Getting funded! Without spending too much.

I've recently had a lot of people asking me how I managed to reach my goal for the crowdfunding project so quickly and I wanted to go through what I did to make it happen.

Step 1: Promoting

I started promoting the comic before I'd even finished it! I was excited about it and I wanted the world to be excited about it too. So I set up a Facebook, Instagram & Twitter page in the name of the comic brand I've started using. Instagram and Facebook were incredibly helpful in spreading the word.

On Instagram and Facebook I payed for ads to get more followers and likes (not a lot of money needed for this). If you have a strong fan base before the comic is even released, then you have their attention. Do your research! Learn about what makes a page likable, or best time to post is, or what tags to use. If you understand how to use your social media to your advantage, you'll be astonished at the impact it will have.

Also try forum sites. Do your research first though.

Step 2: Word of Mouth

I can't tell you how many times my girlfriend rolled her eyes when I'd talk to a random stranger at the bus stop or a bar about the comic. Don't let pride get in your way! I'm usually a lot more modest about my work and keep it to myself unless someone else initiates the conversation - but it's important. You want your comic baby to grow up and succeed at life. So talk to everyone; friends, family, co-workers, the postman, even grandma!

Step 3: Professionalism

Have a professional looking crowdfunding page. But before that, make sure you choose the right site. Kickstarter's 3rd most popular projects are comic related, so I decided to go with them.

When you've chosen your crowdfunding site, make sure it looks amazing. Advertise your work clearly and present a great video. I have previous filming and editing experience so I did my own video, but there are sites that can do that for you if you're not up to the task.

But just so you know, you can make a really cool video with very little experience. Use the Internets archive videos - they're copyright free and there's some seriously wacky, great stuff out there. Use copyrighted free music, free to use editing software (there are tons if you just look hard enough) and film yourself talking about the project.

...psst - I don't feel like disclosing the entire amount of film takes it took me to feel comfortable uploading myself talking into a camera... but it was a freaking LOT.

Step 4: The first week

Actually, lets say the first day. It's important as hell! Message around and remind people your comic is live for crowdfunding. Text, email, post ALL day. Contact people you can't remember meeting on your Facebook friend list! You never know, they might just fund you.

If people on Kickstarter haven't heard about your project and they see it for the first time and that first time happens to show you're already half funded after 2 days, they'll feel more comfortable pledging. Get it as high as you can within the first few days and more will follow.

I hope this helps and if you have any questions about what sites I used for the copyright free videos and music then comment below or contact the site.

Thanks for reading,

Craig Taylor