How to Launch Successfully

Launching your Kickstarter campaign is a major milestone; getting it right from the start can make all the difference. Whether your goal is to raise funds, build a community, or both, ensuring every detail is in place before hitting the launch button is crucial. 

That’s why this lesson is dedicated to helping you make sure you’re truly ready to go live.

Kickstarter’s Director of Content, Brandon Smithwrick, walks you through a 10-point pre-launch checklist to confirm everything is in place before making your campaign public. By the end of this lesson, you’ll be confident and prepared to press the “I’m ready to launch” button.

What You’ll Learn in This Lesson

• A 10-point pre-launch checklist to ensure your campaign is optimized for success
• Crucial details to double-check before launch, including video uploads and campaign settings
• How to modify your campaign end date and time before launching
• What elements you cannot change after launch and why they matter
• Tips on Kickstarter’s approval process and how to avoid delays
• The moment of launch: what happens when you press the button and what to do next

Pre-Launch Checklist: Are You Ready?

A successful launch starts with preparation. In this lesson, you’ll go through a clear and actionable 10-point checklist that covers everything from campaign settings to marketing strategy. For example, have you tested your campaign video to ensure it plays correctly?

Each checklist item is designed to help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure that your campaign is presented best when it goes live.

Key Considerations 

• The final marketing steps to take before launch
• How to set your campaign end date and time strategically
• What questions to ask yourself for a final campaign review
• The aspects of your campaign that are locked after launch

Understanding Kickstarter’s Approval Process

Every Kickstarter project undergoes a review before launch. This lesson walks you through how long approval typically takes, how you’ll know when your project is ready, and how many business days you should plan for submission to avoid delays.

When It’s Time to Press the Launch Button

Once you’ve completed the checklist and understand the mechanics of launching, it’s time for the big moment. We’ll provides a quick overview of the first activities you should focus on immediately after launch, ensuring that your campaign starts off strong.

Who This Lesson Is For

This lesson is perfect for any creator preparing to launch their Kickstarter campaign and wants to ensure they have checked off every essential detail. The 10-point checklist is designed to help you avoid last-minute regrets and confirm that everything is in place before your campaign goes live.

By following the guidance in this lesson, you’ll be able to launch with confidence, knowing your project is fully optimized and ready for backers to discover.

Start Your Kickstarter Campaign Today

Crowdfunding is more than raising money—it’s about building a community around your idea. Through the Learning Lab, you’ll learn best practices, actionable insights, and proven strategies to set your campaign up for success.

And remember, Kickstarter is here to support you beyond this course. Help Center for expert advice, and if you need more guidance, we have Creators Tips and a Creator Resource Hub just for you.