Crowdfunding Field Case ④ | Can You Turn It Around 10 Days Before the End? A Real Example of Raising ¥2.3 Million in About One Week
機械翻訳 / Machine-translated
The crowdfunding campaign is nearing its end.
But the goal hasn't been reached yet.
"It might already be too late."
Even in a situation like that, I don't give up just by looking at the days remaining.
In fact, I was involved in turning around a project that started its comeback 10 days before the deadline — and it hit its goal.
This was a project called "Salaryman Returns to His Alma Mater," run in 2019.
It was an initiative where working adults visited schools to deliver lessons to children.
The funding goal was ¥3,000,000.
I was brought in for consultation with just 10 days left before the campaign closed.
Normally, preparation before a crowdfunding campaign goes live is what matters most.
But in this case, the majority of the public campaign period had already passed.
There was no going back to pre-launch to redo the preparation.
The question was: what could be done with the time that remained?
That's where we had to start thinking about a turnaround.
My involvement consisted of advising on the in-campaign turnaround.
I offered guidance on revisiting how the project was communicated, how it was being promoted, and how to expand support.
As a result, approximately ¥2,500,000 in pledges came in during the final week or so.
The final outcome was:
Total funds raised: ¥3,190,000
Number of backers: 195
The campaign closed having surpassed its ¥3,000,000 goal.
Of course, this was not my achievement alone.
It was the result of the project creator's actions, their prior efforts, and the presence of collaborators and supporters.
That said, just because a deadline is looming doesn't necessarily mean all hope is lost.
This was the project that made me feel that firsthand.
From this experience, I still think about the following things in the closing phase of any crowdfunding campaign.
① Who hasn't been reached yet?
Even if you've posted repeatedly on social media, that doesn't mean every person you want to reach has actually seen it.
② Is the reason to support clearly communicated?
Beyond just "we need ¥X more," are you conveying what will actually be made possible through people's support?
③ What can realistically be done in the remaining days?
When time is limited, rather than adding more tactics, I focus on prioritizing what can actually be done right now.
These aren't a recreation of the specific tactics used in that particular campaign — they're the criteria I currently use when consulting on the final stretch.
I want to be clear about this.
This campaign is an example of reaching its goal even from the final stretch.
But I never design a campaign from the start with the assumption that a last-minute sprint will save it.
The benchmarks I normally work with are:
30% on opening day.
50% within 3 days.
First goal of 100% within one week.
Ideally, the goal is to have the first wave of support already in motion before the campaign even launches.
It's precisely because I've experienced a last-minute comeback that I know you should never rely on one from the start.
That's how I see it.
The outcome of a crowdfunding campaign isn't decided until the closing date arrives.
Whether there are 10 days left or 3, there is always room to reassess the situation.
That said, not every campaign can turn things around in a short period of time.
What matters is:
Before deciding "it's hopeless," take stock of what can still be done given the current situation.
This 2019 experience taught me just how important that is.
What to Do When Crowdfunding Support Stalls? | 7 Things to Revisit in the Middle Phase
The actual project: Salaryman Returns to His Alma Mater | READYFOR
If you'd like to consult about crowdfunding, please check my profile page.
