Building a Crowdfunding Platform for Paying Medical Expenses

So, you decided you want to start a Crowdfunding Platform that helps people pay off medical debt.

If this is you, you’re probably in the United States, home of the world’s BEST medical care. I say that with a heavy dollop of sarcasm, folks.

Medical Crowdfunding, especially in the US, is nothing new. “41% of Americans say they’ve donated to a medical crowdfunding campaign, averaging $253 on their most recent contribution. Younger generations are more generous, as 48% of Gen Zers and 47% of millennials say they’ve donated to a crowdfunding campaign, averaging $306 and $339, respectively, the most recently. When asked what urged them to donate most recently, more Americans said it was for someone with a life-threatening illness.” Source.

I’ve donated to several Crowdfunding Campaigns for friends and family over the years. So long as the healthcare system remains in place, there’s an opportunity for those who want to lead medical crowdfunding efforts within their communities.

IgnitionDeck helps with this. Yes, this is our product and website, but this specific reason (among others) is why people turn to IgnitionDeck to power their crowdfunding platforms. People can control which campaigns are posted and customize the look, feel, and mission for those raising funds on their platform.

Tips for Starting Your Own Medical Crowdfunding Platform

Focus your energy by defining your niche.

If your platform focuses on medical projects, which is already a strong niche, make this clear in all your marketing and communication efforts. Highlight the platform’s benefits for medical projects, such as specialized support, targeted donor audiences, and features tailored to medical fundraising needs.

Medical Crowdfunding in and of itself is broad in scope. Perhaps niching down further to people who are battling cancer; you could go even further with children who are battling cancer, and you can build a platform around that specific case.

Niching down makes it easier to market toward your audience—you already understand what people are going through, you can focus your resources there, and it’s easier to speak to a specific audience you know well.

Provide resources that are specific to the community you’re serving.

Crowdfunding for a specific segment of the population is a great start. It’s important to note the many ways you can be of service. Being of service isn’t just providing a means of producing monetary value to a group of people. There’s more to it than just the money. If you can give access to essential resources in one place, that will go a long way in serving your extended community.

What do these resources look like? These resources could entail several different bits of information. Here are some examples…

• For instance, you could provide a directory of local low-cost or free treatment centers for people afflicted with a specific medical condition. This could include clinic and physician provider numbers and emails.
• Links to government grants or government-funded treatment programs or facilities.
• Links to supportive Facebook Groups
• or Mutual Aid Networks (like this one).

Share case studies and testimonials

Showcase successful medical fundraising campaigns that have been hosted on your platform. Share these stories on your website, marketing materials, and social media. Success stories not only provide social proof but also demonstrate the impact that funds raised through your platform can have

That’s what we did with Zaar, a Malta-based community crowdfunding platform that helps promote the crowdfunding initiatives of its community residents. These initiatives have included fundraising for cooking supplies for immigrants to the nation and bike parts for people cycling on a ride through Eastern Europe to raise money for cancer research.

Powerful, true stories resonate with people. We can see ourselves and our loved ones in situations that are presented to us. Some people call it… empathy. Stories help connect people who don’t know you to your mission and passion.

Spread the word

When working on projects that you’re passionate about, it’s crucial to promote your work effectively. One of the best ways to do this is by sharing your progress and journey on social media. This practice is often called “building in public,” it involves creating compelling content in the form of posts, videos, or reels and sharing it on the networks where you have the most engagement.

Some people choose to create dedicated social media accounts for their projects, but this isn’t always necessary. In fact, you may find that your personal social media accounts generate more interaction and reach a wider audience. The key is to share your story and updates consistently, regardless of your chosen platform.

To maximize the impact of your social media promotion, it’s essential to post your content where your target audience is most likely to see it. This may involve research and experimentation to determine which platforms and formats resonate best with your followers.

Remember, the goal is to get your story out there and engage with your audience. By regularly sharing updates, insights, and milestones related to your projects, you can build a dedicated following, attract potential collaborators or customers, and ultimately increase the visibility and success of your work.

The Technical Considerations

When launching a self-hosted medical crowdfunding niche platform using Ignition Deck on WordPress, it’s essential to consider the technical aspects involved. Choosing a reliable web hosting platform is crucial for ensuring your crowdfunding website runs smoothly. Rocket.net is a solid choice for most users, while more technical users may prefer Pantheon. However, any WordPress website host that meets Ignition Deck’s minimum requirements should suffice.

Also, with your webhost, look for one that offers a free SSL certificate, which has become a standard feature these days. Additionally, ensure that your hosting platform provides some form of ready-to-offer backups. If not, consider using a service like BlogVault, which is a reliable and highly recommended backup solution—it’s one I use myself for my own clients.

If the technical aspects of setting up your crowdfunding platform seem daunting, we (at IgnitionDeck) offer a service called Valet. With Valet, our team will configure and install the platform on your web host, ensuring that you are ready for success. This straightforward process is usually completed within a week, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your crowdfunding venture.

By carefully considering your web hosting options and taking advantage of services like Valet (if you need the technical help), you can launch your medical crowdfunding niche platform with confidence, knowing that the technical foundations are solid and ready to support your endeavors.

Closing thoughts

Launching a medical crowdfunding platform represents more than just a business endeavor; it’s a powerful way to contribute positively to the lives of those grappling with medical expenses. By defining your niche, offering valuable resources, sharing success stories, and effectively spreading the word, you can create a platform that not only raises funds but also fosters a sense of community and support. Remember, at the heart of every campaign is a story of hope and resilience. As you embark on this journey, let empathy and passion guide your efforts, turning the challenges of healthcare financing into opportunities for collective action and healing.

With IgnitionDeck, you can make a difference, one campaign success at a time.