Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing, Business, & Beyond!

Embracing Change: Navigating Life and Business at Milestone 150

Welcome to Crowdfunding Nerds' milestone 150th episode! It's your hosts, Andrew and Sean, and we're diving deep into the world of change. Ever felt daunted by change? Or are you someone who thrives on it? Join us as we navigate the choppy waters of change in life and business.We kick off by celebrating this landmark episode and expressing our gratitude to you, our listeners. Then, we plunge into the importance of embracing change, drawing on examples from business history, and discussing the role of constant learning.We explore how humility can help us embrace change, highlighting the value of diverse perspectives and critical thinking. We also emphasize the importance of expanding our knowledge base and applying what we learn, rather than just passively consuming information.Finally, we announce a change in our podcast format, aiming to provide clearer introductions and focusing on the topic at hand. Tune in as we dissect, analyze, and understand what it takes to navigate, implement, and win at change.
 
The Ultimate Crowdfunding Reading List – Part 1: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/episode57The Ultimate Crowdfunding Reading List – Part 2: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/episode58Radlands Shelfside Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFQRH3vj6x4Dan Boe, Interview With A Sales Master – Part 1: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/episode61Dan Boe, Interview With A Sales Master – Part 2: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/episode62
 
**Chapters:**00:00 Introduction04:30 Embracing Change15:20 Humility and Change25:50 Expanding Knowledge Base38:40 Changing the Podcast Format48:50 Conclusion

Navigating Crowdfunding Twists: Pivoting and Staying Positive

Welcome to episode 149 of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast! I’m your host, Andrew, along with my co-host, Sean. Ever wondered how to pivot when unforeseen issues arise in your crowdfunding campaign? Well, you're in the right place. We kick off by sharing the purpose of our podcast, and then dive into a real-life case study about a client who had to change their pre-launch marketing strategy. 
We discuss the importance of setting realistic expectations and not assuming that everything will go smoothly. We delve into benchmarks and standards in our marketing strategies. Then, we highlight a dangerous assumption that Kickstarter creators should avoid - thinking that marketing efforts will always lead to instant success. 
We explore the importance of giving yourself enough time to set up your marketing efforts, especially with Facebook ads. We then discuss the concept of pivoting when faced with obstacles and finally, we share advice on how to stay focused and positive during challenges.
So, are you ready to navigate the unexpected twists and turns of the crowdfunding world? Let's dive in!
CHAPTERS:1. 01:23 Introduction2. 01:44 Case Study: Pivoting in Marketing3. 02:50 Setting Realistic Expectations4. 06:37 Marketing Benchmarks5. 11:28 Avoiding Dangerous Assumptions6. 19:34 Timing and Facebook Ads7. 31:35 The Art of Pivoting8. 36:27 Staying Focused and Positive9. 46:09 Conclusion and Invitation to the Crowdfunding Nerds Community
 
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Join the Crowdfunding Nerds Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds

A Crowdfunding Page Template With Ben O’Brien

Marketing specialist Ben O’Brien of Curve Games joins the Crowdfunding Nerds to discuss transitioning from the board game industry to the video game industry, alongside crafting engaging crowdfunding campaign pages. 00:01:19 – Some Board Games Make Great Video Games 00:09:47 – It’s Harder To Make A Video Game Into A Board Game00:19:28 – Kickstarter Vs Steam00:28:39 – Total War: Rome & Homeworld Campaign Page Breakdown 00:43:45 – Campaign Page Template Curve Games - https://curvegames.com/EGX Convention - https://www.egx.net/london/en-gb.htmlWhat Matters Most To Backers On Your Kickstarter Page - https://crowdfundingnerds.com/episode10/Total War: Rome The Board Game - https://gamefound.com/en/projects/psc-games/total-war-rome-the-board-gameHomeworld: Fleet Command - https://gamefound.com/en/projects/modiphius/homeworld-fleet-commandFrom Space - https://store.steampowered.com/app/1502190/From_Space/

BoardGameGeek Advertising - Everything You Need To Know

The advertising manager of BoardGameGeek (BGG) Chad Krizan joins the Crowdfunding Nerds to talk about all the options available to publishers seeking to promote their games on their site and in their emails.00:01:24 – Who Is Chad Krizan?00:05:54 – The Evolution of BoardGameGeek Advertising 00:09:36 – BoardGameGeek Contests 00:12:37 – BoardGameGeek Add-Ons00:16:07 – Crafting Good BoardGameGeek Display Ads 00:29:01 - How BoardGameGeek Rotates Ads 00:31:16 – The Traffic & Email Open Rates of  BoardGameGeek00:33:20 – Region Targeting00:34:39 – Questions To Consider Before Using BoardGameGeek Ads00:38:24 – Long Term Advertising Campaigns 00:41:58 – GIF Files In Banner Ads?00:43:21 – BoardGameGeek User Experience & Ad Blockers 00:45:19 – Targeting Ads Via Demographics & Interests 00:51:32 – BoardGameGeek Video Advertisements 00:53:13 – BoardGameGeek Email Marketing 00:58:19 – Final Advice ShownotesGeek Advertising - https://advertising.boardgamegeek.com/Puzzle Bomb - https://puzzlebomb.com/If You Want CFN To Run Your BGG Ads - https://crowdfundingnerds.com/question/
 

Crowdfunding Rewind: Episodes 1-5 Revisited

The Crowdfunding Nerds revisit the first five episodes of the podcast to talk about key elements and industry updates since recording them.
00:01:51 – Episode 1 Rewind 00:10:43 – Episode 2 Rewind 00:17:45 – Episode 3 Rewind 00:25:33 – Episode 4 Rewind 00:30:39 – Episode 5 Rewind
Shownotes
Episode 1 - https://crowdfundingnerds.com/episode1/
Episode 2 - https://crowdfundingnerds.com/episode2/
Episode 3 - https://crowdfundingnerds.com/episode3/
Episode 4 - https://crowdfundingnerds.com/episode4/
Episode 5 - https://crowdfundingnerds.com/episode1/
Kickstarter Calculator - https://crowdfundingnerds.com/kickstarter-success-calculator/

How To Hire The Right People

On this episode the Crowdfunding Nerds discuss the importance of hiring the right people while using Valve as a case study for business productivity.
00:01:51 – How Jacob & Andrew First Connected 00:07:58 – How We Hired Jacob 00:13:37 – The Crowdfunding Nerd Philosophy Of Hiring 00:15:52 – Leveraging Employee Past Experience 00:19:39 – Valve As A Case Study 00:27:26 – Being Customer Focused 00:29:35 – Understand Your Own Weaknesses Or Deficiencies 00:39:07 – Overtime Is A Sign Of Being Unproductive 00:48:08 – Your Environment Can Impact Your Productivity 00:51:55 – Four Ways To Measure Employee Output
Gravity Forms - https://www.gravityforms.com/
Hands On Originals - https://outfitters.handsonoriginals.com/
Valve Playtesting - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Yomqk0C6kE
Valve new Employee Handbook - https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/apps/valve/Valve_NewEmployeeHandbook.pdf
Dan Boe Part 1 - https://crowdfundingnerds.com/episode61/
Dan Boe Part 2 - https://crowdfundingnerds.com/episode62/

Distribution Planning & Kickstarter Discount Fails

David Finn of Bridge Distribution & Fulfilment joins the Crowdfunding Nerds for a second episode discussing pledge discounts and issues with distribution that publishers should know about.
00:00:43 – Charging The Right Price For Your Pledges 00:07:26 – How To Ship Neoprene Mats 00:10:39 – Things Publishers Need To Let Their Distributors Know 00:15:24 – Trusting Your Partners 00:18:31 – Distribution & Selling 00:29:14 – The Problem Amazon Has Created
David Finn Interview Part 1 - https://crowdfundingnerds.com/episode143/
Bridge Distribution & Fulfilment – https://bridgedist.com/

Interviewing David Finn of Bridge Distribution & Fulfilment

David Finn of Bridge Distribution & Fulfilment shares his insights with the Crowdfunding Nerds about Kickstarter Tabletop Game shipping.
 
00:02:10 – Who Is David Finn
00:03:51 – How Was Distribution Impacted in 2020-2021?
00:09:48 – Giga-Bites Cafe
00:12:40 – How Andrew and David Connected
00:18:02 – Understanding Tracking Labels
00:24:18 – Directing Backer Excitement
00:31:05 – Three Types of Community Trolls
00:33:32 – Handling Unrealistic Expectations of Backers
00:37:48 – Charging Backers VAT
00:41:31 – The Danger of Pledge Discounts
 
 
Bridge Distribution & Fulfilment - https://bridgedist.com/
 
Giga-Bites Cafe - https://giga-bitescafe.com/

Managing Expectations In Crowdfunding Fulfillment

Scott Pease of Snap Ships Tactics, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, and Guitar Hero fame joins the Crowdfunding Nerds to talk about setting backer expectations for tabletop fulfilment. 00:01:41 – How Long Does Fulfilment Take?00:06:43 – What To Do When Backers Freak Out 00:10:43 – Lots of SKUs Can Slow Things Down00:11:37 – Differences Between Tabletop & Video Game Fulfilment 00:16:17 – Setting Deadlines 00:27:39 – The Importance of Frequent Communication 00:34:00 – What To Do After Fulfilment ShownotesSnap Ships Tactics - https://www.snapshipstactics.com/Bridge Distribution & Fulfilment - https://bridgedist.com/
 
 

The Virtuous Cycle In Action: A Case Study

Alternate title: Making Your Game Undeniably Great. Matthew Meeple joins The Crowdfunding Nerds to talk about the virtuous cycle of board game marketing, the challenges of game development iterations, and making your project "undeniable."
00:02:11 – Who Is Matthew & What Is Ascendancy? 00:06:28 – How Ascendancy Was Made 00:09:12 – Understanding The ‘Feeling’ Players Have 00:13:22 – Impostor Syndrome 00:15:52 – The Pain Of Making Your Game Good 00:20:28 – The Game Only YOU Can Make 00:22:54 – Marketing Ascendancy 00:41:53 – Final Advice To Game Designers & Publishers
Ascendancy Kickstarter - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/matthewmeeple/ascendancy-0?ref=4q4czu
[Podcast] The Virtuous Cycle Of Kickstarter Marketing - https://crowdfundingnerds.com/episode14/
[Article] The Virtuous Cycle of Kickstarter Marketing - https://crowdfundingnerds.com/the-virtuous-cycle-of-kickstarter-marketing/