invest in decent lighting, Clear audio, Edit well
4. Underestimating Costs
• Mistake: "We need $10K to manufacture"
• Reality: Manufacturing, Shipping, Fees, Taxes add up!
• Fix: Calculate EVERYTHING. Need 3x goal to actually profit!
5. No Prototype/Proof
• Mistake: Just 3D renders or drawings
• Reality: Backers want to see REAL working product!
• Fix: Show prototype in video, Proof of concept essential
6. Complicated Explanation
• Mistake: "This uses quantum blockchain AI to..."
• Reality: If you can't explain in 10 seconds, problem!
• Fix: Simple language, Clear value, Show don't tell
7. Ignoring Shipping Costs
• Mistake: "Free worldwide shipping!"
• Reality: International shipping EXPENSIVE ($20-50+ per item!)
• Fix: Add shipping costs to rewards OR local fulfillment
8. Poor Communication
• Mistake: Not responding to comments/questions
• Reality: Engagement builds trust & community
• Fix: Respond to EVERY comment, Daily updates during campaign
9. Too Many Reward Options
• Mistake: 20+ different tiers
• Reality: Choice paralysis = no decision!
• Fix: 5-8 clear tiers, Easy to understand
10. Launch and Pray
• Mistake: "Build it and they will come"
• Reality: NO organic traffic without marketing!
• Fix: Active marketing every day, Email, Social, Press, Ads
📋 CAMPAIGN LAUNCH CHECKLIST
✅ Pre-Launch Checklist (Complete BEFORE Going Live)
Audience Building:
☐ Email list of 500+ interested people
☐ Social media following engaged
☐ Landing page collecting emails
☐ Facebook group or community
Campaign Assets:
☐ Campaign video (2-3 min, high quality)
☐ 10+ high-quality product images
☐ GIFs showing product in action
☐ Campaign copy written & edited
☐ FAQ section complete
☐ Risks & challenges addressed
Rewards & Pricing:
☐ 5-8 reward tiers created
☐ Early bird tier (limited quantity)
☐ Pricing tested (feedback from audience)
☐ Estimated delivery dates set
☐ Shipping costs calculated
Financial Planning:
☐ Manufacturing costs calculated
☐ Shipping costs budgeted
☐ Platform fees factored (5-9%)
☐ Payment processing fees (3-5%)
☐ Marketing budget allocated
☐ Taxes researched
☐ Realistic goal set (achievable!)
Marketing Prep:
☐ Press list created (50+ contacts)
☐ Influencer outreach done
☐ Launch day email written
☐ Social media posts scheduled
☐ Friends/family mobilized (ask for Day 1 backing!)
☐ Paid ads ready (if using)
Platform Setup:
☐ Campaign page complete
☐ Preview shown to 10+ people (feedback!)
☐ Bank account connected
☐ Identity verified
☐ All links tested
☐ Mobile version checked
Launch Day Prep:
☐ Schedule cleared (be available all day!)
☐ Team briefed (if you have one)
☐ Coffee ready ☕ (you'll need it!)
☐ Celebration plan (hit goal = celebrate!)
🎓 Additional Crowdfunding Resources
Explore more crowdfunding guides, campaign strategies, funding tips, and project launch resources!