How to Launch a Successful Kickstarter or GoFundMe for Your Business

Crowdfunding has become a game-changer for small businesses, especially for Black women entrepreneurs who often face challenges in securing traditional loans and venture capital.

Platforms like Kickstarter and GoFundMe offer a way to raise capital directly from your community, supporters, and future customers—without taking on debt or giving up ownership.

But not all crowdfunding campaigns succeed. To hit your funding goal, you need a strategic plan, a compelling story, and a solid marketing approach.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

✅ The difference between Kickstarter & GoFundMe

✅ How to set up and optimize your campaign

✅ The key elements of a successful crowdfunding page

✅ Marketing strategies to maximize donations

✅ Common mistakes to avoid

Kickstarter vs. GoFundMe: Which One is Right for You?

Not all crowdfunding platforms are the same. Here’s how Kickstarter and GoFundMe compare:

Feature	Kickstarter	GoFundMe
Best For	Creative projects, new products, startups	Personal causes, small businesses, emergencies
Funding Model	All-or-nothing (If you don’t reach your goal, you get nothing)	Keep whatever you raise
Backer Rewards	Required (you must offer something in return)	Optional
Approval Process	Strict (must be project-based)	Open to anyone
Fees	5% platform fee + payment processing fees	0% platform fee + payment processing fees

💡 Kickstarter is great if you have a product to launch.

💡 GoFundMe is best for raising general business funds or overcoming financial challenges.

👉 Pro Tip: If you’re launching a new product or creative business, Kickstarter is your best bet. If you’re looking for support for an existing business, GoFundMe is a simpler and more flexible option.

Step 1: Setting Up a High-Converting Crowdfunding Campaign

1. Choose the Right Goal Amount

Your funding goal should be realistic and justifiable.

✅ Break down exactly how the money will be used.

✅ Be transparent—backers want to know where their money is going.

✅ Set a goal that’s achievable—hitting 100%+ builds momentum.

📌 Example: “We need $15,000 to manufacture our first batch of Black-owned luxury skincare products, cover packaging costs, and launch our online store.”

2. Create a Powerful Story

Your campaign must tell a compelling story that connects with people emotionally.

🔹 Who are you? Share your journey as a Black woman entrepreneur.

🔹 Why does your business matter? What problem are you solving?

🔹 How will the funds impact your business? Be specific.

💡 Example: “As a Black woman in the fashion industry, I’ve struggled to find investors who believe in sustainable, Black-owned brands. With your support, we’ll create an eco-friendly clothing line that celebrates our culture while saving the planet.”

3. Offer Exciting Rewards (For Kickstarter)

If you’re using Kickstarter, you must offer incentives to backers.

🔥 Reward Tiers That Work:

✔️ $25 – Exclusive early access to the product

✔️ $50 – Branded merchandise (T-shirts, stickers)

✔️ $100 – Limited edition product or special acknowledgment

✔️ $500 – VIP Experience (1-on-1 coaching, behind-the-scenes access)

👉 Pro Tip: Make sure rewards are affordable to fulfill so you don’t lose money.

4. Use High-Quality Visuals

Your campaign page should be visually stunning to grab attention.

📌 What you need:

✅ A high-quality campaign video (60–90 seconds)

✅ Professional images of your product or business

✅ Graphics & branding that match your business aesthetic

💡 Kickstarter campaigns with videos raise 66% more than those without!

Step 2: Marketing Your Crowdfunding Campaign Like a Pro

Even the best campaigns will fail without marketing. Here’s how to get more backers and reach your goal faster.

1. Build Hype Before Launch

Start promoting at least 30 days before your campaign goes live.

🔹 Email List: Build a waitlist of supporters who will donate on Day 1.

🔹 Social Media: Tease the campaign with behind-the-scenes content.

🔹 Influencer Outreach: Connect with Black influencers to amplify your message.

📌 Example Pre-Launch Post: “We’re about to launch something BIG! 🚀 If you believe in supporting Black women entrepreneurs, stay tuned—details dropping soon! #BuyBlack”

2. Leverage Social Media & Content Marketing

Use a multi-platform approach to get more visibility:

✅ Instagram & TikTok: Post engaging videos about your journey.

✅ Facebook Groups: Share your campaign in Black business & entrepreneurship groups.

✅ Twitter/X & LinkedIn: Get support from professionals & business communities.

💡 Best practices:

✔️ Use hashtags like #BlackOwnedBusiness #SupportBlackWomen

✔️ Post countdown reminders to create urgency

✔️ Host Instagram Lives & Q&A sessions to engage potential backers

3. Partner with the Black Business Community

🔹 Reach out to Black business organizations for support:

✔️ Black Women in Wallstreet

✔️ Buy From a Black Woman

✔️ Black Enterprise

🔹 Ask past crowdfunders for shoutouts & collaborations.

💡 Collaboration idea: Partner with a Black business offering a discount to your backers.

4. Engage Your Backers & Keep Momentum Going

✔️ Thank every backer personally.

✔️ Post regular updates (milestones, testimonials, new rewards).

✔️ Ask backers to share your campaign with friends & family.

📌 Example Update Post: “WOW! We’re 50% funded in just 5 days! Thank you all for believing in us. Let’s hit 100%—share this campaign with someone who loves supporting Black-owned businesses!”

Step 3: Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Setting an Unrealistic Goal – Too high and you might scare off backers.

🚫 Poor Marketing Strategy – If you don’t promote, no one will find your campaign.

🚫 Lack of Transparency – People won’t donate if they don’t trust where the money is going.🚫 Ignoring Your Backers – Engagement is key! Thank and update them frequently.