When we got into the business of crowdfunding, we had absolutely no idea what we were in for. With online media and social platforms constantly changing, we STILL have no idea what’s on the horizon.
The more we talked about crowdfunding, the more we realized how few people had even heard of the term “crowdfunding”.
The first thing we learned–we couldn’t just start talking to random strangers about crowdfunding or crowdsourcing or crowd-anything really.
It helps to begin conversations with, “are you familiar with crowdfunding?“, before jumping into campaign details, social media strategy, and pitch videos.
This is something every first-time crowdfunder may discover quickly when launching a campaign, but also something not many people mention. It seems simple enough but you won’t believe the difference it makes when you educate someone about what crowdfunding is first, THEN get into the nitty-gritty.
So here are a few basic facts about crowdfunding for all the newbies just trying to figure things out…and the simplest way we’ve found to describe it…
WHAT IS CROWDFUNDING?
Crowdfunding is a pooling of funds (typically online) from people who are passionate about your idea or product.
WHO CAN CROWDFUND?
Anyone, for anything…within legal reason.
(Equity crowdfunding is here and we can now offer contributors/donors a stake in our ideas/products…up to a certain extent of course.*)
WHY DO IT?
– To raise money
– To engage your audience and/or potential customers – To validate proof of your goal
– It’s great marketing
– To connect with your community
HOW?
By creating an honest and engaging pitch, finding an audience that cares, and being proactive. (This includes finding the right crowdfunding platform to fit your campaign: Kickstarter, Indiegogo, RocketHub, Pave, etc.)
*For more on the latest about equity crowdfunding, keep an ear out for what’s happening with the JOBS Act. The SEC Adopted “Rules to Permit Crowdfunding” that we recommend checking out. Take it easy crowdfunding fiends…and Happy Crowdfunding to you all.
*UPDATE*
Consider crowdfunding on your own website, especially if you already have a good size audience, email list, or social media following. You may save yourself some platform fees and have direct access to your funders without needing to go through a third party.
Creative Guru & Chief Storyteller @ Fat Cat Productions. He’s all about making brand dreams come true, whether it’s helping fundraise for a cause or capturing the grandest events. When he sees your smiles, that’s when he knows he’s hit the jackpot of happiness!
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Josh Wilson
Musical Maverick & Senior Consultant at Slalom. With a unique blend of expertise in brand marketing strategy, analytics-driven benchmarking, & outcome-based technical delivery, Josh is the go-to guru for transforming project goals into tangible results He also taught our team Figma & Jira skills.✊🏾🐼
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Elizabeth Salazar and Mario Rodriguez
The dynamic duo behind Wonky Power, a Latino-owned music agency. As Music Producers & Founders, we hit them up for live music & audio production needs. Based in Houston’s vibrant East End, their studio serves as a creative hub, deeply rooted in community engagement. Chingones!
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Taylor Huffman
Multi-talented Musician and Web Developer extraordinaire, renowned for his seamless creations like the Goodspero website and a plethora of custom-built sites. Recently embarking on a new life in Norway, Taylor brings exceptional skills & undeniable dedication to every project he undertakes. Han er et fantastisk menneske og SÅ kul.
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Brandon Washington
Multifaceted Creative Force behind Bwash Media, excelling as a Videographer, Photographer, Editor, and Drone Pilot. With a mastery of diverse media forms, Brandon’s expertise in leveraging social media empowers brands to effectively market themselves and reach new heights of success.
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Sania Jamil
Family & Lifestyle Blogger @SaniasFamily, brilliant Author of “Brown Girls are Beautiful,” and a trailblazing serial entrepreneur. As a proud Pakistani-American Muslim woman, wife, mother, daughter, sister, & friend, Sania celebrates her identity through stories that inspire & uplift all. ہماری کمیونٹی کا ایک انمول جواہر
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LaRahia Smith
Communication Director @ UH College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences. Understanding the power of communications for social orgs, LaRahia delves into the intricacies of comms for visibility, legitimacy, & resource acquisition, crafting strategies that generate meaningful social impact.
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Jonathan Brown
Creative Founder @ JonBlenz Creative, Business & Brand Strategist @ ReImagine Biz, & School Communications Strategist @ YES Prep. With the perfect fusion of business acumen & a marketer’s passion, Jon leverages his wealth of experience to propel brands to new heights.
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Alexander Lee
Creative Wizard @ AKL Productions, CEO of CALL’D Lifestyle, and Real Estate Ace at Realty Texas. With an insatiable curiosity for the unseen and an unwavering dedication to capturing unforgettable moments, Alex is your go-to expert for all things creative and captivating. 당신은 놀라운 알렉스입니다!
When we got into the business of crowdfunding, we had absolutely no idea what we were in for. With online media and social platforms constantly changing, we STILL have no idea what’s on the horizon.
The more we talked about crowdfunding, the more we realized how few people had even heard of the term “crowdfunding”.
The first thing we learned–we couldn’t just start talking to random strangers about crowdfunding or crowdsourcing or crowd-anything really.
It helps to begin conversations with, “are you familiar with crowdfunding?“, before jumping into campaign details, social media strategy, and pitch videos.
This is something every first-time crowdfunder may discover quickly when launching a campaign, but also something not many people mention. It seems simple enough but you won’t believe the difference it makes when you educate someone about what crowdfunding is first, THEN get into the nitty-gritty.
So here are a few basic facts about crowdfunding for all the newbies just trying to figure things out…and the simplest way we’ve found to describe it…
