How to Choose the Best Crowdfunding Website

Crowdfunding websites are online platforms where people can raise money for their projects or causes. Think of it as a big online collection jar where instead of collecting coins from friends and family, you share your idea with the world, and people who like it can give you money to help make it happen.

With so many crowdfunding websites, choosing the right one can make a big difference in whether your project succeeds or not. In this blog, we'll guide you through the process of picking the best crowdfunding website for your needs. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Crowdfunding Platform

Here are some of the key factors to consider before setting up your campaign on a crowdfunding website.

1. User Friendliness

The user-friendliness of a crowdfunding website can make or break your fundraiser. You want a website that's simple to get around, where you can set up your project without a headache. 

It's also important that your supporters can make donations without going through too many pages or filling out complex forms. 

A good platform has a clear layout and easy steps for creating your fundraiser. Being able to use it on a phone is more important than ever since lots of people will visit the site on their mobile devices.

Choosing a platform that makes all of this easy means you can focus more on your project and less on fixing website problems. It helps you reach more people and raise more money for your cause.

2. Platform Features

Here are some key crowdfunding platform features to look for:

Social Media Integration

Social media is vital in crowdfunding, helping spread the word about your campaign. Look for platforms that easily integrate with major social media to share updates and attract donors directly from your social network.

Multimedia Capabilities

The ability to upload and display multimedia content, such as videos and images, is essential. They can help tell your story more effectively while engaging potential donors and providing a clearer idea of your project or cause.

Donor Communication Tools

Efficient communication with your donors is a key part of your fundraising. Platforms that offer tools for sending updates, thanking donors, and engaging with your supporter base can improve the crowdfunding experience for both you and your donors.

3. Customer Support

Here's what to consider:

Availability

Look for platforms that offer support when you need it. Some platforms provide 24/7 email support, while others may have specific hours. Knowing you can get help whenever you need, it adds a layer of comfort and reliability.

Resources

Check if the platform offers a Help Center or educational resources. These can be invaluable for guiding you through setting up and managing your campaign. Platforms that invest in educating their users often have a strong commitment to customer satisfaction.

Communication Channels

Different platforms offer different ways to contact support, such as email, phone, or even live chat. Consider what communication method you're most comfortable with and choose a platform that matches your preference.

Response Time

The speed at which a platform responds to support queries is also important. Faster response times mean quicker resolutions to any issues you might encounter.

4. Available Payment Methods

The availability of various payment methods can significantly affect the success of your crowdfunding campaign. Here's what to keep in mind:

Multiple Payment Options

A good crowdfunding platform should support a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets. The flexibility ensures that donors have several ways to donate.

Ease of Use and Security

The payment process should be smooth for users, with a simple checkout process. Additionally, secure payment processing is a must to protect donors' personal and financial information​​.

International Support

If you're targeting a global audience, choose a platform that can handle payments from different countries and in multiple currencies​​.

Integration and Scalability

The platform should integrate seamlessly with the crowdfunding software, allowing for a smooth process for donors. It also needs to be scalable to handle an increasing volume of transactions as your campaign grows​​.

Payment Processing Fees

Be aware of the fees associated with different payment methods. Some platforms might offer more attractive rates for certain types of transactions, which can impact the overall amount of funds you raise​​.

5. Platform Restrictions

Your fundraising can run into many unexpected problems if you do not consider the platform restriction while choosing a crowdfunding website. 

Fundraising Model Type

Platforms vary in the types of fundraising they support—like donation-based for charities, reward-based for products, or equity-based for company shares. Make sure the platform you choose matches the type of fundraising you plan to do​​.

Access to Funds

How and when you can get the money you raise might differ across platforms. For example, project-based crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter require you to meet your goal before you can access the funds, whereas platforms like GoFundMe allow you to access funds almost immediately.

Fees

Almost all platforms charge a fee. Some take a percentage of what you raise, others charge for processing payments, and these costs can affect how much money you actually get to keep​​.

Eligibility and Project Restrictions

Some platforms have rules about who can fundraise based on location or the type of project they're running. It's important to check that your project is allowed before you start​​.

6. Security

One thing you can not compromise on when raising funds is security. 

• SSL Encryption

All reputable crowdfunding platforms use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology to encrypt financial transactions, just like banks. It is a must-have to protect the financial information.

• PCI Compliance

Check if the platform has Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance, especially at a high level. Platforms like BetterWorld have the highest level of PCI compliance, showing robust security measures for handling payments​​​​.

• BBB Rating and Public Response

A crowdfunding platform with an A+ Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating that actively responds to customer complaints is generally more trustworthy. It shows the platform values customer experience and is proactive about resolving issues​​.

• Fraud Protection and Trust & Safety Teams

Look for platforms that offer clear options to report fraudulent activities. Platforms with dedicated Trust and Safety teams indicate a commitment to maintaining a secure fundraising environment​​​​.

7. Platform Reputation

Last but not least, the crowdfunding platform's reputation should also be on your list.

1. Look for a website with many successful projects. If lots of people have met their goals, that's a good sign.
2. What do people say about the platform? Happy users usually mean it's a trustworthy site.
3. Read stories from people who've used the site before. It's helpful to see examples, especially if they're similar to your project.
4. Check out reviews from outside the platform. Websites like Capterra offer honest opinions.

Top 3 Crowdfunding Websites Overview

3. GoFundMe

GoFundMe is a top crowdfunding website for several reasons, making it an excellent choice for individuals looking to raise funds for various causes. 

First, GoFundMe offers a 0% platform fee for organizers in the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, and some European countries. It allows more of the funds to go directly to the cause. Only a standard payment processing fee of 2.9% plus $0.30 per donation is applied.

Setting up a GoFundMe page is quick and easy, taking only a few minutes, and funds can be withdrawn immediately.

Moreover, GoFundMe offers the first and only donor protection guarantee in the industry.

GoFundMe also has a mobile app, allowing organizers to manage their fundraisers effortlessly, thank donors, and update their campaigns on the go. Donors can find and donate to causes easily through the app​​.

In comparison to other platforms, GoFundMe's combination of low fees, extensive support and protection for users, ease of use, and accessibility makes it a leading choice for crowdfunding efforts.

2. Kickstarter

Kickstarter is another top crowdfunding website for several reasons.

First, it's a platform specifically designed for creative projects, such as films, games, music, art, design, and technology. 

The platform uses an all-or-nothing funding model, which means that project creators set a funding goal and deadline. No funds are collected if the goal isn't met by the deadline. It reduces risk for both creators and backers by ensuring that projects only proceed if they have sufficient support. 

Moreover, Kickstarter's global reach allows donors from anywhere in the world and creators from a wide range of countries to participate​​.

Kickstarter charges a 5% fee on the total amount of funds raised, and its payment processor applies an additional 3-5% fee. However, the platform does not claim ownership over the projects or the work they produce, providing a high level of freedom for creators. 

In short, Kickstarter's focus on creative projects, its all-or-nothing funding model, global reach, and its massive audience make it one of the best crowdfunding websites for bringing innovative and imaginative ideas to life.

1. BetterWorld

BetterWorld is the clear winner when it comes to crowdfunding platforms. 

First off, joining forces with BetterWorld means you're in good company. Over 85,000 nonprofits, organizations, and fundraisers have already chosen BetterWorld for their campaigns.

Crowdfunding with BetterWorld is designed to be fun and interactive. You can set up a donation page that's not only appealing but also keeps your donors engaged. 

Features like progress tracking, comment sections, and the ability to acknowledge donors make your fundraising efforts transparent. The platform is user-friendly, and if you ever need help, customer service is just a call away. 

BetterWorld also offers top-notch features like video integration, monthly and recurring donations, customizable default donations, and the ability to track offline donations.

What sets BetterWorld apart even further is its commitment to being 100% free. There are minimal credit card fees (2.9% + $0.30) covered by over 95% of donors.

That's right, no hidden fees, regardless of your nonprofit's size or campaign goals. The platform also prides itself on beautifully designed pages that you can customize to match your campaign's vibe.

Ready to start your own fundraiser and join the ranks of successful campaigns? Contact Us for crowdfunding and make a difference today.