Weird But Profitable Ideas

Monetizing paranoia about computer screens.

Adults apparently still really want that treehouse mom never built.

Because nothing says vacation relaxation like having no idea where you're going.

Wrapping fake trees in fake bark-holiday authenticity at its finest.

InstagramDave created an Instagram account and grew it organically to over 2,400 followers. By sharing pictures of the game design process and interacting with the board gaming community, he was able to generate buzz and connect with potential backers. Attending the Gen Con event also helped showcase the game to a wider audience, resulting in enthusiastic backers.Why it worked: Instagram allowed Dave to engage with a community of game enthusiasts, share the game's progress, and build relationships. By attending industry events like Gen Con, he was able to attract backers who were eager to support the project.Mailing List & Personal EmailsDave utilized a personal mailing list of nearly 2,000 contacts, reaching out to around 500 people personally to ask for their support as "Champions" of the Kickstarter campaign. This networking effort resulted in a strong response, with many backers pledging on the first day and helping spread the word through social media.Why it worked: Personalized emails and leveraging his network helped Dave secure crucial support for the campaign. By engaging directly with potential backers and asking for their assistance as "Champions," he was able to mobilize a significant number of supporters right from the start.Retail PartnershipsBy attending an event at Games of Berkeley and showcasing the game, Dave secured retail partnerships with at least 18 stores and distributed to hundreds of backers. Establishing relationships with retailers through events and online platforms like Facebook groups for game retailers helped expand the reach of Kill Merlin! to a wider audience.Why it worked: Partnering with retail stores provided additional distribution channels for Kill Merlin!, allowing the game to reach a broader market. By actively engaging with retailers and seeking feedback on offerings, Dave was able to secure retail backers and increase the game's visibility.Content Creation & UpdatesDave focused on creating compelling content, such as The Kill Merlin! Chronicles blog series, to engage backers and share insights into the game's development process. Providing regular updates and posts on Kickstarter, as well as utilizing press opportunities and reviewer feedback, helped maintain interest and support for Kill Merlin! throughout the campaign.Why it worked: Consistent content creation and updates kept backers informed and involved in the project's progress. By sharing personal stories and development insights, Dave was able to connect with supporters on a deeper level and maintain their interest in the game.

Social Media EngagementPEAR Cards utilized social media, primarily Twitter and Instagram, to engage with a wide audience and promote their product. They focused on building relationships with influencers and accounts with high engagement to spread the word about their cards. This strategy allowed them to generate interest and create a buzz around their brand, driving organic growth through word of mouth.Why it worked: Social media is a powerful tool for connecting with potential customers and building a community around a brand. By actively engaging with users and influencers, PEAR Cards was able to reach a larger audience and generate interest in their product, leading to increased visibility and brand awareness.Kickstarter CampaignThe company launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund their first edition of PEAR Cards. Kickstarter served as a crucial marketing channel for PEAR Cards, allowing them to validate their product idea, generate funding, and engage with backers. While the campaign did not go viral, it was shared hundreds of times across various platforms, contributing to the overall success of the project.Why it worked: Kickstarter provides a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas, raise funds, and connect with a community of supporters. By leveraging Kickstarter, PEAR Cards was able to reach a wider audience, secure funding for production, and validate their product concept.Recommended ChannelsSocial Media Engagement: Cultivate relationships with influencers and engage with a diverse audience on platforms like Twitter and Instagram to generate interest and build a brand community. Kickstarter Campaign: Launch a crowdfunding campaign on platforms like Kickstarter to validate product ideas, secure funding, and engage with a supportive community of backers.