Hi everyone,
First post here
I'm into the last week of my Kickstarter and I thought i'd share a couple tips. I'm sure some of these might be already stated on other topics, but you never know
As most of you know, they are three circles of backers (Family&friends, acquaintances and those completely unaffiliated with you or your project).
The best recommendation I can make is: pre launch your project. Tell everyone, organize a sit in, a coffee date with friends, a Facebook event, something that will keep those close to you aware of when you are launching, and give them the opportunity to be with you and become a backer with you around. The most crucial time for your kickstarter are the first 48 hours, and the last 72. If you start out with at least 20 backers, and 20% of your goal in the first 24 hours, you're on the right track.
FIRST CIRCLE
1) When someone tells you they'll bet on the project, see if you can go with them and explain the process. They'll appreciate you took the time and that you take their help seriously. This will probably inspire them to give you a bigger donation. NEVER TALK PRICE! If someone asks you: how much should I put? Don't say a certain amount. Explain what you are trying to achieve, in how much time, and what it means to you to have their support. You will be surprised most of the time. People are generous and like to feel that they've made a smart and good choice. If you direct that too much, they won't be as happy about their donation, and probably won't feel like talking about it to others.
Don't get angry at friends or family that don't give anything. There are a myriad of reasons why, and you don't know all of them. However, be very thankful and enthusiastic about those that DO help. Let them know that it matters to you a lot.
SECOND CIRCLE
2) A bit more tricky. These are friends of friends, or people you've seen only once or twice. Be casual about the project, but let them know that it would be a big help if they chipped in. Tell them you will owe them one, and that if ever they do a similar project, you'll be all over it
(and try to be true to your word if it so happens!) People will respond well to you as long as you don't ask for specific amounts. Remind them that every bit helps. Use humor when you can. People do not part easily with money, unless they feel either a connection to you or the project. This circle is a bit of both.
THIRD CIRCLE
3) The toughest of course. There are many recommended ways. The only one I have found fruitful was site like Rock Paper Shotgun, ifanzine, etc. Small communities, not too many backers but a couple with sometimes a nice article. Twitter is a nice idea, but I haven't seen the fruits of our communication on it. Forums (like this one) can be interesting, but you'll want to present your project in a succinct and exciting three/four sentences. Pull people in with a catch phrase that best describes the experience of your project. If you see questions, answer them as quickly and best you can, those that ask them either become your harshest critics or your most loyal fans.
Hope this helps a little, or gives an outline of a strategy to those of you that will want to present projects on Kickstarter (or any of the other crowdfunding sites out there).
My kicsktarter is in the signature, have a look and don't hesitate to ask questions, back or shout it out
Cheers!
Matthias Crévieaux
Armogaste
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/14297523/epilepsy-quest-2