Crowdfunding: How do I get pre-campaign traction?

[MRiabov]

Sup gentlemen. Been creating an awesome product for the past 3 weeks (absolutely no other actions but creating it, sleeping and repeating), and it seems the outlay is ready.

What I have is this:


This is an automatic potato peeler. Yes, it takes 3d scans of the potato and then cuts it to make a super-thin cut while leaving the delicious potato (or apples if you will) intact. So consumer electronics.

Alright.

Now, that said - this is the only thing that I have (besides more cool ideas on how to make this happen better). I haven't yet assembled it, nor I have written the software to make it work, Yet I know to get it out on the market to poke the finicky cat and see what it responds - moreover, I need to gather a list of people who will know about the product yet before I am going to launch the project on the kickstarter.

That said - I don't have much money beside those needed to order parts and assemble first prototypes. How do I go about getting people to know that I'm here? How to get people to know that I'm here providing value and gather following?

I know that there are men who have naturally done the same thing in the past. If you can share how to gather people around I would be deeply grateful.

Thanks men, you mean a lot to me.

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[MRiabov]

To note: after thinking about it I know about the "Fill your funnel" framework from Russel Brunson, and as far as validation goes... I will probably just go door-to-door. Never done this before, but... Maybe I'll even get some crowdfunding money early on - ask people to give me money in exchange for a launch later...

Maybe... I do hope and even believe the product is useful though.

 

[Subsonic]

Sup gentlemen. Been creating an awesome product for the past 3 weeks (absolutely no other actions but creating it, sleeping and repeating), and it seems the outlay is ready.

What I have is this:
View attachment 49814

This is an automatic potato peeler. Yes, it takes 3d scans of the potato and then cuts it to make a super-thin cut while leaving the delicious potato (or apples if you will) intact. So consumer electronics.

Alright.

Now, that said - this is the only thing that I have (besides more cool ideas on how to make this happen better). I haven't yet assembled it, nor I have written the software to make it work, Yet I know to get it out on the market to poke the finicky cat and see what it responds - moreover, I need to gather a list of people who will know about the product yet before I am going to launch the project on the kickstarter.

That said - I don't have much money beside those needed to order parts and assemble first prototypes. How do I go about getting people to know that I'm here? How to get people to know that I'm here providing value and gather following?

I know that there are men who have naturally done the same thing in the past. If you can share how to gather people around I would be deeply grateful.

Thanks men, you mean a lot to me.

You might wanna check out y combinator.
If you want to crowdfund then more or less just do it. Pay some influencers to promote it and see what happens.

 

[Consolation]

How do I go about getting people to know that I'm here? How to get people to know that I'm here providing value and gather following?

B2C:
1. Housewives?
2. Soccer moms?

Why? In a traditional family structure the wives spent more time in the kitchen than the husbands.

B2B:
Wait. Why so hard? Start with places that people pay to get nourishment?

What do you people in the U.S. or Western countries call a place where you pluck raw fruits and solid veggies (like potato) from, for commercial purposes? Maybe they need this product.

Can't think of anymore. Unless you offer equity haha.. just kidding.

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Consolation]

WARNING: THE FOLLOWINGS ARE AI-GENERATED ANSWERS. USE WITH CAUTION.

I am creating a an automatic potato peeler. How do I go about getting people to know that I'm here? How to get people to know that I'm here providing value and gather following?

To get people to know about your automatic potato peeler and create a following, you can follow these steps:

1. Identify your target audience: Determine who would benefit the most from using your automatic potato peeler. Is it professional chefs, home cooks, or commercial food establishments? Understanding your target audience will help you tailor your marketing efforts effectively.

2. Create a compelling brand image: Develop a strong brand identity for your automatic potato peeler. Choose a memorable name, design a logo, and establish a unique selling proposition that highlights the key benefits of your product. A well-defined brand will make it easier for people to recognize and remember your product.

3. Build an online presence: In today's digital age, having a robust online presence is crucial. Create a website dedicated to your automatic potato peeler, showcasing its features, benefits, and how it solves common problems in the kitchen. Optimize your website for search engines to ensure it ranks well in relevant searches.

4. Utilize social media: Leverage popular social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to reach your target audience. Share engaging content such as videos demonstrating how easy and efficient your automatic potato peeler is at peeling potatoes. Use hashtags, collaborations, and partnerships to expand your reach.

5. Engage with your target audience: Actively participate in online communities, forums, and groups related to cooking, food preparation, and kitchen appliances. Offer valuable insights and advice, and when appropriate, mention your automatic potato peeler as a solution. Engaging with your target audience helps establish your expertise and builds trust.

6. Seek reviews and testimonials: Reach out to influencers, food bloggers, cooking enthusiasts, and professionals in the culinary industry. Offer them your automatic potato peeler for free in exchange for honest reviews and testimonials. Positive feedback from trusted sources can significantly boost your product's credibility and visibility.

7. Offer promotions and discounts: People love incentives, so consider offering limited-time promotions, discounts, or special bundles to encourage potential customers to try your automatic potato peeler. Promote these offers through your website, social media channels, and targeted advertisements.

8. Participate in trade shows and exhibitions: Attend relevant trade shows, food expos, and culinary events where you can showcase your automatic potato peeler. Provide live demonstrations, hand out brochures and business cards, and engage with attendees to generate interest and gather leads.

9. Build an email list: Encourage visitors to your website and social media profiles to sign up for a newsletter or exclusive updates about your automatic potato peeler. This way, you can regularly communicate with interested individuals, offer them valuable content, and notify them of new product releases or promotions.

10. Provide excellent customer service: Deliver exceptional customer support to those who purchase your automatic potato peeler. Respond promptly to inquiries and resolve any issues efficiently. Satisfied customers are more likely to recommend your product to others, contributing to word-of-mouth marketing.

Remember, building a following takes time and consistent effort. Be patient, adapt your strategies based on the feedback you receive, and continuously seek ways to improve your product and customer experience.

 

[Panos Daras]

I need to gather a list of people who will know about the product yet before I am going to launch the project on the kickstarter.

You need a WORKING PROTOTYPE. You cannot do Kickstarter launch with a CAD. And even if you could, it would be unethical. Start with that. If it works then do a pre-launch campaign.

 

[RightyTighty]

This is an automatic potato peeler. Yes, it takes 3d scans of the potato and then cuts it to make a super-thin cut while leaving the delicious potato (or apples if you will) intact. So consumer electronics.

Did you do your market research before investing the modeling time? Potatoes are ubiquitous; unfortunately, so are potato peelers. There are numerous automatic potato peelers, starting at $19.98 on Amazon. The technology you’re talking about is akin to that of a 3D printer and would definitely have a higher price point.

But all is not lost; perhaps a pivot is in order. A zero waste peeler would have a more limited market but greater appeal in the area of high end food products like ginger or truffles.

BTW, I wouldn’t reveal the nature of an invention until you have filed a Provisional Patent Application. Besides affording you IP protection, having to fork up the filing fee is good incentive to do your up-front due diligence research.

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[amp0193]

Went down this road, talked to people who had successfully crowdfunded 7-figs. Ultimately decided not to crowdfund myself, but here's what I learned.

You need to plan on bringing at least 90% of the traffic to the listing and you need to hit your "goal" in day 1. Do not count on Kickstarter to bring you any traffic.

You need a long email list. Facebook ads > Landing Page > Email List

There are crowdfund financing companies that will pay for the upfront ad spend, in exchange for x% of the crowdfund revenue.

Those financing companies, like companies who use crowdfund marketing agencies with a track record of success to manage the campaign and the ad creatives (as it increases the likelihood of campaign success). The marketing agencies must be paid upfront, and some out of funds raised.


Google the above and you can learn the details.

 

[MRiabov]

You might wanna check out y combinator.
If you want to crowdfund then more or less just do it. Pay some influencers to promote it and see what happens.

God forbid. They give the worst advice known to man.

Why do I know this? Because I've failed a business which spanned over 5 months - and 300-500€ in ads because I've pursued their selfish-a$$ advice.

That said - will do. I don't have much money now, but will work my way in, I guess...

 

[MRiabov]

You need a WORKING PROTOTYPE. You cannot do Kickstarter launch with a CAD. And even if you could, it would be unethical. Start with that. If it works then do a pre-launch campaign.

Good, thank you. Am on my way.

That said, a soft test with a 3d photorealistic video would be good wouldn't it?

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Panos Daras]

Good, thank you. Am on my way.

That said, a soft test with a 3d photorealistic video would be good wouldn't it?

Would a 3d photorealistic video of a bike take me from point A to point B?

 

[MRiabov]

Would a 3d photorealistic video of a bike take me from point A to point B?

Hm... ... ...

Bloody hell, I just want to make something useful for someone. But... Fine. I have 300€ in my bank account, no income right now, but... Fine, I will do the real tests and overcome the first. I'm sure there is a lot to learn about my product anyway.

 

[MRiabov]

Did you do your market research before investing the modeling time? Potatoes are ubiquitous; unfortunately, so are potato peelers. There are numerous automatic potato peelers, starting at $19.98 on Amazon. The technology you’re talking about is akin to that of a 3D printer and would definitely have a higher price point.

But all is not lost; perhaps a pivot is in order. A zero waste peeler would have a more limited market but greater appeal in the area of high end food products like ginger or truffles.

BTW, I wouldn’t reveal the nature of an invention until you have filed a Provisional Patent Application. Besides affording you IP protection, having to fork up the filing fee is good incentive to do your up-front due diligence research.

Is saying that most in those potato peelers' reviews are under 4.0 stars because many suffer that they don't peel well (or at all?)

But alright, that all is for a market to answer... Those reviews was the thing that got me started anyway.

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[amp0193]

Interesting product.

Have you done anything to validate if anyone needs this?

Peeling potatoes is not a huge pain point for me, and I think inserting them one by one into a device wouldn't save me much time, and would add a large annoyance factor. Plus having yet another device in the kitchen that barely gets used and takes up space.

Just don't want you wasting your time on something that no one needs. Maybe I'm wrong though. What's the market saying?

 

[MRiabov]

Interesting product.

Have you done anything to validate if anyone needs this?

Peeling potatoes is not a huge pain point for me, and I think inserting them one by one into a device wouldn't save me much time, and would add a large annoyance factor. Plus having yet another device in the kitchen that barely gets used and takes up space.

Just don't want you wasting your time on something that no one needs. Maybe I'm wrong though. What's the market saying?

Oh man, idk. I am considering if this is useful at all too....

To be honest, my entire "market research" was looking at products on Amazon that accomplish the same goal. You would find, that those have no more than 4 starts - most of them don't peel at all.

I don't know. The last time I did research for a market... Well, it didn't save me from 4 months wasted. That said, this was before I read TMF , and I based the business on selfish, flawed reasons.

I have almost finished the design prototype, which I've done for 25 days, now will trying to get a job/do specialised labor to get money in order to advertise and to built the prototype physically...

That said, everyone who I asked - my family, certain strangers, everyone have said it is often better to peel by hand.