KickstarterForum.org

Let me explain myself...

Currently my campaign is not listed in the kickstarter's HOME, and if I search for nearby projects, it appears at 15th page after sliding the Near Project Slider several times. I understand that kickstarter has many projects, and lots of them are completely awesome, but it is difficult to gain reputation / trust from people who do not know us.

It is strange that a successful kickstarter campaign is due to a list of sponsors that we obviously do not have because it is our first project; and we won't have supporters for the next campaign if we do not get any help from Kickstarter. The fact of having a large portfolio of clients/investors is more typical of a functional company than of a company that needs crowdfunding.

How is supposed that a new Company can get started on the platform, if 100% of the supporters are friends and family?

Yes, I think small entrepreneurial enterprises can use Kickstarter.
Here is a relevant article published in the Journal of Business Research:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/a ... 6320308304

It's hard, we have had the same trouble!

It can be really tough for new companies to stand out on Kickstarter due to the crowded platform. Building a strong pre-launch community, engaging your friends and family to spread the word, and creating a compelling campaign with great visuals and a clear message are crucial steps. Being active in the Kickstarter community and considering their advertising options can also help. Success often starts with a small, dedicated group of supporters, so keep refining your approach and pushing forward. Good luck!

I believe Kickstarter is very useful for new companies, especially in these areas:

Fundraising: Kickstarter provides a platform for new companies to showcase products and raise funds, which is great for startups with limited capital.

Market Validation: Crowdfunding helps validate market demand. If the product gets enough support, it proves there’s interest, aiding future business decisions.

Brand Awareness: The active Kickstarter community helps new companies build brand recognition quickly. Successful campaigns attract media attention and social sharing.

Customer Relationships: Engaging with backers allows companies to gather feedback, improve products, and build a loyal customer base.

Risk Reduction: Pre-sales on Kickstarter help raise funds before production, reducing financial pressure and avoiding overproduction.

Of course, success depends on the planning and marketing of the project. Without an appealing product and a good promotion strategy, crowdfunding can be challenging.

I included the following thoughts in an analysis I presented to a startup several months ago. Jessiec has included most of them in her excellent response above but I thought you might find something of interest in a slightly different pov.

1. Provides Validation - allows creators to gauge interest in their product before it hits the market. If the campaign reaches its funding goal, it’s proof that there’s demand for the product.

2. Audience Engagement - a successful campaign creates a community around the product. Backers often share feedback, ideas, and even become early ambassadors, spreading the word to their friends & networks.

3. Lowers Financial Risk - crowdfunding allows project leaders to fund production costs and reduce risks of overproducing an unproven product.

4. Marketing Awareness - crowdfunding platforms are also promotional tools. They expose a product to a large global audience, giving it visibility from the moment the campaign launches.

5. Media interest - successful campaigns often attract media attention, boosting brand awareness even further.

6. Early Feedback and Iteration - through interaction with backers, creators can receive feedback on the product's design, features, and usability. This helps fine-tune the product before mass production, making it more aligned with customer’s desires.

7. Proof of Concept for Investors - a successful crowdfunding campaign demonstrates to investors, wholesalers and distributors that there is real demand for the product.

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