The Truth About Corporate Videos and Kickstarter Campaigns

Ever wondered what it really takes to get Kickstarter campaigns to fly? If you guessed a strong video message, you just might be right.

Crowdfunding is never an easy task for anyone. Whether you’re a large brand or a new product company, it can be difficult conjuring up the funds for a specific cause. Crowdfunding, at its core, is asking for donations on the internet from people you both know and don’t know. You have a goal with a time-sensitive deadline. If it’s not met, it can be taken down. And sometimes it can be tough getting the word out in the first place. Cue Kickstarter campaigns.

Photo credit: tobias feltus via Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND

Kickstarter campaigns are designed to raise funds for various reasons. Sometimes, they are used for (PSAs) public service announcements by larger companies, creative projects, business ventures, or good causes by the community at large. Now, when it really comes to driving home a message, Kickstarter videos play a significant role in grabbing people’s attention. There is a significantly higher chance of receiving funding when a campaign introduces video. They function as most corporate videos do: they let people know who you are, they explain or explore the idea (or story behind it), and they give back to the audience a chance to feel they are contributors to the future of your brand, cause, or initiative. They want to connect to something before the commit to it. They want to feel as though their hard-earned money is being well spent. Believe it or not, people actually do want to invest themselves into something – whether it is time, money, or supporting something positive.

When it comes to creating conceptual ideas for Kickstarter video campaigns, really think critically about who you are. How passionate are you about this project or initiative, and what is the best way to convey this passion to the masses?

Your Kickstarter should also be transparent; clue people in on what you’re doing, why you’re doing it (or why it’s necessary), and the exact steps you intend on taking in order to achieve that very tangible goal. Back up your content with facts and statistics. Use still images if you have to. Create a compelling script for on camera or voiceover that will prompt people to take action.

Speaking of action, don’t forget to make a call-to-action. This is essential to your video and needs to be done as soon as possible. While not preachy, you must create a sense of urgency that will lead others to want to help you within a tight timeframe.

Here at Key West Video, we work with all types of clients to create strong, effective, successful, and compelling Kickstarter videos. For more information about the services we provide, visit our website today.

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Kickstarter Do"s & Don"ts

We’ve had the pleasure to work on a Kickstarter campaign in recent months, and wanted to share the top Do’s and Don’ts we have discovered for creating an attention grabbing video

Kickstarter is an awesome way to make a great idea come to fruition. There have been numerous products which have gone from small start up companies to having millions of dollars in backing money donated from individuals across the globe. However, Kickstarter co-founder Yancey Strickler reported that 56 percent of the site’s projects fail to meet their funding goals. Why is this we wondered?

When taking on the challenge of producing a Kickstarter video for one of our amazing clients, we looked into what others had to say about what to do, and what to avoid when putting together a great Kickstarter video, and overall campaign.

DO:

Have Confidence

In an article on fastcolabs.com Jennifer Elias quotes a source which emphasizes the need to be confident about what you are saying in your video. Even the minute wording differences can have an impact on how viewers perceive you and your product.

“Mitra says confidence is key. Researchers found that even the slightest hint of desperation is backer repellent. Don’t use these three words: “even a dollar.” Researchers found that phrases “even a dollar short” and “even a dollar can” resulted in a failed project. They team said it reads as “groveling” for money, which is a big turnoff.”

Look Professional

Todd Anderson on 99U.com explains why a professional looking video is so important for your Kickstarter campaign.

“If you look at the videos that do well on Kickstarter, almost all are professional, or near-professional, quality. This is no time to give a speech to your webcam. Designer Frank Chimero, stresses the importance creating a “stand-alone” video, that’s fun to watch outside of its connection to the project. Whatever your approach, don’t overlook the importance of showing yourself as someone others can relate to and support.”

Keep it Personal

The whole point of Kickstarter is individuals deciding to invest in a person. Not a flashy brand, or a world renowned company. Just you, and your great idea. So give them what they want. Be genuine, be personable, and show them the face behind the genius that is the next big product to hit shelves. Kickstarter itself lets us know on their blog,

“And don’t be afraid to put your face in front of the camera and let people see who they’re giving money to. We’ve watched thousands of these things, and you’d be surprised what a difference this makes.”

DON’T

Forget About the Basics

You don’t want to spend all your time creating a fancy looking video and forget that you need to tell your viewers about what really matters. The video should be a way to highlight and showcase you and your product, not just your production skills or budget. On Kickstarters own blog they too reinforce this point by listing off the basic things you can’t forget to mention in your video:

No matter how bare-bones or creative you want to get, don’t forget to:

• Introduce yourself


• Tell your story


• Ask for people’s support and explain why you need it


• Tell people what they’ll get for their money (i.e., your rewards)


• Say thank you!

Good luck! And don’t forget to contact Keywest Video if you are interested in learning how we can help bring your Kickstarter video to the next level.

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Kickstarter Do"s & Don"ts