“Backed by QuickBooks” Gives Cash to Compelling Campaigns (Crowdfunding Part Two)
What do popsicles, lipstick, sustainably raised meat and a run-down flower truck have in common? Two things. First, they’re all products featured in crowdfunding campaigns launched by enterprising entrepreneurs.
Second – and most notably – these are just some of the campaigns that have received a critical funding boost thanks to the “Backed by QuickBooks” initiative. In this awesome campaign, Team QuickBooks selects standout ideas from small business owners and helps them reach their crowdfunding goals with a surprise infusion of cash.
The campaigns selected so far all demonstrate the hallmarks of a successful crowdfunding effort: a solid product, a dynamic video telling their story, robust social media integration and ongoing updates for funders throughout the entire campaign. The backer perks are pretty sweet, too. Who wouldn’t want fresh local flowers or a sausage sampler for your next cocktail party? (By the way, many investors report the greatest perk is simply being able say, “I helped make this happen!”)
We’re sharing some of the specific strategies that made these small business owners’ pitches stand out from the competition. Read on!
Tip #1: Tell a compelling “problem” story. Every great business story starts with a problem – and your company has the solution. Hannah England of Wash. It. Later. pitches her liquid-tight hypoallergenic bags as the answer to the problem every parent dreads: the poop emergency on the go. Yeah, there’s a fix for that.
Tip #2: Be your best brand ambassador. Camille Bell of Pound Cake doesn’t just talk about the frustration of purchasing lip color that looks like a totally different shade once you try it on at home. She also serves as the model in her video showing how her new lip-color product solves the problem.
Tip #3: State your needs clearly and concretely. What are your crowdfunding goals? This question goes beyond dollar amount. Letitia Walker of Purna Yoga 828 details the specific challenges of modifying a pre-existing space into a “State of the Ancient Art” yoga studio, from replacing harsh fluorescent lighting to quieting a noisy HVAC system. A “before” picture helps illustrate her points – and her needs.
Tip #4: Make a creative visual impact. Professionally produced videos may be out reach for many early-stage entrepreneurs. Husband-and-wife team Erica and Will Messmer of Darke Pines Butcher Shop mix things up with sweet, custom-drawn illustrations that authentically reflect their clean, simple approach to sustainably sourced meats.
Tip #5: Reflect your brand voice. Stacey Moeller of Tiny Acre Farms conveys the plucky spirit of her urban gardening business when seeking funds to re-outfit her flower truck:
"We’ve got the truck, the farm and the spunk to make this happen! We’ve just got to remodel the interior, install new seats, seat belts and windows, show some love to that Ford chassis, purchase a new generator and paint the exterior with the Tiny Acre look and feel. We’re looking to this Kickstarter campaign to help get us the funds we need to bring this truck to Des Moines!"
The effect is friendly, folksy and fun. Who wouldn’t want to get on board?
Tip #6: Use perks to build long-lasting community. Carolyn Phillips of Alchemy Pops offers her $5, entry-level backers the perk of “Joining the Pop Fan Community” with a subscription to her company newsletter. It’s not a dozen free pops (that’s for pledges of $600 or more), but it’s a smart approach to keeping fans engaged and invested in your journey.
If you’re considering crowdfunding to help get your business off the ground, we hope you’ll check out some of the “Backed by QuickBooks” winners first. There’s plenty to learn from these fully-funded campaigns, all of which have inspired excitement, enthusiasm and, ultimately, real cash, from investors.
Before you go
QB Community members, have you ever backed a crowdfunding campaign? If so, what ultimately inspired you to reach for your wallet – we’d love to find out!
We’ve got loads more information about crowdfunding!
- Click here to learn more about creating a winning campaign
- Decide which crowdfunding site is best for you
- Get even more tips about launching a successful campaign