Introduction
Hey there Kickstarter hopefuls! Are you gearing up to launch your next big idea through crowdfunding platform? Well, before you hit that "Launch" button, let's talk about some of the most common mistakes that brands make when launching a Kickstarter campaign. We've seen it all: from the lack of marketing budget to poor storytelling that fails to engage with potential backers. But don't worry, I'm a Kickstarter expert and I'm here to help you avoid these mistakes and set your campaign up for success. So, let's dive in and get your campaign off the ground!
Mistake #1: Pre-campaign Marketing Budget Too Low
One of the most common mistakes that brands make when launching a Kickstarter campaign is not allocating enough budget towards marketing, specifically pre-campaign marketing. It's important to remember that creating a great product or campaign is only the first step towards success. Without a well-planned and executed marketing strategy, your campaign will fall flat.
I recommend setting aside at least 10% of your overall fundraising goal towards marketing efforts. This may seem like a lot, but it's necessary to reach a wider audience and drive more backers to your campaign and will help you to unlock the power of the Kickstarter platform to drive more organic sales.
From paid social media advertising to giveaway competitions, there are many different marketing channels to explore. It's important to do your research and figure out which ones will work best for your specific campaign and target audience.
By investing in a strong marketing strategy, you'll be able to get your campaign in front of the right people and increase your chances of reaching your funding goal on day 1. Please don't make the mistake of underestimating the importance of pre-campaign marketing in a successful Kickstarter campaign.
Mistake #2: Failure to Build an Audience of Backers Beforehand
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when launching a Kickstarter campaign is not building an audience of backers beforehand. Your success on Kickstarter largely depends on your ability to reach your funding goal within the first few days of launching. This is where having a group of dedicated supporters can make all the difference.
If you launch your campaign to crickets, it will be extremely difficult to gain traction and build momentum. By building an audience of backers beforehand, you'll have a group of people who are already invested in your project and excited to support you. This can help you reach your funding goal faster and increase the likelihood of reaching your funding goal.
Mistake #3: Bad Images, Copy, and Storytelling
Even if you have a fantastic product, you won't get anywhere on Kickstarter if your presentation falls flat. Your images and copy are what will grab people's attention and convince them to back your project. Unfortunately, many campaigns make the mistake of using low-quality images, confusing copy, or failing to tell a compelling narrative.
First, let's talk about images. Kickstarter is a visual platform, and your product photos are the first thing people will see when they land on your page. If your images are low-quality or don't do a good job of showcasing your product, people are going to move on to the next campaign without giving you a second thought. Make sure your images are high-quality, well-lit, and showcase your product from multiple angles.
Next, let's talk about copy. Your copy should be clear, concise, and compelling. Don't use overly technical language or jargon that your target audience won't understand. Instead, focus on the benefits of your product and why it's worth backing. Use bullet points, subheadings, and short paragraphs to make your copy easy to scan.
Finally, storytelling. A good story can make or break a Kickstarter campaign. People want to know the story behind your product and why it matters. Don't be afraid to get personal and share your own journey. Make sure your story is clear, concise, and emotionally engaging.
If you're not confident in your ability to create high-quality images, clear copy, and a compelling story, don't hesitate to bring in a professional. A Kickstarter expert can help you create a campaign that stands out from the crowd and gets people excited about your product.
Additional Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring the importance of video: A Kickstarter campaign with a video is more likely to succeed. A poorly made video, on the other hand, can have the opposite effect. A video that is too long, poorly lit, or has poor sound quality can deter potential backers.
Failing to offer appealing rewards: Your rewards should be enticing to potential backers. The rewards should be creative, valuable, and relevant to your project.
Underestimating the time and effort required: Running a successful Kickstarter campaign takes a lot of time and effort. Don't underestimate the amount of work that goes into planning, marketing, and managing a campaign. 2-4 months is a reasonable timeframe if you're starting preparation from scratch.
Lack of transparency: You must be transparent with your backers about the project's progress, delays, and any issues that may arise. If you fail to communicate openly and honestly, your backers may lose trust in you and your project.
Ignoring the importance of updates: Keeping your backers informed with regular updates throughout the campaign and after the campaign is over is crucial for maintaining their trust and support.
Shipping mistakes: One of the biggest mistakes that a Kickstarter campaign can make is underestimating the cost of shipping. Shipping costs can add up quickly, and if not properly accounted for, can eat into your profit margins or even cause you to lose money on the campaign.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can increase your chances of running a successful Kickstarter campaign.
Closing thoughts
To wrap things up, launching a Kickstarter campaign can be a daunting task, but avoiding these common mistakes will go a long way towards ensuring you have a successful campaign. Remember to allocate enough budget for marketing, build an audience of backers beforehand, and create engaging visuals, copy, and storytelling that connect with your customers. Also, don't forget to account for shipping costs and keep your backers informed through regular updates.
At Crowd Academy, we've been there and we've got the t-shirt. We understand the complexities of launching a successful Kickstarter campaign and can help you avoid these mistakes. Book a free 30-minute consultation with us today to see how we can help you smash your goal on Kickstarter.