By Ellie Diaz, FunderHut
It's seemingly impossible to reject Girl Scouts that
come to your door selling cookies, but it’s easy to scroll past a charity or
crowdfunder asking for funds on Facebook. To make up for the personal
interaction that makes face-to-face funding so successful, creators must post
detail-oriented plans on their project page. Posting pictures, creating videos
(which don't have to be Spielberg quality), determining rewards, providing
updates, and adding a personal story creates the feeling of assurance.
Crowdfunding platforms can also help create a cycle of
confidence by conducting background checks. Platforms should also require
follow-ups for success stories. Donors want to know if they are a part of a
successful campaign. When Americans saw the Statue of Liberty on her
crowdfunded pedestal, they must have felt pride and the feeling that they made
an impact. Success stories can be a tool that fills investors with the same
emotions.
Although the Internet provides the perfect environment
for conmen (ever watch Catfish?), it also helps
crowdfunding in a unique way. While the web makes it easier to scam others,
once the cheat is spotted, his or her name will forever be associated with
fraud on the Internet. It is well known that it is easier to post something
onto the web than it is to remove it.
Crowdfunding, when used properly, has the ability to
create a trusting online society. Just like Joseph Pulitzer created a national
unity by reaching out to Americans, crowdfunding has the potential to reach
both broad and niche audiences, form stronger connections, and mirror the trust
individuals find in their community. View The Full Story
