Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!

Handling Criticism, Fame, and Success

Hey there, fellow nerds! Are you ready to dive into the emotional rollercoaster of game creation? In episode 176 of Crowdfunding Nerds, your hosts Andrew and Sean are getting real about the highs and lows that come with the territory. Ever wondered how it feels to have your game baby critiqued, or what it's like to juggle the spotlight with your personal life?We're kicking things off with a "Bilbo Baggins" twist on criticism – it's not always what you'd expect! Hear Andrew's tales from the trenches of Deliverance's development and the sharp feedback that could pierce a creator's armor. Plus, we've got stories of phantom fans with ghost emails that'll make you chuckle and cringe.But wait, there's more! We're peeling back the curtain on the board game world's brand of fame. From Sean's brush with celebrity to Andrew's grocery store escapades, we're exploring the peculiar spotlight that shines on game designers. And, we'll cap it off with a heart-to-heart on why your self-worth shouldn't be a Kickstarter stretch goal.Tune in, level up your emotional intelligence, and remember – humility is your secret weapon in the game of fame. Don't miss this episode of Crowdfunding Nerds; it's one for the books... or should we say, the boards!Don't forget to show your support and vote for Deliverance on Boardgame Geeks site!Vote for Deliverance here: https://boardgamegeek.com/geekawards/boardgame

6 Misconceptions About Crowdfunding

Hey there, game enthusiasts and crowdfund wizards! Are you ready to debunk some myths and level up your crowdfunding knowledge? In episode 175 of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast, your favorite hosts Andrew and Sean are about to drop some serious truth bombs. Think launching a Kickstarter is a guaranteed jackpot? Or that crowdfunding is the new kid on the block? Think again! We're tackling six of the biggest misconceptions in the game, from the "build it and they will come" fallacy to the real sacrifices behind a campaign. Plus, we'll guide you through the marketing maze - no false promises, just solid advice. And hey, we're now on Board Game Geek! Show us some love in the Golden Geek Awards for Best Podcast. Ready to join our table? Shuffle your deck and press play on episode 175 – it's game time!
 
All the links you need!
Board Game Geek - Vote for us!
Republic.comInvest angel

Kickstarter Stretch Goals: Smart or Sleazy?

Hey there, fellow crowdfunding aficionados! Get ready to tune into episode 174 of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast! Ever wondered how to turn your crowdfunding dreams into a resounding success? Well, ponder no more! I'm your host Andrew, and in this episode, we're diving deep with the brilliant minds of Austin Harrison founder of IV Studios and Corey Tomlinson, Editor-In-Chief of Grimmsteel Games.Are you ready to unlock the secrets behind crafting a campaign that not only meets but shatters its goals? Are Kickstarter stretch goals the smart way to go? Want to know what it takes to engage a community that's as passionate about your project as you are? Then you can't afford to miss this episode! We’re unpacking the strategies, the do's and don'ts, and the electrifying stories from Austin and Corey's own crowdfunding journeys.
Grab your notepad, and let’s get nerdy! Tune in, and let's transform your crowdfunding game from good to epic!
 
Check out Austin and Corey's sites here:
IV Studios
Grimsteel Games

Direct Sales Strategy For Board Games

Hey, board game enthusiasts! Ever wondered how to maximize your direct sales and get your game into the hands of eager players? In episode 173 of "Crowdfunding Nerds," I, Andrew, and my co-host Sean, dive deep into the world of e-commerce for board games. Should you choose WooCommerce or Shopify to launch your online store?We'll unravel the mysteries of Meta ads for marketing your games and share why direct sales might just be your golden ticket over distribution. Plus, we'll chat about the crucial mistakes to avoid when planning to sell those games gathering dust in your warehouse.But wait, there's more! Discover the art of minimizing checkout clicks, why a Facebook shop could be your next best move, and how to price your games to entice and upsell. We'll also give you a peek into the success stories of Chip Theory Games and Stonemaier Games, and why running ads might just catch a retailer's eye.Don't miss out on these insider tips and strategies to future-proof your company and skyrocket those profit margins. Tune in to "Crowdfunding Nerds" Episode 173 – your game's success story starts here!

How To Sell 45,000 Games Post Kickstarter

Hey there, fellow crowdfunding enthusiasts! Are you ready to dive into the world of board game creation with a sprinkle of deception and a dash of strategy? In episode 172 of Crowdfunding Nerds, I, Andrew, alongside my co-host Sean, sit down with the incredible Juli Bierwirth from Distant Rabbit Games! Ever wondered how a nutrition expert turns into a board game wizard?Juli spills the beans on her transition from the food industry to designing the deviously delightful game, Mantis Falls. But how does one go from crafting meals to crafting game mechanics? And what makes a two-player hidden traitor game stand out in a sea of tabletop titans?We'll also get the inside scoop on marketing must-dos, the art of the perfect pitch, and the secret sauce behind scaling from Kickstarter success to retail readiness. Plus, Juli's generous spirit shines through as she offers to mentor the next generation of game creators.Join us for this insightful journey from game night frustration to crowdfunding sensation, and discover how being a positive force in the community can lead to incredible success. Don't miss out on this episode, and remember, you can always reach out to Juli at info@distantrabbitgames.com or visit mantisfalls.com for a closer look at the game that's taking the board game community by storm!Ready to level up your crowdfunding game? Tune in to Episode 172 of Crowdfunding Nerds and let's roll the dice on your next big project!Check out these links:
The Ultimate Kickstarter Marketing Course For Games
Mantis Falls Game
Distant Rabbit Games

Expansion & Reprint Kickstarter Strategy

Tune in to episode 171 of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast, where your favorite hosts, Andrew and Sean, take you behind the scenes of the Deliverance expansion and reprint strategy.Ever wondered how alternative reality games can boost your campaign at conventions? We're diving deep into the nitty-gritty of pre-marketing magic, from leveraging YouTube hype to strategizing for retail success post-Kickstarter.Andrew's eyeing that $1 million goal—not just for the glory, but to solidify Deliverance's retail reputation. We're talking big dreams, realistic expectations, and the power of a hardcore fan base. Plus, don't miss out on hearing about Andrew's epic role as a raid boss at Strong Tower Con!So, whether you're a seasoned backer or a curious creator, join us for this insightful journey and learn how to level up your crowdfunding game. It's time to strategize, captivate, and conquer. Ready to roll the dice? Let's get nerdy!
 
Links:
https://crowdfundingnerds.com/episode50/

Galactic Cruise - How To Launch With 13K Kickstarter Followers

Are you ready to blast off into the cosmos of crowdfunding success? In episode 170 of Crowdfunding Nerds, your favorite hosts Andrew and Sean sit down with the stellar minds behind Kinson Key Games—T.K. King, Koltin Thompson, and Dennis Northcott—to navigate the universe of their Kickstarter triumph with "Galactic Cruise."
 
From Tennessee tunes to tabletop triumphs, T.K. reveals how he swapped music production for game design during the pandemic. Koltin, a wordsmith and fourth-grade teacher, shares why patience is a virtue in game design, and Dennis, our Canadian game Dev veteran, unpacks the technical side of creating a board game that's light-years ahead of the competition.
 
Discover the secrets behind their $12,000 advertising odyssey, the strategic avoidance of stretch goals, and why a play testing guild might just be your ticket to intergalactic acclaim.
 
Join us for this cosmic conversation and learn how to keep your campaign cruising smoothly towards success. For more interstellar insights, connect with the Kinson Key Games crew through their website, Facebook group, and Discord channel. All systems go for launch in 3... 2... 1...
 
Check out their Kickstarter for Galactic Cruise here:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kinsonkeygames/galactic-cruise

Getting Investors For Game Development With Chris Skaggs

Hey, Crowdfunding Nerds! Ready for a deep dive into the gaming world? In episode 169, I, your host Andrew, along with Sean, chat with the brilliant Chris Skaggs from Soma Games. Ever wondered how to keep a game development team motivated or what it takes to pivot from contractors to full-time employees? Chris spills the beans on these topics and more, including the wild ride of securing investors and the shift from console to mobile gaming that revolutionized the industry.Chris doesn't hold back on the challenges and triumphs of running a game studio, the financial jigsaw of project-based income, and his vision for creating content that keeps the cash flowing. Plus, get the scoop on Soma Games' exciting projects like "Legends of Redwall" and "Wisdom of the Rain." Don't miss this chance to level up your knowledge—join us for episode 169 of Crowdfunding Nerds, where we turn the page on interactive fiction and explore the future of gaming!
 
Check out Soma Games at www.somagames.com and their latest projects at www.legendsofredwall.com and www.wisdomoftherain.com.
 
Star Wars Title Sequence: https://www.artofthetitle.com/title/star-wars/
 
Let's press play!

How To Craft Your Kickstarter For Retail Pledges

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!

Selling Your Business & Game IP With Bryan Gonzales

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!