Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing, Business, & Beyond!

Crowdfunding Nerds is a practical, behind-the-scenes podcast for creators looking to launch and scale successful crowdfunding campaigns. Since 2019, the Crowdfunding Nerds team has helped creators raise over $40M on Kickstarter and Gamefound while generating more than $100M in ecommerce sales.
From pre-launch strategy to post-campaign growth, the show delivers real-world marketing insights, campaign breakdowns, and lessons from both first-time creators and major IPs like Avatar: The Last Airbender, Fallout, Dune, and Star Trek.
Whether you're preparing for your first Kickstarter or optimizing your next launch, this podcast helps you do it smarter.
Crowdfunding Nerds is a practical, behind-the-scenes podcast for creators looking to launch and scale successful crowdfunding campaigns. Since 2019, the Crowdfunding Nerds team has helped creators raise over $40M on Kickstarter and Gamefound while generating more than $100M in ecommerce sales.
From pre-launch strategy to post-campaign growth, the show delivers real-world marketing insights, campaign breakdowns, and lessons from both first-time creators and major IPs like Avatar: The Last Airbender, Fallout, Dune, and Star Trek.
Whether you're preparing for your first Kickstarter or optimizing your next launch, this podcast helps you do it smarter.
Episodes
Episodes



Monday Mar 04, 2024
How To Craft Your Kickstarter For Retail Pledges
Monday Mar 04, 2024
Monday Mar 04, 2024
Are you ready to crack the code on making your crowdfunding campaign a retailer's dream? In episode 168 of Crowdfunding Nerds, I, your host Andrew, alongside my trusty co-host Sean, team up with the savvy Will Schultz from Knight and Day Games to unlock the secrets of retailer-friendly campaigns. Will spills the beans on what retailers really want, from the allure of deluxe editions to the nitty-gritty of campaign presentation.
Tune in as we dive into the world of retailer pledges, the magic number of copies that make retailers' eyes sparkle, and why communication is king in the land of crowdfunding. Don't miss out on these golden nuggets of wisdom that could elevate your campaign from good to great! Check out Knight and Day Games' online haven at knightanddaygames.com, and join the conversation on their Facebook page and Discord community.
Get ready to take notes – this is one episode you'll want to bookmark!



Monday Feb 26, 2024
Selling Your Business & Game IP With Bryan Gonzales
Monday Feb 26, 2024
Monday Feb 26, 2024
Hey there, fellow entrepreneurs and crowdfunding aficionados! Are you ready to dive deep into the art of running a business not just for the day-to-day but with a grand finale in mind? In episode 167 of Crowdfunding Nerds, I, your host Andrew, alongside my trusty co-host Sean, am thrilled to bring you insights from the business brokerage world with our esteemed guest, Bryan Gonzales.Ever wonder what happens when the entrepreneurial flame starts to flicker? Do you have a game plan for when it's time to pass the torch? Bryan, armed with an MBA and a wealth of experience, joins us to talk about growth, goals, and the golden goodbye of selling your business. We'll explore the emotional rollercoaster of letting go, the strategic moves behind a sale, and why sometimes, refusing an offer isn't the smart play.We're also getting into the nitty-gritty of business valuation, the role of a broker, and why asset sales might just be your new best friend. Plus, Bryan's got some killer analogies between board games and music that could change the way you think about your IP. And if you're hesitant about opening your books to a broker, Bryan's here to put your mind at ease.Ready to level up your exit strategy? Tune in to episode 167, and don't forget to reach out to Bryan for a complimentary business evaluation at bg@verdadfirm.com and check out his website here: https://verdadfirm.com/ And remember, your questions could star in our next episode – just hit up our website at Crowdfunding Nerds. Let's make your business exit as epic as its inception!



Monday Feb 19, 2024
Best Pledge Manager For Board Games
Monday Feb 19, 2024
Monday Feb 19, 2024
Are you ready to level up your crowdfunding game? Welcome back, Nerd Nation, to episode 166 of Crowdfunding Nerds! I'm your host, Andrew, joined by my co-host Sean, and today we've got a special treat for you. Ever found yourself tangled in the web of pledge managers, wishing for a superhero to swoop in and streamline the chaos?Enter Konstantinos Manos, co-founder of Vesuvius Media and the brains behind hive interactive, the pledge manager platform that's more than just a tool—it's a game-changer. Konstantinos joins us to share the rollercoaster ride of crowdfunding, the birth of hive, and how it's revolutionizing the way creators manage campaigns, from customer support to warehouse logistics.But wait, there's more! We're diving deep into the Kickstarter vs. Gamefound debate, and I'll be sharing why I'm sticking with Kickstarter for our Deliverance expansion. Plus, get the scoop on hive's philosophy and why they see clients as businesses, not just projects.Don't miss out on this insightful episode packed with insider tips and a special offer just for our listeners. Head over to crowdfundingnerds.com/hive to learn more, and connect with the hive team to discover how they can supercharge your next campaign!Tune in, get nerdy with us, and let's make your crowdfunding dreams a reality!
Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - https://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive
Vesuvius Media - https://www.vesuviusmedia.com/



Monday Feb 12, 2024
Energy & Nutrition For Crowdfunding Success With Julie Litchfield
Monday Feb 12, 2024
Monday Feb 12, 2024
Are you ready to supercharge your energy levels and make better decisions in your crowdfunding ventures? Do you wonder how small habits can lead to big wins in both health and business? Tune in to episode 165 of Crowdfunding Nerds where your host Andrew and co-host Sean, along with nutrition coach Julie Litchfield from AdvoCare, unpack the secrets to a vibrant lifestyle that fuels success!Julie, with her roots deep in farming and nutrition, shares the importance of knowing what fuels your body and how to keep learning about the foods we eat. We'll explore why making your bed could be the first step to a productive day, and how acknowledging our weaknesses can actually strengthen our leadership.But wait, there's more! Ever caught yourself procrastinating and wondered if your brain is just on a creative break? Andrew gets personal about his own struggles and we dive into how our subconscious works wonders.From canning food to the individuality of nutrition, and the scoop on water intake to the real deal on intermittent fasting, this episode is packed with actionable insights. And yes, we even talk about navigating the fast-food menu healthily!Don't miss out on Julie's wisdom on dieting without the mental battles and how to indulge sensibly. For all this plus Julie's relaxation secrets and how to get her personalized coaching, plug in to episode 165 and let's get energized!
Links to check out:
https://www.advocare.com/home/?D=04033735https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YNmNd2ncw0https://crowdfundingnerds.com/episode123/
Like



Monday Feb 05, 2024
How To Spot Fake Kickstarter Gurus
Monday Feb 05, 2024
Monday Feb 05, 2024
Are you tired of sifting through a sea of so-called Kickstarter gurus and marketing gimmicks? Want to know how to spot the real deal? In episode 164 of Crowdfunding Nerds, your trusty hosts Andrew and Sean are on a mission to debunk the fakes!
We're diving deep into the world of self-proclaimed experts and teaching you how to separate fact from fiction. Ever wondered why being number one on YouTube doesn't always mean you're getting the best advice? We've got the inside scoop on algorithms and user intent that you won't want to miss.
With our combined expertise from Next Level Web and Lowen Games, we're giving you the lowdown on why building a community trumps quick-fix marketing ploys every time. Plus, hear our take on why pre-pledge incentives might just be a one-way ticket to losing your audience's trust.
Join us as we explore the essentials of crafting a crowdfunding campaign that's built on integrity, transparency, and real relationships. Say goodbye to empty promises and hello to long-term success. Tune in to Crowdfunding Nerds episode 164 for a no-nonsense guide to navigating the crowdfunding cosmos!



Monday Jan 29, 2024
Perceived Value Vs Real Value
Monday Jan 29, 2024
Monday Jan 29, 2024
Hey there, fellow crowdfunding aficionados! Are you ready to unlock the secret sauce to turning those clicks into cash? In episode 163 of the *Crowdfunding Nerds* podcast, your host Andrew, with the brilliant minds of Sean and Jacob, dives deep into the mysterious world of perceived value. Ever wonder why that top-notch product isn't flying off the virtual shelves? We're peeling back the layers on a real-life conundrum where a $99 gem just isn't dazzling the masses. Spoiler alert: It's not about the price tag; it's about the sparkle—or lack thereof—in your customer's eyes. We're talking the nitty-gritty of price elasticity, true value vs. perceived value, and the marketing magic that can transform browsers into buyers.From the power of playthrough videos to the art of the perfect bundle deal, get ready for a treasure trove of strategies to skyrocket that perceived value and make your product the belle of the crowdfunding ball. Tune in to episode 163, grab your notepad, and let's turn that "meh" into "must-have" together! #CrowdfundingNerds #PerceivedValue #MarketingMagic
Links to check out:
https://crowdfundingnerds.com/episode61/https://crowdfundingnerds.com/episode62/



Monday Jan 22, 2024
Selling Well: Ethics, Integrity, & Sleazy Salespeople
Monday Jan 22, 2024
Monday Jan 22, 2024
Welcome to "Crowdfunding Nerds" episode 162! Ever wondered about the difference between marketing and advertising? Or how to avoid being "that" sleazy salesperson? Join hosts Andrew and Sean as they delve into these intriguing topics.
This episode is a treasure trove of marketing insights, from understanding customer behavior to crafting targeted messaging and recognizing a marketing agency's limitations. We also tackle the delicate balance between expanding client base while maintaining service quality.
We pull back the curtain on some of the less savory aspects of our industry, but don't worry, we're here to illuminate these shadowy corners with honesty and transparency. We wrap up with advice on ethical sales practices, emphasizing the importance of having the customers' best interests at heart.
So, ready for a deep dive into the world of marketing? Tune in and let's get started!
Episode Timestamps:
00:01 - Introduction
00:35 - Meet the Hosts
01:00 - Advertising vs Marketing
02:44 - Case Study: Old Marketing vs New Agency
06:54 - Benefits of Specialization in Marketing
10:01 - Implementation Before Marketing
15:01 - Targeted Marketing & Customer Demographic Analysis
24:27 - Customized Marketing Messages
31:18 - Capacity vs Quality of Service
35:01 - Evading the Sleaziness Stereotype in Marketing
40:01 - Distinguishing Advertising and Marketing
49:01 - Genuine Advice & Avoiding Forced Sales
1:00:01 - Maintaining Ethical Sales Practices
1:01:13 - Importance of Sincerity in Sales.



Monday Jan 15, 2024
Mastering Goal Setting: Journey to a More Productive Life
Monday Jan 15, 2024
Monday Jan 15, 2024
Welcome to Crowdfunding Nerds Episode 161! Ever wondered about the art of setting and achieving realistic goals? Your hosts, Andrew and Sean, are here to delve deep into this topic. We'll discuss why goal setting is crucial, how it enhances productivity, and its role in improving the quality of life. You'll hear personal stories about setting meaningful goals, overcoming challenges, and even dealing with failures.Learn how to make your goals specific and measurable, and how they can bring value to your life. Hear Andrew's personal journey of setting goals to improve his family life and how he learned to forgive himself for any setbacks. Finally, we'll explore the concept of time-bound goals and micro goals, with Andrew sharing his experience developing a board game.Ready to become a master goal-setter? Tune in now!
Links to check out:
Choking on aspirations - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLCQ-5uJ78gKickstarter Mental Health: What You Need To Know & How To Prepare - https://crowdfundingnerds.com/episode9/The Ultimate Crowdfunding Reading List – Part 1 - https://crowdfundingnerds.com/episode57/Chapters:00:01 Introduction to goal setting02:26 Importance of goal setting, personal experiences03:29 Approach towards failure in achieving goals07:03 Making goals specific and measurable with examples16:26 Andrew's journey in goal setting: the need for self-forgiveness39:26 The concept of time-bound goals and micro goals: Andrew's board game experience.
------------------Goal IdentifierList 3 of the most meaningful things you have learnt since last year:1.2.3.Think of 3 things you are really good at. If you were to become the best inthe world at these three things what would they be?1.2.3.List your top 6 values, i.e the reasons behind your life choices:1.2.3.4.5.6.List 6 things you would do if you had $10 million in your bank account:1.2.3.4.5.6.Setting 6 month goalsYour goals must have three essential elements.They must be:1. Specific2. Achievable3. Have Time LimitsYou will now define your 6 month goals.List 6 goals you hope to achieve in the next 6 months:1.2.3.4.5.6.Now list 3 goals for the next 90 days.These must be associated with the goals previously listed:1.2.3.Month #1List 3 things you are going to focus on for the first monthto achieve these goals:1.2.3.Month #2What 3 things would you then focus on in the second month?1.2.3.Month #3Now list 3 more things you would focus on for the third and last month:1.2.3.What are your top 6 reasons for achieving these goals?1.2.3.4.5.6.Now pick 3 of these reasons that mean the most to you:1.2.3.The three goals above are your 6 month goals



Monday Jan 08, 2024
Balance Breaks: A Guide to Boost Crowdfunding Productivity
Monday Jan 08, 2024
Monday Jan 08, 2024
Welcome to Crowdfunding Nerds, episode 160! This is Andrew, your host, and joining me today is Sean. Ever wondered how to optimize your productivity while staying sane? Well, we're here to discuss just that – the importance of taking breaks for peak productivity.We're not just talking about work, but also the power of intentional rest. We'll share our personal experiences and strategies on how to make the most of your time. Listen as I discuss the value of play and purposeful rest, while Sean emphasizes the need for discipline and setting boundaries.We'll also delve into how breaks can reboot your productivity and how to return to work with renewed focus. Discover how clear goal-setting, regular reviews, and mindful time management can boost your productivity.Struggling with tech distractions? We'll share strategies to manage your time better, like scheduled breaks, digital curfews, and task-focused work hours. Plus, learn about the benefits of accountability partners and community support.So, get ready to balance work and rest for an optimal crowdfunding journey!
Links to check out:
Episode 159 (Setting goals among other things): https://crowdfundingnerds.com/episode159/Episode 150 (Embracing change): https://crowdfundingnerds.com/episode150Chapters:00:00 Introduction06:30 The Power of Taking Breaks10:20 Play and Intentional Rest16:40 Discipline and Setting Boundaries23:10 Breaks for a Productivity Reboot28:00 Goal-Setting and Time Management33:20 Managing Tech Distractions37:30 Strategies for Better Time Management44:00 The Role of Accountability Partners and Community Support52:20 Conclusion and Key Takeaways



Monday Jan 01, 2024
Combatting Complacency: Mastering Your Kickstarter Campaign
Monday Jan 01, 2024
Monday Jan 01, 2024
Welcome, fellow crowdfunding enthusiasts! Are you ready to tackle complacency? In episode 159 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean are back to help you stay ahead of the game. We start with some casual banter, then dive into the dangers of complacency in Kickstarter campaigns. We also share our New Year's resolutions and discuss how to avoid the pitfalls of complacency.
We share personal stories of overcoming complacency, emphasize the importance of gratitude, and warn about the illusion of eternal success. Learn about the importance of innovation, goal setting, and contingency planning.
We highlight the dangers of underestimating customer engagement, overstretching yourself, and unhealthy comparisons. We underline the power of communication and the necessity of seeking audience feedback.
We remind you that no company is too big to fail and that each Kickstarter campaign should be treated uniquely. Finally, we discuss the importance of continuous learning and wrap up with some valuable resources.
Join us, let's overcome complacency together!
Show Chapters:
00:01 - Banter Beginnings
00:15 - Complacency in Kickstarter Games
01:35 - New Year's Resolutions Discussion
08:07 - Tackling Complacency in Crowdfunding
13:25 - Personal Anti-Complacency Stories
17:28 - Importance of Gratitude
18:19 - Illusions of Indefinite Success
19:28 - Emphasizing Innovation and Adaptation
25:46 - Forms of Complacency in Business
28:47 - Dangers of Overexpansion
31:20 - The Peril of Comparison
33:55 - The Power of Communication
34:16 - Audience Feedback and Game Innovation
45:56 - No Company is Too Big to Fail
46:15 - Treating Each Kickstarter Campaign Uniquely
49:38 - The Power of Continuous Learning
51:18 - Episode Wrap-up and Resource Sharing










