When you have a small business, it can be tough to raise the money you need to launch, expand, or promote your company. That’s one reason a lot of smart small business owners today are turning to the newest fundraising technique—crowdfunding. Crowdfunding sites like FundAnything offer a fast, easy, and low cost way to raise funds directly from friends, family, and others.
To get started, all you need to do is register on a crowdfunding site and follow the directions on creating a campaign. With some effort, you can raise as much as thousands of dollars—without giving up equity or shares in your business. And the benefits of crowdfunding don’t stop there.
Here are seven great reasons to get started on your own crowdfunding campaign today:
1. It makes you official
If you’re trying to get a business off the ground, crowdfunding is a great way to take off. While you may have spent a lot of time talking and thinking about getting started, the moment you launch to the world on a crowdfunding site, you’re real! When you’re trying to attract the attention of contributors, you need to spell out your business plan and put it in writing.
2. It sharpens your elevator pitch
You may know your business plan, but it may be difficult to communicate your idea to others. To create a powerful and persuasive crowdfunding campaign that gets people excited and ready to contribute money, you need to consolidate your ideas and create a brief, appealing pitch that explains your business and answers the question “what’s in it for me?”
3. It provides you with a website showcase
Your new crowdfunding campaign gives you a fast, easy way to get on the web in a matter of minutes at little to no cost. If you already have a site, a crowdfunding campaign adds to your online exposure, and adds credibility. If you don’t have a site yet, you can promote and share your crowdfunding page with the world.
4. It’s a great way to get feedback on your ideas
The success of your campaign is one way to know if you have a good idea and what people think of it. The comments you get offer priceless information from a huge audience of potential customers.
5. It can attract the attention of partners and big corporations
Big companies are surfing crowdfunding sites all the time to find new products and promising companies. And crowdfunding companies want to attract that corporate attention too. So, often, if you have an interesting company or business idea, the crowdfunding site will put its own marketing muscle behind your ideas, and help raise the visibility of your campaign.
6. It’s easy and free to get started
Starting a new business means long hours and hard work, but you can create a crowdfunding campaign and video quickly and easily. While you will pay a small percent of the money you bring in, it costs nothing to get started.
7. You’ll raise money
The best reason of all! It takes some effort, lots of online networking and a good pitch to make it work. This could be just the ticket to give you the money you need to start that next business, manufacture that product, or complete that project. So, get started today!
12 Burning Questions to Ask Before Launching a Startup
Building a Business for the Freelance Economy
How to Get Out of a Business Partnership Professionally