Open-source Software

How open-source projects are using Geyser to raise money and continue innovating

The open-source software landscape presents a striking paradox: it forms the backbone of much of our digital lives, yet the financial support for its development and maintenance remains limited and inconsistent.

Examples of open-source software projects on Geyser

In this situation, more and more open-source initiatives are turning to crowdfunding platforms like Geyser to secure a sustainable source of funding, leveraging the support of their communities.

Open-source development is hard enough on its own, which is why we decided to make it as easy as possible for developers to start raising money on Geyser. In this guide, we explore some of the best strategies and tips for raising money on Geyser for your open-source project.

Key elements for success

Crafting a great narrative

The key to captivating potential backers starts with a compelling project Story.

• Start with a hook—a compelling statement or question that grabs attention. What's your story about?

• Then outline your vision, your story's perspective, and why it matters. What's your goal?

• Next, tell about yourself and your team, your passion and expertise, showing your past proof of work to justify why people should help you. What's your motivation?

• End with a compelling and clear call to action to turn the reader's momentary inspiration into action. How can they help you?

Each section should contain great visuals: photos and videos break the wall of text and make the page much more accessible.

Here you can find a more detailed step-by-step tutorial for how to write a great Story.

Offering amazing rewards

On average, creators who sell rewards on Geyser raise 3.3 times more funding than those who don't.

For open-source initiatives, rewards offer a unique opportunity to connect with donors and show how much you appreciate their support.

Consider these reward ideas, tried and tested by successful Geyser projects:

• Shoutouts: Personal acknowledgments dedicated to funders in your App, website or social media can create a strong sense of community.

• Early Access: Give backers the ability to have early access to the software before the official release, or to new features as they are developed.

• Premium Support: Provide access to premium support channels, ensuring backers have direct lines to developers for troubleshooting or advice.

• Feature Request: Enable backers to choose the next feature to be developed.

• Merchandise: Sell merchandise related to your idea, such as T-shirts, mugs, and caps.

These rewards can be offered as limited editions to cultivate a sense of exclusivity and increase their perceived value.

For more information, see our deep-dive tutorial on how to leverage the power of Rewards.

Sharing on social media

The most successful campaigns leverage the power of social media to amplify their message.

• Add your Geyser project link to your social media bio so it's always easy for supporters to find it and keep on coming back.

• Leverage your social media presence to share regular updates, engaging content, and personal stories about your project to connect it with a wider audience.

Remember, consistency and authenticity are key to building a lasting relationship with your audience, and social media lends itself well to building and maintaining those relationships.

Being adaptable

In the world of crowdfunding, there is no one-size-fits-all strategy. What works for one project may not work for another.

The secret to success? Have a plan and be proactive about promoting your project, whilst also being prepared to try different tactics, listening to your audience, and being open-minded to adapt your strategy if needed.

Embrace the journey, learn from each step, and remember that every supporter brings you closer to seeing your vision come to life.

What are you waiting for? Launch on Geyser today!

We hope this guide has helped you fund your open-source initiative. If you find this content helpful and valuable, you can give us value back by donating to the Geyser project.

If you still have unanswered questions, feel free to reach out to us.