Diaries of a crowdfunder
Need to raise funds but not sure where to start? Then follow along on my journey as I navigate my way through the ups and downs of crowdfunding.
Hello! I’m Siri and I run Crowdfunder's social media channels. I'm launching a crowdfunding campaign for my sustainable fashion pop-up events.
Over the next 6 weeks, I'll be documenting every step of the process, from setting up my page to applying for match funding.
Follow along below to see how it all comes together and learn tips for your own crowdfunding campaign!
Jump to an update in my crowdfunding journey
Update one: Intro to our Crowdfunder
Hi, Siri here! We're at the beginning of our 6-week crowdfunding journey and we'll be sharing regular updates throughout. Our first blog talks about how 2nd Hand Sundays started, my role at Crowdfunder, and what led us to start our very own crowdfunding campaign.
Not sure where to start? Find out more about how crowdfunding works
Update two: +Extra funding checklist
Crowdfunder offers a unique feature: +Extra funding. By partnering with various organisations, we provide match funding to support a wide range of projects. Read the next blog below to learn all about it!
Take a look at the live funds available to see which ones you might be eligible for and get your project page ready for when you apply.
Get more top tips in the Crowdfunder Knowledge Hub
Update three: We have a bank account!
In order to crowdfund for a charity, business or CIC, you need to have a registered Bank Account to that business. Little did we know how laborious and difficult this would be. Read my blog to find out how we got our bank account set up!
Get inspired by other crowdfunding projects in our new podcast series
Update four: Making our Crowdfunder page!
Now it's time to start the fun part of your Crowdfunding journey (in my opinion)... the page and video creation. Your project page is like your shop window, it's the first thing your crowd will see as well as potential +Extra Funding partners so it needs to represent you and your project well and answer any questions people might have.
Don't launch your Crowdfunder page with £0 on it, try and rally around your family and friends to donate before pushing it out to the wider crowd!
Get more top tips in the Crowdfunder Knowledge Hub
Update five: Making our video!
Once your page is ready it’s time to think about your video. Don't be overwhelmed by this part of your project promotion, there are simple ways to film and edit videos and lots of resources out there to help you. Remember it's not compulsory but projects with videos tend to do better.
Don't be put off by the +Extra funding application, it's straightforward and there are lots of resources on the Crowdfunder website
Get more top tips in the Crowdfunder Knowledge Hub
Update six: applying for +Extra funding!
+Extra funding is what makes Crowdfunder a go-to fundraising platform for so many and now my page is live it's time to apply to those I am eligible for. I also need to decide on a realistic target for my project!
Get inspired by other crowdfunding projects in our new podcast series
Update seven: Launching our Crowdfunder!
So we officially launched our Crowdfunder on the same day as our shop opening. We decided to do this to build momentum and increase the noise and it certainly did that.
Research who your local journalists are, they are always on the look out for people-rich community focused stories and it is a great way to reach more people!
Get more top tips in the Crowdfunder Knowledge Hub
Update eight: Marketing your project!
Marketing your project is vital for project success but it doesn't just mean social media. In this update I will dissect the main areas of focus to get you on track for marketing success.
Get inspired by other crowdfunding projects in our new podcast series
Update nine: Utilising your dashboard!
I speak to Max about how to make the most of your project dashboard, from insights to updates. Watch the full chat on update nine of diaries of a crowdfunder.