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.
Episodes
Episodes



Monday Apr 01, 2024
How To Sell 45,000 Games Post Kickstarter
Monday Apr 01, 2024
Monday Apr 01, 2024
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



Monday Mar 25, 2024
Expansion & Reprint Kickstarter Strategy
Monday Mar 25, 2024
Monday Mar 25, 2024
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/



Monday Mar 18, 2024
Galactic Cruise - How To Launch With 13K Kickstarter Followers
Monday Mar 18, 2024
Monday Mar 18, 2024
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



Monday Mar 11, 2024
Getting Investors For Game Development With Chris Skaggs
Monday Mar 11, 2024
Monday Mar 11, 2024
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!



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/