Lessons and Inspiration from the Enterprise Nation Start-Up Show

Spending a Saturday Near St. Paul’s, London

Tips on Community, Revenue, and Crowdfunding

Going to our first Enterprise Nation Start-Up Show near St. Paul’s, London was such a motivating experience. The event brought together people who shared useful advice on growing a business. From building connections with your audience to finding ways to create excitement before a launch, there was so much to learn. We’ve rounded up some practical tips to help you with crowdfunding, strengthening your community, and gaining momentum for your project.

Enterprise Nation Start-Up Show

How to Run a Crowdfunding Campaign

Making a crowdfunding campaign work takes preparation. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

1. Build Your Email List

A strong email list can set the tone for your launch. Spend time creating and growing your list before you start, so you have supporters ready to jump in on day one.

2. Plan Your PR

Timing is important when it comes to PR.

• Partner with shops or stockists who can help promote your product and highlight their support during your campaign.

• Line up podcasts, interviews, or other media appearances to keep the energy going.

• Announce key moments, like partnerships or stockists, to build excitement as your campaign progresses.

3. Encourage Small Contributions

Having many backers, even with smaller amounts, can help your campaign gain traction on the platform and attract more people to get involved.

4. Stay Engaged

Keep your audience in the loop with regular updates. Share news and achievements throughout the campaign to keep interest alive and encourage people to spread the word.

Building Your Brand and Raising Funds

Whether you’re getting ready for a launch or aiming to raise funds, these steps can help:

1. Pick the Right Time

The end of the tax year (February to April) can be a good time to raise funds. Planning ahead lets you take advantage of this period.

2. Build Engagement Early

Start engaging with your audience well before your product goes live. When people feel connected to your brand, they’re more likely to support you.

3. Refine Your Pitch

Make sure your pitch is clear and shows the value of what you’re offering. A realistic valuation is also important when reaching out to investors.

4. Strengthen Your Community

• Use tools like surveys to gather feedback or even explore funding options from your audience.

• Clearly communicate your purpose and values to build trust and loyalty.

5. Collaborate with the Right People

Partner with brands or individuals who align with your goals. These relationships can expand your reach and build credibility.

6. Find Your Advocates

Focus on building a group of loyal supporters who will spread the word about what you’re doing. This kind of organic support is priceless.

7. Plan Your Content

• Follow the 7/11/4 rule: Share seven hours of content across 11 touchpoints on four platforms.

• Use feedback to improve what you’re offering and create experiences people will remember.

8. Create Content That Works

Think about:

• Ideas that draw people in.

• Visuals that stick in their minds.

• Titles and images that grab attention.

Enterprise Nation Start-Up Show event timetable outlining sessions on funding, branding, marketing, and scaling businesses,

Creating Excitement Before Launch

Getting people excited before your product launches is a game-changer. Josh Kleiner shared some helpful tips to build anticipation:

1. Keep Things Mysterious

Don’t share every detail too soon. A bit of mystery keeps people curious and interested.

2. Involve Your Community

Ask your audience for input and feedback. It makes them feel like they’re part of the process and builds loyalty.

3. Make Your Content Easy to Share

Think about what will connect with people and make them want to share it. Emotional or relatable content often works best.

4. Be Authentic

Skip overly polished messages. People connect more with real, honest, and creative stories.

We want to give a big thank you to everyone at Enterprise Nation for putting together such a great event. The advice and knowledge shared by the speakers and participants were incredibly helpful. It’s proof that with the right support and tools, any start-up can go far. We’re excited to put these lessons into practice, and we hope you’re feeling inspired too.

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