The INKfluence Kickstarter Webinar Series
Whether you’re launching your first Kickstarter or refining your strategy for your next campaign, The INKfluence is bringing you exclusive in-depth webinars designed to help authors and creators maximize their crowdfunding potential.
Each session dives into key aspects of running a successful Kickstarter, featuring industry experts, real-world case studies, and the latest platform updates. From pre-launch planning to fulfillment, we’ve got you covered!
Upcoming Webinars
Can’t make it live? Sign up anyway, and we’ll send you the replay!
Have questions? Contact us at [email protected].
October
What’s New at Kickstarter: Platform Updates + Follower Engagement Strategies
- Wednesday, October 29th, 2025
- 9 AM PST / 11 AM CST / 12 PM EST
- Zoom
Join us for a live conversation with Oriana Leckert, Kickstarter’s Head of Publishing, to learn what’s new on the platform and how to take full advantage of the pre-launch phase, including how to meaningfully engage with your followers before you go live.
What You'll Learn
The latest updates to Kickstarter’s publishing tools and features How the follower system actually works—and what actions you can take now Ways to convert followers into early backers Examples of authors who’ve successfully used follower engagement to drive Day 1 funding
We’re Coming Back in 2026!
Our live webinar series is taking a short break as we prepare an exciting new lineup for 2026. Stay tuned for updates and get ready to join us for even more in-depth sessions, fresh topics, expert guests, and actionable insights for authors and creators.
Webinar Recordings
10 Things I Wish I'd Known Before Running My First Kickstarter Ads
- Wednesday, September 24, 2025
We know that running ads for your Kickstarter can feel like setting money on fire, especially when you’re doing it for the first time. To take the guesswork out of it, we’ve invited a pro to our September webinar: Melissa Storm, CEO of Novel Publicity Inc. For a faster path to profitable ads, Melissa will walk you through 10 hard-won lessons she wishes someone had told her before she ever hit “publish” on that first campaign ad.
What You'll Learn
What actually works What wastes your budget How to turn clicks into backers without losing your mind or emptying your wallet
How to Finally Make Facebook Ads Work for Kickstarter
- Wednesday, July 30, 2025
This month, we’re welcoming Melissa Storm, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author and CEO of Novel Publicity, for a powerhouse session on a topic so many creators struggle with: Facebook Ads.
In this live session, she’ll share real strategies to help you finally get your ads working for you—especially during the high-stakes world of a Kickstarter campaign.
What You'll Learn
The latest updates to Kickstarter’s publishing tools and features How the follower system actually works—and what actions you can take now Ways to convert followers into early backers Examples of authors who’ve successfully used follower engagement to drive Day 1 funding
Financial + Tax Tips for Authors
- Wednesday, June 25, 2025
We’re excited to announce that our June webinar will feature Seth C. Norris, CPA, founder of Norris CPA Firm, who specializes in helping authors navigate the complexities of finances and taxes.
One of the most common questions we hear is: “How do I manage my Kickstarter funds from a tax standpoint?”
What You'll Learn
We’ll walk through essential financial strategies for authors, including: How to structure your finances before, during, & after your campaign What counts as income and how to handle it for tax season Tips for organizing expenses and understanding deductions How to stay compliant while still maximizing your revenue
Kickstarter’s Cohort Programs with the Head of Publishing!
- Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Kickstarter’s Head of Publishing, Oriana Leckert, will walk you through how these powerful themed campaigns work, how to join them, and why they’re helping more authors break records and build lasting reader communities.
What You'll Learn
How Kickstarter’s publishing cohorts work & why they’re so effective How to get your project in events like Witchstarter and Author Nation How to time and tailor your campaign to maximize your chances Tips to stand out and attract readers during themed campaign waves
Kickstarter Fulfillment Tips for Authors & Creators
- Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Congratulations – you’ve launched a successful Kickstarter campaign! 🎉 Now, it’s time for the most crucial step: FULFILLMENT.
What You'll Learn
How to set up fulfillment efficiently Shipping costs, logistics & international backers Common fulfillment mistakes & how to avoid them Why working with a fulfillment partner can save you time & stress
Kickstarter’s PLOT (Pledges Over Time) Option – Exclusive First Look!
- Wednesday, March 26, 2025
A new way to back campaigns is here! PLOT (Pledge Over Time) allows backers to split their pledge into manageable payments, making it easier to support special edition projects without the upfront cost. This webinar will dive into how PLOT can boost your campaign’s success and improve backer experience.
What You'll Learn
How PLOT works and why it’s a game-changer for crowdfunding Strategies to promote PLOT and maximize backer conversions Aligning rewards & stretch goals to encourage larger pledges
Kickstarter’s New Pledge Manager – Exclusive First Look!
- Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Kickstarter is revolutionizing backer management with their new Pledge Manager, and we’re bringing you an exclusive first look at how it works!
What You'll Learn
✅ How the new Pledge Manager simplifies reward fulfillment
✅ The impact on add-ons and post-campaign sales
✅ How to save time and enhance backer experience