Warning: This is not a thread for shamelessly self-promoting your Patreon! Please seek another thread for that. Thanks.
Hey guys, let's use this thread as a way to discuss tatics to more effectively campaign on Patreon/Tapastic Support Program. Let's help each other plan and launch successive campaign so we can all keep doing what we love; comics!
So what can we all do to nicely ask our readers for cash flow so we can live the dream?
First things first, I think honesty is key. Being up front and forth coming with information is the key to building trust with readers, and the last thing any of us what to do is to come off like needy car salesmen. When it comes to reader support, we are not "always closing" as they say in sales.
Nearly all successful campaigns clearly explain to supporters how their funds can help and what the money would go towards (print cost, new tech, more time into the craft, so on). Imo, this is very necessary because supporter want to know that their aide is going towards something (helping). And by sharing how they're helping lifts that veil between professional artist and reader, so we're both on the same team achieving this common goal to make fun/beautiful comics.
Second important thing I've found, is appearance. Polish your campaign with nice graphics, a well thought out video, proof-read all text and information (make sure you're using proper grammar and spelling). I think it important to come off like you know what your doing (a professional) yet not stuffy (like a business suit), try to find a happy medium in your own voice and just proof read it for mistakes.
Third, is rewards. All campaigns offer some sort of reward, unless you just have a tip jar patreon account (which is fine too). There are two types of supporters; one that just want to support the artist because they love their work, and one that loves the artist but also want to get cool stuff in exchange for their hard earned cash. (Both types are amazing supporters) So depending on the type of campaign you want to launch will depend how much you focus on setting up rewards, however, know if you're going for a tip jar approach you may find it harder to reach the type 2 supporters. Even a little something reward like early access, sketches, personal one on one chat, and so on might be all that's needed for them to gladly kick in a few bucks. Or you know, you can always just ask your readers what kind of rewards they like the most in a campaign. On Tapastic, we have that awesome ability to speak one on one with our readers through wall posts (use this wisely).
Fourth, and probably the biggest of all, appreciation. ALWAYS give appreciation to these random heroes that love your work enough to chip in support. There are many way you can have fun and show appreciation as well. @elixiadragmire had a brilliant idea to do cameos of supporters in her series, however, you can also to art request livestreams just for supporters, thank you notes/videos, write them personal thank you haiku, endless opportunities. The wackier/more fun the better.
Lastly, promotion. Yes, even though I've banned it here in this thread, promotion is very much important in a patreon/kickstarter/support program/any crowd funding campaign. Just like promotion your own webcomic, effectively and politely advertising your campaign is what reminds people that you're looking for support. And instead of doing a daily blasts of "Support me on ...." I find the best campaigns indirectly promote. For example, thanking a supporter on their social media, promoting the events around a campaign, like promoting the donation art request livestream instead of the patreon account, or showing off the rewards patrons are receiving, post pictures of the rewards and let people know how excited you are to share them with supporters, and so on. Be excited for the special things being done instead of asking for the money all the time, ya know.
So now it's your turn!
What are some elements of launching a patreon or support program you think is crucial to have in your campaign? From a supporter's point of view or the artist's?
Are there rewards you've seen other artist's offer that you thought was just a brilliant idea?
Which have you found to be more effective, a patreon campaign, kickstarter, Indiegogo, tapastic support program, or another site?
Do you think tiers or milestones are important in a campaign?