The internet combined with social media has given us some pretty nifty tools to fundraise. Two of the most interesting are IndieGoGo and Kickstarter. After doing a thorough review, I prefer to use IndieGoGo because even if you don’t raise your goal amount, you can still keep the money. With Kickstarter, all funds are refunded if you do not reach your target goal. Keep in mind, IndieGoGo will charge you for not reaching your goal. Still, I think these sites have some of the most widespread reach for small business or project funding.
Have something you are passionate about? On IndieGoGo you can create a funding campaign to raise money quickly and securely. Our trusted platform has helped to raise millions of dollars for over 45,000 campaigns, across 205 countries.
Anyone can start raising money right now on IndieGoGo! You can create a funding pitch, offer unique perks or tax deductions to your contributors in lieu of offering profit (you always keep 100% ownership), and get the word out! Each campaign has the opportunity to be featured on our homepage, placed in the press, or exposed via social media.
- Indie GoGo
Over the next 30 days, plan your fundraiser with these key 4 steps:
1. Develop a Strategy: Do your research. Review the successfully funded fundraisers. Identify your key goals. How much can you reasonably raise in 30 days based on your audience and BUZZ? What will this money go towards specifically? It will be much easier to pitch to your audience if the funds will have a specific target. How will you create buzz surrounding your campaign?
2. Shoot a video: No need to make the video super fancy, but it should be concise and detailed. Also, don’t forget to add some personality in your video. Check out other videos on the site for inspiration, but most importantly, know the videos that will inspire your audience. You want to make people feel that they are participating in something that will make an impact. Is it really cool? Is it going to change the world? You need to leave your audience with an overwhelming sense of passion.
3. Come up with Great Perks! What makes IndieGoGo different from other fundraisers is the perks. Your fans love you, but they really are in it for the tax deductions and the gifts. Don’t forget that. You can be as creative as you like, but you need to make it easy on yourself to deliver and make sure that the price is appropriate. I’ve seen authors provide a credit for people who give $10 all the way up to doing a book read & signing at the donors home for $5000. It’s totally up to you. Start by thinking what you’d be excited about.
4. Create Buzz! You can’t successful have a campaign without the proper methods of communication set up beforehand. How are you going to spread the word? Facebook & Twitter will NOT be enough. Strongly consider getting the ball rolling with an event, press release, or even a giveaway.
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