Kickstarter and Indie2GoGo Projects Spotlight - May 10, 2011

I haven't posted the last couple of weeks, so I'm including a bit extra into this one... an analysis of a couple of projects and why they work (or don't) to give ideas for posting your own.

So what do you need for a successful project on Kickstarter?

1. The project goal must make sense

Kickstarter can be a bit like the .com era, and I think that people have that in mind when they look at projects.  You have to have a firm grasp of your project in mind, and how much it costs.  Though a high goal is not unreasonable, there needs to be some justification for it from a product standpoint, or people might get the idea that you're trying to cash in on the kickstarter idea, rather than create an actual product or fulfill some need.

2. Every contribution must be rewarded

This goes along with point 1, but is more geared towards the emotional side of the argument.  With financial times the way that they are, even parting with $20 or $30 is quite a bit to a lot of people.  Why should they contribute?  What will they get for their contribution?  And will it even make a difference?  These very basic questions need to be answered for the potential donator in your description- think of it as a prospectus.

3. Give solid information on your project

Again dovetailing into the two proceeding points, but also complementing them is the distribution of information about the project from a larger perspective.  Presentation is everything, and this is the one chance to get donators fired up about the project.  And not with an over-deluge of information, but with precisely targeted bits.  A concise, well worded description of what the project is, and what is to be accomplished is a definite must.  Pictures help even more towards that.  And video that much more.

Some good projects: