How to Market Your Board Game on Kickstarter

Why are there so many board games launched on Kickstarter every year?

Skylar

November 22, 2022

Kickstarter is a great way to get your board game out there. It's a platform that allows you to reach a wide audience and get funding for your project. However, marketing your board game on Kickstarter can be a bit daunting. There are a lot of things to consider and it's easy to make mistakes. In this article, we'll go over the benefits of marketing your board game on Kickstarter, the best ways to do it, the worst ways to do it, and how to avoid common pitfalls. By the end, you'll have a better understanding of how to market your board game on Kickstarter and be on your way to success.

The Benefits of Marketing Your Board Game on Kickstarter

There are a lot of benefits to marketing your board game on Kickstarter. Perhaps the most obvious is that it allows you to reach a wide audience. With over 5 million users, Kickstarter is one of the largest crowdfunding platforms out there. This gives you a great opportunity to get your game in front of potential backers. Additionally, Kickstarter is a great way to build buzz around your game. By getting people talking about your game early on, you can generate interest and momentum that will carry you through the campaign and beyond. Finally, Kickstarter can be a great source of funding for your project. If your campaign is successful, you'll be able to use the funds to cover the costs of manufacturing, shipping, and marketing your game.

Another great benefit of marketing your board game on Kickstarter is that it allows you to connect with potential customers and get feedback on your game early on. This can be invaluable in helping you to make your game the best it can be. Additionally, by marketing your game on Kickstarter, you can create a community of supporters who will be there to help you promote and sell your game once it is released. Kickstarter is a great way to get your game out there and make it a success!

The Best Ways to Market Your Board Game on Kickstarter

Now that we've gone over some of the benefits of marketing your board game on Kickstarter, let's take a look at some of the best ways to do it. One of the most important things you can do is create a compelling video. Your video is one of the first things potential backers will see, and it's your chance to make a good first impression. Keep your video under two minutes and make sure it's clear, concise, and engaging. Another important aspect of your campaign is your rewards. Offer backers something they'll be excited to receive, and make sure your rewards are priced in a way that makes sense for your project. You should also create a strong social media presence and use it to drive traffic to your Kickstarter campaign. Finally, it's important to reach out to press and bloggers in the board game industry and try to get them to write about or review your game.

There are a few other things to keep in mind when marketing your board game on Kickstarter. First, make sure your campaign page is well-designed and easy to navigate. Second, keep your updates and communications with backers clear and concise. And finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different marketing strategies to see what works best for your game.

The Worst Ways to Market Your Board Game on Kickstarter

There are also a few things you should avoid doing when marketing your board game on Kickstarter. One of the worst things you can do is run a poorly-planned campaign. Make sure you have everything in order before you launch, or you risk turning potential backers away. Another mistake is not setting a realistic funding goal. If you're asking for too much money, potential backers will be put off by it. You should also avoid being too sales-y in your campaign. Don't make it all about the money, and focus on why your game is worth backing. Finally, don't forget to follow up with your backers after the campaign ends. Keep them updated on your progress and thank them for their support.

Another thing to avoid is not having a clear and concise pitch for your game. Potential backers need to know what your game is about and why it's worth backing. If your pitch is confusing or too long-winded, you'll lose people's attention. So make sure you have a strong and clear pitch that tells potential backers everything they need to know about your game.

How to Avoid Common Pitfalls When Marketing Your Board Game on Kickstarter

There are a few common pitfalls that can trip up even the most experienced marketers when they're marketing their board game on Kickstarter. One of the most common is not having a clear understanding of your target audience. 

Who are you trying to reach with your campaign? 
What are their interests? 
What motivates them? 

Answering these questions will help you create a more effective campaign. 

Another common pitfall is not offering enough value to potential backers. 

Why should they back your project? 
What do they get out of it? 

Make sure you answer these questions in your campaign. Finally, don't neglect your social media presence. Social media is a great way to connect with potential backers and build buzz around your project. Make sure you're active on platforms like Twitter and Facebook, and that you're regularly posting updates about your campaign.

Another thing to keep in mind is to make sure your campaign is visually appealing. People are more likely to back a project that looks professional and put-together. Take the time to create eye-catching graphics and videos that will grab people's attention and make them want to learn more about your project.

Conclusion: The Pros and Cons of Marketing Your Board Game on Kickstarter

Marketing your board game on Kickstarter can be a great way to reach a wide audience, build buzz, and get funding for your project. However, there are also a few potential pitfalls you should be aware of. by taking the time to understand the benefits and risks of marketing your board game on Kickstarter, you can create a successful campaign and avoid common mistakes.

Some of the potential benefits of marketing your board game on Kickstarter include:

  • Reaching a wide audience
  • Building buzz for your game
  • Getting funding for your project

However, there are also some potential risks you should be aware of, including:

  • Not reaching your funding goal
  • Facing competition from other games
  • Dealing with negative feedback

By taking the time to understand the benefits and risks of marketing your board game on Kickstarter, you can create a successful campaign and avoid common mistakes.