Crowdfunding has two primary categories: regulated and non-regulated (governed by commercial contract law). While the requirements governing the content of these two categories differ, successful crowdfunding follows common elements.  These elements or stages are:

1. Pre-launch planning
2. Audience selection
3. Campaign design and development
4. Execution before, during, and after the campaign launch
5. Structure and service of the terms and deliverables

Successful crowdfunding campaigns result from well-developed and executed elements that occur before the campaign goes live.  These elements require an investment of time and money into the planning, research, marketing, platform, and other elements.