Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!

Ever wondered how board games make their way onto digital platforms like Board Game Arena (BGA)? Or what it takes to balance new game content without making the old stuff obsolete? This week, Andrew and Sean sit down with web developer and board game aficionado, Kneight Reinagel, to dive deep into the world of BGA development!

In this episode, we explore Kneight’s journey from self-taught programmer to game developer. The complexities and costs of developing games for BGA and why Deliverance might be the most intricate game on BGA. We look at the phenomenon of power creep and its impact on games and ethical considerations and practical solutions for game balance.

Kneight also shares his insights on creating games that resonate with both secular and faith-based audiences, and teases exciting updates for Deliverance. Tune in for a fascinating discussion that’s sure to level up your crowdfunding and game development knowledge!

Contact Kneight Reinagel:

- Discord: Kogogarog

- Email: [email protected]

- Website: kogogarage.com

Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.

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Hey Nerds! Ever wondered when the perfect time to launch your Kickstarter campaign is? Or how to grow your audience before diving into crowdfunding? In this episode, Sean and Donnie tackle these burning questions and more!

With Andrew tied up in other commitments, Sean kicks off the episode by sharing insights from his recent client consultations. Together with Donnie, they explore the pros and cons of Kickstarter versus direct pre-orders, especially for creators with smaller, word-of-mouth-driven audiences.

We dive deep into the importance of taking measured steps in your crowdfunding journey to avoid financial pitfalls. Plus, don't miss out on Donnie's intriguing story about how AI tools helped troubleshoot a tricky Facebook ad issue—it's a game-changer!

From the nuances of different crowdfunding platforms to leveraging data for informed decisions, this episode is packed with actionable advice. Tune in for practical tips on engaging your audience and striking the right balance between hardcore fans and broader appeal.

Join us for an episode that's sure to level up your crowdfunding game! 

Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.

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What happens when crowdfunding meets savvy financial planning? Can you really fund a project without diving into debt or giving up equity? In this episode, we’re joined by financial whiz Khoa Hoang to unravel these mysteries and more!

With over 14 years of experience, Khoa dives into the fascinating world of investments, retirement planning, and the often-overlooked synergy between crowdfunding and traditional financial strategies. We kick things off by exploring how Andrew raised $314,375 for his project, Deliverance, through Kickstarter, and why Khoa believes crowdfunding is democratizing creative funding.

We then navigate through diverse investment options like money markets and Buffer ETFs, and even touch on the disruptive potential of AI in finance. Sean shares timeless wisdom on cautious investing, while Khoa emphasizes the importance of starting early and staying consistent.

Tune in for a riveting discussion that bridges the gap between innovative funding and smart investing!

Contact Khoa Hoang:

- Email: [email protected]

- Phone: 760-688-0200

Don't miss out on this financial deep dive!

Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.

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Are you ready to take your crowdfunding campaign to the next level? In Episode 194 of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast, we dive deep into the art of spending big on advertising. How do you avoid the "black hole" of wasted ad spend? What’s the secret to making every dollar count?

Join us as Sean kicks off with the pitfalls of advertising and the elusive impression fallacy. We break down budget strategies, from $4,000 to six-figure spends, and share real-world insights from Andrew’s own board game campaign, Deliverance. Discover why Facebook might be your best bet for smaller budgets and how to set clear, achievable goals for your ads.

We also explore the power of cross-promotion, both paid and unpaid, and why building genuine relationships with other creators can be your secret weapon. Plus, we venture into experimental platforms like Twitter and TikTok—are they worth your time?

Don’t miss our comprehensive strategy for leveraging Board Game Geek, and learn why integrating generator and exposure-based marketing campaigns is crucial for crowdfunding success.

Tune in now and transform your advertising approach! 

Links to check out:

Steam Community:

 https://steamcommunity.com/groups/steamworks/announcements/detail/4201376568915048836

Deliverance: https://playdeliverance.com/cotf/

Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.

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Have you ever wondered why some board game enthusiasts hesitate to back Kickstarter projects? Or how financial constraints and delayed gratification play into their decision-making? Join Sean and Jacob in Episode 193 of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast as they dive deep into these questions with special guest Brent, the mastermind behind the YouTube channel "Cloudy with a Chance of Meeples" and the "Ideas" podcast.

In this episode, Brent shares his fascinating journey into the world of board gaming and content creation. We explore his hesitancy to back many Kickstarters, citing reasons like financial constraints, retail vs. Kickstarter pricing, and the long wait times for project fulfillment. Brent also offers alternative strategies for managing Kickstarter costs and provides insight into how his role as a content creator influences his gaming habits.

Don't miss this engaging discussion that sheds light on the complexities of backing Kickstarters and offers valuable advice for both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike. Tune in now!

Links to Checkout:

Brent's YouTube Channel: Cloudy with a Chance of Meeples

Brent's Podcast: Ideas

Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.

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Ever wondered how to keep backers engaged during the dreaded mid-campaign slump? Or how to handle the heartbreak of canceled pledges? Join us on this episode of Crowdfunding Nerds as we chat with Mike Ibeji of Gun Tower Games about the rollercoaster ride of crowdfunding his game, Pandora Celeste.

- Game Tower Games: https://www.guntowergames.com/

- Pandora Celeste on Gamefound: https://gamefound.com/en/projects/guntower-mike/pandora-celeste

Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.

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Why do people back crowdfunding campaigns? How do different regions impact crowdfunding success? And what’s the secret to building a thriving community?

In episode 191 of the Crowdfunding Nerds, your hosts Andrew and Sean are joined by Casper Ohlson, a university student from Sweden diving deep into the world of crowdfunding for his bachelor’s thesis. Casper shares his research journey, exploring why people back campaigns, the differences between equity and reward-based crowdfunding, and the importance of localization.

We also delve into the demographics of backers, with a special focus on the US and the European Union. Andrew and Sean reveal their secrets to building a community that keeps backers engaged—think Discord, Facebook groups, and even niche platforms like Lulu. Plus, we discuss market trends and the growing competition among crowdfunding platforms.

Don’t miss out on this research-driven episode that blends academic insight with real-world expertise. Join our community on Facebook and submit your questions for future episodes!

Links Mentioned:

- Submit Questions:http://crowdfundingnerds.com/question

- Gamefound: https://gamefound.com/en/blog/post/welcome-to-2024

- Tabletop revenues declined for second year on Kickstarter, Tabletop Analytics report shows: https://www.polygon.com/24054381/kickstarter-top-10-biggest-most-backed-board-games-campaigns-2023

- Table Top Analytics: https://www.tabletopanalytics.com/

- Ulule: https://fr.ulule.com/

Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.

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Ever wondered how storytelling can transform your Kickstarter campaign? Or how to truly connect with your superfans? Join us in this episode of Crowdfunding Nerds as Andrew and Sean sit down with Ori Kagan of Kagan Productions to uncover the magic behind compelling narratives in marketing!

Ori shares his unique struggle with face blindness, adding a personal touch to our conversation. We delve deep into the hero's journey framework, a storytelling model that can turn your campaign into an epic adventure. Learn how to craft avatars for your superfans, define your game's core strengths, and use storytelling to address their needs and challenges.

Discover the nine innovative ways to leverage your Kickstarter video beyond the campaign page. From teasers to social media, Ori’s insights are invaluable. Plus, hear about the Kickstarter Health Scorecard, a tool to ensure your campaign is in top shape.

Tune in and transform your Kickstarter marketing with storytelling magic! 

Links:

- Ori Kagan's insights on Instagram

- Kickstarter Health Check Scorecard 

- Crowdfunding Nerds episode 91

- Crowdfunding Nerds episode 93

Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.

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Ever wondered how to pinpoint the perfect audience for your game? Join us in Episode 189 of Crowdfunding Nerds as Andrew and Sean sit down with Marco Pecota from Raybox Game Design to reveal the secrets of targeting your ideal players!

In this episode, we dive deep into the art of identifying and engaging your game's audience. Marco shares his journey of making his games more accessible to kids and families, and why understanding who your game is for can make or break its success. Discover how theme, complexity, and age play pivotal roles in game design and marketing.

Marco also spills the beans on his latest game, "The Cats of Mont Saint-Michel," and how engaging online communities and leveraging print-and-play versions can refine your game through valuable feedback.

Tune in to learn how to create passionate fans and navigate the delicate balance of complexity and accessibility. Don't miss out on these golden insights!

Check out "The Cats of Mont Saint-Michel" on Gamefound!

Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.

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Ever wondered how to make your board game shine in a sea of competitors? Or curious about the common traps that new publishers fall into? Join Andrew and Sean in Episode 188 of Crowdfunding Nerds as they tackle these pressing questions!

In this episode, we dive deep into the art of standing out on platforms like Kickstarter. From the innovative game components of "Pandora Celeste" and "Tiny Epic Tactics" to the thematic brilliance of "Stone Saga," we explore how unique features can make all the difference. But beware—Andrew warns against being different just for the sake of it!

We also uncover the common mistakes new publishers make, like the perils of 3D printing game components and the importance of a clear game pitch. Sean's tech-savvy tips, including using QR codes for game setup, are game-changers you won't want to miss.

Tune in for practical advice and insider tips to elevate your board game project to the next level! 

Check out these links:

QR code generator: https://www.the-qrcode-generator.com/

Panda Game Manufacturing: https://pandagm.com/

Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.

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