{"id":3978,"date":"2017-03-20T14:58:37","date_gmt":"2017-03-20T21:58:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.backerkit.com\/blog\/?page_id=3978"},"modified":"2021-04-14T14:53:36","modified_gmt":"2021-04-14T21:53:36","slug":"project-updates","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.backerkit.com\/blog\/guides\/crowdfunding-strategy-how-to-get-more-backers\/project-update\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 2: Project Updates"},"content":{"rendered":"

The crowdfunding journey spans many months: from mass outreach conducted well before the launch of a crowdfunding campaign to the fulfillment and shipping phases \u2014 and even beyond.<\/p>\n

Creators and backers alike are in it for the long haul, but the onus is on creators to keep backers satisfied. Clarissa Redwine, Kickstarter\u2019s West Coast tech lead, told audiences at BackerKit\u2019s crowdfunding panel<\/a> held earlier this year that constant communication could be seen as a part of building one\u2019s brand. \u201cIt makes your life easy in the short term because backers are more likely to trust you and give you valuable feedback, and it also makes them remember you in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n

The case for regular project updates is a no-brainer. They keep backers engaged during the campaign and fuels anticipation for the project. They show backers that you\u2019re working hard to get their rewards to them and ensures there are no nasty surprises when it\u2019s time for fulfillment and shipping. But when things go awry, some creators suddenly go dark, opting for silence rather than honesty.<\/p>\n

Giving backers the silent treatment \u2013 unintentionally or otherwise \u2013 can cause irritation and mistrust among your most supportive advocates.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Keeping the lines of communication open is the best way to manage expectations and address any concerns. Emily Nathan, co-founder of Tiny Atlas Quarterly, says creators should not lose sight of the most important part of their crowdfunding campaign: their backers. \u201cSo much of making a product is about the customer experience,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

Nathan says that challenges can arise in even the most organized crowdfunding campaigns. \u201cWe had a plan for the timing of the campaign and had almost everything in place for that,\u201d she says. But there was a hitch: the bags that were slated for her early bird supporters weren\u2019t ready. \u201cWe have one of the best photo-led influencer networks in the world, and we didn\u2019t have any product for them to start sharing that story.\u201d When faced with setbacks, Nathan advises adopting a customer-centric approach. Acknowledging the backer\u2019s situation and being empathetic to their feelings can help mitigate any disappointment from the backer\u2019s end.<\/p>\n

Writing an Update: Dos and Don\u2019ts<\/h2>\n

A creative approach can make project updates more interesting, but ensure the tone is appropriate for the announcement. If you\u2019re telling backers that their shipments will be delayed, it\u2019s best to play it straight.<\/p>\n

Some general rules: keep updates short, sharp, and to the point; express information succinctly; and acknowledge the role your backers have played in the crowdfunding journey.<\/p>\n

The best updates are:<\/p>\n