Crowdfunding platforms aren’t just for raising funds, they’re also powerful sources of high-authority backlinks.
With domain ratings often above 70, these platforms give SEO professionals and marketers a unique opportunity to earn trustworthy, links that can boost visibility and rankings.
But here’s the part most people miss.
These sites let you place links in campaign descriptions, updates, profiles, and more, yet very few are using them for SEO. That means not many people are using this method yet, so there’s a lot of opportunity to get good results.
Still wondering why this matters?
Because backlinks from trusted platforms carry more weight than links from random blogs or directories, when you earn a link from a crowdfunding site, you’re gaining both SEO value and brand credibility.
In this guide, you’ll learn what crowdfunding link-building is, and how to find platforms that allow external links.
Let’s jump in.
What is crowdfunding link building?
Crowdfunding is a system for collecting money from the public to support a project. While each contribution is too small to make a difference on its own, combined, they cover the total cost.
Imagine you have a brilliant business idea, but no funds to bring it to life. Or you’re a charity supporting a noble cause and strapped for cash. Or someone you know needs urgent financial help.
If other funding options, like a loan, aren’t viable, you can launch a crowdfunding campaign on a platform like Kickstarter or GoFundMe to collect the necessary money.
Crowdfunding platforms like Indiegogo, GoFundMe, and others often have very high domain authority, some even over DR90.
How could crowdfunding campaigns help your website With SEO and link building?
Crowdfunding platforms aren’t just for raising money; they’re untapped goldmines for earning high-quality, credible backlinks that drive long-term SEO value.
It’s not about promoting a crowdfunding campaign.
It’s about using these platforms to build powerful, trusted links that point back to your website.
Here’s where it gets interesting…
Even better, these platforms are trusted by both users and search engines. That means the backlinks you earn from them can improve your site’s credibility, bring in referral traffic, and even attract media or blog mentions.
According to research, quality backlinks don’t just improve search visibility; they also help generate leads, drive more traffic, and boost overall campaign momentum.
One of the most effective ways to secure these links is through niche edits, adding your campaign link naturally into existing, relevant content on blogs or websites that already rank well.
Why does this matter?
- Credibility:
Being featured on niche blogs, trusted media outlets, or engaged forums signals that your campaign or business is worth noticing. Even first-time visitors are more likely to trust you. - Exposure:
A single backlink from the right website can introduce your project to thousands of new users. Think newsletters, roundups, or startup blogs with real reach. - Momentum:
The more people link to or talk about your campaign, the more traction it gains. As per research, crowdfunding link building isn’t just an SEO play it taps into networks of trust and relevance that can push your campaign above the noise.
When your campaign or business link appears as a do-follow backlink in relevant articles, directories, or curated lists, it doesn’t just send traffic, it sends a strong trust signal to search engines. And that’s what builds long-term rankings and authority.
For example: The Fidget Cube raised a whopping $6,465,690 on Kickstarter not just because it was a cool idea, but because it got picked up by major blogs, media outlets, and communities early on.
That kind of exposure doesn’t happen by accident; it’s the result of smart, intentional link-building.
But there’s more…
It’s also one of the few strategies that continue to work after your campaign ends. Strong backlinks can keep bringing traffic to your project updates, brand site, or store long after funding closes.
Want help building powerful backlinks from high-authority platforms? Contact us to get started.
Pro tip: Start your link outreach before you launch. That way, when your campaign goes live, you already have momentum and early traffic from trusted sources.
What are the different types of crowdfunding campaigns that benefit from SEO and link building?
Link building isn’t just for businesses or blogs. It plays a big role in the success of crowdfunding campaigns too.
No matter the type of campaign, building backlinks can help improve visibility, build trust, and drive more traffic to your funding page.
Let’s look at the main types of crowdfunding campaigns and how each can benefit from a smart SEO and link-building strategy.
Want to boost your campaign’s reach with trusted backlinks? Get in touch with us to explore our link-building services.
Reward-based crowdfunding
This type of crowdfunding rewards backers for supporting your project. It could be a new gadget, an early version of your product, or a special thank-you gift. It’s great for startups, tech inventors, artists, or anyone launching something new.
You’ll often see these campaigns on platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo, where people fund creative and product-based ideas.
Link building is super useful here. Getting your campaign mentioned on blogs, YouTube channels, or websites related to your project’s topic can bring in curious backers.
Using manual link building, like reaching out to niche blogs or partnering with content creators, lets you secure links from websites that already have engaged audiences.
Equity crowdfunding
Instead of rewards, equity crowdfunding gives backers a small share of your business. They’re not just supporting your project, they’re investing in it. This is often used by new businesses or startups looking to raise funds from everyday people.
Popular platforms for this kind of campaign include SeedInvest, Republic, and StartEngine.
When you’re asking people to invest in your company, trust really matters. If your campaign is linked to by trusted business blogs or startup websites, it looks more legit.
It also helps you reach people who are looking to invest in early-stage companies. Link building here can help you stand out and attract the right kind of attention.
Donation-based crowdfunding
This type is all about helping others. People donate money to support a cause, a personal emergency, or a community project. The person or group raising money doesn’t offer a reward; they just ask for help.
Common platforms for this include GoFundMe, Mightycause, and Fundly.
Donation-based campaigns often rely on emotional support and community sharing. When your campaign gets linked to local news websites, nonprofit blogs, or community groups, it reaches more people who care.
These links can make a huge difference, especially in the early days when you need to build momentum.
Debt-based crowdfunding
In debt-based crowdfunding, backers lend you money, and you agree to pay it back, sometimes with interest. It’s a good choice for small businesses or individuals who need funds but don’t want a traditional bank loan.
Platforms like Kiva, LendingClub, and Funding Circle support this kind of campaign.
For this type, it’s important to show you’re trustworthy. Backlinks from small business websites, personal finance blogs, or entrepreneur networks help your campaign look more credible.
They also bring in visitors who are more likely to understand what you’re doing and feel confident lending money.
How do crowdfunding link building?
Crowdfunding isn’t just for raising money, it’s a smart way to earn quality backlinks too.
Here’s how to make it work for your SEO strategy.
1. Find relevant campaigns
Start by spotting active crowdfunding projects in your niche.
- Use search operators: Combine platforms like Kickstarter, GoFundMe, or Crowdfunder with phrases like “sponsor page” or “donor recognition.”
Example: site:indiegogo.com “sponsor recognition” + sustainability
- Make it niche-specific: Add keywords that relate to your business to find the best-fit campaigns.
- Check campaign quality: Focus on well-structured campaigns from credible creators with active engagement.
- Look for real link offers: Make sure the reward tiers or sponsor perks mention a link to your website.
Use Google alerts to track crowdfunding campaigns
Save time by automating your search:
Go to Google Alerts and log in.
Enter search terms like: site:crowdfunder.co.uk inurl:projects “sponsor recognition” or site:indiegogo.com inurl:projects “backer benefits”
Customize your alert frequency and sources. Click “Create Alert” and monitor for new backlink opportunities effortlessly.
This way you will receive notifications about new opportunities automatically, without having to search for them yourself.
2. Evaluate the domain authority
Before donating, check the domain strength:
Use tools like Ahrefs to review the site’s DR. Avoid campaigns with spammy links or low-quality metrics.
Focus on links from authoritative, niche-relevant sites for maximum SEO impact.
3. Donate strategically
Once you find a high-quality campaign:
- Choose the right tier: Select a donation level that guarantees a backlink or mention.
- Contact creators: Ask if they can include a link if it’s not explicitly mentioned.
- Stay on brand: Back campaigns related to your industry for relevant, valuable links.
⚠️ Avoid exchanging money for non-SEO rewards like product samples or generic thank-you notes if you’re aiming for link value.
4. Monitor your link
After donating:
- Track your link: Check the project site regularly or use Ahrefs Alerts.
- Follow-up: If the link doesn’t appear, politely reach out to the creator.
- Maintain quality: Make sure your backlink stays live and relevant over time.
Using this ethical, targeted approach helps you earn quality backlinks while supporting meaningful projects, a win-win for your brand and your rankings.
Want to make sure your links are helping your site grow? Run a quick check with an SEO audit tool to monitor link health, on-page issues, and site performance. Explore the best free SEO audit tools here.
What is the biggest challenge in creating a successful crowdfunding campaign?
Running a successful crowdfunding campaign isn’t just about having a great idea, it’s about getting noticed and trusted in a noisy space.
Here are some of the biggest hurdles campaigners often face:
1. Gaining visibility in a crowded market
With thousands of campaigns going live every day, it’s easy to get lost in the crowd. Standing out takes more than uploading a pitch.
It requires smart positioning, eye-catching visuals, and consistent promotion across multiple channels. Without visibility, even the most promising ideas can go unnoticed.
2. Building trust with new audiences
Most backers are strangers to your brand. That means you need to earn their trust fast. Clear messaging, authentic storytelling, and social proof (like testimonials or early support) can make all the difference.
If people don’t feel confident in your project or team, they’re unlikely to contribute.
3. Securing media coverage without a PR budget
Getting featured by the media or on popular blogs can drive serious traffic. But not everyone has the funds to hire a publicist.
That’s where personal outreach comes in connecting with niche bloggers, influencers, or local reporters who cover your space. It’s time-consuming, but grassroots PR can be just as effective when done right.
4. Limited time and resources for promotion
Crowdfunding campaigns move fast and last only 30 to 60 days. That short window puts pressure on teams to push hard from day one.
But without enough hands on deck or a clear marketing plan, it’s easy to fall behind. Many creators underestimate how much daily effort it takes to maintain momentum.
💡 Pro Tip: Build an email list and social following before launch. That way, you’re not starting from scratch when the clock starts ticking.
How to measure the success of your crowdfunding link-building strategy
So, your campaign is live, or maybe it’s already wrapped. But how do you know if it performed well?
Let’s break it down with the most important KPIs you should track.
Each one tells a part of the story, and together, they give you a full picture of what’s working and what’s not.
1. Track referral traffic from backlinks
One of the easiest ways to measure success is by tracking how much traffic your campaign is getting from backlinks.
Every time a blog post, forum, or media site mentions and links to your campaign, it creates a pathway for people to discover your project. You can check this using tools like Ahrefs. Look under referral traffic sources to see which websites are sending visitors your way.
The more quality backlinks you build, the more these numbers should go up.
💡 Pro tip: Focus on the quality of referring domains, not just quantity. A backlink from a trusted source like TechCrunch or Mashable can do far more for visibility and credibility than dozens of links from small or unrelated sites.
2. Check the domain authority of linking sites
Domain rating is a score that tells you how trusted a website is. When your crowdfunding campaign is linked to websites with a higher DA, it helps boost your search engine rankings and overall credibility.
Aim for backlinks from sites with a DA of 40 or above for best results.
Try reaching out to niche industry blogs or relevant influencers with good DA. They often welcome unique campaign stories and offer backlink opportunities in return.
3. Measure conversions from link clicks
Not all traffic is equal. What truly matters is conversion — visitors who not only land on your campaign page but also take meaningful action. This could be backing your project, signing up for updates, or sharing your campaign with others.
To measure which backlinks are driving these actions, go beyond basic traffic metrics. That’s where UTM parameters come in.
What Are UTM Parameters?
UTM (Urchin Tracking Module) parameters are short tags added to the end of a URL. They help you track the source and behavior of traffic from your backlinks.
When someone clicks a link with UTM tags, the data is captured in your analytics reports.
Use tools like UTMBuilder.net to create clean, trackable URLs in seconds.
4. Monitor social media mentions and shares
If your link-building strategy includes social media outreach (and it should), tracking mentions, shares, and engagement is key.
Use tools like Brand24, BuzzSumo, or Mention to monitor how often your campaign is talked about online.
Fact: According to Brand24, monitoring online mentions helps businesses respond faster, engage with their audience more effectively, and measure the impact of their marketing campaigns.
Below is how Brand24 displays real-time mentions of your brand or campaign online.
Every time someone shares a blog post with your link, it boosts your visibility and can lead to more organic backlinks.
5. Evaluate campaign metrics with link context
Link building doesn’t just affect traffic; it ties directly into your overall campaign performance. When you analyze your results, consider these key metrics alongside your backlink efforts.
Pledged amount vs. goal: Track whether your SEO and link-building efforts contributed to increased funding.
If certain outreach pushes happened around the same time as major pledge surges, that’s a strong signal that your strategy is working.
Supporter count growth: Monitor how your number of backers grows over time.
A noticeable uptick in supporters during periods of high backlink activity could indicate that your links are reaching the right audience and driving meaningful action.
Drop-off rates: If people are clicking your backlinks but not completing the donation or sign-up, there may be an issue with your landing page.
High drop-off could signal misaligned messaging, a weak CTA, or a poor user experience.
Example: Say your campaign is featured on a sustainable living blog, and you notice a jump in support that same week.
That backlink didn’t just send traffic, it drove high-quality visitors who care about your mission. Tracking these patterns helps you plan better partnerships in the future.
6. Compare pre-and post-SEO Campaign Performance
Take a step back and look at your numbers before you start link building versus after.
Track your growth in:
- Organic traffic
- Visibility in Google search results
- Domain rating of your campaign page
- The volume and quality of your backlinks
By comparing pre-campaign and post-campaign metrics, you get a clear picture of how much SEO and link building contributed to your success.
Did you know? According to Luca Financial Services, crowdfunding campaigns that secure 30% of their funding goal within the first week are far more likely to reach full funding.
This highlights just how powerful early traction can be for your campaign’s momentum.
Want to know which backlinks are making a real difference in your campaign? Or need help building links that convert?
Contact us and let’s make your crowdfunding strategy work smarter, not harder.
Can link-building continue after the crowdfunding campaign ends?
Yes, link building doesn’t have to stop when your crowdfunding campaign ends. It’s smart to keep it going.
Even after you’ve hit your funding goal, those backlinks still help your brand stay visible in search results.
They drive ongoing traffic to your website, boost your site’s authority, and support future product launches, updates, or an online store, especially if your campaign turns into a long-term business.
👀 Did you know? Many successful crowdfunding products used continued media coverage and backlink strategies long after their campaigns ended to build full-scale brands. Keeping your link-building efforts alive helps you do the same.
Pros and cons of crowdfunding
Crowdfunding can be a powerful way to raise funds and build momentum, but it also comes with its own set of challenges you’ll want to plan for.
Below is the table of pros and cons of crowdfunding.
| Pros of Crowdfunding | Cons of Crowdfunding |
| Low upfront costs compared to traditional funding | High competition makes it hard to stand out |
| Build a community around your idea | Requires significant time and effort to promote |
| Validate your product or idea through an early interest | No guarantee of reaching your funding goal |
| Increases visibility and media exposure | Success depends on strong marketing and storytelling |
| Offers feedback from real users before launch | Platforms may charge fees or take a cut of your funds |
Top 10 crowdfunding platforms for campaign success
Choosing the right crowdfunding platform can make or break your campaign. Whether you’re launching a startup, a creative project, or a social cause, each platform offers unique tools and communities that support different kinds of goals.
Here are the top 10 platforms worth exploring.
1. Kickstarter
Kickstarter is a powerhouse in the crowdfunding world, especially for creative and tech-driven projects.
Since 2009, over $6 billion has been pledged on Kickstarter, funding more than 200,000 creative projects that otherwise may never have been made.
Its all-or-nothing funding model encourages confidence from backers and makes sure only fully funded ideas move forward.
One of its biggest strengths is the active community of supporters always looking for something fresh and inspiring.
2. Indiegogo
Indiegogo offers more flexibility than Kickstarter, allowing both fixed and flexible funding options.
According to Launchboom it has raised over $2 billion for more than 800,000 projects worldwide.
It’s a favorite for entrepreneurs launching tech products, gadgets, and community-focused ideas. Indiegogo also supports ongoing campaigns with InDemand, helping creators continue raising funds even after the main campaign ends.
💡 Fact: The Flow Hive, a revolutionary beekeeping invention, raised over $10 million on Indiegogo making it one of the platform’s most successful campaigns ever, as reported by Entrepreneur.
3. GoFundMe
GoFundMe dominates in the personal and social fundraising space. From medical emergencies to community projects, it’s built for individuals and nonprofits looking to raise money quickly.
According to GoFundMe Newsroom, it has raised over $30 billion through a global community of more than 150 million donors, with a donation made every second
GoFundMe doesn’t require a campaign goal to be met for you to keep the funds.
📢 “GoFundMe can feel like a last option for people with large medical bills but those who utilize public assistance will need to think twice before campaigning.” – WHYY.
4. Patreon
Patreon is built for creators who want steady income from their fans. It works on a subscription model, where supporters pledge monthly to access exclusive content. This makes it perfect for artists, podcasters, writers, and video creators.
As per Backlinko’s Patreon stats, over 250,000 creators were earning through the platform as of 2024, with some pulling in six-figure monthly incomes.
5. Mightycause
Mightycause is ideal for nonprofits and community causes. Formerly known as Razoo, it’s designed to help charitable organizations run peer-to-peer fundraising, giving days, and events.
It’s affordable too; there are no platform fees for standard fundraising.
Mightycause has helped nonprofits raise over $600 million to date.
6. Crowdfunder
Crowdfunder is the UK’s leading crowdfunding platform, designed to empower charities, community groups, startups, and individuals to raise funds for a wide range of causes.
Whether you’re organizing a community project, launching a business idea, or running a prize draw, Crowdfunder offers the tools and flexibility to bring your vision to life.
One thing that sets Crowdfunder apart is its match funding initiative known as +Extra Funding. Through this, eligible campaigns can access millions in additional grants from national and regional partners, helping them raise even more.
7. StartEngine
StartEngine focuses on equity crowdfunding, allowing everyday people not just venture capitalists to invest in startups.
As of early 2024, StartEngine has helped over 1,000 companies raise more than $850 million through equity crowdfunding.
The platform itself raised $143 million including for its own campaigns across 244 private and public launches marking consistent year-over-year growth.
StartEngine is also backed by Kevin O’Leary from Shark Tank, who serves as a strategic advisor and investor in the platform.
💬 “Equity crowdfunding is the future of startup investing.” – Kevin O’Leary
8. Fundable
Fundable combines traditional rewards-based crowdfunding with equity fundraising. It’s part of the Startups.co ecosystem and provides specifically to early-stage businesses looking to scale.
Other platforms charge a percentage of funds raised, but Fundable charges a flat monthly fee of $179, making it a solid option for serious entrepreneurs with high-value campaigns.
📌 Note: Fundable has helped raise hundreds of millions for startups in tech, food, and product development.
9. Wefunder
Wefunder is another major player in equity crowdfunding, supporting both startups and Main Street businesses.
It has facilitated over $700 million in investments and boasts a strong community of more than 1 million investors.
The platform is ideal for founders who want access to retail investors without relying on venture capital.
10. Fundly
Fundly is a flexible, user-friendly crowdfunding platform built for personal causes, charities, and nonprofits.
It allows for visual storytelling through media-rich campaign pages and is ideal for local initiatives, education, and medical fundraising.
There are no start-up fees, and users can begin raising money in just minutes. It also integrates seamlessly with social media to boost visibility.
🌟 Fundly is storytelling meets generosity a bridge between dreams and funding.
SERP Forge is a solid choice for building links that actually work
Many link-building services focus on quantity, but we care about quality. We place your links on websites that are relevant, trustworthy, and have real audiences not on spammy directories or low-value blogs.
Our team does the research, reaches out to the right sites, and creates content that earns links naturally.
Whether you’re promoting a crowdfunding campaign or growing a long-term brand, we build links that help your pages get seen and trusted.
We keep things transparent, avoid shortcuts, and focus on what actually works for long-term growth.
Want to build links that make a real difference? Get in touch with us today.
