Sunday 14 April 2013

How To Start A Crowdfunding Business

By Camille Nicholson


If you are trying to raise funds for a project, a business or some other cause, then you might want to consider starting a crowdfunding business. This will require you to make a profile for yourself and get this promoted through your social circle. Emerging successful may not be that difficult. However, this will require you to have talent, social skills and excellent time management strategies.

There are several things that need to be pointed out before delving into this venture though. Starters first need to think of projects that have focused missions and broad appeal. Projects that are easy and simple for everyone to understand are great considerations. The same goes for those that benefit other people and those that promote social responsibility or artistic aspects.

Business models structured to be complicated or based on selfish ideas will be hard to sell. Enlisting general expenses must be avoided at the same time. Fundraisers need to be specific. They have to let potential backers know just what their money will be utilized for and how helping will benefit them. Adhering to this step will greatly reduce friction between backers and coffers.

You can also choose to have another person take over your account or profile. Profiles are essential to have detailed project descriptions because they are what your backers will be referring to. You can also use your profile to interact and collect donations. Some fundraisers will include in videos and images on their profiles, making sure these will be kept updated. Whether you will be reaching your target goal or not, always do a follow-up with your supporters, who pledged their money.

Fundraisers must keep their goals attainable and specific. Scopes that come off too ambitious are simply no good. It would be much better to first make calculations and analysis on what it takes to achieve success. Results should be held in comparison with the resources at hand. This also means taking into account whether or not there are enough people for the projected costs.

From the concept, to the planning and execution, everything must be kept simple. Project titles should be understandable and descriptions should not be too long. Images and videos should also back up the story or message for why the starters have decided on the venture. The campaign should not have anything extraneous. This way, backers will be able to find their checkbooks easily.

Starters must have proofs of what they are doing. They should spend time writing weekly updates, explaining to the backers what they are doing to continue advancing the project. They can post photos and videos or get people to do testimonials. Everyone knows scammers are abundant on the internet. It is important that starters penetrate the bias by supplying copious proofs.

Fundraisers will also need to make themselves visible online. This may done simply by sending introductory mass emails containing links to their crowdfunding profiles. Messages may contain true stories which will urge the recipients to take part in the movement one way or another. First impressions hold big impacts so messages must be polished and re-polished.

Consider rewarding your backers with things that you can easily produce. This can turn out a real challenge though. Think of items that are not that expensive but can still be rendered special by your supporters. Be creative in your approaches for the growth of your crowdfunding business. Aim for a tiered reward system where the stronger supporters get the bigger rewards.




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