What a Successful Crowdfunded Company Looks Like | Colin McIntosh | Sheets & Giggles™
Honest Ecommerce · with Colin McIntosh · March 15, 2021 · 44 min
Summary
This episode offers a candid look into the journey of Sheets & Giggles founder, Colin McIntosh, from being laid off to successfully launching a crowdfunded bedding company. It provides valuable lessons on strategic business planning, the realities of crowdfunding, and the importance of carving out a unique brand identity in a competitive market. Ecommerce operators will gain practical advice on avoiding common startup pitfalls and leveraging crowdfunding effectively.
Key takeaways
Prioritize building a comprehensive one-to-two-page business model and go-to-market strategy before investing heavily in product development or inventory.
Actively engage with your audience during crowdfunding campaigns by creating compelling, unique content and responding to comments to build hype and convert leads.
Leverage crowdfunding platforms like Indiegogo or Kickstarter not just for capital, but as a robust market research tool to validate demand and gather early customer feedback.
Be wary of predatory crowdfunding agencies; thoroughly vet partners and understand their fee structures to avoid significant financial losses.
Develop a brand narrative that is authentic, differentiated, and resonates with your target audience, using humor or a unique angle to stand out.
Colin McIntosh is Founder & CEO of Sheets & Giggles, a sustainable but funny-first bedding brand based in Denver, Colorado. On this podcast, we talk about why Colin chose Indiegogo over Kickstarter, how much time and money gets invested on crowdfunding campaigns, being very careful of predatory crowdfunding agencies, and so much more! To learn more, visit: http://honestecommerce.co Resources: Colin’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/colindmcintosh Sheets and Giggles website: https://sheetsgiggles.com Visit gorgias.grsm.io/honest to get your 2nd month with Gorgias free! Visit klaviyo.com/honest to get a free trial! Visit avalara.com/honest to find out how your business can be sales tax ready! Visit rewind.com/honest and enter your email to get your first month absolutely free!
What does this episode say about finance & fundraising?
Prioritize building a comprehensive one-to-two-page business model and go-to-market strategy before investing heavily in product development or inventory.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Actively engage with your audience during crowdfunding campaigns by creating compelling, unique content and responding to comments to build hype and convert leads.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Leverage crowdfunding platforms like Indiegogo or Kickstarter not just for capital, but as a robust market research tool to validate demand and gather early customer feedback.
What does this episode say about dtc strategy?
Be wary of predatory crowdfunding agencies; thoroughly vet partners and understand their fee structures to avoid significant financial losses.
What does this episode say about finance & fundraising?
Develop a brand narrative that is authentic, differentiated, and resonates with your target audience, using humor or a unique angle to stand out.
