Reward Strategy
Explore how to structure your reward tiers to appeal to backers and encourage higher pledges.
Kickstarter campaigns can only be funded via this mechanism — rewards. You see, there are various types of crowdfunding, but on Kickstarter, regardless of your category, you will NEED to offer your backers a reward or “thing” in exchange for a financial contribution to your campaign.
That brings us to Lesson 4 of Reward Strategy 101.
In this lesson, we walk you through the fundamentals of rewards. By now, you know that rewards are how you share your project with backers, but you may still have questions:
- How do you optimize your rewards?
- What should you offer?
- How many reward tiers should you create?
Watch Lesson 4: Reward Strategy
What You’ll Learn in This Lesson
- What rewards can be and how to make them compelling
- How to choose the right rewards for your project
- Kickstarter’s rules on rewards
- Strategies for structuring reward levels
- How to offer rewards for late pledges
Expert Tips on Rewards
A great reward strategy is more than just giving backers a “thank you.” It should align with your creative concept, incentivize pledges, and create a sense of excitement. This lesson covers:
1. Choosing Suitable Rewards for Your Project
Not all rewards are created equal. Your rewards should match your project type and provide value to backers. Learn from successful Kickstarter campaigns and explore examples of physical products, digital experiences, and exclusive opportunities that resonate with audiences.
Brandon Smithwrick
2. Understanding Kickstarter’s Rules on Rewards
Kickstarter has specific guidelines for what can and cannot be offered as rewards. Learn the do's and don’ts to ensure your campaign remains compliant and avoids unnecessary delays.
3. Structuring Reward Levels Effectively
Maximizing your reward tiers can significantly impact your campaign’s success. Learn how to strike the right balance—offering enough options to appeal to different backers without overwhelming them. Discover the ideal price ranges and how to make pledge levels more enticing.
Ellie Clinton
4. Organizing Rewards for Clarity
Grouping rewards within a tiered structure makes it easier for backers to understand their options. Brandon provides a step-by-step breakdown of how to categorize and present your rewards in a way that maximizes engagement and conversions.
5. Using Add-ons and Early Bird Rewards
Want to encourage early support? Discover how early bird rewards can create a sense of urgency and how add-ons can give backers additional ways to engage with your campaign.
Brandon Smithwrick
6. Offering Rewards for Late Pledges
Your campaign doesn’t have to stop when the timer runs out. Learn how to continue engaging backers through late pledges, extending your funding window and offering exclusive rewards even after your campaign officially ends.
Kickstarter Staff
7. Planning Reward Delivery
Setting realistic expectations for reward fulfillment is crucial. This section covers essential logistics like shipping, production timelines, and managing backer expectations to avoid overpromising.
8. Staying Organized with Rewards
Brandon shares a practical checklist to help you track reward details efficiently. Staying organized ensures you don’t overlook anything, keeping backers happy and your campaign running smoothly.
Who Can Benefit from This Lesson?
Rewards are a crucial component of any successful Kickstarter campaign. If you’re struggling with what to offer, how to structure your reward tiers, or how to organize fulfillment, this lesson will provide the clarity you need.
Whether you’re launching your first campaign or refining an existing strategy, you’ll gain insights that help you craft compelling rewards and set your campaign up for success.
Keep Learning
Explore the full module for more expert insights, step-by-step guidance, and actionable strategies to help you succeed.
Setting the Stage for Your Campaign