Crowdfund tours

There are many stories out there waiting to be told, and some require resources up front to make them happen. Perhaps you need funds for transportation, want to pay people you interview for their time, or need to have a marketing budget up front. Crowdfunding campaigns can be an excellent way to produce high quality tours for a variety of purposes, as well as gauge market interest prior to production.

Crowdfunding platforms

• Kickstarter — an all-or-nothing fundraiser, ideal for singular projects which can offer future prizes like copies of the tour in exchange for money today. If you don't reach your specified funding goals, the money will not be distributed. Kickstarter has the broadest audience, allowing you to access a pool of people you don't personally know, but people are also less likely to support an individual on Kickstarter because the audience tends to support established brands and innovative products.
• GoFundMe — best suited for individual and community-driven projects where the story behind the tour itself is compelling. GoFundMe doesn't require you to reach a specific goal — you keep whatever you raise. It works well when you have a personal connection to the community or cause.
• Indiegogo — similar to Kickstarter but offers both fixed and flexible funding options. Flexible funding means you keep whatever you raise, even if you don't meet your goal.

Tips for a successful campaign

• Set a realistic goal — Calculate exactly what you need for production (script writing, recording, editing, testing, marketing) and set your goal accordingly. Don't over-ask.
• Offer meaningful rewards — Free copies of the tour, behind-the-scenes access, acknowledgment in the tour credits, or a private preview are all compelling rewards.
• Tell a great story — Your campaign page should be as engaging as your tour will be. Explain why this tour matters and what makes it unique.
• Build momentum early — Get commitments from friends, family, and your existing audience before you launch. Campaigns that show early traction attract more backers.
• Share widely — Promote your campaign on social media, in local press, and through community organisations. The more people who see it, the more likely you are to succeed.
• Keep backers updated — Regular updates during and after the campaign build trust and keep people engaged.