Running a crowdfunding campaign can be truly challenging and stressful sometimes, especially for those first-time creators. What we mean by challenging is that there are a host of things to do. Say designing and playtesting a game, hiring artists and graphic designers, launching and managing a crowdfunding campaign, manufacturing a game, and shipping games to customers, it can really seem like a daunting and intimidating list of tasks even for a team, not to mention a one-man job.
While Unicool doesn’t run any Kickstarter campaigns ourselves, we do have some insightful guidance based on our extensive experience gained from numerous successful crowdfunding projects we’ve worked on and publishers we’ve worked with. We’re eager to share these practical strategies with you, aiming to demystify crowdfunding and provide valuable insights into how to fund a board game project for you. In this article, we’ll touch base on how to get started and have the right outreach.
Pre-launch/preparation:
So let’s be frank, it’s tough to run a campaign all by yourself! You may get your talented friends and family members who will be willing to help you develop and run your campaign involved. You may even find some playtesters who are really passionate about your project and want to be part of it. Take advantage of these people and find out how they can help you succeed, but pls bear in mind, even with a team, a crowdfunding campaign will take a lot of time and effort. So it’s not any easier than developing the game itself to be honest.
An effective campaign starts with making preps and plans way ahead of the launch. It’s definitely not the best idea to randomly decide that you’ll be launching your game tomorrow. It’s of paramount significance to begin your journey with a strategy. Create a solid plan early on that breaks your project down into individual action items and gives you an idea of your timelines. Review your plan with your team and make sure everyone’s on the same page.
Having the right outreach is one of the most important things you can do to get your campaign successfully funded. People can’t back what they don’t know about, so start building buzz around your game as soon as possible. There are a few effective ways to accomplish this.
- BGG (BoardGameGeek):Utilizing platforms like BoardGameGeek allows you to showcase your game to an enthusiastic community of board gamers. By sharing updates, images, and engaging with users on forums, you can create a strong presence and generate interest among a dedicated audience.
- Reviews:Positive reviews from trusted sources, such as board game bloggers, influencers, or established reviewers, can significantly boost your game’s visibility. Their opinions carry weight and can attract attention from potential players who value these recommendations.
- Social Media:Leveraging social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook enables you to reach a broader audience. Regular posts, engaging content, sneak peeks, and interactive campaigns can create excitement and anticipation around your game.
- Mailing List: Building a mailing list gives you a direct line of communication with interested individuals. Sending out newsletters containing updates, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive offers can maintain a dedicated following and keep them informed about your game’s progress.
- Conventions:Attending gaming conventions provides a unique opportunity to showcase your game to a passionate and engaged audience. Demonstrating gameplay, offering playtesting sessions, and networking with industry professionals can generate buzz and word-of-mouth recommendations.
- Word of Mouth (WOM):Positive word-of-mouth recommendations can be incredibly impactful. When players have a great experience with your game, they’re likely to share their enthusiasm with friends and fellow gamers, creating a ripple effect of interest and curiosity.
Each method can be tailored to your game’s unique strengths and your target audience. The combination of these approaches can amplify your efforts and create a multi-faceted buzz that resonates within the board gaming community.
