Why Choose Crowdfunding?
Crowdfunding allows us to tap into social media and online networks to raise money for a wide range of reasons.
Many people use it to fund their next business venture. Others use it to raise money to go to their perfect honeymoon destination after they get married. And there are thousands of other reasons to tap into crowdfunding sooner, rather than later.
Simply put, crowdfunding works because it provides a platform to share your story, hopes, dreams, and why you're trying to raise money in the first place.
When you combine crowdfunding with social media websites, major influencers, and the like, you can spread your message far and wide.
Before long, you'll have people from all over the globe funding your latest business idea.
Speaking of funding, we'd like to share some tips to make it easy for you to fund your dream project.
1. Picking a Crowdfunding Platform
At this point, there are numerous crowdfunding platform options available to choose from.
With so many options, some websites are going to be better than others. Creatives seem to do very well on sites like Indiegogo and Kickstarter. Business oriented entrepreneurs can achieve great success on ProFounder. If you're looking for free online crowdfunding, Plumfund is a great choice. Those looking to start a nonprofit organization would certainly benefit from choosing crowdfunding platforms such as FirstGiving and CauseVox.
2. Planning Ahead Leads to Greater Success
Instead of immediately slapping up a new funding page on your crowdfunding platform of choice, it's best to take some time to plan ahead.
Whether you realize it or not, time will start flying by as soon as you put up your crowdfunding page.
Take some time to get all your ducks in a row.
• Do you plan to contact influencers in your niche to promote your crowdfunding page? Figure out who they are and get their contact details well before launching your campaign. As a matter of fact, attempt to get to know major influencers first by offering to help them with their projects. When the time comes, they'll gladly reciprocate by sharing your crowdfunding dream project with their large audience.
• We recommend using time tracking software to track everything.
• If you plan on promoting your crowdfunding campaign on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, make sure you develop a following on the sites. If you don't, you'll have a difficult time sharing your message with the rest of the world. If time is of the essence, you could always use paid advertising to spread the word about your crowdfunding campaign— make sure you have a budget available to pay for advertising.
3. Pitch Your Project with Passion and Tell Your Story
Everybody loves a good story.
To attract funding for your dream project, you'll need to tell an excellent story that people can really relate to. More importantly, you need to tell your story with passion. When you approach crowdfunding this way, people from all over the world will naturally gravitate toward you—and they'll gladly open up their wallets to help fund your campaign.
Conclusion
With crowdfunding, it's easier than ever to fund your dream project.
Take advantage of this powerful medium and raise money to launch your idea when you're ready to share your gift with the world.
Wendy Dessler is a super-connector with OutreachMama who helps businesses find their audience online through outreach, partnerships and networking. She frequently writes about the latest advancements in digital marketing and focuses her efforts on developing customized blogger outreach plans depending on the industry and competition. Follow on Twitter: @outreachmama.
