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Now you are set-up, what are the next steps to promote your campaign without spending a fortune? 

Soft Launch

The most successful crowdfunding projects are the ones that get off to a flying start. A successful launch with early donations and supporters spreading the word is the foundation you are looking for. Here are some tips to achieve this:

The Official Launch

It is important to have some initial pledges lined up for the first hours of the campaign. This not only provides a great start but also secures the social proof to promote that will encourage your wider network to pledge.

Your launch needs blanket coverage being promoted across all your channels. If you have staff/volunteers available, you can also phone supporters to encourage them to give. If funds allow you can promote the launch via a paid Facebook campaign or Search Engine Marketing (Google Adwords).

Remember a launch event on Facebook Live can still have the elements of a live event (speeches, performance etc).

Emails

Email your database as part of your soft-launch and when your project goes live. Provide regular campaign emails sharing the latest news and reminders to pledge (if they have not already).

If you have a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system this will help you track pledges but if you do not Excel (or similar) spreadsheets will work, so that you can make sure you are sending the correct information.

When planning your emails think carefully about content. If you have an email system (Mailchimp etc) they have lots of tips on what makes a good email and strong content.  The Charities Aid Foundation published an article giving tips which can be found here ( https://www.cafonline.org/charities/fundraising/fundraising-fundamentals/multichannel-fundraising/online-fundraising-channels/email-fundraising )

Updates

On most Crowdfunding sites you will have the opportunity to send “updates”

to your supporters who have pledged at no cost. This is a brilliant way to keep in touch and keep them engaged with your project; after all they may decide to pledge for a second time.

For these updates (which you can send as regularly as you choose) include thank you messages to new pledges and news, call to action etc. As the campaign continues these pledges will come from new supporters, so this is your chance to keep them engaged.

For those supporters who have not yet donated you can use email, social media, website etc to keep them updated and encourage them to pledge.

Finally updates tend to be most frequent at the start and towards the end of a campaign to encourage initial and final donations.    

Press and PR

Coverage in the press, radio, tv or in blogs will spread the word about the campaign and drive more pledges to your project at little or no cost.

If you already have a press list – great. If not or you need a refresh, ask your network for contacts and research local media via social networks. Don’t forget bloggers and influencers.

Email them details of your project or contact them via social media. Make sure they have details of your campaign and include your campaign page web address. 

Timing is key for pr coverage. A crowdfunding project is interesting just after it launches with initial pledges, hits target or closes. If your campaign is picked up by the press, this is a great story to promote on your updates, social media, and website.

Social Media

You can spend money on Facebook Ads, sponsored Tweet/Instagram posts but we are going to look at how you maximise your social media organic (free) reach.   

Some basic rules for promoting your campaign on social media sites:

Websites

Your website is the first impression many people will have of you. It should have the basics on who you are, what you do, and how people can support you. So, it is the perfect place to feature your crowdfunding campaign.

At the very least make sure your campaign is featured on your homepage. This can be as simple as an image, copy and a link to the campaign page.

Remember to update your website with the news stories as you update your supporters by email/social media.  If your site has a blog or stories section, create, or post relevant information to the campaign there.

Offline

When spreading news about a campaign you should keep in mind traditional marketing channels to reach people who do not engage digitally:

Post Crowdfund

Finally, you should keep supporters engaged ready for you next campaign:

Good luck.