Free Kickstarter Launch Checklist

A free, two-page checklist of everything to do before, during and after a Kickstarter or Indiegogo launch. It’s the same process we’ve used since 2015 on campaigns that have raised $150M+.

What’s inside

1. Validate and plan (12+ weeks before): customer interviews, platform choice, costing every reward, manufacturing quotes, the goal and delivery date.
2. Build your audience (8–12 weeks): landing page, lead ads, welcome emails, community, press and creator lists, video plan.
3. Build the campaign (4–8 weeks): page structure, early-bird tiers, stretch goals, reviewer units, press kit, tracking, referrals.
4. Ready to launch (last 2 weeks): the day-one numbers check, launch emails, embargoes, ads, launch time.
5. Launch day and the campaign: what to do in the first hours, updates and the final 48 hours.
6. After the campaign: late pledges, backer surveys, updates and shipping.

Want to see how the biggest campaigns did it? Read our most funded Kickstarter campaigns teardowns, or work out your fees with the Kickstarter fee calculator.

Frequently asked questions

What’s in the Kickstarter launch checklist?

37 steps in six stages: validate and plan, build your audience, build the campaign, ready to launch, launch day and the campaign, and after the campaign.

Is it for Indiegogo too?

Yes. The steps work for both Kickstarter and Indiegogo.

When should I start using it?

At least 12 weeks before you plan to launch. Most of what decides launch day happens before the page goes live.