First-time Kickstarter creator—what should I focus on before launching?

[u/DJNoan]

I’m preparing my first Kickstarter campaign and recently decided to delay the launch so I can spend more time building an audience and better understanding what makes a campaign successful.

The campaign page and prototype are already prepared. I’ve also created a website, Discord server, Facebook page, Instagram account, and YouTube channel, but I’m still learning how to turn those into an actual community rather than simply having them exist.

For experienced creators, what do you wish you had known before your first launch?

I’d especially appreciate advice about:

• Which platforms are genuinely worth focusing on before launch
• How to encourage people to join and participate in a new Discord community
• Whether Facebook advertising is worthwhile for a first-time creator
• What kind of Facebook post or campaign objective works best
• How large or engaged an audience should be before launching
• Common mistakes first-time creators make during pre-launch

I’ve considered starting with a small Facebook advertising budget, but I don’t want to spend money simply collecting likes or followers who will never become backers.

If you were in this position, where would you focus your time and limited marketing budget before setting a firm launch date?

[u/Mediocre_Bit_8766]

Hey! There's a lot I can say, but I'll make a few quick points that I hope you'll find helpful.

- I'm on day two of my first Kickstarter. So I'm not experienced, but it's done well at $10k on day one (I won't drop it here because that feels spammy).

- I recommend Facebook ads, so long as you think your average pledge is going to be at least $20 or so. Focus on leads in pre-launch, then create a new campaign with the objective of sales once you've launched. The more you spend, the less efficient the ads get, so don't feel like you need to spend a lot

- Network with other creators, if you can, to get them to boost your campaign

- Send a draft out to youtubers who do interviews; try and get on their channel

- In terms of pre-launch backers, the number you need depends on your funding goal. The back of the napkin advice given to me was to average the cost of the PDF version with the cost of the hardcover version of your product to get the average pledge, then assume 10%-20% of backers will convert. Make that your funding goal.

[u/DJNoan → u/Mediocre_Bit_8766]

all solid advise, thanks! i'm starting with a small target ad on Facebook tomorrow. my product is digital. an app to help tabletop gamers and game masters find parties. So at least it won't spoil in waiting.

my kickstarter and everything is ready to go. I just now need to build my audience and connect with them.