They say that a picture speaks a thousand words, and when it comes to your crowdfunding campaign on ZAAR, this adage is never truer.
To take the concept to the next level, however, adding interesting audio-visuals to your campaign via an introductory video could be the difference between simply reaching your funding target, and exceeding it beyond all expectations.
Why a video?
Infinitely more powerful than a piece of text, a well-made, informative and interesting video can add a professional touch to your campaign, whilst simultaneously reaching and involving your potential backers on a real, personal level.
A good video can serve to give your backers a lasting and positive first impression of your campaign, and give them the opportunity to literally put a face to your name, as well as a set of enduring visuals to accompany your cause.
Making your campaign video
Whilst your completed video should be professional and inspiring, the making of it need not be state-of-the-art, or expensive.
Provided you have good lighting that shows your project or product to its best effect, and good audio that is easy to listen to and has clear dialogue, then this is enough to make an effective campaign video.
Imagine that you are creating a film trailer to entice your audience to your campaign: it should be no more than three minutes in length, include the key points of your project, be fun yet professional, and capture the spirit of your campaign.
Now is also the time to involve your entire campaign team, and make full use of everyone’s individual skill sets. Include your team members in every aspect of the making of your video, from writing the script and practicing it, to designing the storyboard and the overall look of the video, to editing it, to appearing in the video itself.
Fortunately, there is a wide range of online tools to assist you in creating your campaign video, such as Animaker, Biteable, Powtoon, or Whatfix, and there is a seemingly endless supply of tutorials available on YouTube regarding video editing which can also be very helpful to filmmakers like yourself, whatever your level of expertise.
What to include in your campaign video
There is an infinite variety of content that you can include in your video, so feel free to run with your imagination, as far as your budget, resources and expertise will allow.
That said, remember that the point of making a campaign video is to give your potential backers a clear idea of what your project is all about. This is not the time to be vague, subtle or indecisive. Persuade your backers with a short, focused pitch as if you were delivering it to them in person.
Remember to focus on the benefits of your project, and mention any rewards that you are offering to backers as an added incentive for them to give you their support.
Last but by no means least, make sure to include in your video the ‘4 Ws’: who you and your team are, what is the story of your project, why you are crowdfunding and how the funds raised will be used.