Instagram is a notoriously difficult social network to crack. You’ve spent all this time building up a following, but you’re now starting to wonder how to actually convert that following into backers on Kickstarter or Indiegogo.
In this post, I’m going to go into a few techniques that you can use to get crowdfunding campaign backers from Instagram. Of course, each product is different. What works for one industry may not work for another.
As a whole, these strategies are great ways to improve your engagement and results with Instagram.
1. You Need a Call to Action
The main call to action on Instagram is to ask followers to check out and click the link in your profile. This is the only link that you’re allowed on the platform.
Of course, you can also ask for likes, comments, and mentions, but these are not going to directly result in sales. However, they may grow awareness for your profile and improve the social proof/activity of your profile.
As you’re leading up to the launch of a crowdfunding campaign, I’d recommend making this link go to a landing page with an email opt-in. Once someone joins your email list, you’ll have much more flexibility with regards to the communication surrounding your campaign.
2. Direct Your Link to a Landing Page
As I’ve mentioned in the past, a landing page is optimized for email opt-ins. There are a lot of ways to set up a landing page, so that you can grow your list of email subscribers.
By sending this traffic to a landing page, you’ll be able to more easily track which messages resonate with your Instagram audience, and which don’t.
You’ll also be able to easily gauge the quality of your followers and what percentage of your Instagram audience is taking action!
3. Use Instagram Stories
I love Instagram stories because they add authenticity to your brand. Your followers can see that you’re not just some abstract person online. You’re an actual human being.
In fact, after seeing some of my stories, I’ve had followers reach out to ask more about me and my work. I also use these stories to tease a link to a landing page or URL where followers can gain more information about a particular topic.
Stories are a great way to build a relationship with your followers AND get them to take action. Ask yourself… what is YOUR story? How can you showcase this story in a bitesize format with Instagram?
4. Make Videos to Develop Empathy
In addition to stories, I’ve also found video to be an amazing way to form an emotional connection with my followers. It’s far more powerful than simple images.
For example, after posting a video on my story regarding my recent book launch, I had a follower comment saying that they just bought the book.
I posted another video giving people a glimpse of what the inside of the paperback version of the book left.I was very proud of my recent book. This is part of my story as a budding author.
Both of these videos resonated with my followers on Instagram. You can do the same!
It sounds cliche, but just be yourself. If you try to “fake” who you are, people will easily sniff it out.
Share a snippet of your life using these videos, along with what you’re working on and most importantly, why. People can feel your genuine excitement on video.
5. Encourage Inbound Messages
I try to always encourage my followers to send me a message on Instagram. They can ask questions, start a conversation, or let me know what they’re up to. I might not always write lengthy replies, but I try to reply to everyone.
You’d be surprised at the types of messages that you’ll get on Instagram. I’ve had quite a few people buy my book just from these convos.
If you’ve been doing your homework, you’ll know that a huge part of a successful crowdfunding campaign is a thriving community. The more that you can encourage people to reach out, the better.
Finally, messages are the best form of market research there is! You can directly ask questions of your users and get their thoughts or insights on key topics.
6. Use the Best Tools
Finally, by using some tools, you can make the process of getting crowdfunding backers from Instagram much easier! Here are a few tools to consider:
- Buffer: Use it to schedule Instagram messages to go out in the future.
- Canva: Make sexy-looking Instagram posts.
- Pablo: Make quotes easily for Instagram posts.
- Repost: Repost photos and videos on your profile.
- Instagram for business: Get key insights on your followers.
If you still haven’t set up a website for your business, you gotta do that as soon as possible. I recommend using Bluehost, if you want to host your own WordPress website. It’s what I use. If you want to set up more of an ecommerce-style site, then use one of these online store builders.
7. Engage and Make Friends
I’m willing to bet that NO ONE is going to be a fan of this, because we all hate to do things that don’t scale. We hate to put in actual work.
You don’t need thousands of supporters in order to run a successful crowdfunding campaign. You just need a group of passionate advocates.
Rather than going for breath, why not change up your strategy and go for depth. Try actually befriending people on Instagram! Remember, each person has their own base of supporters.
Sometimes, it’s more powerful to have one or two influencers on your side, rather than a bunch of people who are kind of interested in your campaign.
