Web's Largest listing of crowdsourcing and crowdfunding events

Events

Advertise

Web's Largest Directory of Sites

2,412 crowdsourcing and crowdfunding sites

Communication Mistakes That Crowdfunding Users Make

document Crowdfunding

Communication Mistakes That Crowdfunding Users Make
April 24, 2012

Crowdfunding your project is probably the hardest task you’ve ever had to overtake. Once you launch it, it is not only your own anymore. Everyone will have a say on it, and you will have to deal with all sorts of opinions, suggestions, criticism etc. But most importantly you will have to deal with all the communication involved in the crowdfunding process. A single mistake can switch the course of your project. Here is what you need to avoid in the 3 main ways of communication during your crowdfunding campaign. 1. Comments This is probably the most convenient way that you can be reached by your supporters. Through the commenting system they are able to ask you questions, give you feedback, and criticize or compliment you. Although it may sound easy and harmless, it can affect your campaign a whole lot. Mistakes: a. Taking it personally

We totally get it, sometimes some users can frustrate you and jump down your throat but by any means, don’t take it personally. If you do, you will get angry and aggressively comment back. Afterwards, they will do the same thing. And trust me, it does not end well. Just suck it up, and be as polite as possible. When you first started the campaign, you considered the vulnerability to criticism so now you just have to deal with it and not take it personally. Always keep in mind that the way you respond to your followers shows how much you are listening to the public and how willing you are to solve their issues with your project. b. Not answering in time

This is one of the biggest and most serious mistakes you can make. Not answering in time will give everyone the impression that you are not committed enough to get your project further. Try answering within 24 hours, or they will lose interest and respect for you. Being as responsive as possible will take you a long way. c. Not providing the required information

I’ve encountered more than once users who don’t provide as much information as they are asked to. And where does this lack of transparency lead to? Your followers will lose confidence and trust in you. Share with them your latest updates, and answer with detail each and ever one of their questions.

2. Messages As you may know by now, Rock The Post has its own messaging system that allows you to communicate with other users within the platform. Unlike commenting, messaging is a one-to-one form of communication.

Your supporters can reach you in a more personal level. However, these mistakes are not common: Mistakes: a. Treating them as comments

No, messages are not just comments on a more personal level. If someone decides to reach you individually, means they are more interested than someone who asks a simple question on the comment board. Although transparency is basic in crowdfunding, this type of “closed-door” communication is the most effective, although it takes a bit more effort. Keep in mind the difference, and give it a closer attention. b. Responding on the comment board.

Here’s a common scenario: you get a personal message by someone who has already commented on your post. And what do you do? Answer him back on the comment board. Wrong. If he/she took the time to try to reach you personally, the least you can do is answer back the same way. You never know how that person can influence you and your project. So give the proper importance to every single message you receive and keep it as personal as possible.

3. Social Media This is not the first time we mention Social Media as a strong way of communication. While its effects have been proved over and over again, we keep encouraging you to take advantage of its full potential.

But this has its own risks. Some fatal mistakes you can make on social media can determine the destiny of your project. Mistakes: a. Talking and not listening.

This is the most common (and with the biggest consequences) mistake you can make in social media. You can post 100 links a day on Facebook or tweet 1000 times on Twitter, but if you don’t take time to evaluate the feedback you’re getting , those thousand tweets are not reaching anyone. People want to know that they are being taken in consideration and that their opinion is valuable. Give them what they want, and you will get what you want in return. It is as simple as that. b. Not engaging the audience.

We don’t need to tell you how important it is to involve the crowd in crowdfunding. It is common sense. But unfortunately project creators keep forgetting to engage their followers by sharing some humor, quotes, or even just starting casual conversations. c. Being all about “ME”.

We get it, you want to promote your project. This is your main goal and it is definitely normal to try hard in order to get the word out there. But don’t forget number one rule of marketing: Emphasize on how your project/business will help THEM, rather than how they will help YOU. In other words, no one wants to hear how good you are, and how promising your business is. It will only make you annoying and soon you’ll be losing your followers.

d.

Expecting Social Media to do all the work.

Just getting the word out there isn’t enough. You can’t expect to share your project and let Social Media do its magic. You have to keep updating, building connections and trying your best to keep everyone engaged.

Summary
Crowdfunding your project is probably the hardest task you’ve ever had to overtake. Once you launch it, it is not only your own anymore. Everyone will have a say on it, and you will have to deal with all sorts of opinions, suggestions, criticism etc. But most importantly you will have to deal with all the communication involved in the crowdfunding process. A single mistake can switch the course of your project.

Description
Here are what you need to avoid in the main ways of communication during crowdfunding campaign:

1. Comments-This is probably the most convenient way that you can be reached by your supporters.

Mistakes:
a. Taking it personally
b. Not answering in time
c. Not providing the required information

2. Messages-a one-to-one form of communication.

Mistakes:

a. Treating them as comments
b. Responding on the comment board.

3. Social Media-a strong way of communication.

Mistakes:

a. Talking and not listening.
b. Not engaging the audience.
c. Being all about “ME”.
d. Expecting Social Media to do all the work.

Tags: communication, Crowdfunding, crowdfunding tips, Crowdsource, Crowdsourcing, Tips

Posted by Benjamin Fossel

Apr 28, 2012 10:56 pm GMT Viewed 2618 times

Author: rockthepost.com Source

Contact us if you are owner of this content and want to make changes.

Download Flag This

Events

Communication Mistakes That Crowdfunding Users Make

Comments

Crowdsourcing.org

Categories

Content

Crowdsourcing.org, an initiative by massolution®

Events

Related Content

Communication Mistakes That Crowdfunding Users Make

Comments

Crowdsourcing.org

Categories

Content

Crowdsourcing.org, an initiative by massolution®