Most crowdfunding websites will have tips for prospective crowdfunders. Business to Arts particularly like the blog post below which was compiled following a survey of Fund it project creators.

There are lots more fundraising nuggets contained in the Crowdfunding Advice section of the Fund it website.

‘Top Tips’ for New Project Creators – learn from others’ mistakes!

Prepare your project pitch with the passion and enthusiasm it deserves

Keep your message clear and use language that is simple and to the point.  Potential funders should understand what the project is about in the first paragraph of text, so don’t waffle!

Upload a short video, it’s a great communication tool. Some of our funders said our video made their mind up to support our project

Build a small margin of error into your funding target to cover credit card transaction failures

Set aside the time to plan and run your marketing campaign both online and offline. Treat the campaign like a full-time job, and make time to keep working on it. If people see you working hard on your campaign, they’re more likely to take you seriously and will assume you will work just as hard to make your project happen

Ensure that all the people involved in the project are on board to promote it to their contacts and networks – the bigger your target, the bigger your network should be

Consider hosting some mini-events during your campaign to remind people of the time left and the amount still to raise

Remember that the publicity generated during the campaign can be very valuable.  It can help to build your audience by reaching out to new people, and also raises awareness of micro-philanthropy for the creative sector. Remain enthusiastic and positive throughout your campaign.  There will be highs and lows, but don’t stop until you reach your target

Be creative when communicating with your network.  Rather than just posting the link to your project on social media platforms, think about including other interesting links or information in your daily posts to engage people

If the website you use has one, emphasise the ‘all or nothing’ policy of it

Prepare well – not just for your submission, but also how you will promote it once live.  Know what you will be doing to promote it the first day it goes live, and everyday thereafter

Be polite – you’re asking people to give you money in advance of getting their reward

Deliver your rewards as promptly and professionally as you would like to receive them; you never know who you are dealing with!

Listen to the advice of people running the site; they know what they’re talking about