Kickstarter has revolutionized the way creators bring their ideas to life. But with thousands of campaigns running at any given time, getting your project featured on Kickstarter can seem like a daunting challenge.
So, how exactly do you get that coveted spot? Well, it’s not just luck—it’s a blend of preparation, strategy, and engagement. Let’s dive into the steps you need to take to increase your chances of getting featured on Kickstarter.
Understanding How Kickstarter Works
Before diving into the tactics, let’s start by understanding Kickstarter and why getting featured matters. Kickstarter is a platform that allows creators to raise funds for their projects through crowdfunding. How to Get Featured on Kickstarter? Being “featured” on Kickstarter means that your project gets extra visibility, either on the homepage or in curated lists, giving you access to a larger audience.
Why is this important? Quite simply, more exposure means more backers. Kickstarter’s front page is prime real estate—projects that are featured there get a boost in visibility, increasing their chances of reaching their funding goals. Now, let’s break down the criteria and strategies for getting your campaign featured.
Kickstarter’s Selection Criteria for Featured Campaigns
Kickstarter curates campaigns that they believe are interesting, high-quality, and have potential for success. Here are a few factors that the Kickstarter team considers:
- Quality of the Project Video: First impressions count, and a well-made project video can make a huge difference.
- Clarity in Storytelling: How well does your campaign tell its story? Is it compelling and easy to understand?
- Campaign Page Design: A clean, visually appealing, and well-organized campaign page catches the eye of both backers and Kickstarter staff.
- Engagement with Backers: Early and consistent engagement shows Kickstarter that your campaign is active and well-managed.
These elements, combined, increase your chances of standing out from the crowd. Also Read this How to Get Featured in Tech Crunch?
Creating an Engaging Project Video
Your project video is one of the most critical elements of your campaign. It’s the first thing most visitors will see, so it needs to capture their attention quickly.
- Keep it Short and Sweet: Ideally, your video should be between 1-3 minutes long. Too short, and it might not cover enough information. Too long, and you risk losing your audience.
- Tell a Story: Use your video to tell a compelling story. Who are you? What’s your project? Why does it matter? Include personal anecdotes or experiences that show your passion for the project.
- Visuals Matter: Good lighting, clear audio, and professional editing can go a long way. If your video looks polished, people are more likely to take your project seriously.
Kickstarter Algorithms: What You Need to Know
Kickstarter uses algorithms to feature projects based on engagement, backer activity, and overall campaign quality.
- Stay Active: Keep your campaign page updated, respond to backers, and maintain a high level of activity.
- Encourage Shares: The more people share your campaign on social media, the higher it will rank on Kickstarter’s algorithm.
- Maintain Momentum: Avoid mid-campaign lulls by running limited-time promotions, stretch goals, and updates.
The Role of Timing in Getting Featured
Believe it or not, when you launch your campaign can have a significant impact on its success.
- Seasonality: Certain times of year may be more favorable for specific campaigns. For example, launching a holiday-themed product in December makes sense.
- Optimal Launch Day: Many creators find success launching mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) when engagement tends to be higher.
- Campaign Length: Kickstarter recommends a 30-day campaign. It’s long enough to build momentum but short enough to maintain excitement.
Using Kickstarter’s Tools to Your Advantage
Kickstarter offers several built-in tools that can boost your campaign.
- Stretch Goals: Announce additional goals if you surpass your initial funding target. This keeps backers excited and encourages higher pledges.
- Kickstarter Live: Use Kickstarter Live to engage with potential backers in real-time. It’s a fantastic way to build a personal connection.
- Analytics: Pay attention to the data. Kickstarter’s analytics can help you see where your traffic is coming from, which can inform your promotional efforts.
Conclusion
Getting featured on Kickstarter is a combination of preparation, quality, and engagement. From creating a captivating project video to engaging with backers, every detail matters. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll give your campaign the best possible chance of success—not just getting featured but reaching (or even exceeding) your funding goals.
