Researcher Guide

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Checklist - 10 Tips From Experiment Researchers

We’ve collected tips and advice from successful researchers, here’s what they say is important to consider in your Experiment campaign.

1. Find your audience
Remember, at its core, crowdfunding is as much about raising funds as it is about science communication and public engagement. Building your community doesn’t happen overnight, but rather step by step. Follow this checklist to create a presence through sharing interesting content pertaining to your research! Don’t be discouraged if it’s slow the first time around, there’s a reason that this is new!

2. Storyboard
Creating a storyboard is an important tool for preparation. It helps you to identify what your message is and how you'll convey it.

3. Plan ahead of time
Crowdfunding campaigns are never fully funded by chance. You will need to have a plan in place, especially for great content that you can use as ammunition to get eyeballs on your page. The more prepared you are, the more fun the experience will be. And of course, prepare to be adaptable as your campaign can always take a life of it’s own.

4. Make sure people get to know you
Crowdfunding relies on a relationship of trust. In your video and/or researcher bio, don’t be afraid to add a personal touch to it. They want to know as much about the idea as they do the people behind them. Show that you’re a qualified expert, and then share something cool about yourself.

5. Share a story
At the end of the day, crowdfunding requires you to be a good story teller. What makes a good story? Fans and followers enjoy seeing progress. Even if you aren’t sure what your message is or where the story is going, keeping people in the loop with regular and short updates is a great way to let a story develop. It’s a good way to stay on peoples’ radars, especially bloggers and journalists.

6. Personally curate an initial community
Your initial community will be the foundation of your campaign. Don’t be shy in reaching out to friends, family and research colleagues, to explain the importance of your research. What you’re doing is important, and moves the needle in science! This can be done on a personal level with direct messages, tweets, or emails.

7. The 80/20 rule
A good rule of thumb is that 80% of campaigns succeed if they can hit 20% of their target. Try securing commitments for the 20% before the campaign begins to give yourself the best chance!

8. Change up the ask
The first time you ask your networks to fund the campaign will work, but it probably won’t work the second, third, or forth time, especially if nothing new has happened! Instead of asking people to directly pitch in, try asking or inviting folks to help with the outreach. Ask your friends who they think would like the project. Try sparking a conversation for questions about the project or a discussion about the larger implications.

9. Engage frequently with your backers
Remember, backers are people who have supported your project to learn more about your important research. Engage them through lab notes (tips here on creating them). Make them feel like they are part of the research experience and making a difference. It’s never just about the money.

10. Have fun!
It really shows if you’re passionate and enjoying the work, so let it show. This is a chance for you to communicate your research with real people who in some way, share your passion.

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