Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing, Business, & Beyond!

Marketing Scams & How I Almost Lost $9500

Have you ever wondered how scammers craft their traps so convincingly? In this gripping episode of Crowdfunding Nerds, hosts Andrew Loewen and Sean take you on a harrowing journey through a sophisticated scam attempt that nearly cost Andrew $9,500 in Bitcoin! Andrew recounts how the scammers, posing as law enforcement, manipulated real-life events, like a recent jury summons, to weave a believable narrative. Discover how his wife’s quick thinking and a call to the police unraveled the deceitful web. We dive into the broader implications of scams in the crowdfunding world, where public financial successes can make creators prime targets. Plus, we tackle the murky waters of digital advertising on platforms like Google and Facebook. Are they really scams, or just misunderstood? Tune in for invaluable insights and practical advice on protecting your online identity and investments. Stay savvy, stay safe!
 
Links to check out!Google Scam - https://krebsonsecurity.com/2024/12/how-to-lose-a-fortune-with-just-one-bad-click/Why you should not use text 2fa - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVyu7NB7W6Y
 
Please Hold Short Film - https://www.amazon.com/Please-Hold-Doreen-Calderon/dp/B0B6FKMFR6Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.
Stay Nerdy!

THE BEST COLLEGE LECTURE ON MARKETING EVER

Did you know game specialization can level up your marketing? Join us for Episode 221 of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast, where Andrew and Sean unravel the complexities of board game publishing and marketing. Sean shares insights from his recent lecture, guiding us through the three pathways for creators: self-publishing, partnering with a publisher, or a hybrid approach. Discover the pros and cons of each, and why having a built-in audience is your secret weapon.
 
We also dive into alternative monetization strategies beyond direct sales, and the magic of the virtuous cycle in crowdfunding. Learn about the upcoming Crowdfunding Nerds Academy, designed to equip you with the tools for crowdfunding success. Whether you're a seasoned creator or just starting, this episode is packed with strategies to elevate your game and maximize your impact in the industry. Tune in and level up your board game marketing game!
 
Links to check out:
Hybrid Example - crowdfundingnerds.com/episode63
 
Other Ways To Monetise Board Games
crowdfundingnerds.com/episode95
crowdfundingnerds.com/episode126
 
Seeking A Publisher
youtube.com/@AdaminWales
boardgamedesignlab.com/get-published
 
The Virtuous Cycle
crowdfundingnerds.com/the-virtuous-cycle-of-kickstarter-marketing
 
The Best Time To Send Email 2025
Mailerlite.com/blog/best-time-to-send-email
 
The 3 Scroll Test
crowdfundingnerds.com/episode10
 
The Crowdfunding Nerds Academy
crowdfundingnerds.com/academy
 
Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.
Stay Nerdy!
 
 

Crowdfunding TTRPGs: Secrets Behind Raising $10M In A Single Campaign

Are you ready to dive into the world of crowdfunding tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs)? In episode 220 of Crowdfunding Nerds, hosts Andrew and Sean are joined by Mark Diaz Truman, the CEO and co-founder of Magpie Games, to unravel the intricacies of this dynamic industry. Ever wondered how a Kickstarter project like "Fallen London" can raise over $700,000? Or how to stand out in a market dominated by Dungeons & Dragons? Mark shares his strategies on streamlining reward tiers and engaging followers pre-launch, as well as the challenges of marketing non-D&D systems. Discover how the new Adana system by Magpie Games is set to revolutionize gameplay experiences, and explore the potential opportunities arising from the revocation of the Open Gaming License. Tune in for a treasure trove of insights on creating games that captivate players long after the campaign ends. Don’t miss this episode packed with wisdom for both creators and gamers alike!
 
Links to check out!
Fallen London: The Roleplaying Game - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/magpiegames/fallen-london-the-roleplaying-game
Urban Shadows - https://magpiegames.com/collections/urban-shadows
Magpie Games - https://magpiegames.com/
 
Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.
 
Stay Nerdy!
 

Demonstrating Your Product

Ever wonder why some crowdfunding campaigns soar while others barely get off the ground? In this episode of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean unravel the secrets behind effective product demonstration for crowdfunding success. Andrew kicks things off by sharing his journey as a board game publisher and the hurdles he faced with Kickstarter. Can fresh eyes breathe new life into your marketing strategy? Sean thinks so, and he shares insights on overcoming project fatigue by seeking new perspectives.We delve into the power of community feedback and why understanding your target market is crucial. Discover how to transform features into solutions and why social proof is your best friend. Plus, get a sneak peek into the marketing strategies for our Crowdfunding Nerds Academy courses. Don't miss out—visit our Academy page to join the waitlist for exclusive discounts!Check out our Course here: crowdfundingnerds.com/academyGot questions? Submit them at crowdfundingnerds.com/question
 
Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.
 
Stay Nerdy!

Shots Fired! Kickstarter Responds To GameFound

Episode 218 of Crowdfunding Nerds is here, and we're diving deep into the world of crowdfunding platforms! Have you ever wondered how Kickstarter and GameFound stack up against each other? Or what goes on behind the scenes of our podcast? Join us  as we tackle these questions and more! Andrew is determined to address your feedback and share insights from recent episodes featuring GameFound's CMO, Alex Radcliffe. We’re not about hit pieces; we're about honest, constructive dialogues.Kickstarter's recent article claims an impressive 80% success rate for game projects. Is this a strategic counter to GameFound's assertions? We analyze the competitive landscape and discuss how both platforms are evolving.Plus, we share our wish list for Kickstarter features and invite you to suggest future interviewees! Tune in for a candid chat about transparency, innovation, and the future of crowdfunding. Don’t miss it!
 
Links to check out!2024 Was a Big Year for Games on Kickstarter: https://updates.kickstarter.com/kickstarter-biggest-platform-for-games/Gamefound is #1 Board Game CF platform - 2024 summary: https://gamefound.com/en/blog/post/gamefound-no1-2024-summary
 
Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.
 
Stay Nerdy!

Mastering Email Subject Lines

Ever wondered how a simple email subject line can make or break your crowdfunding campaign? In this episode, Andrew and Sean unravel the secrets behind crafting compelling subject lines that boost open rates and ensure your emails land where they belong—in the inbox, not the spam folder.Join us as we introduce the Crowdfunding Nerds Academy, where we offer a treasure trove of courses, including our latest on email marketing. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or on a tight budget, our academy provides structured guidance to elevate your crowdfunding game.Discover the magic of specificity in subject lines, the pitfalls of sensational language, and why six words might be your sweet spot. Plus, learn about RSS feeds as a savvy backup to email communication.Don't miss out on our early adopter discounts and join our vibrant Facebook community for more insights. Let's revolutionize your crowdfunding journey together!
 
Links to check out!SubjectLine.com: https://subjectline.com/Email marketing benchmarks by industry and region for 2025: https://www.mailerlite.com/blog/compare-your-email-performance-metrics-industry-benchmarksBest Time to Send Email: https://www.mailerlite.com/blog/best-time-to-send-emailCroundfunding Nerds Academy: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/
 
Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.
 
Stay Nerdy!
 
 

First Impressions: Gamefound’s New Marketing Program

Ready to dive into the world of crowdfunding with a twist? In Episode 216 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Sean and Andrew, unravel the mysteries of Gamefound's new advertising platform, AdFound. Could this be the game-changer creators have been waiting for, or is it just another player in the crowdfunding arena? We dissect AdFound’s competitive edge—offering a mere 5% fee on conversions compared to BackerKit’s 15%—but is cheaper always better? We also tackle the crucial question of data ownership and the potential pitfalls of relying too heavily on centralized systems like Gamefound.Join us as we compare Gamefound’s claims of being the top dog in board game crowdfunding against Kickstarter, and explore the real stories of creators like Dwarven Forge and The Dice Tower. Can smaller creators thrive on Gamefound, or do they risk losing their magic touch? Tune in to find out and discover why maintaining your own marketing infrastructure is more vital than ever! 
 
Links to check out:
AdFound Update - https://gamefound.com/en/blog/post/adfound-marketing-revolutionDice Tower 2024 Results - https://www.kicktraq.com/projects/tomvasel/support-the-dice-tower-2024/#chart-dailyDice Tower 2025 - https://gamefound.com/en/projects/dice-tower/the-dice-tower-gamefound-2025Dwarven Forge Gamefound - https://gamefound.com/en/creators/dwarven-forgeDwarven Forge Kickstarter - https://www.kickstarter.com/profile/dwarvenforge/created
Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.
 
Stay Nerdy!

Gamefound or Kickstarter for 2025? with Alex Radcliffe

Curious about the next big thing in crowdfunding? Join us on Crowdfunding Nerds as Andrew and Sean dive into a fascinating conversation with Alex Radcliffe, Gamefound's CMO, who spills the beans on Gamefound's explosive growth and ambitious goals for 2025. From its humble beginnings as a pledge manager to raking in over $85 million in 2024, Gamefound is making waves. But can it dethrone Kickstarter? We explore the pros and cons of each platform and how Gamefound plans to attract and maintain big names like Awaken Realms and CMON.Discover Gamefound's unique features, like the Gamefound Feast, and hear Alex's take on integrating social media to boost community engagement. Plus, we tackle the challenges of offering comprehensive services and Gamefound's future as a creator's one-stop shop.Tune in for a compelling look at Gamefound's journey and the evolving crowdfunding landscape! 
 
Links to check out:
Blog Post about Gamefound 2024 results: https://gamefound.com/en/blog/post/gamefound-no1-2024-summary
Ask Alex a question in the Crowdfunding Nerds community on Facebook.
 
Stay Nerdy!

Cultivating Thriving Contractor Partnerships

Ever wondered how to turn your contractor relationships into thriving partnerships? In Episode 214 of Crowdfunding Nerds, join Andrew and Sean as they dive deep into the art of managing contractor relationships with finesse!
 
How do you ensure fair treatment and open communication with your contractors? What’s the secret to setting boundaries without stifling creativity? Andrew and Sean share personal stories—from being undervalued by big corporations to dealing with flaky clients—that reveal the pitfalls and triumphs of contractor management.
 
Discover the power of clear agreements, the impact of timely payments, and why understanding a contractor's field can make all the difference. Plus, learn how to balance professional boundaries with a supportive atmosphere to keep motivation high.
 
Tune in to transform your contractor interactions into productive, respectful, and mutually beneficial partnerships. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights to elevate your business practices!
 
Check out Extra Credits: https://www.youtube.com/@extracredits
 
Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.
 
Stay Nerdy!

How to Cope with Negativity and Leverage Criticism

Dive into Episode 213 of Crowdfunding Nerds with Andrew, Sean, and Donnie Chase as we tackle a crucial question: How do you handle negative feedback without letting it derail your creative process?
 
Join us as Donnie opens up about his decade-long game development journey, sharing his fears about public reception and the fine line between constructive criticism and negativity. Andrew sheds light on his experiences with Deliverance, revealing how player feedback transformed his game for the better.
 
We explore cultural nuances in feedback, balancing thematic elements with gameplay, and how to rise above "cancel culture" and online negativity. Andrew's insights on maintaining momentum, setting tangible goals, and fostering positive community engagement offer invaluable lessons for creators everywhere.
 
Whether you're a game designer or a creative soul, this episode is packed with strategies to embrace feedback, evolve your projects, and, most importantly, grow resilient in the face of criticism.
 
Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.
 
Stay Nerdy!
 
Check out Donnie's Game Here: https://worldofserafima.com/