When I was preparing my video for The Bow of Destiny campaign on Indiegogo several weeks ago I haphazardly uploaded my material without thinking too much about YouTube and the channel I was presenting. Since I don’t intend to post large amounts of video I just didn’t see the value. But like most social media this it is a fallacy to underestimate the value of any service. I was focused on the project and thought little of what I could do.
Tip #1: Even if you are working on a project and getting into a new social media platform stop and learn a few things.
Tip #2: Link as much as you can to your channel. I recently went back to my channel and linked as much of my other social media channels into YouTube so people can see what I’m up to easily. Many people are not on every type of social media or they don’t visit their accounts everyday so the information is beneficial to them and you to better connect.
How do you add all your information? On your channel click on the About tab and there you can add all the links you want so you can make it easy for all those high-visual folks to find and connect with you elsewhere.
Tip #3: I found it best to link my channel with my Google+ account even though I don’t use it that often (though I’m working that more now too).
What tips do you have for YouTube usage? How are you leveraging the this channel for writing? Share your thoughts below.
Remember blog followers via email receive a FREE copy of my ebook short story, The Black Bag – just click to sign-up! See my Contact & News pages to connect with me on other social media venues.
The crowdfunding campaign for The Bow of Destiny began this week on Indiegogo. This led me to some tips I wanted to share since this blog is largely about my ongoing growth as an author. So here’s some of what I’ve learned so far. Please read and visit the campaign site to provide your support!
1. Make sure you are ready to receive funds.
In my case I created a new PayPal account but did not complete setting it up. Likewise, Indiegogo had requirements for campaigns that I didn’t know about. Both of these issues delayed me some and it’s possible limits what I can receive (which I am confirming and working out on both sides). Read carefully about the instructions and explore the site.
2. Make affordable funding levels.
I received a lot of views and referrals the first day but no contributions. Now this may be due to some PayPal-Indiegogo issues but I added a few funding levels that are low impact on wallets which is important these days.
3. Continue growing your social media platform.
Don’t let the number of your followers become stagnant. If anything you need to be more aggressive in pursuing followers to increase your reach. Always encourage others to share your campaign with their followers too.
4. Have some automated social media messages ready.
You don’t want to be writing social media messages all the time and you need to get your message out often because on busy feeds people just miss your announcements without knowing it. Use an automation service since you may be busy with any number of inquiries, changes or problems that may arise – and you want to do something else sometimes.
5. Don’t panic if it starts slowly.
See above – there may be problems so just keep on moving in the same direction and if anything tweak your overall message, keep growing your following and keep getting the message out.
6. Keep posting updates regularly.
The more you get your message out the more likely you are to be featured. Include services like Indiegogo in your tweets and other posts because they track these types of activity in addition to your funding level. Everything helps and if your are featured that means more reach for your campaign.
7. If receiving private messages to offer resources & services check them out well.
When receiving offers of service, interviews or other offers of assistance check them out. They may be legit and they may not but some due diligence will go a long way to avoiding any trouble or overspending your budget. Make sure you know the terms of anything and don’t give out private information thinking that someone is helping when they may not be. Someone may take advantage of any initial euphoria from conributions or from desperation over no contributions. Think clearly and remember to keep going ahead.
8. Don’t hover & don’t walk away.
You cannot just stay in front of the screen watching – it will drive you crazy. You get excited and wonder what will happen or nothing happens and you watch and wait for anything. If nothing is happening don’t abandon hope, keep working, be willing to be fluid in your approach – just don’t sit watching the paint dry. Do not give up and stop all work. Stay in it to the end – bitter or sweet.
Do you have tips or comments regarding crowdfunding? Do you have questions about the subject? Please leave comments below and see my campaign and help make my project a success with your support.
Share a comment below and also consider following this blog via email for a FREE copy of The Black Bag. I’m on Facebook, Twitter (@ph_Solomon), Pinterest & Google+ (ph@phsolomon.com).
That’s right, I’ve started the crowdfunding campaign so I can complete The Bow of Destiny and self-publish it. I will provide updates from Indiegogo and this site on the News page. Please take a few minutes and look over my material and consider supporting my efforts. If you cannot support with funds please consider sharing the campaign with friends through 7/31 over social media.
Here’s the blurb for the book:
Athson the Archer has seen things that aren’t there and suffered fits since being tragically orphaned as a child at the hands of trolls and Kregen the wizard. When a strange inheritance comes into his possession he’s not quite sure it is real. But the trolls that soon pursue him are all too real and dangerous. And when the mystic Withling, Hastra, drags him into a quest for the mysterious Bow of Hart, Athson isn’t always sure what’s real and who his enemies are. With the wizard Kregen and his master the hidden dragon, Magdronu, involved Athson must face not only threats but his grasp on reality and the reasons behind his tragic past.
Picture from The Bow of Destiny project trailer.
I want to thank everyone on Goodreads, Twitter, Facebook, this blog and anywhere else for the recent follows. I am humbled by your responses.
Have you run a crowdfunding campaign recently? Are you interested in running one? Are you supporting The Bow of Destiny? Please share your comments and feedback below.
Like me on Facebook and view/share the posted campaign event.
Follow me on Twitter (@ph_Solomon) to receive news and help spread the word by using #BowofDestiny when referencing my IndieGoGo updates. I’m also on Goodreads so friend me there too!
I plan to schedule several social media parties with possible gift-card prizes – dates to be announced.
