Introduction to Pledge Manager - What is it and why should you own one?

The popularity of crowdfunding campaigns is growing. Managing relationships with backers and controlling the fulfilment process are becoming key elements in the success of projects, especially in the board games, technology and art industries. One tool that significantly facilitates this process is Pledge Manager. In this article, we take a look at what exactly Pledge Manager is, what functionality it offers and why you should invest in your own solution in this area.

Co to jest Pledge Manager?

Pledge Manager is a dedicated crowdfunding campaign management tool that enables project creators to efficiently collect, process and organise orders from their backers. In practice, once a campaign has been completed on a crowdfunding platform, the project moves into the implementation phase - and this is where Pledge Manager comes into play. Its main task is:

• Organising orders: Transforming the campaign data into a structured system that allows you to easily view orders, modify options or add additional items (e.g. gadgets, limited editions).
• Communication with backers: Enabling direct communication with project backers, informing them of progress, updates and any changes to the offer.
• Process automation: Facilitating logistics, automating the generation of invoices, reports and integration with payment systems, significantly streamlining the entire project process.

History and evolution of crowdfunding campaign management tools

At the beginning of the crowdfunding era, order management tools were often an add-on to the main fundraising platforms. Users had to manually process data, and communication with backers was through emailing or dedicated forums. As the market evolved, specialist solutions such as BackerKit, Gamefound and CrowdOx emerged and revolutionised the way campaigns were handled post-commitment.

However, for many creators, using subscription solutions came with additional costs and limitations on personalisation. In response to these needs, systems have begun to emerge that allow for the implementation of a customised Pledge Manager, giving full control over the data, design and functionality of the tool. It is precisely such solutions, based on modern technologies (e.g. ICEberg CMS 5), that are gaining popularity.

Key features and benefits of Pledge Manager

Order management and offer personalisation

Pledge Manager provides detailed order management, allowing you to:

• View and edit orders: Developers can easily modify individual orders, update information or add new options, which is crucial when making post-campaign adjustments.
• Personalising options: The ability to offer backers additional products or changes to the configuration of the order (e.g. choice of colour, size, accessories) allows the offer to be better tailored to customers' expectations.

Automation and integration

Modern Pledge Manager systems offer advanced automation features, including:

• CMS and e-commerce integration: Enables seamless connection to content management platforms, allowing for automatic information updates, report generation and data synchronisation.
• Payment and invoicing support: Automation of the payment process and invoice generation streamlines financial management, reducing the risk of errors.

Communication and relationship building

With Pledge Manager, project creators can:

• Communicate directly with backers: Report progress, answer questions and gather feedback, which increases community engagement and loyalty.
• Manage notifications: Automatically send emails, SMS or push notifications to keep in touch with customers.

Flexibility and scalability

Implementing your own Pledge Manager, especially based on systems such as ICEberg CMS 5, provides the opportunity:

• Full personalisation: The solution can be tailored to the specifics of the project, industry and customer expectations.
• Scaling of operations: The systems can easily adapt to the growing number of orders and expansion of the offer, which is crucial for dynamic campaigns.

Why invest in your own Pledge Manager system?

Data control and independence

By using their own Pledge Manager, project developers gain full control over their backers' data. In contrast to subscription solutions, where data is stored on external servers, an in-house system gives independence and the ability to fully personalise processes.

Reduced costs and increased efficiency

Although the initial investment in implementing an in-house system may be higher, in the long term the solution translates into:

• Lower operating costs: No subscription fees and the ability to implement automated solutions reduce maintenance costs.
• Faster implementations and upgrades: Flexible solutions allow rapid adaptation to market changes and customer needs.

Increased engagement and relationship building

Direct communication and personalisation of the offer translate into a better user experience. As a result:

• Greater backer loyalty: Constant contact and quick response to customer needs build trust and a positive design reputation.
• Higher conversion rates: A better user experience often results in higher conversions, which directly affects the success of a crowdfunding campaign.

Examples of Pledge Manager application in practice

Board games industry

Board games, which are often funded by crowdfunding campaigns, require precise order organisation. Pledge Manager allows you to:

• Customise orders to the specifics of the game: Options such as the selection of supplements, limited editions or personalisation of game elements.
• Efficient logistics management: Automatic generation of shipping lists, invoices and control over order status.

Technological and creative projects

In industries where projects often involve complex sets of products or services, Pledge Manager helps:

• Organise orders for complex offers: Configure orders that include different product variants.
• Monitor campaign execution: Makes it easier to track project progress and respond quickly to any problems or delays.

How do you implement your own Pledge Manager system?

Choice of technology and implementation partner

When deciding on an in-house solution, it is worth investing in modern CMS systems that allow flexible implementation of Pledge Manager. An example is ICEberg CMS 5, which, thanks to its headless architecture and API-first approach, allows full integration with other tools (e.g. PWoraz provides the necessary scalability.
A technology partner, such as Krakweb, can provide:

• Comprehensive technical support: From needs analysis to implementation to training and consultation.
• Personalisation of the solution: Adaptation of the functionality to the specifics of the project and customer expectations.

Migration planning and testing

The process of implementing your own Pledge Manager should include:

• Analysis and migration plan: Assessing which elements of the system can be adapted and which require a major upgrade.
• Testing and optimisation: Pilot implementation and collection of user feedback so that necessary adjustments can be made before the final launch.

Automation and integration

A key element is process automation, which allows:

• Synchronisation of data: Integration with payment systems, invoice generation and automatic information updates.
• Communication management: Enabling automatic notifications to backers about changes, progress or problems with orders.

Summary and future of the pledge manager

Pledge Manager is a tool that is revolutionising the way crowdfunding project creators manage the execution of their campaigns. With its customisation, automation and full control over data, Pledge Manager's own system is an excellent alternative to subscription solutions. Investing in an in-house solution not only reduces operational costs, but also builds stronger relationships with backers, which translates into long-term project success.

As the crowdfunding market evolves, more and more creators are realising the need for a tool that addresses their unique needs. Implementing an in-house Pledge Manager, based on modern technologies such as ICEberg CMS 5 and the support of experts such as Krakweb, opens up new possibilities for campaign management, enabling dynamic growth and increased competitiveness in the market.

The future of Pledge Manager solutions involves further integration with analytical tools, process automation and the development of interactive features to further engage the community and respond to their needs. For campaign developers, this means not only streamlining logistics, but above all building lasting relationships with backers, which are the foundation of any successful crowdfunding project.

Completion

The introduction to Pledge Manager is the first step towards modern crowdfunding campaign management. With its customisation, automation and full control over processes, Pledge Manager's own system is an investment that brings tangible benefits both operationally and in terms of image. For project developers who want to meet the expectations of the growing number of backers, this tool is a must-have - enabling effective order management, building strong relationships and optimising campaign execution processes.

The decision to implement their own Pledge Manager, supported by modern technology and the support of experts such as Krakweb, is a step towards independence, innovation and sustainable development in the dynamic world of crowdfunding. By investing in this solution, creators can focus on what is most important - realising the vision of their project and building a strong, loyal community.

Software and implementers of the modern Pledge Manager: ICEberg CMS 5 and Krakweb

ICEberg CMS 5 and Krakweb can support the implementation and development of an in-house Pledge Manager system on several levels, combining modern technology with a wealth of expert experience. Below, I outline how this solution brings tangible benefits:

Modern architecture and flexibility

ICEberg CMS 5 is a system based on headless architecture, which means that it separates the content management layer from the presentation layer. This separation enables:

• Multi-channel content delivery: Both the website, mobile apps and dedicated interfaces for backers can use one central content repository. This allows for consistent and scalable management of the crowdfunding campaign.
• Flexibility of integration: Thanks to its API-first approach, ICEberg CMS 5 allows easy integration with external systems - from payment automation tools to logistics systems to PWAs (Progressive Web Applications). This solution makes the order management process smoother and more automatic.

Personalisation and process automation

A proprietary Pledge Manager system based on ICEberg CMS 5 enables:

• Personalise your offer to backers: You can customise order options, introduce additional products or limited editions, all from a central management panel.
• Automation of key processes: Generating invoices, synchronising data and sending notifications can all be automated, reducing errors and speeding up campaign handling. Automation not only streamlines day-to-day operations, but also allows you to focus on building relationships with backers.

Professional expert support: Krakweb

Krakweb is a partner that not only implements ICEberg CMS 5, but also offers:

• Comprehensive consulting: At the planning stage of migration from traditional systems to a modern solution, Krakweb helps to assess the client's needs, select the optimal strategy and plan the implementation.
• Technical support and training: Once the system is implemented, Krakweb provides ongoing technical support and training for teams to maximise the capabilities of the new tool.
• Personalisation of the solution: Krakweb's experts tailor the functionalities of ICEberg CMS 5 to the specifics of the project, so that the Pledge Manager system is precisely tailored to the needs of crowdfunding campaigns, regardless of the industry.

Scalability and long-term effectiveness

Implementing an in-house Pledge Manager based on ICEberg CMS 5, supported by Krakweb, is an investment that pays dividends in the long run:

• Control over your data: By having your own system, you have full control over your backers' information. This enables you to better analyse data, optimise processes and build long-term customer relationships.
• Lower operating costs: The elimination of subscription fees and the ability to automate processes translates into savings that can be invested in project development.
• Ease of scaling: A system based on ICEberg CMS 5 is ready for growth - whether your campaign attracts a few hundred or a few thousand backers, the solution will respond flexibly to growing needs.

Summary

With ICEberg CMS 5 and Krakweb, companies can implement their own flexible and scalable Pledge Manager system that:

• Enables multi-channel content management and process automation,
• Allows full personalisation of the offer and better communication with backers,
• Provides professional technical and consultancy support, reducing implementation risk and speeding up the adoption process.

Investing in such a solution is a step towards modernity, which allows not only the optimisation of operational activities, but also the building of lasting relationships with customers and strengthening of the market position. With the integration of ICEberg CMS 5 and the support of Krakweb, your crowdfunding project can gain the necessary competitive advantage, responding to the growing demands of a dynamically changing market.