Choosing the Best Reward-Based Crowdfunding Website: An Analysis of Kickstarter and Indiegogo

When it comes to choosing the best reward-based crowdfunding website for your project, the decision is often influenced by various factors such as your audience, project type, and desired flexibility. In this article, we will explore the top picks, with a detailed analysis of Kickstarter and Indiegogo, and help you make an informed decision.

Top Picks in Reward-Based Crowdfunding

The biggest two rewards-based crowdfunding websites are undoubtedly Kickstarter and Indiegogo. However, the question of which one is 'the best' can be subjective, especially if the metric for 'best' is helping people raise funds. In our analysis, we have found that Kickstarter tends to outperform Indiegogo in several key areas.

Kickstarter: A Prominent Choice

Community and Established Project Types: Kickstarter boasts a massive and established community, making it a great choice for projects that have already garnered some traction or are in a mature phase. The community is well-versed in supporting projects, leading to better success rates. However, the platform can be highly competitive, which may require a well-executed campaign to stand out.

Higher Success Rates: Our extensive experience with numerous identical projects on both platforms reveals that campaigns tend to fare better on Kickstarter. On average, Kickstarter campaigns enjoy higher click-through rates, better conversion rates, and more favorable fundraising prospects. This superiority is so pronounced that even projects that initially failed to gain traction on Indiegogo often find success on Kickstarter.

Trust and Support: The staff at Kickstarter is known for its reputation of trust and support. They consistently side with backer interests, leading to a more trusting and supportive community. Kickstarter also enjoys more organic traffic, which can be a significant advantage for your project.

Indiegogo: Flexible and Versatile

Flexibility and Emphasis on Creators: Indiegogo offers more flexibility in terms of funding goals and includes equity options, making it a better fit for diverse projects and creators seeking alternative support mechanisms.

Customer Service and Backer Support: On the other hand, if you value a more supportive environment with better customer service, Indiegogo might be the better choice. They have a reputation for treating creators like gold and always siding with creator interests over backer concerns. This can be particularly advantageous if you are looking for a more collaborative and responsive platform.

Key Differences and Analysis

The performance differences between Kickstarter and Indiegogo can be attributed to several factors, including:

Different Attitudes of Staff: Kickstarter's staff is more likely to prioritize backer interests, even if it means rejecting promising creator projects. This often leads to higher success rates and greater trust among backers. Conflict of Interest: Kickstarter's staff consistently sides with backers, while Indiegogo's staff tends to favor creators. This difference in approach can significantly impact a campaign's success. Organic Traffic and Trust: Kickstarter's track record of delivering higher organic traffic and maintaining a trustworthy reputation is evident in the success of numerous campaigns.

It's important to note that while Kickstarter may offer a better environment for raising funds, Indiegogo can still be a valuable platform for creators seeking different types of support, such as pre-order sales or direct support from backers.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between Kickstarter and Indiegogo depends on your specific needs and goals. If your primary goal is to maximize your chances of success and secure funding, Kickstarter is likely the better choice. However, if you value a more collaborative and creator-friendly environment, Indiegogo might be the way to go.

Always conduct thorough research on the platform fees, success rates, and community engagement before making your final decision. By understanding the nuances of each platform, you can ensure that your crowdfunding campaign is as successful as possible.