While an exceptional campaign can find outpourings of support from all over the world, much of your support may still come from people who already know your work: your fans, friends, and community. Read on for tips on spreading the word about your idea, and getting people as excited about the business as you are.
Before you launch, think through how you’ll approach promoting your project. Outside of your nearest and dearest, who’ll be interested in what you’re doing? Gather lists of relevant blogs, media outlets, and online communities — like forums, message boards, or Facebook groups you know will care about your work. If you’re making a board game, think of the games communities you can send word to; if it’s something for kids, think about parenting forums and blogs. Compile your contact list and organize your strategy.
Once your campaign is live, let people know! Share it on Facebook, and send out a few tweets. Email friends and family. Keep your mailing groups small and your messages personal, showcasing your business’s unique features and coupons — a personal note tends to get a better response than a form letter. Try not to overwhelm people with e-blasts and group messages, but do remind your networks throughout your business’s funding.
But first, do a little research. Google topics and businesses related to yours and see who writes about them, and finds venues and publications that cover similar work. Explore where your business fits in the broader context of your field.
How to Pitch Your Project
Many reporters list direct contact info there.
Reach out to people and sources you know are interested in topics like yours.
That goes double if prominent folks are involved in your campaign.
Show off a sample, a video demo, or a preview.
When will it be most relevant to cover your campaign? And how long do you think each media outlet will need to prepare a piece?
You can provide press contacts with a link to our Pressroom for information on ajolla itself.
Be considerate — bothering people can have bad consequences for your project.
Here are some things that are definitely worth trying:
Rally close friends and fans with a party, performance, or get-together. Bring along a tablet so people can make purchases on the spot — or send out a link to all your RSVPs letting them know they can purchase via the ajolla app, right on their smartphones.
If your goal is ambitious, you might need more than just yourself to get the word out. Get others involved — like your collaborators, peers, or cast and crew.
You might get some strange offers. You might feel overwhelmed. You might get an extraordinary media opportunity you never expected. Just keep things in perspective and you’ll do great!
People will like your project a lot better if it’s coming from an amazing, creative person — not from someone acting like a spambot. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.
If a marketing offer seems too good to be true, trust your instincts! And make sure you know what you’re actually being offered — you don’t want someone sending spam on your behalf.
Chances are, you can’t just toss your campaign out into the world and sit back while everyone raves about it. Put in the work to let people know what you’re doing, and watch your efforts pay off.