Crowdfunding Promotion: 6 Best Tips for Your Campaign

Got a live crowdfunding campaign? Now what? Discover how to keep the momentum and attract more backers. Learn successful crowdfunding promotion strategies.
“Crowdfunding is an exercise in energy, enthusiasm and marketing.” – Bart Johnston
Have you done your homework on crowdfunding? As a new author, have you’ve grasped the basics, picked the right platform, and meticulously planned the details of your campaign’s launch? If so, now it’s time to dive into the thrilling part of crowdfunding promotion and revealing your writing project to the world.
In this third guide of our crowdfunding series, we reveal how to execute a smart plan and use effective strategy during the campaign. Boost your chances of reaching your funding goal and realize your dreams. What you do while the campaign is running is crucial for its success.
Crowdfunding Promotion
When it comes to crowdfunding, a “build it and they will come” mentality won’t work. Active and creative promotion is key.
A good friend of mine, a new indie author, decided she would only do her crowdfunding promotion on Facebook, shunning all other social media. The result? A brilliant novel about time-travel, loved by her Facebook friends, but unknown to the world of Twitter and Instagram users. Oh, the irony! Just like her time-traveling protagonist, she learned she couldn’t put all her eggs in one era, I mean, platform!
Craft a Marketing Plan
Having a solid marketing plan is critical:
- Diversify Your Channels: Utilize a mix of promotional channels like email marketing, social media, press releases, blogs, podcasts, and live events.
- Create a Content Calendar: Plan out your promotional content in advance, with regular updates to keep your audience engaged and aware of your progress.
- Network: Reach out to those in your network, other authors, industry influencers, and relevant groups who might be interested in your project and willing to help promote it.
Prepare a Press Kit
A press kit helps journalists and influencers easily write about your campaign:
- Include Basic Info: Provide a summary of your campaign, information about you as the author, high-quality images, and any notable endorsements.
- Make it Accessible: Have your press kit easily available on your website or directly linked to your campaign page.
Running the Campaign
Running crowdfunding promotion is a dynamic process, requiring regular monitoring and engagement:
Maintain Engagement with Your Backers
Your backers are your biggest supporters and potential promoters. Keep them engaged:
- Regular Updates: Share your progress, any challenges you’ve encountered, and stories from behind the scenes.
- Acknowledge Backers: Thank your backers individually, if possible. At minimum, regular public acknowledgments are crucial.
- Prompt Responses: Be responsive to any questions or comments from your backers. This helps build trust and engagement.
Monitor Your Campaign’s Progress
Regularly tracking your campaign’s progress allows you to adjust your strategy as needed:
- Track Key Metrics: Keep an eye on your funding progress, number of backers, and website or campaign page traffic.
- Adjust Strategy if Needed: If your campaign isn’t progressing as hoped, be ready to adjust your marketing or engagement strategies.
Maintaining Momentum During the Campaign
Keeping momentum up throughout your campaign can be challenging but is critical to reaching your funding goal:
Use Milestones to Generate Excitement
Milestones help maintain interest in your campaign:
- Set Mini Goals: Celebrate and publicize when you reach certain percentages of your funding goal.
- Unlock New Rewards: Consider adding new rewards partway through the campaign to reinvigorate interest and attract new backers.
Keep Promoting Your Campaign
Don’t let your promotional efforts flag:
- Maintain Your Marketing Efforts: Keep your promotional content flowing on your chosen channels.
- Engage with Your Audience: Continue interacting with your backers and potential backers, answering questions, and seeking feedback.
Conclusion: Run to Win
Running crowdfunding promotion can be a thrilling ride, filled with highs and lows. With strategic promotion and engaged running of the campaign, you can maintain momentum, rally your backers, and march towards your funding goal. While it may seem like a lot of work, remember, each effort brings you one step closer to holding your published book in your hands.
Next, in our final guide, we’ll cover what happens after your campaign ends and how to transition into the book production phase. Your journey is far from over, and each new phase brings its own rewards and challenges. Remember, every step is progress towards turning your authorial dream into reality!
You can find the first guide in the crowdfunding series here: Understanding Crowdfunding and Choosing the Best Platform.
We hope you’ve found the preparation strategies useful and motivating. We hope they’ll equip you with the insights and tools needed to help you succeed as a new author. Writing is a journey of continuous learning and improvement. You don’t have to go it alone. We’re excited to continue the journey with you, providing guidance and encouragement every step of the way. Our goal is to provide basic insights and practical advice to help you navigate the writing world with increased confidence.
Don’t wait. Start today!
How can we help? To let us know, please fill out our contact form. Happy writing!
FAQs
1. How can I effectively use social media to promote my campaign?
To use social media effectively, make sure you’re targeting the platforms where your potential backers are most likely to be active. Craft posts that share your campaign’s story, updates, and milestones. Engage with your audience by responding to comments and messages. Consider using paid promotions to expand your reach.
2. How often should I update my backers during the campaign?
As a rule of thumb, aim to update your backers at least once a week during the campaign. More frequent updates might be necessary during the initial launch phase and as the campaign nears its end. Updates can share progress towards your funding goal, new rewards, behind-the-scenes glimpses of the project, or simply express gratitude to your backers.
3. What should I do if my campaign isn’t progressing as I hoped?
If your campaign isn’t progressing as hoped, don’t panic. Re-evaluate your promotional strategy – you might need to increase your marketing efforts or explore new channels. Engage with your backers and ask for their help in spreading the word. Consider adding new rewards or special promotions to invigorate the campaign.
4. How can I maintain momentum during the middle of my campaign?
The middle of the campaign can often be a “slump” period. To maintain momentum, consider setting mini goals and celebrating when they are reached. Introduce new rewards or limited time offers to stir excitement. Keep up your promotional efforts and continue engaging with your backers and potential backers.
5. How do I deal with negative comments or criticism during the campaign?
Receiving negative comments or criticism can be tough, but it’s important to respond professionally and constructively. Thank the person for their feedback, address their concerns if possible, and take their feedback into consideration. Remember, constructive criticism can help improve your campaign and your book.