Crowdfunding has emerged as a transformative tool for entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators to raise funds for their projects or ideas. With the rise of platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, GoFundMe, and others, crowdfunding has democratized the funding process, enabling individuals and organizations to reach audiences and secure capital that was once only available through traditional means. However, the success of a crowdfunding campaign is often not just about having a great idea—it’s about how well you can tell your story and present your progress.
One of the most effective ways to showcase crowdfunding success stories is through infographics. Infographics are a compelling and easy-to-digest format that combines data, visuals, and design elements to convey a message. In the case of crowdfunding, they can help communicate the impact of a campaign, the journey of the project, and the key metrics that highlight its success. When done correctly, infographics make these stories not only engaging but also shareable, increasing visibility and driving further support.
In this article, we’ll explore how to create infographics that tell crowdfunding success stories. We’ll break down the components of a successful crowdfunding infographic, discuss design principles, and provide tips for using these infographics to maximize impact. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or a marketing professional, this guide will equip you with the tools and strategies to effectively use infographics to highlight crowdfunding achievements.
1. Why Use Infographics for Crowdfunding Success Stories?
Before diving into the “how” of creating infographics, it’s essential to understand why they are so effective, particularly in the context of crowdfunding.
i. Simplifying Complex Data
Crowdfunding campaigns often involve a lot of data: funding goals, amounts raised, backer numbers, rewards tiers, and milestones. Infographics condense this data into clear, visually appealing formats, making it easier for potential backers, journalists, or stakeholders to digest.
ii. Increasing Engagement
Infographics are known for being highly engaging. Studies have shown that content paired with visuals is 43% more likely to be shared on social media, and infographics are among the most shared types of visual content. By transforming crowdfunding stories into infographics, you make them more shareable, increasing the likelihood of viral engagement.
iii. Telling a Compelling Narrative
A great crowdfunding campaign is often a story in itself. Infographics help you visually map out the narrative of your success, from the initial idea to the achievement of your funding goals. This visual storytelling format resonates with audiences and can evoke an emotional connection, further inspiring support.
iv. Building Trust
Transparency is crucial in crowdfunding, and infographics can showcase how funds were allocated, milestones achieved, or how the project is progressing. This helps build credibility and trust with potential backers and helps previous backers feel proud of their support.
2. Key Elements of Crowdfunding Success Infographics
To create an effective crowdfunding success story infographic, it’s essential to highlight the key aspects of your campaign. Here are the main elements to include in your design:
i. The Funding Goal and Amount Raised
Start with the basics: the funding goal and the total amount raised. This is often the most visually striking element of the infographic, as it immediately communicates the success (or progress) of the campaign.
- Funding Goal: Use a large, bold number for your target goal. This is the benchmark that backers will compare against.
- Amount Raised: Show how much has been raised to date. A progress bar, pie chart, or gauge graphic can visually represent the amount raised versus the goal.
Example:
A funding goal of $50,000 with $45,000 raised could be displayed as a progress bar with a visual completion of 90%.
ii. Number of Backers
The number of people who supported your campaign can also be a powerful metric. This is especially important if you have a large and diverse group of backers.
- Backer Demographics: Break it down into categories if relevant—such as first-time backers, repeat backers, or international supporters.
- Engagement: Show how many backers interacted with your campaign (e.g., comments, social shares, etc.). This gives a sense of the community involvement around the project.
Example:
You could show a diverse range of backers via an icon set or pie chart that represents how many different countries, demographics, or supporter types contributed to the campaign.
iii. Milestones and Key Achievements
Most successful crowdfunding campaigns reach certain milestones—whether it’s funding 50% of the goal, unlocking stretch goals, or achieving specific rewards tiers. Showcasing these milestones in your infographic gives potential backers a sense of excitement and accomplishment.
- Milestone Events: Include key dates when significant events occurred—such as the launch date, the day you hit your first funding milestone, and when you unlocked stretch goals.
- Stretch Goals: If you’ve hit or exceeded certain targets (e.g., funding tiers that unlock additional rewards), make sure these are prominently featured in your infographic.
Example:
An infographic timeline or a series of checkmarks could visually demonstrate your milestones, with each achievement accompanied by a brief description of what was unlocked or what happened at that stage of the campaign.
iv. Backer Rewards
A key part of many crowdfunding campaigns is offering backer rewards—whether it’s early access to a product, limited edition merchandise, or special recognition. Highlighting your backer rewards can entice new backers and make previous ones feel appreciated.
- Reward Tiers: Show the different levels of backer rewards, and how they evolve as funding increases.
- Special Editions: Highlight any unique rewards offered, such as limited-edition products or VIP experiences.
Example:
A tiered infographic could show the progression of rewards, with icons and dollar amounts indicating what backers will receive at each level. This will illustrate the value of each tier, and how the support translates into exclusive perks.
v. Social Proof
Crowdfunding success is often driven by social proof—people see others supporting a project and decide to back it as well. Infographics can incorporate testimonials, media mentions, or backer endorsements to highlight this.
- Testimonials: Add quotes from satisfied backers or influencers who have endorsed the project.
- Media Coverage: If the campaign has been covered in blogs, podcasts, or news outlets, this is an excellent way to build credibility.
Example:
You might incorporate an area within the infographic dedicated to showing quotes from backers or media logos where the campaign was featured, accompanied by images or avatars for added personal touch.
3. Infographic Design Principles
Now that you know what information to include in your crowdfunding success infographic, it’s time to discuss the design principles that will make your infographic both visually compelling and effective in conveying your message.
i. Focus on Simplicity
While you want to convey a lot of information, you also need to keep your design clean and digestible. Avoid cluttering the infographic with too much text or unnecessary graphics. Stick to the essential data points, and use visuals to break down complex information.
ii. Use Consistent Branding
Ensure that your infographic design aligns with your crowdfunding campaign’s branding. This includes using your campaign colors, fonts, and logo in a way that feels cohesive. Consistent branding reinforces your campaign identity and makes the infographic feel like a natural extension of the project.
iii. Prioritize Visual Hierarchy
The information in your infographic should flow logically, with the most important data at the top or center. Use size, color, and contrast to guide the viewer’s eye toward the most critical elements. For instance, the funding goal and amount raised should be prominent, while details like backer demographics or reward tiers can be secondary.
iv. Use Engaging Visuals
Your infographic should not only rely on text but should incorporate a variety of engaging visuals—such as charts, icons, and illustrations. Visual elements make the information easier to digest and more engaging for the viewer. A well-chosen icon can instantly communicate an idea, while a progress bar or pie chart can make the data clearer.
v. Consistent Style and Imagery
The images and icons you use should be consistent in style. For instance, if you’re using flat illustrations, make sure all of the visuals in the infographic follow this style to create a unified look. Avoid mixing different types of visuals, such as photography with illustrations, unless it serves a specific purpose.
4. Tools for Creating Infographics
There are several tools available for creating professional-quality infographics, even if you don’t have graphic design experience. Here are a few popular options:
i. Canva
Canva is a user-friendly graphic design tool with a wide variety of infographic templates. It’s perfect for beginners and offers drag-and-drop functionality, making it easy to create compelling infographics without needing design skills.
ii. Adobe Illustrator
For those with more advanced design skills, Adobe Illustrator offers the flexibility to create custom, high-quality infographics from scratch. It provides more control over design elements and is ideal for professional designers.
iii. Piktochart
Piktochart is another great tool for creating infographics. It offers templates and a variety of customization options, and its simple interface makes it easy for anyone to design infographics for their crowdfunding success story.
iv. Venngage
Venngage is an infographic tool that focuses on ease of use and offers a variety of templates, icons, and chart options. It’s particularly useful for those who want to create visually appealing infographics without starting from scratch.
5. Tips for Maximizing the Impact of Your Crowdfunding Infographics
Once your infographic is created, you want to ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Here are some tips to maximize the impact of your crowdfunding infographic:
i. Share on Multiple Channels
Infographics are shareable content, so post them on social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn) and other relevant channels. Make sure to include a compelling caption or call to action to drive further engagement.
ii. Use It in Updates and Campaign Pages
Include your infographic in campaign updates, emails to backers, and your campaign page itself. This allows potential backers to quickly see how the campaign is progressing and the impact they can make by contributing.
iii. Encourage Sharing
Encourage your backers and supporters to share the infographic. Social sharing buttons, incentives for sharing, or simply asking backers to help spread the word can increase visibility and extend your campaign reach.
iv. Update Infographics Regularly
As your crowdfunding campaign progresses, update your infographic with new milestones, achievements, and backer rewards. Keeping the infographic current helps show continued momentum and keeps backers engaged.
Conclusion
Infographics are an invaluable tool for telling crowdfunding success stories. They help break down complex data, engage your audience visually, and share key milestones, backer rewards, and campaign progress in a format that is easy to understand and share. By incorporating compelling visuals, a clear narrative, and a cohesive design, you can transform your crowdfunding journey into an engaging and impactful story that drives further support and increases visibility.
Whether you’re promoting a product, a social cause, or an artistic endeavor, the right infographic can make a lasting impression and elevate your crowdfunding campaign to new heights. By using the strategies outlined in this guide, you can create infographics that capture the essence of your success and inspire others to join your mission.