Eleven backer updates you can copy, fill in and post, from launch day to the last parcel. Replace everything in [brackets], add a photo, and make it sound like you.
1. Launch day thank-you
When: within the first few hours, once the first backers arrive.
Subject: We're live, and you made it happen!
Hi everyone,
[Project name] went live [X hours] ago and [number] of you have already backed it. Thank you. Seeing your names come in has been the best part of [months/years] of work.
Where we are: [amount] of our [goal] goal, [percentage]% in the first [X hours].
How you can help today:
• Share the campaign with one friend who'd love [project in a few words]: [link]
• Tell us in the comments [a fun question, e.g. which character you'd play first]
We'll be in the comments all day answering questions. Next update: [what's coming, e.g. first stretch goal reveal].
Thank you for believing in this,
[Your name]
2. Funded!
When: as soon as you pass 100%. Momentum is highest right now.
Subject: We did it: [Project name] is funded! 🎉
Hi everyone,
We hit our [goal] goal in [time]. [Project name] is happening, and it's because of every one of you.
What this means:
• [Project name] will be made and shipped to every backer.
• From here, every pledge unlocks more: our first stretch goal is [stretch goal] at [amount].
What happens next:
• The campaign runs until [end date].
• After it ends, we'll [send surveys / open the pledge manager] to collect addresses and add-ons.
• Estimated delivery: [month, year].
If you've been sharing the campaign, thank you. If you know someone who'd enjoy it, now's a great time: [link]
[Your name]
3. Stretch goal unlocked
When: each time a goal unlocks. Lead with a picture of what backers just earned.
Subject: Unlocked: [stretch goal name]!
Hi everyone,
You've unlocked [stretch goal name]! Every [reward tier / copy] now includes [what it is and why it's cool].
[Image of the unlocked item]
Next up at [amount]: [next stretch goal]. We're [amount] away.
Thanks for every pledge and share. It's adding up fast.
[Your name]
4. Final 48 hours
When: two days before the end. Many pledges arrive in the last stretch.
Subject: 48 hours left: last chance for [project name]
Hi everyone,
There are 48 hours left in the campaign. After [end date and time with time zone], pledges close and the [Kickstarter-exclusive items / early pricing] won't be available again.
Where we are: [amount] raised from [number] backers, [amount] away from [next stretch goal].
Three ways to help in the final push:
1. Share the campaign one more time: [link]
2. Check your pledge: add-ons are [available now / available later in the pledge manager]
3. Tell us in the comments what you'd like to see unlocked next
Thank you for getting us here,
[Your name]
5. Campaign ended: what's next
When: right after the campaign ends. Backers want to know the plan.
Subject: Final total, and what happens next
Hi everyone,
The campaign is over! [Number] backers pledged [final total], and together you unlocked [number] stretch goals. Thank you.
What happens now:
• Payment: Kickstarter collects pledges now. If your card fails, Kickstarter will email you so you can fix it.
• [Date]: we [send surveys / open the pledge manager] to collect addresses, shipping and add-ons.
• [Month]: final files go to the manufacturer.
• [Month]: production samples, which we'll show you here.
• [Month, year]: estimated delivery.
We'll post an update at least once a month until your reward arrives, even when there's no big news.
[Your name]
6. Pledge manager open
When: the day surveys or the pledge manager go live, then a reminder a week before it closes.
Subject: Action needed: confirm your address and add-ons
Hi everyone,
The pledge manager is open! Please complete it by [deadline] so we know where to send your reward.
What to do:
1. Look for an email from [Kickstarter / pledge manager name], or go to [link].
2. Confirm your reward and shipping address.
3. Add any extras: [list of add-ons].
4. Pay shipping [if charged now].
Missed the campaign? Friends can still join as late backers at [link] until [date].
If you have trouble, reply in the comments or message us and we'll help within [24–48 hours].
[Your name]
7. Manufacturing progress
When: at each production milestone: files sent, proofs, samples, mass production, freight.
Subject: Production update: [milestone]
Hi everyone,
Quick progress report on [project name].
Done since last update:
• [e.g. Final files approved by the factory]
• [e.g. Production samples arrived, photos below]
[Photo or short video]
In progress:
• [e.g. Mass production started on (date), expected to take (X) weeks]
Next milestone: [e.g. Freight to our warehouses, around (month)].
Delivery estimate: still [month, year] / now [month, year] (see why below).
Thanks for your patience. Seeing this come together is a thrill, and we hope you enjoy the photos.
[Your name]
8. Shipping started
When: when the first parcels leave the warehouse.
Subject: Your rewards are on their way! 📦
Hi everyone,
The first parcels have shipped!
Shipping schedule by region:
• [Region]: shipping now, arriving about [dates]
• [Region]: shipping from [date]
• [Region]: shipping from [date]
Tracking: you'll get an email from [fulfilment partner] with a tracking link when your parcel ships. Check your spam folder too.
If something's wrong with your parcel (damaged, missing pieces or not arrived by [date]), [fill in this form / message us] with your backer number and a photo, and we'll sort it out.
When it arrives, we'd love to see it: post a photo with [hashtag].
[Your name]
9. Delay announcement
When: as soon as you know, not when the old date has passed. This follows the five parts Kickstarter recommends: current status, specific cause, actions, new timeline with buffer, next milestone.
Subject: Delivery update: new estimate [month, year]
Hi everyone,
We have to share some disappointing news: [project name] will arrive later than we promised.
Where things stand:
[Current status in one or two plain sentences, e.g. "Production is finished, but the shipment is still at the factory."]
Why:
[The specific cause, e.g. "The factory found a printing fault in the card decks and is reprinting them."]
What we're doing about it:
• [Action, e.g. "We've approved new proofs and the reprint started on (date)."]
• [Action, e.g. "We've booked freight for the first available ship."]
New timeline:
• [Milestone]: [date]
• [Milestone]: [date]
• Estimated delivery: [month, year]. We've added [X weeks] of buffer so we don't have to move it again.
Next milestone: [what happens next and when], and we'll post an update when it does.
We're sorry for the wait. Thank you for sticking with us; if you have questions, ask in the comments and we'll answer every one.
[Your name]
10. Monthly "no big news" check-in
When: any month without a milestone. Silence worries backers more than slow progress does.
Subject: [Month] check-in: [project name]
Hi everyone,
No big news this month, but here's where we are.
This month:
• [Small progress, e.g. "Rulebook proofread twice and sent for translation"]
• [Behind the scenes, e.g. "We visited the warehouse and checked storage"]
Still on track for: [next milestone] in [month]
Delivery estimate: [month, year]
[A photo, sketch or small sneak peek]
Thanks for following along,
[Your name]
11. Lost or damaged parcel reply
When: reply to the backer's message within 24–48 hours. For "not arrived", wait until 7–10 days past the estimate for domestic parcels or 3–4 weeks for international before reshipping.
Hi [backer name],
Thanks for letting us know, and sorry your [reward] [arrived damaged / hasn't arrived yet]. We'll fix it.
[For damage:] Could you send a photo of the damaged parts and the box, plus your backer number? We'll send replacements [or a new copy] as soon as we have them.
[For not arrived:] Your parcel shipped on [date] with tracking number [number]. The latest status is [status]. If it hasn't arrived by [date], reply here and we'll send a replacement.
Please confirm your shipping address is still: [address].
Thanks for your patience,
[Your name]
Questions about Kickstarter updates
How often should I post Kickstarter updates?
During the campaign, post at every milestone (funded, stretch goals, the final 48 hours) and every few days in between. After the campaign, post at least once a month until every reward has arrived, even when there's no big news.
How fast should I reply to backers?
Within 24–48 hours for messages and comments. Fast, friendly answers build trust, and unanswered questions are what turn backers frustrated.
How do I announce a delay without losing backer trust?
Tell backers as soon as you know, and cover five things: the current status, the specific cause, what you're doing about it, a new timeline with a buffer built in, and the next milestone. Then post when that milestone happens.
Can Kickstarter act if I stop posting updates?
Yes. Kickstarter can restrict creators who ignore backers' requests for updates, so keep posting even when there's little to report.
The PledgeBird Page Builder lays out your Kickstarter page the way top campaigns in your category do: headers, reward cards, specs, stretch goals and shipping tables. Free to build.
