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Quite a few authors had a successful campaign, securing funds to self-publish and print their e-books for the paper book market, others to print beautiful “coffee table books” featuring stunning photos. IndieGogo takes 4% of your earnings if you reach your goal and 9% if you don’t. Kickstarter is all or nothing. If you don’t reach your goal no money is exchanged, but if you do reach your goal you get the full amount minus 5%.
There is a lot of competition on these crowdfunding sites, so if you want to stand out, use not only your social media platform, but also your real-life contacts, your own networks and their networks’ networks. If you want people to back your project you have to tell them about it. More than once… Folks have to hear a message about seven! times, before they act.
Answer these questions for yourself:
- Who is my audience for the whole project?
- What is the uniqueness of my project?
- Why should people donate to your project?
- Do your potential audience/backers know about your exciting new project before you start asking them for money?
Start with your friends and family
A friendly, personal message is the most effective way to let someone know about your project. Send an email to your close friends and family so they can be first to pledge, then use your personal blog or website, your Google+ or your Facebook page, and your Twitter account to get everyone’s attention. Don’t overdo it, but be sure to remind your networks about your projects several times throughout the course of its duration. Take the time to contact people individually. It makes a big difference.
Connect to people
Don’t be afraid to take your Kickstarter project out into the real world. Nothing connects people to an idea like seeing the twinkle in your eye when you talk about it. Host pledge parties and organize meet-ups to educate people about your endeavor. Be creative!
News media
Contact your local newspaper, TV, and radio stations and tell them about your project. Seek out like-minded blogs and online media outlets to request coverage. Writers are always looking for stories to write about, and the media has a big soft spot for DIY success stories.
Don’t spam
Whatever channel you use to tell your project’s story, don’t spam. Over-posting can alienate your friends and fans, and it makes every other Kickstarter project look bad too. Don’t do it!
Say thanks & get even more
Post public thank-yous and updates about the most current donators every other day, always including the link back to your campaign, so people can check out the site and the latest progress and decide for themselves if they want to donate.
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Get tips on blogs from successful Kickstarter project creators:
http://craigmod.com/journal/kickstartup/
http://www.remindblog.com/2010/10/14/grassroots-funding-with-kickstarter-com/
http://olganunes.com/2011/01/on-lamp-kickstarter-and.php
http://blogs.indiewire.com/thelostboy/how-to-fund-a-successful-indiegogo-kickstarter-campaign-in-5-easy-steps
http://www.nathanielhansen.com/film-fundraising/the-ultimate-crowdfunding-to-do-list-before-you-launch/
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Last but not least: carefully study all guidelines of the portal you want to use for your campaign.
http://www.indiegogo.com/
http://www.kickstarter.com/help/guidelines
All the very best and good luck for your campaign!
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Savvy Writers & e-Books online 