ArtSites Updates

Crowdfunding - Get Your Projects Funded by the Crowd - Part 3
(posted on 30 Aug 2013)


Kickstarter Canada

Over the past couple of weeks, I've written Part 1 and Part 2 in this series on "Crowdfunding".

Today, I'm going to discuss the first few steps in How to Plan, Prepare, & Structure Your Pitch.

Please note that most of the following tips are Common Sense!

However, I've long learned that "Common Sense is not often Common Practice"! ;-)

So, here are some of my tips and tricks on the Do's and Don't's for Your Crowdfunding Pitch:
  • Think about Your Potential Contributors / Audience
    Many projects are written from the perspective of the artist / producer.

    This is a no-no    ! :-)

    Start by thinking about what kind of campaign(s) YOU'D be willing to fund (not create, but fund! ;-).

    Then, for your pitch, imagine how your funders will react to your finished project.

    You want to get your contributors to FALL IN LOVE with your project and you! :-D

    Usually, this happens in two ways: They LOVE your project AND/OR they LOVE you!

    So, think about ways your audience can "engage" in your project and "engage" with you!

    This is, by far, the best way to sell your project, especially to those who don't know you.

  • Create a Compelling Video
    I know this may sound like a daunting task! ;)

    However, the most successful projects use video.

    Think of it this way; a video gives potential contributors a chance to connect, see, and engage with YOU!

    That said, you DON'T have to create a video with you as a "talking head"! :-)
    (especially if you're uncomfortable talking directly into a camera.)

    Be creative and use your talents, e.g.:
    • create a video using stills and do a voice over, OR
    • show yourself "at work" (working on another piece) while TALKING about the project
      (it's also really nice if you can show "that other" piece completed in the video.)

    The point of the video is create a personal connection with potential contributors!

    Be yourself, genuine, and show your passion and why you and your vision are something important to fund! :-)

  • Write a Clear Description of Your Project
    One of the most difficult tasks will be for you towrite a clear, simple description of your project.

    You'll have lots of time to add details, but find a way to present your project in a very clear and concise way!

    To get started, it's recommended that you write EVERYTHING down!

    You do want to make sure you capture all your ideas and details.

    However, you'll need to edit and boil it down to the key elements.

    Be sure to answer the following questions:

    • What is the project about?
    • What will your project be/achieve once completed?
    • Why is the project important?
    • Why does it matter?
    • Why should your contributors fund you and your project?
    • Ultimately, why should they care?!

    Once again, think about this from the perspective of a potential contributor!
Next week, I'll be writing about Budgets, Rewards and How to Manage Your Contributors.
If you have any other "crowdfunding" questions, please send them to me.

In the meantime, you might want to get started on your project video and description! :-)

And, finally, here's Part 4!

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