Why Quick Funding is a Game Changer

Step 1. Build Your Community Before Launch

1. Calculate how many backers you need: Start by figuring out how many followers you need based on your funding goal and how many people typically back projects in your field. For example, if you want to raise $50,000 for a board game and the average pledge is $100, you’ll need around 500 backers. So, aim to get between 2,500 to 5,000 followers before you launch, given the typical 10–20% conversion rate in the games sector.
2. Use Ads to Get Followers: Facebook Ads is by far the most effective method to advertise a Kickstarter project. Most of your ad spend should be directed to growing your prelaunch page follower count.
3. Get Emails Through Ads: Run ads to collect emails. This not only grows your follower base but also lets you reach out to potential backers directly through email, which works pretty well with a conversion rate of 3–10%. Building an email list alongside your prelaunch page followers is important for two reasons. First, this is an audience list you own and can use for future projects. Second, this is an audience you can communicate directly to, which is important if you want to encourage people to back your project as soon as it opens.
4. Use Lookalike Audiences: Take advantage of lookalike audiences. Upload the emails you’ve collected to platforms like Facebook or Instagram to target new people who are similar to your current followers. This helps you reach more folks who might be interested in your project.
5. Use Social Media: Get active on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to build a following. Post regularly — aim for once a day or at least three times a week — to boost engagement and get the platforms’ algorithms to show your content to more people. And make sure your content is top-notch to keep your audience interested.

Step 3. Make the Most of Launch Day

1. Boost Ad Spending: Leading up to launch day and a few days after, boost your ad spend to reach more people. This way, you’ll maximize your ad spend on the most critical day, ensuring you make the most of this important opportunity. This extra investment can significantly boost your project’s visibility during those crucial first hours when excitement is at its peak. By reaching more people early on, you increase your chances of grabbing attention and gaining support.
2. Email Your List: In the days leading up to launch day, don’t hesitate to reach out to your email list more frequently. Let your followers know that your project is officially live and ready for their support. Sending out additional emails ensures that no one misses out on the excitement, helping to drum up enthusiasm and encourage backers to jump in early. Remember, you can achieve an additional 3–10% conversion rate from your email list to sales by using this tool efficiently.
3. Be Social Media Active: Get ready to ramp up your social media game on launch day. Increase your presence across platforms and consider investing in targeted ads aimed at your existing followers. These ads serve as helpful reminders that your project has launched, prompting followers to check it out and potentially become backers. By staying active and engaged on social media, you can capitalize on the momentum of launch day and keep the excitement going throughout your campaign.

Step 4. Maintain Engagement After Launch

1. Stay Engaged: Don’t disappear after the initial launch frenzy. Keep communicating with your backers by posting regular updates, responding to comments and messages, and showing appreciation for their support. By staying engaged, you not only keep your backers informed but also make them feel valued and involved in the journey.
2. Keep Posting Updates: Share progress updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and any milestones reached during the campaign. This keeps backers invested in your project and reminds them of the value they’re contributing to. Plus, it helps maintain visibility on the Kickstarter platform, potentially attracting new backers who stumble upon your project.
3. Introduce New Incentives: If interest starts to wane, inject some excitement back into your campaign by introducing new rewards or stretch goals. These incentives give backers something to look forward to and can reignite enthusiasm for your project. Consider offering limited-time offers or exclusive perks to create a sense of urgency and drive more pledges.
4. Encourage Sharing: Encourage backers to spread the word about your project to their friends, family, and social networks. Word-of-mouth can be incredibly powerful in boosting visibility and attracting new backers. Provide easy-to-share content, such as social media graphics or pre-written messages, to make it simple for backers to promote your project.
5. Encourage early purchases: (early bird pricing, communicating with email followers, stretch goals for early funding)

Step 5. Final Push and Continued Success

1. Double Down on Marketing: In the closing days of your campaign, give it everything you’ve got. Increase your marketing efforts across all channels, from social media to email newsletters. Consider running targeted ads aimed at potential backers who may be swayed by the sense of urgency as the campaign draws to a close. By this point your page will have gathered a lot of traffic, so use that traffic to your advantage by launching retargeting campaigns.
2. Create FOMO: Fear of missing out (FOMO) can be a powerful motivator. Highlight the limited time remaining in your campaign and emphasize the unique benefits of backing your project before it’s too late. Offer exclusive last-minute rewards or incentives to encourage backers to pledge now rather than later.
3. Maintain Engagement: Keep the momentum going by staying engaged with your backers until the very end. Continue to post updates, respond to comments, and interact with your community. By showing your dedication and appreciation, you not only keep backers excited about your project but also attract new supporters who are drawn to your enthusiasm.
4. Plan for Post-Campaign Success: While the campaign may be coming to an end, your journey is far from over. Start planning for what comes next, whether it’s fulfilling rewards, launching additional products or services, or nurturing your newfound community of backers. Lay the groundwork for continued success beyond the Kickstarter campaign.

Maximize Your Kickstarter’s Potential