Crowdfunding is the practice for funding a venture or project through raising a number of small contributions from a large number of people.

A report given by Massolution noted that in 2012, the crowdfunding industry raised $2.7 billion, and in 2013, that number had jumped to $5.1 billion.

Part of the pathway to success with crowdfunding means selecting the ideal website for your venture but the perfect website will depend on the type of project you're espousing.

Kickstarter
Kickstarter is arguably the leading reward-based site for crowdfunding in the US. Project owners have raised over $1 billion in funding for their projects through this website: there were nearly 20,000 successful projects in 2013 alone. Kickstarter describes itself as a fun and innovative way to fund creative projects. The platform excels in games, art, music, design, technology, and films, but is not for personal financing or charities. Kickstarter also does not offer equity crowdfunding. In 2014, they raised the largest rewards-based campaign ever at over $13 million for "Coolest Cooler".

Indiegogo
Where Kickstarter is more focused regarding the sort of projects it's willing to approve, Indiegogo is a crowdfunding option that is open to just about anything. The company has a larger presence internationally than Kickstarter, and it offers rewards-based crowdfunding alone.

Initially, the site was founded as a way of funding theater and indie film projects, but since then it has expanded to support everything and anything, from pet projects to charitable causes. Like Kickstarter, however, it does not offer equity crowdfunding.

Crowdrise
Crowdrise, unlike Kickstarter and Indiegogo, is a specific charitable causes platform. It was developed early on, with a model that is similar to both Indiegogo and Kickstarter, but focuses entirely on fundraising for worthy and charitable causes.

Quirky
Quirky is another rewards-based platform for crowdfunding but is used most often by makers and inventors. This website is not just a platform for funding, but also a shopping platform and area where imaginative people can collaborate with crowds regarding the development of a new product.

Interested in trying it?

About 20% of Kickerstarter applications are rejected. The success rate of accepted applications is only about 40-41%.

I recommend that you thoroughly research crowdfunding before getting started. Read, read, read and take your time before launching a campaign. The following articles will be helpful.

►  The Myth Of Magical Crowdfunding -- And What Actually Works
►  Crowdfunding Sites In 2014
►  Crowdfunding In 2014: Forecasts As Equity Crowdfunding Takes Off
►  Crowdfunding Seen Providing $65 Billion Boost to the 2014 Global Economy

About the Author

George C. Jobel owns an advertising agency and does web development & SEO consulting helping clients develop successful online marketing since 1995. The author of numerous articles and publications, George has taught web development and marketing classes since 2000. Reach him at his web site, or 603.491.4340.