Goal Setting for a Reward-Based Crowdfunding Pre-Launch: A Fun and Practical Guide

Looking at your crowdfunding journey from your goals and mindset perspective.

Goal Setting for a Reward-Based Crowdfunding Pre-Launch: A Fun and Practical Guide

You’re gearing up to launch your crowdfunding campaign. Exciting, right? But wait! Before you dive headfirst into promoting your project, there’s something we need to talk about: goal setting. I know, it might sound a little “blah,” but trust me, it’s crucial for making your campaign successful. And the best part? We’re not going to make this complicated! We’ll use a simple framework—the Agile Journey Framework—that will help you get everything in line. Let’s break it down into three key drivers: your goal, your mindset, and your actions.

Ready? Let’s go!

What’s Your Goal, Anyway?

First, we need to ask, what’s your campaign goal? You might be thinking, “Well, that’s easy—it’s money!” But here’s where I throw a little curveball at you: your goal needs to be about more than just the amount of money you want to raise.

Yes, you should definitely know your funding target, but why stop there? Think bigger. For example:

• How many backers do you want to engage?

• How many people do you want to follow your pre-launch page?

• What kind of community do you want to build around your product?

Imagine your campaign is a rocket ship (because, why not?). The funding goal is the fuel, but your community and engagement are the wings. Both are necessary if you want to soar past the finish line.

The Right Mindset: Are You Ready to Adapt?

Now that we’ve set our sights on the goal, let’s talk mindset. If I could offer one piece of advice for anyone launching a crowdfunding campaign, it would be this: be adaptable. Crowdfunding can feel like riding a roller coaster, with unexpected highs and lows. The ability to adapt will keep you from feeling overwhelmed.

Ever hear the phrase, “Fall seven times, stand up eight”? That’s the mindset you need. There will be moments when things don’t go according to plan. Maybe you don’t hit your pre-launch numbers, or an influencer doesn’t respond to your outreach (so rude, right?).

The important thing is not to get stuck. Keep moving. Look for alternative ways to reach people and stay focused on the big picture—your goal!

Ask yourself:

• Am I open to trying different tactics if Plan A doesn’t work?

• How can I learn from any setbacks to make my campaign stronger?

Flexibility is key. You don’t have to have all the answers, but you do need to be open to finding them as you go.

Actions: Small Steps Lead to Big Wins

Alright, we’ve got the goal set and the right mindset in place. Now, it’s time for the fun part—actions! In the Agile Journey Framework, actions are the small, steady steps that move you closer to your goal.

One of the best things about actions is that they don’t have to be big. In fact, they shouldn’t be. Small, manageable steps can add up to huge wins. Think of it like this: imagine building a Lego castle. You start with one brick. Then another. And another. Before you know it, you’ve built something amazing!

Here are some actions you can take as you prepare for your pre-launch:

• Engage with your audience early. Create a mailing list or pre-launch page and start inviting people to follow your journey.

• Reach out to influencers. But don’t just send a “Hey, help me out!” email. Start by engaging with their content. Like, comment, share. Build a relationship first.

• Test your messaging. Not sure if your pitch is hitting the mark? Try out different versions and see what resonates with people.

Think of these actions as experiments. Some might work, others won’t. That’s okay! The important thing is to keep taking steps, learning from what happens, and adjusting as you go.

Your Crowdfunding Journey Is About Progress, Not Perfection

At the end of the day, goal setting is less about perfection and more about progress. Whether you’re aiming for $10,000 or $100,000, the journey is what’s going to get you there. Set your goal, nurture the right mindset, and take small, consistent actions toward success.

And remember—no one has it all figured out from the start. Your campaign will evolve as you learn more about what works and what doesn’t. Enjoy the process, stay flexible, and keep your eyes on the prize!

To help you with your crowdfunding goals, i have designed a framework that helps you unlock the power of your goals, mindset, and actions—the three essential forces that will launch your crowdfunding campaign toward success! This isn’t just about creating a task list; it’s your roadmap, guiding you with clarity and purpose every step of the way. Imagine having a clear path, knowing exactly what you’re aiming for and how to get there, all while feeling energized and intentional about every move you make.

Check out the Agile Journey Forces Workbook. It’s designed to bring clarity to your campaign by walking you through powerful questions that help define your goals and uncover the challenges ahead. With a step-by-step guide to understanding your core drivers, this workbook helps you know exactly what to prioritize and where to direct your energy, so you can approach your crowdfunding journey with confidence and precision. Ready to start?

Here’s your free AJF ultimate and micro goals discovery Figma board to get you started with your crowdfunding campaign.