Joe Martino has run two successful Kickstarter campaigns, one of which is still going on, with 22 days to go. His first campaign, The Mighty Titan, raised $12,000+ over the course of 40 days and his second project, The Mighty Titan 2 has raised $3,898 with a $2,250 fundraising goal. In addition to successfully raising money for his comic ventures, he has backed a total of 59 projects and is active in the Kickstarter community.
Joe took some time away from his current campaign to answer a few questions regarding his strategy and marketing plans for Kickstarter. You can see the results below:
1. How do you think The Mighty Titan #2 varied from your last project, The Mighty Titan?
My first campaign built up very slowly. I worked like a dog for 23 hours a day. Building a Twitter following, watching the numbers go up and down. I learned a ton in the first campaign that I tried to work into this campaign. From when to end a campaign and how to lead up to it. I learned what to offer and what didn’t work the first time out. I am still learning things daily.
2. A common problem campaign owners struggle with is finding their target audience. How have you managed to accomplish this?
Well, I had a lot of comic friends before I started, so that helped. Building relationships with people who have similar goals also helps. And it doesn’t hurt to back a few projects to show that you are a part of the community and that you are not just looking to make a quick buck and bail. Crowdfunding = Community and people have long memories. Also, remember whatver you are doing someone has done before and they probably did it better than you. Look at what they did. Learn from it. And when it works for you, thank them.
3. In hindsight, what was it that led to the awesome success of your
first project?
A great team of people who I dubbed #TeamMightyTitan. We all grouped behind a campaign for Hybrid Vigor Film and then they helped me when that was done. I was truly humbled by the generosity of strangers who ultimately became friends. Sincerity is key. People can tell when you are trying to fleece them.
4. What do you think is the most common misconception about Kickstarter or raising money on Kickstarter?
That it is “Set it and forget it.”. This is harder than a full time job.
5. Would you ever recommend people use crowdfunding consulting services or crowdfunding promotional services (why/why not)?
I don’t know enough about these services to have an opinion. I think (at least for now) that people can do it on their own if they prepare for it. It is a crazy time with many stresses. My first campaign literally put me in the hospital. I liken it to a month long panic attack. So, anything that can help offset that is great. Fullfillment is tough too. I make sure all my packages are secure so people get the product they invested in. They are collectables after all.
If you’d like to learn more about Kickstarter reward fulfillment, check out the previous article, Kickstarter Mistakes – Calculating Reward Fulfillment
