For some time now, I've had the domain name helpmefundit.com and never really did anything with it. When the domain renewal came around the other day, it got me thinking about the whole question of funding. Having run or been involved in several crowdfunding campaigns over the years, I know they are high-pressure and hard work. I also know, from having developed plenty of apps in the last year, that while I might think they are the best thing since sliced bread, I usually hit a wall of apathy and indifference. These two thoughts converged on a new idea.
What if, instead of rushing out and putting time, money and sweat into a big project, you could share your idea with a select group of friends, or if you're brave, the public, and get feedback first?
So, with a bit of help from my mate Claude, I created the brand-new Help Me Fund It.
With it, you add details of your project or product, set a price point or target amount, and then share it. They can pledge how much they would be willing to pay or contribute to your project. At this stage, these are non-binding offers, but it does give you an idea of whether the project is viable.
Knowing that 200 people are willing to pay £2000+ for your latest wacky invention, or your mates will contribute more than enough to make your short film, makes life much easier. You know that the idea is solid and investors know they aren't wasting their money on you.
More importantly, you also get a list of genuine, opted-in contact details of people who are interested in your project. The site allows you to send them emails to update them on progress, point them at your real crowdfunding campaign etc.
So next time you have a project, product or whim in mind, run it through Help Me Fund It first. You'll either save yourself a lot of bother, or give your project a big head start.