Monday Sep 02, 2024
Talking To Noobs, The Stock Market, and You 💰
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing, Business, & Beyond!
Since 2019, Crowdfunding Nerds has helped over 200 crowdfunding creators raise over $30M on Kickstarter and Gamefound. In addition to that, we have generated over $100M in ecommerce sales and had clients featured on Shark Tank, ”As Seen On TV,” and more. We work with IP’s like Avatar: The Last Airbender, Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Star Trek, Mass Effect, Dune, and more... But we have also helped a TON of first-time creators fund on day 1, too! Our podcast exists to help you with your journey before, during, and after crowdfunding using real-world examples from our clients. We share what’s working and what is not in today’s market. We build pre-launch e-mail lists, get backers during live campaigns, and drive pre-orders and e-commerce sales after your campaign ends! If you’re DIY marketing (doing it yourself), we created the Crowdfunding Nerds Academy to help, which has specialized courses designed to make sure you’re doing it right! Buckle up; it’s about to get nerdy.
Listen on:
Episodes
Episodes
Monday Aug 26, 2024
Monday Aug 26, 2024
Are you ready to take your crowdfunding campaign to the next level? In Episode 194 of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast, we dive deep into the art of spending big on advertising. How do you avoid the "black hole" of wasted ad spend? What’s the secret to making every dollar count?
Join us as Sean kicks off with the pitfalls of advertising and the elusive impression fallacy. We break down budget strategies, from $4,000 to six-figure spends, and share real-world insights from Andrew’s own board game campaign, Deliverance. Discover why Facebook might be your best bet for smaller budgets and how to set clear, achievable goals for your ads.
We also explore the power of cross-promotion, both paid and unpaid, and why building genuine relationships with other creators can be your secret weapon. Plus, we venture into experimental platforms like Twitter and TikTok—are they worth your time?
Don’t miss our comprehensive strategy for leveraging Board Game Geek, and learn why integrating generator and exposure-based marketing campaigns is crucial for crowdfunding success.
Tune in now and transform your advertising approach!
Links to check out:
Steam Community:
https://steamcommunity.com/groups/steamworks/announcements/detail/4201376568915048836
Deliverance: https://playdeliverance.com/cotf/
Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.
Stay Nerdy!
Monday Aug 19, 2024
Monday Aug 19, 2024
Have you ever wondered why some board game enthusiasts hesitate to back Kickstarter projects? Or how financial constraints and delayed gratification play into their decision-making? Join Sean and Jacob in Episode 193 of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast as they dive deep into these questions with special guest Brent, the mastermind behind the YouTube channel "Cloudy with a Chance of Meeples" and the "Ideas" podcast.
In this episode, Brent shares his fascinating journey into the world of board gaming and content creation. We explore his hesitancy to back many Kickstarters, citing reasons like financial constraints, retail vs. Kickstarter pricing, and the long wait times for project fulfillment. Brent also offers alternative strategies for managing Kickstarter costs and provides insight into how his role as a content creator influences his gaming habits.
Don't miss this engaging discussion that sheds light on the complexities of backing Kickstarters and offers valuable advice for both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike. Tune in now!
Links to Checkout:
Brent's YouTube Channel: Cloudy with a Chance of Meeples
Brent's Podcast: Ideas
Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.
Stay Nerdy!
Monday Aug 12, 2024
Monday Aug 12, 2024
Ever wondered how to keep backers engaged during the dreaded mid-campaign slump? Or how to handle the heartbreak of canceled pledges? Join us on this episode of Crowdfunding Nerds as we chat with Mike Ibeji of Gun Tower Games about the rollercoaster ride of crowdfunding his game, Pandora Celeste.Mike dives into the creation of Gun Tower Games and the innovative design of Pandora Celeste, a sci-fi monster movie-inspired board game with a unique 3D board. Discover how Mike leveraged grassroots marketing to build a passionate following and why he chose Gamefound over Kickstarter.We also explore the psychological strategies behind setting realistic funding goals, the impact of community engagement, and the lessons learned from dealing with canceled pledges. Whether you're a first-time creator or a crowdfunding veteran, Mike's insights on pre-campaign marketing, platform selection, and maintaining backer trust are invaluable.Tune in for an episode packed with practical advice and real-world experiences that can help you navigate your own crowdfunding journey!Links to check out:
- Game Tower Games: https://www.guntowergames.com/
- Pandora Celeste on Gamefound: https://gamefound.com/en/projects/guntower-mike/pandora-celeste
Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.
Stay Nerdy!
Monday Aug 05, 2024
Monday Aug 05, 2024
Why do people back crowdfunding campaigns? How do different regions impact crowdfunding success? And what’s the secret to building a thriving community?
In episode 191 of the Crowdfunding Nerds, your hosts Andrew and Sean are joined by Casper Ohlson, a university student from Sweden diving deep into the world of crowdfunding for his bachelor’s thesis. Casper shares his research journey, exploring why people back campaigns, the differences between equity and reward-based crowdfunding, and the importance of localization.
We also delve into the demographics of backers, with a special focus on the US and the European Union. Andrew and Sean reveal their secrets to building a community that keeps backers engaged—think Discord, Facebook groups, and even niche platforms like Lulu. Plus, we discuss market trends and the growing competition among crowdfunding platforms.
Don’t miss out on this research-driven episode that blends academic insight with real-world expertise. Join our community on Facebook and submit your questions for future episodes!
Links Mentioned:
- Submit Questions:http://crowdfundingnerds.com/question
- Gamefound: https://gamefound.com/en/blog/post/welcome-to-2024
- Tabletop revenues declined for second year on Kickstarter, Tabletop Analytics report shows: https://www.polygon.com/24054381/kickstarter-top-10-biggest-most-backed-board-games-campaigns-2023
- Table Top Analytics: https://www.tabletopanalytics.com/
- Ulule: https://fr.ulule.com/
Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.
Stay nerdy!
Monday Jul 29, 2024
Monday Jul 29, 2024
Ever wondered how storytelling can transform your Kickstarter campaign? Or how to truly connect with your superfans? Join us in this episode of Crowdfunding Nerds as Andrew and Sean sit down with Ori Kagan of Kagan Productions to uncover the magic behind compelling narratives in marketing!
Ori shares his unique struggle with face blindness, adding a personal touch to our conversation. We delve deep into the hero's journey framework, a storytelling model that can turn your campaign into an epic adventure. Learn how to craft avatars for your superfans, define your game's core strengths, and use storytelling to address their needs and challenges.
Discover the nine innovative ways to leverage your Kickstarter video beyond the campaign page. From teasers to social media, Ori’s insights are invaluable. Plus, hear about the Kickstarter Health Scorecard, a tool to ensure your campaign is in top shape.
Tune in and transform your Kickstarter marketing with storytelling magic!
Links:
- Ori Kagan's insights on Instagram
- Kickstarter Health Check Scorecard
- Crowdfunding Nerds episode 91
- Crowdfunding Nerds episode 93
Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.
Stay Nerdy!
Monday Jul 22, 2024
Monday Jul 22, 2024
Ever wondered how to pinpoint the perfect audience for your game? Join us in Episode 189 of Crowdfunding Nerds as Andrew and Sean sit down with Marco Pecota from Raybox Game Design to reveal the secrets of targeting your ideal players!
In this episode, we dive deep into the art of identifying and engaging your game's audience. Marco shares his journey of making his games more accessible to kids and families, and why understanding who your game is for can make or break its success. Discover how theme, complexity, and age play pivotal roles in game design and marketing.
Marco also spills the beans on his latest game, "The Cats of Mont Saint-Michel," and how engaging online communities and leveraging print-and-play versions can refine your game through valuable feedback.
Tune in to learn how to create passionate fans and navigate the delicate balance of complexity and accessibility. Don't miss out on these golden insights!
Check out "The Cats of Mont Saint-Michel" on Gamefound!
Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.
Stay Nerdy!
Monday Jul 15, 2024
Monday Jul 15, 2024
Ever wondered how to make your board game shine in a sea of competitors? Or curious about the common traps that new publishers fall into? Join Andrew and Sean in Episode 188 of Crowdfunding Nerds as they tackle these pressing questions!
In this episode, we dive deep into the art of standing out on platforms like Kickstarter. From the innovative game components of "Pandora Celeste" and "Tiny Epic Tactics" to the thematic brilliance of "Stone Saga," we explore how unique features can make all the difference. But beware—Andrew warns against being different just for the sake of it!
We also uncover the common mistakes new publishers make, like the perils of 3D printing game components and the importance of a clear game pitch. Sean's tech-savvy tips, including using QR codes for game setup, are game-changers you won't want to miss.
Tune in for practical advice and insider tips to elevate your board game project to the next level!
Check out these links:
QR code generator: https://www.the-qrcode-generator.com/
Panda Game Manufacturing: https://pandagm.com/
Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.
Stay Nerdy!
Monday Jul 08, 2024
Monday Jul 08, 2024
Ever wondered why your Kickstarter campaign isn't hitting the mark? Or how some indie developers turn setbacks into triumphs? In this episode of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean dive deep into the art of polling fans and making data-driven decisions with special guest Christopher Cantero of Chazak Games.
Christopher, who has an impressive background with Unity Technologies and projects like Doom Eternal, shares his journey of transitioning to indie game development and launching the Kickstarter for "High Fructose," a first-person arena shooter roguelite. Despite some initial struggles, his campaign is gaining traction thanks to community engagement and streamer support.
We explore the nitty-gritty of why polling is crucial, especially when your campaign isn't performing as expected. From optimizing pledge tiers to leveraging social proof, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Plus, hear firsthand how Christopher plans to navigate the challenges and take his campaign to the next level.
Don't miss out—tune in and learn how to turn your crowdfunding campaign into a success story!
Follow Christopher:
Twitter: @CanteroChris
Website: playhighfructose.com
Kickstarter
How to Market a Game
Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.
Stay Nerdy!
Monday Jul 01, 2024
Monday Jul 01, 2024
Ever wondered what it takes to leave a lasting impression at game conventions? In this episode, Andrew is joined by Sam McDavitt of McDavid Publishing to spill the beans on their recent experiences at the Origins Game Fair!
We dive deep into booth setup secrets, demo strategies, and the magic of engaging attendees of all ages. Plus, Sam shares his Kickstarter success story with Everstone, raising over $55,000!
Ready to level up your convention game before Gen Con? Tune in and get the ultimate guide to making your booth the talk of the town!
Connect with Sam McDavitt:
@mcdavidpublishing on all platforms
Late pledge for Everstone here: https://gamefound.com/en/projects/mcdavitt-publishing/everstone-discovering-ignis
McDavitt Publishing: https://mcdavittpublishing.com/
Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.
Stay Nerdy!
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Are you ready to become a Facebook ads wizard for your crowdfunding campaign? In episode 185 of Crowdfunding Nerds, I'm flying solo—Andrew's out, and our guest has been rescheduled. But fear not! I've got a treasure trove of tips to help you decode ad data and skyrocket your ad performance. Ever wonder why your Facebook ads aren’t converting as expected? Join me as we dissect ad structures, dive into the critical metrics you should be tracking, and explore the magical realm of optimizing CPM and CTR. I'll even show you how to make sense of it all with a case study from the "Deliverance" campaign.Don't miss the visual extravaganza on YouTube, where the graphs and charts come alive to aid your learning. And if you're craving more, our Crowdfunding Nerds Facebook community and Crowdfunding Nerds course await your curiosity. Need personalized ad campaign mastery? Head over to crowdfundingnerds.com.Tune in to unlock the secrets of Facebook ads and take your crowdfunding to new heights—because in the world of Crowdfunding Nerds, knowledge is power, and we're all about sharing the wealth!
Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.
Stay Nerdy!