How to Get Started on Kickstarter
(excerpts from full article By Carlye Adler March 18, 2011  |  4:46 pm  |  Wired April 2011
 
Kickstarter is the largest funding platform for creative projects in the world. Every week, tens of thousands of amazing people pledge millions of dollars to projects from the worlds of music, film, art, technology, design, food, publishing and other creative fields.

Inventors and industrial designers may be using Kickstarter, but the site hasn’t abandoned its artsy ethos. Here are some pointers to launching a successful project, whether it’s a dance performance or a shoe line.—C.A.

Have Passion
The Kickstarter community responds to energy, excitement, and emotion. If you think your invention will make you a millionaire, go the corporate route. If you think it’ll be fun, and you don’t want to compromise, stick with Kickstarter.

Be Personal
Kickstarter funders like to know who they’re helping. That’s why 48 percent of postings that include a personal video get funded, versus 30 percent of those without a video.

Set a Tight Deadline
You determine how long people have to put money down, but give funders too long and they’ll just have an excuse to procrastinate. Projects that raise funds for 30 days or less have the highest success rate.

Be Realistic
If you miss your fund-raising target, you won’t receive anything, so don’t get greedy. At the same time, if you undercharge for preorders, you won’t be able to deliver on your promises.

Give Updates
Backers will feel more connected if you keep them in the loop with progress reports. It gives them confidence that you haven’t absconded to Anguilla

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