1. CrowdGift Digital Growth Strategy 0 | P a g e
Alvi Martin, April Jordan, Kim Quach, Rodrigo Molina
RED ACADEMY – SPRING 2016 DIGITAL MARKETING FOUNDATION, TEAM 4
CrowdGift Digital Growth Strategy
ATTN: CHARLENE TESSIER, CEO
2. CrowdGift Digital Growth Strategy 1 | P a g e
Table of Contents
Company Goals .............................................................................................................................................3
Digital Audit ..................................................................................................................................................3
Website Audit ...........................................................................................................................................3
Social Media Audit ....................................................................................................................................4
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Audit ..................................................................................................4
Keywords...............................................................................................................................................4
Digital Marketing Measurement Model .......................................................................................................5
Search Engine Optimization..........................................................................................................................5
SEO Strategy..............................................................................................................................................5
Recommended Keywords.........................................................................................................................6
Digital Advertising Strategy...........................................................................................................................6
Marketing Communications Plan..............................................................................................................6
Google Adwords Strategy .........................................................................................................................6
Google Adwords....................................................................................................................................6
Facebook Advertising Strategy .................................................................................................................7
Content Strategy...........................................................................................................................................7
Brand Filter................................................................................................................................................7
Behaviour/Personality ..........................................................................................................................7
Values....................................................................................................................................................7
Purpose .................................................................................................................................................8
Content Marketing Calendar ....................................................................................................................8
Email Marketing Strategy..........................................................................................................................8
Blog Content Ideas....................................................................................................................................8
Crisis Plan..................................................................................................................................................8
Characteristics of a Social Media Crisis.................................................................................................8
Appendices..................................................................................................................................................10
Appendix I – Website Audit ....................................................................................................................10
Desktop versus Mobile........................................................................................................................11
Operating Systems..............................................................................................................................12
PageSpeed Insights .............................................................................................................................12
Appendix II – Twitter List Recommendations.........................................................................................13
3. CrowdGift Digital Growth Strategy 2 | P a g e
Twitter: Crowdfunding List Recommendation....................................................................................13
Twitter: Competitor List Recommendation........................................................................................13
Appendix III – Google AdWords..............................................................................................................14
Search Campaign.................................................................................................................................14
Display Campaign................................................................................................................................16
Appendix IV – Facebook Advertising ......................................................................................................18
Targeting.............................................................................................................................................18
Facebook Ads......................................................................................................................................18
Appendix V – Content Marketing Calendar ............................................................................................19
July ......................................................................................................................................................19
August .................................................................................................................................................20
September...........................................................................................................................................21
Appendix VI – Blog Content Ideas...........................................................................................................22
Appendix VII – Crisis Plan........................................................................................................................23
Appendix VIII – Press Release .................................................................................................................25
4. CrowdGift Digital Growth Strategy 3 | P a g e
CrowdGift is a Vancouver-based crowdfunding platform with a focus on serving artists, activists, and
entrepreneurs. The company currently targets the European market because of lower competition and
greater opportunity. They are using the Canadian market to test their digital marketing initiatives.
Formerly Dana.io, the company rebranded to CrowdGift in the summer of 2015. As a result of the change,
the company has seen high turnover, which has affected their branding and transitioning. In addition to
this, CrowdGift could no longer leverage the exposure received under Dana.io.
CrowdGift is in a transitional phase, rebuilding the brand and establishing their place in the market.
Company Goals
Create a more supportive and engaging crowdfunding community.
Analyze the effectiveness of the marketing strategies.
Engage the community of past supporters and campaigners.
Create marketing content for social media and blog.
Increase understanding of crowdfunding.
Digital Audit
Website Audit
Crowdgift.ca received a health score of 73% based on the number of issues found using SEMRush to
perform the website audit for search engine optimization. Several issues have been found with duplicate
tags, low word count, duplicate content issues, more than one h1 headings per page, missing meta
descriptions on several pages, and a lack of the sitemap.xml. These warnings could present a direct impact
in low visitor count coming from both organic and paid searches due to lack of content organization.
Please see Appendix I for a breakdown of the errors.
Something to note is that visually, the website on mobile devices is more optimized than the desktop
version. On the desktop version, the banner is not properly aligned in the browser window. It is
recommended to remedy this since the majority of users visiting the website are using desktop
computers. The table in Appendix I shows the breakdown of operating systems and number of sessions
since tracking began for Crowdgift.ca using Google Analytics.
On the other hand, the desktop version is performing better in terms of load times. It is recommended
to fix the page errors as shown in Appendix I.
5. CrowdGift Digital Growth Strategy 4 | P a g e
Social Media Audit
Please note, this audit was performed on May 5, 2016 and the results below may not be the same as the
organization’s current state.
Channel Link Followers Frequency
of Posts
Likes/Shares
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Crowd-
Gift-193454067686886/
9 Once a
week
-0-1 Likes per post
-0 shares
Twitter https://twitter.com/Crowd_Gift 449 Several
times a day
-0-7 Likes per post
-0-2 retweets per
post
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/crowdgift_
crowdfunding/
6 Multiple
posts, few
occasions
(events)
-0-8 likes per post
Missing: YouTube, LinkedIn
CrowdGift’s social media platforms are used to share campaigns hosted on the company’s website, as well
as promoting nonprofit causes and startup organizations. This builds a community around CrowdGift and
provides value to its members by sharing current events happening in the CrowdGift network. Their
current community size is 465 followers.
Based on the findings, Twitter is the company’s most active social network. CrowdGift typically shares
relevant links from outside sources; however, there is little original content. Sharing original content may
increase engagement from the CrowdGift community. In addition, engagement across all platforms can
be improved by modifying the brand voice. Making it more energetic, personable, and solution-oriented
can increase CrowdGift’s following and grow its network.
CrowdGift does not currently have a profile on LinkedIn. It is recommended to create one, as this can be
valuable resource for CrowdGift to gain new campaigners, as well as grow the CrowdGift community in a
professional environment. Many entrepreneurs are on LinkedIn, and they have the opportunity to use
CrowdGift to fund their startup.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Audit
Keywords
The following are some keywords and phrases that pull results that lead to Crowdgift.ca. Please note this
list is not all-inclusive of every keyword and phrase leading to the website.
Crowdgift
Crowd gift
Crowdgift vancouver
Crowdfunding vancouver bitcoin
Crowdfunding Vancouver
http://dana.io/
crowdgift europeanyouth
6. CrowdGift Digital Growth Strategy 5 | P a g e
This is a positive sign because all searches are relevant to the company. However, the keyword ad groups
can be expanded and better targeted using paid search through Google AdWords to increase the reach of
the website. Using AdWords would allow for improved search results when people are searching for
crowdfunding websites and platforms.
Digital Marketing Measurement Model
CrowdGift
Digital Marketing Measurement Model
Goal: Sell Courses Realign Brand Gain New
Campaigners
Capture Leads
(Email)
KPI: - % increase in
course
registrations
- # Website visits/month
- % converted visits
- % bounce rate
- % increase in new
campaigners
- % increase in
newsletter sign ups
Target: - 5% increase in
course sign-ups
within one
quarter
- 2,000 website
visits/month
- 2% converted visits
(sign up for something)
- 7% decrease in bounce
rate
- 1% in new
campaigns added
within one quarter
- 1.5% of website
visitors conversion
(email signup for
newsletter)
Segment: - Traffic sources
- Visitor type
- Geography
Search Engine Optimization
SEO Strategy
SEO strategies can be considered as "long term advertising," as it is what brings people to the company’s
website through search engines, like Google. It would be beneficial to include a meta description tag so
that Google can publish a more relevant and enticing description to the search engine results page. Meta
keyword tags and more copy on the website in the form of blog posts are also recommended in order to
help Google index pages. Including header tags and image alt tags is also advised, as it will help Google to
find and index pages on the CrowdGift.ca website.
It’s also recommended to develop a list of top 10-20 relevant keywords (such as crowdfunding or startup
funding), which can be implemented across all new copy written for the website. CrowdGift.ca
copywriters should include at least 2-4 of these keywords in posts on the website so that there is
consistency in what Google find the pages to be "about." Of course, if these keywords are highly relevant
to CrowdGift and the new copy is highly relevant to CrowdGift, this should happen naturally. However, it
would be even more beneficial to define these keywords ahead of time so all employees are informed
and consistent in writing.
7. CrowdGift Digital Growth Strategy 6 | P a g e
Recommended Keywords
The following keywords are some recommendations to place on the website and within the blog posts to
improve search results and direct people to Crowdgift.ca through organic search. Please note that these
recommendations are different than the ad groups and keywords used for paid search. The campaigns for
AdWords will go into further detail.
Crowdfunding site
Crowdfunding website
Crowdfunding platform
Funding website
Equity crowdfunding
Best crowdfunding
Business crowdfunding
Crowd sourced
Funding site
Crowdfund startups
Crowdsourced funding
Crowdsourcing site
Crowdsourcing website
Digital Advertising Strategy
Marketing Communications Plan
In order to drive reach and engagement on social media, CrowdGift should post with regular timing,
frequency, and messaging. The content of its posts should provide value to its fans. For instance, sparking
discussions about industry news, sharing crowdfunding tips, and featuring current campaigns will help to
inform and engage individuals who are interested in CrowdGift and its services, without appearing overly
promotional.
All content should be custom-tailored to optimize for best performance on each platform. While it is
important to test different formats, it is generally within good practice to share high quality photo content
on Instagram, text and links on Twitter, and video, photo, text, and links on Facebook. Furthermore,
CrowdGift can build its network on social media by interacting with users in a friendly, yet professional
tone that is consistent with its brand voice.
In addition to building valuable relationships with its fans, CrowdGift can grow its network by sharing
content from their network relating to crowdfunding. Creating a list on Twitter of relevant accounts to
follow allows the company to easily share posts. Please see Appendix II for Twitter list recommendations.
Google Adwords Strategy
The following recommendation is tailored around a campaign to promote the July courses (i.e. Learn how
to boost your crowdfunding success). This campaign can be duplicated, revised, and refined for courses
throughout the year.
Google Adwords
In order to increase course registrations for the month of July, it is recommended that CrowdGift drives
relevant traffic to its website through the Google Search and Google Display networks. Focusing on users
with high intent, such as those searching “how to crowdfund,” will support the target of reaching a 2%
8. CrowdGift Digital Growth Strategy 7 | P a g e
conversion rate on CrowdGift’s website. To further improve conversion rates, retargeted ads on the
Google Display network should offer further incentives to past website visitors. Accordingly, it is
recommended to offer a 25% discount for course registrants through retargeted ads.
Please see Appendix III for keyword lists for each campaign and ad group for the Search Campaign.
Appendix III also contains topic lists for each campaign and ad group for the Display Campaign. Included
in Appendix III are example display ads and corresponding landing pages.
Facebook Advertising Strategy
In conjunction with Google ads, it is recommended to implement two campaigns on Facebook. The
purpose of the “July Courses” campaign is to drive traffic to CrowdGift’s website. As a whole, it focuses
on users with interests in crowdfunding, fundraising, social advocacy, and related topics. In order to run
the second campaign, CrowdGift must add a tracking pixel to its website with the purpose of retargeting
website visitors. Similarly to the recommended campaign on Google, the Facebook retargeting campaign
should offer 25% off courses.
Note: In addition to interest targeting, CrowdGift should specify relevant demographic targeting in terms
of age and geography. For instance, 18 to 45 year olds in Vancouver. Please see Appendix IV for desktop
and mobile examples on Facebook Advertising with right side ads and mobile news feed ads.
Content Strategy
Brand Filter
To ensure there is consistency in the brand voice across all online platforms, CrowdGift should put in place
branding guidelines. Below are the factors to consider in creating this brand voice.
Behaviour/Personality
This is how CrowdGift should act and talk. The company should be professional without sounding
“robotic,” be friendly, and be outgoing. Posts should promote campaigns on the CrowdGift website, but
they should also promote CrowdGift courses. Sharing industry news and engaging with the online
community would encourage participation – shares, comments, likes – to build CrowdGift’s presence
online.
Values
This is what CrowdGift feels is important and can provide ideas on topics to discuss online.
Communities
Collaboration, working together
Art
Philanthropy
Small businesses
9. CrowdGift Digital Growth Strategy 8 | P a g e
Purpose
This is what CrowdGift rallies the community around.
Supporting each other and each other's projects.
Community building in the sense of bringing people together around uplifting projects, cross
promotion.
Content Marketing Calendar
Having a plan for content posted on the CrowdGift website and social media channels will help the
company be more consistent and active online. Social media should be a combination of scheduled and
live posts. The content calendar is a guideline for scheduled posts. Please see Appendix V for a three month
content marketing calendar.
Email Marketing Strategy
In order to drive conversions, it is recommended that CrowdGift build well-targeted mailing lists and
deliver relevant content in the form of emails. Conversions should be measured as the number of course
signups and number of campaigns launched. To support this strategy, these are the recommended tactics
to implement:
1. Acquisition: Create a CASL-compliant mailing list signup with a double opt-in process. CrowdGift
should feature the signup on its website and social media profiles.
2. Automation: Set up a welcome autoresponder scheduled to deliver within 6 hours of a user
completing the double opt-in process. The welcome email should provide value to the user in the
form of exclusive content, such as a free eBook with crowdfunding tips, or a discount on that
user’s first course signup.
3. Newsletter: Create a template for a monthly newsletter and generate custom-tailored content
each month, including crowdfunding tips, resources, news, and other featured content.
4. Special Offer: Create a template for a special offer, such as a limited-time discount, to use in
conjunction with broader marketing campaigns, such as a site-wide discount on courses.
Blog Content Ideas
A method to create blog content is to find search intent. Ask “why are people searching for our company
and competitors?” Knowing the needs of customers allows CrowdGift to fill that void in the market. Please
see Appendix VI for blog content ideas.
Crisis Plan
Characteristics of a Social Media Crisis
1. Lack of Information: Usually the first sign of a social media crisis. Whenever a company does not
know any more than the fans/followers of what’s going on in a certain situation.
10. CrowdGift Digital Growth Strategy 9 | P a g e
2. Out of the Norm: Whenever a new line of criticism occurs and it is outside of the usual
complaints. Usually when fans/followers criticize the company on a new issue or unusual action.
3. Potential Impact on the Company: Scope and scale of a potential situation damaging the
company.
Example:
A campaign not reaching its fundraising goal: not a potential threat.
A campaign not being able to receive/cash out funds from website: serious potential threat.
Please refer to Appendix VII to learn more about social media crisis response methods.
11. CrowdGift Digital Growth Strategy 10 | P a g e
Appendices
Appendix I – Website Audit
Total Health Score
Site Errors
13. CrowdGift Digital Growth Strategy 12 | P a g e
Operating Systems
PageSpeed Insights
PageSpeed Insights – Desktop
14. CrowdGift Digital Growth Strategy 13 | P a g e
PageSpeed Insights – Mobile
Appendix II – Twitter List Recommendations
Twitter: Crowdfunding List Recommendation
@crowdfundnews
@rockethub
@crowdfundinside
@crowdfundcentre
@crowdfundblog
@crowdtrendies
@crowdfundernews
@investlocalbc
It is also recommended to create a list on Twitter to follow competitors, allowing the company to keep up
with industry trends.
Twitter: Competitor List Recommendation
@indiegogo
@kickstarter
@gofundme
15. CrowdGift Digital Growth Strategy 14 | P a g e
Appendix III – Google AdWords
Search Campaign
Ad Group Keyword
Suggested
bid
Avg. Monthly Searches
(exact match only) Competition
Crowdfunding
Sites crowdfunding sites $3.15 8100 0.48
Crowdfunding
Sites crowdfunding site $2.93 1300 0.54
Crowdfunding
Sites equity crowdfunding sites $6.95 480 0.58
Crowdfunding
Sites crowdfund sites $2.87 70 0.39
Crowdfunding
Sites biggest crowdfunding sites $4.38 140 0.24
Crowdfunding
Sites
most popular crowdfunding
sites $3.60 110 0.23
Crowdfunding
Sites largest crowdfunding sites $3.17 50 0.22
Crowdfunding
Sites
international crowdfunding
sites $1.99 50 0.4
Crowdfunding
Sites popular crowdfunding sites $1.91 70 0.35
Crowdfunding
Sites crowdfunding sites for artists $4.04 40 0.55
Search Campaign:
July Courses
Ad Group:
Crowdfunding
Ad Group:
Fundraising
Ad Group:
Competitors
16. CrowdGift Digital Growth Strategy 15 | P a g e
Ad Group Keyword
Suggested
bid
Avg. Monthly Searches
(exact match only) Competition
Fundraising fundraising $3.73 110000 0.46
Fundraising raise funds $3.57 4400 0.17
Fundraising how to raise funds $3.21 1000 0.44
Fundraising fundraising ideas for individuals $4.38 480 0.71
Fundraising online funding $5.23 480 0.56
Fundraising collect money online $4.94 390 0.27
Fundraising raise funds online $3.90 390 0.49
Fundraising fundraising projects $3.74 390 0.54
Fundraising fundraising websites for individuals $5.25 320 0.73
Fundraising fundraising cards $2.93 880 1
Ad Group Keyword
Suggested
bid
Avg. Monthly Searches
(exact match only) Competition
Competitors gofundme $1.43 673000 0.08
Competitors sites like go fund me $3.51 1000 0.58
Competitors go fund me fees $2.07 6600 0.16
Competitors crowdfunding site $3.78 2400 0.51
Competitors kickstarter $0.83 1500000 0.04
Competitors kickstarter crowdfunding $4.11 720 0.26
Competitors crowdfunding kickstarter $2.76 1000 0.24
Competitors indiegogo $0.28 301000 0.12
Competitors crowdfunding $3.00 450000 0.45
Competitors international crowdfunding $2.76 210 0.43
17. CrowdGift Digital Growth Strategy 16 | P a g e
Display Campaign
Display Ads
Crowdfunding Retargeting (all website visitors)
Display
Campaign: July
Courses
Ad Group:
Crowdfunding
Ad Group:
Retargeting (all
website visitors)
18. CrowdGift Digital Growth Strategy 17 | P a g e
Landing Pages
Crowdfunding ad: http://unbouncepages.com/crowdgift-july-courses/
Retargeting: http://unbouncepages.com/crowdgift-july-courses-25-off/
19. CrowdGift Digital Growth Strategy 18 | P a g e
Appendix IV – Facebook Advertising
Targeting
Facebook Ads
Crowdfunding/Fundraising/Competitors Ad Retargeting Ad
Campaign: July
Courses
Ad Set:
Crowdfunding
Interests:
Crowdfunding
Ad Set:
Fundraising
Interests:
Fundraising, Social
Advocacy
Ad Set:
Competitors
Kickstarter,
Indiegogo,
GoFundMe
Ad Set:
Retargeting
Custom Audience
20. CrowdGift Digital Growth Strategy 19 | P a g e
Appendix V – Content Marketing Calendar
July
Weekday Date Time Platform Content
Friday July 1 11:00 AM Blog + Social Snapshot of this month's courses
Saturday July 2
Sunday July 3 9:45 AM Twitter Weekend wrap up (news, retweet, or link share)
Monday July 4 8:30 AM Social This week's featured campaigns
Tuesday July 5 12:15 PM Twitter Relevant industry news
Wednesday July 6 9:00 AM Blog + Social Top 10 Crowdfunding Tips & Tricks
Thursday July 7 3:00 PM Social Throwback or "where are they now?"
Friday July 8
Saturday July 9
Sunday July 10 9:45 AM Twitter Weekend wrap up (news, retweet, or link share)
Monday July 11 8:30 AM Social This week's featured campaigns
Tuesday July 12 12:15 PM Twitter Relevant industry news
Wednesday July 13
Thursday July 14 3:00 PM Social Throwback or "where are they now?"
Friday July 15
Saturday July 16
Sunday July 17 9:45 AM Twitter Weekend wrap up (news, retweet, or link share)
Monday July 18 8:30 AM Social This week's featured campaigns
Tuesday July 19 12:15 PM Twitter Relevant industry news
Wednesday July 20 9:00 AM Blog + Social Why Should I Crowdfund?
Thursday July 21 3:00 PM Social Throwback or "where are they now?"
Friday July 22
Saturday July 23
Sunday July 24 9:45 AM Twitter Weekend wrap up (news, retweet, or link share)
Monday July 25 8:30 AM Social This week's featured campaigns
Tuesday July 26 12:15 PM Twitter Relevant industry news
Wednesday July 27
Thursday July 28 3:00 PM Social Throwback or "where are they now?"
Friday July 29
Saturday July 30
Sunday July 31 9:45 AM Twitter Weekend wrap up (news, retweet, or link share)
NOTE: Social = Facebook + Twitter + Instagram (Unless otherwise specified)
21. CrowdGift Digital Growth Strategy 20 | P a g e
August
Weekday Date Time Platform Content
Monday August 1 11:00 AM Blog + Social Snapshot of this month's courses
Tuesday August 2 12:15 PM Twitter Relevant industry news
Wednesday August 3 9:00 AM Blog + Social How to Host a Successful Crowdfunding Campaign
Thursday August 4 3:00 PM Social Throwback or "where are they now?"
Friday August 5
Saturday August 6
Sunday August 7 9:45 AM Twitter Weekend wrap-up news/retweet
Monday August 8 8:30 AM Social This week's featured campaigns
Tuesday August 9 12:15 PM Twitter Relevant industry news
Wednesday August 10
Thursday August 11 3:00 PM Social Throwback or "where are they now?"
Friday August 12
Saturday August 13
Sunday August 14 9:45 AM Twitter Weekend wrap up (news, retweet, or link share)
Monday August 15 8:30 AM Social This week's featured campaigns
Tuesday August 16 12:15 PM Twitter Relevant industry news
Wednesday August 17 9:00 AM Blog + Social How to Crowdfund Your Film
Thursday August 18 3:00 PM Social Throwback or "where are they now?"
Friday August 19
Saturday August 20
Sunday August 21 9:45 AM Twitter Weekend wrap up (news, retweet, or link share)
Monday August 22 8:30 AM Social This week's featured campaigns
Tuesday August 23 12:15 PM Twitter Relevant industry news
Wednesday August 24
Thursday August 25 3:00 PM Social Throwback or "where are they now?"
Friday August 26
Saturday August 27
Sunday August 28 9:45 AM Twitter Weekend wrap up (news, retweet, or link share)
Monday August 29 8:30 AM Social This week's featured campaigns
Tuesday August 30 12:15 PM Twitter Relevant industry news
Wednesday August 31 9:00 AM Blog + Social How to Crowdfund Your Start-Up
22. CrowdGift Digital Growth Strategy 21 | P a g e
September
Weekday Date Time Platform Content
Thursday September 1 11:00 AM Blog + Social Snapshot of this month's courses
Friday September 2
Saturday September 3
Sunday September 4 9:45 AM Twitter Weekend wrap up (news, retweet, or link share)
Monday September 5 8:30 AM Social This week's featured campaigns
Tuesday September 6 12:15 PM Twitter Relevant industry news
Wednesday September 7
Thursday September 8 3:00 PM Social Throwback or "where are they now?"
Friday September 9
Saturday September 10
Sunday September 11 9:45 AM Twitter Weekend wrap up (news, retweet, or link share)
Monday September 12 8:30 AM Social This week's featured campaigns
Tuesday September 13 12:15 PM Twitter Relevant industry news
Wednesday September 14 9:00 AM Blog + Social How to Crowdfund Your Event
Thursday September 15 3:00 PM Social Throwback or "where are they now?"
Friday September 16
Saturday September 17
Sunday September 18 9:45 AM Twitter Weekend wrap up (news, retweet, or link share)
Monday September 19 8:30 AM Social This week's featured campaigns
Tuesday September 20 12:15 PM Twitter Relevant industry news
Wednesday September 21
Thursday September 22 3:00 PM Social Throwback or "where are they now?"
Friday September 23
Saturday September 24
Sunday September 25 9:45 AM Twitter Weekend wrap up (news, retweet, or link share)
Monday September 26 8:30 AM Social This week's featured campaigns
Tuesday September 27 12:15 PM Twitter Relevant industry news
Wednesday September 28 9:00 AM Blog + Social The Best Crowdfunding Resources
Thursday September 29 3:00 PM Social Throwback or "where are they now?"
Friday September 30
23. CrowdGift Digital Growth Strategy 22 | P a g e
Appendix VI – Blog Content Ideas
The following are ideas for blog posts which can be posted throughout the year on the CrowdGift
website. These suggestions are mainly based on queries found by AnswerThePublic.com, with a few
added suggestions.
Who Can CrowdFund?
What is the difference between CrowdFunding and CrowdGifting?
What Does “CrowdGift” Mean?
How Does Crowdfunding Work?
“How To” Blog Series – This is a short article with a few main points and a clear call to action to
push people to sign up for CrowdGift.
a. How to Get Started in Crowdfunding
b. How To Crowdfund Your Film
c. How To Crowdfund Your Book
d. How To Crowdfund Your Event
e. How To Crowdfund Your Start Up
f. How To Crowdfund Your Business
g. How To Crowdfund Your Wedding
h. How To Crowdfund Your Education
i. How to Have A Successful Crowdfund Campaign
Why Hire a Crowdfunding Coach?
Who To Hire as a Crowdfunding Coach
Why Should I Crowdfund?
How/Why Crowdfund with Bitcoin?
Top 10 Crowdfunding Tips & Tricks
Crowdfunding: How to Craft Your Story
CrowdGift success stories
24. CrowdGift Digital Growth Strategy 23 | P a g e
Appendix VII – Crisis Plan
1. CrowdGift Team
a. Charlene Tessier, Co-Founder and CEO
b. Scott Nelson, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer
c. Raphael Huefner, Senior Developer
d. Michael Persimmon, Senior Developer
e. Emmie Li, Chief Marketing Officer
2. Official Spokespeople
a. Charlene Tessier, Co-Founder and CEO
b. Emmie Li, Chief Marketing Officer
3. Communication Processes and Protocols
a. Pre-Crisis
i. Assess potential crisis situations
ii. Train crisis response team/spokespeople and CrowdGift employees on
appropriate behavior and responses during a crisis.
b. During Crisis
i. Respond in a timely manner using either a holding statement or prepared
statement.
ii. Continually update all stakeholders about situation and assure them we are
doing everything in our power to resolve the situation.
c. Post-Crisis
i. Analyze how the situation played out, and what CrowdGift can do in the future
to improve preparedness and responses.
4. Media Policies During Crisis
a. Who may speak on behalf of CrowdGift?
i. Charlene Tessier
ii. Emmie Li
b. May other team members to post non-related content?
i. We strongly discourage team members from addressing the crisis on their
personal pages, in order to avoid perpetuating the issue, appearing insensitive,
or promoting conflicting messages.
ii. Team members should not post non-crisis related content to the CrowdGift
social media accounts.
5. Key Audiences/Stakeholders
a. Employees
b. Investors
c. Clients (people using the platform to crowdfund)
d. Donors
e. Online Followers
25. CrowdGift Digital Growth Strategy 24 | P a g e
6. Prepared Statements
a. In case of an offensive media message (Tweet, Facebook post, etc).
i. “We regret having offended our valuable supporters, and understand that our
words were hurtful. We will take the necessary steps to ensure that all ____
(Tweets/Messages/etc) in the future are positive and uplifting for everyone, and
will continue to strive to bring fulfillment and empowerment to all users and
followers of CrowdGift.”
b. In case of website changes
i. “We thank our partners, followers, and users of the CrowdGift platform as we
make this necessary upgrade to our website.”
c. In case of a client’s offensive actions, and we are asked for a statement
i. “CrowdGift remains committed to providing a safe, uplifting experience for all
users of the platform. Our crisis communications team is working diligently to
address the situation and keep communication lines open.”
d. Holding Statements
i. “We will supply additional information as it becomes available, and will post it
to our website.”
ii. “We thank everyone for their continued patience as we work with _______
(relevant response teams) and work to bring information and a solution to this
issue.”
iii. “Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected. We are placing the highest
priority on the health and safety of our ______
(employees/partners/attendees). We will supply additional information as it
becomes available.”
26. CrowdGift Digital Growth Strategy 25 | P a g e
Appendix VIII – Press Release
23rd June, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Crowdfunding Platform Teaches You How to Fund Your Ideas Successfully
Vancouver, BC: CrowdGift.ca has created affordable online and in person courses to teach you how to
boost your crowdfunding success, and to meet the growing demand for knowledgeable crowdfunding
coaches.
As crowdfunding increases as a way for individuals, artists, start-ups, and businesses to fund their projects,
campaign creators are realizing that there is more to running a successful crowdfunding campaign than
meets the eye. CrowdGift.ca aims to relieve some of the pressure facing these campaign creators by
offering affordable crowdfunding classes, both online and in person, and by offering a free to use
crowdfunding platform. Classes range from community building to video creation and editing to start-up
finance, with most classes offered online and in person.
CrowdGift.ca was founded on the idea of “giving as the ground of liberation or the practice of using one's
own freedom to support the freedom of others.” This is also why, as thanks for “gifting” to the
campaigner, supporters will often receive a gift in return, such as a signed copy of the campaigner’s book,
or a meet-up with the campaigner. Supporters of the campaigns may use PayPal or Bitcoin to “gift” to a
campaigner, and are encouraged to support and keep up with their favourite campaigners through the
CrowdGift Facebook page.
Ends
For more information, please contact:
Charlene Tessier: charlene@crowdgift.ca
Notes to Editors:
CrowdGift.ca has a profile on a number of social media channels, including:
Facebook: Crowd Gift
Twitter: @Crowd_Gift
Instagram: @crowdgift_crowdfunding