Monday, March 3, 2014

Music CrowdFunding: Let Your Fans Do the Investing

Robin Montagne
9 Electric Indiegogo Campaign
9 Electric Indiegogo Campaign
In the realm of music; popularity, talent and a great album determine success or failure. As a former manager, I know the price of studio time adds up. Affecting, struggling artists with family responsibilities the most.
Yet, modern technology has, once again, rearranged the face of the music industry.  It is now easier than ever for musicians to take command of their progress . They no longer depend on financing from record labels, leaving a debt they may never pay. However, crowd funding eliminates the need for contracts and middle-men, awarding creative freedom, independent CD production and distribution. Already, bands and musicians are seizing this effectuate opportunity. The question is no longer, who is the better band? But, how much have I invested in the band?
That being said, I know you can't wait to start your own campaign, but let's go through some of the steps:
First, open an account on a crowd funding website (here are some examples):
1.  Indiegogo                    2.  Pledge Music                     3.  Sell A Band
4.  Artist Connect          5.  Oocto                                    6.  Feed the Muse
7.  TuneFund                  8.  artistShare
Next, set up a campaign.  Hint:  Most crowd funding sites use web forms to simplify this process. Here, are some snippets of how to start a campaign on Indiegogo:
1.  Choosing the right category will automatically place your campaign in a group with others who have the same objective.
Choose the category that best fits your campaign.
1. Choose a category
2.  Be sure and research your project before stating a fundraising goal.  When you investigate the proposal first, it helps you create a budget by locating costs associated with similar endeavors. And,  this step may also prevent underestimating your financial need.
2. Choose your fundraising goal.
2. Fundraising Goal
3.  As with all business deals, disclosure is extremely important. Being honest makes it easier to establish trust with your prospects. Tell donors where their donations are going:  an individual, a group, a charitable organization, etc.
3. Who will be receiving the funds: individual or group, 501(c)(3), etc.
3. Disclosure
4.  Submitting a video is crucial, because it creates a personal bond between you and the audience.  Without an emotional and memorable connection to your campaign, the crowd may lose interest and withhold their contribution.
4.  Record a video to make "the ask" personal.
4. "The Ask"
5.  When creating a title, have fun and try to think outside the box.  Remember, this is your venture so let your artistic whims flow. Devise a crafty complement for your campaign.  Perhaps, a good title might mean the difference between raising $10 or $10,000.  
5.  Enter title, short-but-sweet description, city and country of residence.
Biographic Information
6. Funding Type
7.  Typically, most fundraisers produce an estimated timeline to insure they either meet or exceed their expectations.  The length of time to run the campaign depends on the length of time the manager deems necessary for marketing.  However, keep in mind, that Indiegogo has a maximum of 60 days for all campaigns.
7.  Length.
7. Length
8.  Once you create a photo or video generating sympathetic tears, attach it to your campaign. This will be the first thing a visitor sees when they click on a campaign page, so rehearse, rehearse, rehearse!
8.  Personalize your story.
8. Personalize your story
9.  Give a brief summary of the campaign, why it is important and why the visitor should support it.
10.  Now, you've set a goal and a purpose, tell your prospect what you can do in return for their support. Give meaningful incentives like, if they give $1,000 they will receive a signed copy of the CD, a t-shirt and VIP passes during the next concert. Focusing on the donor as well as the goal, will increase the campaign's success.
9.  Share your passion.
9. Passion
10.  What's in it for them?
10. Incentive
11.  Before tackling this section, ask yourself these questions, "What makes my campaign different from the rest, and why is it valuable?" In order to answer these questions, look up the facts and percentages to show value. It will definitely add credibility to the campaign. And don't be afraid to share accomplishments. Previous campaign successes create credibility, encouraging prospects to support the cause.
11. Impact.
11. Impact
12.  On occasion, people are unable to give.  Yet, they still want to help in other ways.  Why not think up some volunteer opportunities?  The individual may have skills that create  a positive outcome for your campaign.  For instance, someone in marketing could promote your effort through social media.
12.  Volunteer Opportunities
12. Volunteer Opportunities
13.  The Perks section is the Indiegogo version of an encore.  This is where you say who receives what and for how much.  Spend as much time as you can on this section, because that what your viewers are looking for.  Perks answer the question, "What's in it for me?"  It's a reasonable question since your fans are also investors in your business.  And most importantly, be fair.  Your contributors are more than just fans when they donate to your campaign, they are partners for your cause.
13.  Fun Stuff
13. Fun Stuff

Audio Violence

Audio Violence
Detroit Pub - Audio Violence

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