A good video is essential if you want to crowdfund a project, says Kendall Americo, the CEO of the new crowdfunding site ClickStartMe.com. “More than 50 percent of crowdfunding projects with a video are successful .Conversely, only 30 percent of those without a video succeed.”
To help project creators be more successful, Almerico has released a video explaining five things every good crowdfunding video should do to maximize the chances of success. Almerico speaks not only from his knowledge of crowdfunding, but also from his background as a television and radio producer and host.
“Your video doesn’t have to be a Spielberg epic to be a good crowdfunding video,” Almerico notes. “But, it needs to follow five simple rules to give you the best chance of success.”
Know that video and audio quality do make a difference. While you can shoot a good-quality crowdfunding video on an iPhone or with a camcorder, take care to assure good lighting and audio. Recording a video in a well-lit room or outdoors makes the lighting part easier.
The sound is another issue. If you are using a phone to record the audio portions, speak loudly, clearly and not too close to the phone, or too far away from it. Listen to a sample. If it sounds too hollow or if words that start with a P make sound “pops,” do it over. Also, beware of echoes. This is usually not a problem when recording outdoors. But recording indoors in a room with wood or tile floors is asking for trouble. Through trial and error, find a room that works.
Plan the video in advance. Write a script, and try to stick to it. Think about how a journalist tells a story. Give the “who, what, when, where and why.” In addition, talk about the rewards, give people reasons to get excited, and end with “the ask” and a thank you. (“The ask” is when you ask people to donate to your project.)
Only talk about two or three of the best rewards, not all of them. Discuss one from the low end, one from the middle range, and one high-end reward. Remind the viewer that they can see the other rewards by reading the project text.
When talking about the rewards, show some excitement. Excitement is contagious!
Add update videos as your project continues. Consider posting additional videos when you achieve some successes or add rewards. Not only do videos get more interest for the crowdfunding project, but they get lots of additional plays on Facebook and social media. An update video is particularly effective down the home stretch, when you are trying to get everyone excited about fully funding the project.
Keep it short and simple, but end with a bang! The video should be no longer than 3 minutes unless absolutely necessary. The last 10-15 seconds should be “the ask” where the project creator requests donations and ask for help spreading the word. This should be clear, carefully worded, and create a sense of urgency and action.
Bad Ending: “Thank you for watching my video and for your attention.”
Good ending: “We only have 30 days to raise $10,000 and we need your help, now! Donate today and, just as important, spread the word by sharing our project with everyone you know. Thank you for helping to make our dream, a reality.”
About ClickStartMe.com
Launched at the beginning of 2013, ClickStartMe.com is one of the newest entries in the $2.8 billion crowdfunding industry. Unlike other crowdfunding sites, ClickStartMe provides an online store and business-developmen advice for the products and services funded through the site.
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