How to Raise Millions on Kickstarter: The Story of the Exploding Kittens Kickstarter | Elan Lee

TL;DR

This content discusses the incredible success of a Kickstarter campaign that initially aimed to raise $10,000 but ended up generating millions of dollars, thanks to the involvement of a popular webcomic artist and the activation of a strong community.

Transcript

foreign let's chat if you're open to it about Kickstarter for a moment because I know a lot of people outside of games specifically will still be interested in Kickstarter or crowdfunding in general so you I believe at one point had a fraud alert email printed out and framed because I think somewhere the limo was set like 10 000 and maybe it got bu... Read More

Key Insights

• 👾 Alternate reality games can be a powerful tool for engaging and motivating communities, as they tap into the appeal of collaboration and the desire to be part of something extraordinary.
• ❓ The involvement of influential figures or popular personalities can significantly amplify the reach and success of a crowdfunding campaign.
• 🥅 Going beyond monetary stretch goals by incorporating entertaining and interactive challenges can foster a deeper sense of community involvement and personal connection.
• ❓ By activating and empowering their community, creators can surpass their initial expectations and achieve remarkable results.
• 🥺 Leveraging existing platforms and networks to connect with a broader audience can lead to rapid growth and exposure.
• 💪 Clear communication and building trust with the audience can establish a strong foundation for crowdfunding success.
• 🪛 Encouraging non-monetary contributions from the community, such as sharing content and spreading awareness, can help drive the momentum of a campaign.

Questions & Answers

Q: What was the initial funding goal for the Kickstarter campaign, and how much money did they end up raising?

The creators aimed to raise $10,000, but they ultimately raised close to $9 million, surpassing their expectations by a huge margin.

Q: How did the involvement of the Oatmeal, a popular webcomic artist, contribute to the success of the campaign?

The Oatmeal's decade-long reputation for high-quality work and a large audience played a significant role in attracting millions of viewers to the Kickstarter page, resulting in rapid funding.

Q: What are alternate reality games, and how did they influence the campaign's success?

Alternate reality games involve creating a convoluted story that is hidden across various platforms and locations. By engaging the community and encouraging collaboration, the creators were able to tap into the appeal of alternate reality games and rally support for their campaign.

Q: How did the creators leverage the community to enhance the campaign's success?

Instead of solely focusing on monetary stretch goals, the creators invited the audience to participate in fun challenges and celebrations. This community-centered approach led to increased engagement, with backers completing tasks like submitting pictures and writing poems, resulting in a more enjoyable and successful campaign.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The creators initially set a goal of raising $10,000 within 30 days but ended up raising nearly $9 million for their Kickstarter campaign.

• The involvement of a popular webcomic artist, known as the Oatmeal, played a significant role in attracting millions of views and funding within minutes of the campaign launch.

• By leveraging alternate reality games and community-centered strategies, the creators were able to engage and activate their audience, leading to a highly successful crowdfunding campaign.