Importance Of A Strong Crowdfunding Profile
The overall popularity of Crowdfunding is growing at a very rapid rate, and with the increased popularity comes more projects being added to the many different Crowdfunding websites that offer a platform to promote opportunities. With new projects added daily, it really makes having a strong profile absolutely necessary in order to stand out as a project funder should look into. These websites are becoming packed full of projects across multiple categories and based on the trend this is not going to slow down. As the competition for funds increases you have to position your project in a way that it generates views and interest, and that is done with a very detailed, informative, and professional profile.
The profile you create is a direct reflection of your brand and the project you are seeking funding for. The first impression is the most important and the profile is the first interaction a potential funder has with you, so make sure to take the proper steps to do it right. Think of it as your one chance to get the funding required to get the project off the ground. Yes, Crowdfunding is extremely popular right now and people are flocking to these websites to get in on the action, but as more options become available it will mean that the money is spread thin. It is all going to come down to first impressions and presentation if you plan on landing some of that money.
Your Crowdfunding profile needs to position yourself as the expert in the industry that you are pitching in. A detailed background showcasing your experience and knowledge is essential, but you also want to show your personality as well. This is what makes Crowdfunding so special, as potential funders often decide on a project based on the connection that they feel with the project. If you come across sounding like a textbook just full of details but lack a personality it might not attract as many people. If you combine all of the details but do it in a way that shows a good personality that is also the “expert” it will attract much more interest. Many people might not fully understand the project but they will donate because they believe in you as a person. Look at some of the most successful projects that have greatly exceeded their funding goal and you will notice that they all had a very detailed, but personable pitch that showcased why the project was awesome and why the people behind it are equally as awesome.
Crowdfunding is unlike any other funding platform available, and the presentation needs to also be unlike any traditional funding pitch. The beauty of this is that you have 100% control over how you are perceived and viewed on these Crowdfunding websites. We suggest that you put just as much effort into the personality aspect of the profile and pitch as you do with the technical data and information. They are both equally important and need to work together to produce the best possible platform to showcase your opportunity to the public. Make sure to include the following pieces to create your Crowdfunding profile:
Profile Picture: Your picture is the first thing many are going to gravitate towards, so make sure you use a good one that is pleasant yet professional. The trick here is to connect to the average site visitor. You do not want to use a serious corporate headshot. That is too “stuffy” and might actually turn some prospects off. We suggest that you use a picture that displays your fun personality; select a casual picture and make sure you are smiling in it!
Display Name: There are two options here, you can use your real name, or you can use a fun name that describes the project or relates to it in some way. Now, if you have a link to a profile such as LinkedIn that visitors can view then it is ok to use a creative username to draw some additional views. Sometimes a catchy or creative user name will attract some extra interest and when it comes to Crowdfunding you want as many people to view your offer as possible as it will result in more conversations and social sharing.
Location: Make sure to use complete location details, as some people search for opportunities from their home city or home state. Make your project as easy to find as possible by the masses and casual searcher.
Social Media Profiles: This is quite possibly the most important part of your presentation. Make your project easy for people to find and also share within their social circles. Your actual Crowdfunding project will have a social share widget that will allow viewers to share, but you also want to create social media profiles for the actual project and get as many followers and likes as possible. This allows you to stay in contact with those that are truly interested. Then, get them involved by asking them to share the information with their friends, and so on. You would be surprised at how quickly word can spread based on a good idea and the power of social media.
Personal Information: A nice “About Me” section is a great way to express your personality. Do not get too technically here. You want to come across as a regular person that just happens to have an amazing deal and you need help to make it happen.
Professional Information: You also want to include your qualifications and experience so the potential funders will see you as an expert in whatever you are pitching. Do not turn this into a bragging display, but instead just make the point quickly so they can identify you as knowledgeable right away.
These simple tips can be the difference between a successful funding experience and a flop. Take the time to make sure that the Crowdfunding profile is complete, informative, and engaging. Show your personality, because it is how you are going to connect to a large number of individuals.