Crowdfunding Expert Kendall Almerico
There are a plethora of reasons to have video in a crowdfunding campaign, but the most important is that statistically, there have a much greater chance of success with a video than without.
Tampa, FL (PRWEB) November 22, 2013
Crowdfunding Expert Kendall Almerico recently released five tips for making a great crowdfunding video. "There are a plethora of reasons to have video in a crowdfunding campaign, but the most important is that statistically, there have a much greater chance of success with a video than without," the crowdfunding guru says.
Almerico's background in television and the media gives him an insider's perspective on this topic, particularly when coupled with his expertise in the crowdfunding arena. "I want to make sure people make the best possible video to help a crowdfunding project succeed," Almerico says. "And a video doesn’t have to be a Spielberg epic for a crowdfunding project to be successful."
Here are Almerico's five rules to follow to have the best chance of success:
1. Good video and audio quality make a difference. Shooting a high quality crowdfunding video on an iPhone or with a camcorder is possible, but make sure the lighting is good and that the audio is clear. Recording a video in a well-lit room or outdoors makes the lighting part easier. The sound is another issue, Almerico says. If using a phone to record the audio portions, speak loudly, clearly and hold the phone at an appropriate distance to get good quality. "Listen to a sample," Almerico says. "If it sounds too hollow or if every time you say a word that starts with a 'P' the sound pops, do it over." Also, Almerico warns to be aware of echoes. "This usually isn’t a problem if outdoors, but recording indoors in a room with wood or tile floors is asking for trouble," Almerico says. "By trial and error, one can usually find a room that works."
2. Plan the video in advance. Trained public speakers or actors may be able to simply turn on the camera and ad lib, but for most this is a recipe for disaster. "Write a script, and try to stick to it," Almerico says. "And like a journalist writing a story, make sure to give the "who, what, when, where and why."
3. Talk about 2 or 3 rewards, not all of them. "People don't want to hear anyone drone on and on about every reward being offered," Almerico notes. Highlight some of the best rewards. Pick one from the low end, one from the middle range, and one high-end reward and discuss them. Remind the viewer that there are other rewards they can see by reading your project. "It’s important that to show excitement when pitching the rewards," Almerico says. "Enthusiasm is contagious. A Debbie Downer portrayal of the perks is unlikely to result in a lot of generous contributions."
4. Keep it short and simple, but end with a bang! "Get familiar with the term KISS' or 'Keep It Simple Stupid'" Almerico says. "A video should be 3 minutes tops. People have busy lives and short attention spans, so unless there is a really good reason to make it longer, don't lose viewers before getting to the most important part – asking for donations and help spreading the word." Almerico notes that "the ask" at the end of the video should be clear, carefully worded, and create a sense of urgency and action. "Tell people what to do, don't leave it up to them to figure it out on their own," Almerico says.
Almerico gives this example as a good "ask" to end a video with: "We only have 30 days to raise $10,000 and we need help, now! Donate today and, just as important, please spread the word by sharing our project on social media. Thanks for helping to make our dream become a reality."
5. Add update videos as the project continues. "Update the project constantly – add rewards, engage with your sponsors, and be vocal about every step leading to the project’s success," Almerico says. Consider posting additional videos as part of the update process. Not only do videos get more interest for the crowdfunding project, they also get many additional plays on Facebook and social media when they are posted. "An update video is particularly effective in the home stretch, when trying to get everyone excited and involved again during the last few days of the campaign to ensure that the project is fully funded by the time it ends," Almerico notes.
About Kendall Almerico:
Kendall Almerico is a nationally recognized crowdfunding expert and JOBS Act expert who has appeared in USA Today, Huffington Post, the New York Daily News, Business Insider, Fox Business Network and hundreds of newspaper, blog, radio and television interviews including CNN and The Sean Hannity Show. Almerico is also CEO of http://www.ClickStartMe.com, a crowdfunding site that provides individuals and businesses with an easy-to-use website to raise funds through online crowd funding. Almerico is also the founder of http://www.CrowdItForward.com, a charity-based crowd funding site that performs "Random Acts of Crowdfunding" and raises money for people in need through a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation.
Almerico is available for interviews and speaking engagements and may be reached by e-mailing media(at)clickstartme(dot)com or by calling 813.410.4658.
