"The Entrepreneur’s Shortcut: Sell It Before You Create It”

Creating a new product or service is exciting—but it can also be risky. What if no one buys? What if it flops after all the time and money you invest?

The smartest entrepreneurs avoid this trap by pre-selling their offer before they build it. Pre-selling not only validates demand but also generates revenue upfront and builds a base of early adopters. Here's how to do it successfully, step-by-step.

1. Identify and Understand Your Target Audience

Every successful pre-sale starts with deep audience insight. If you don't know who you're serving and what they need, your offer won't resonate.

Action Steps:

• Create detailed buyer personas. Include demographics, goals, pain points, and objections.
• Conduct surveys or interviews. Use tools like Google Forms, Typeform, or 1:1 Zoom chats to hear your audience directly.
• Join niche communities. Facebook Groups, Reddit threads, and Discord channels are great for listening in on real conversations.
• Study competitors. What are they offering? What gaps or complaints do their customers express?

2. Develop a Compelling Value Proposition

Your value proposition is the promise that connects your audience's problem to your solution. It should be short, clear, and benefit-driven.

Action Steps:

• Answer: What problem are you solving? Make it tangible.
• Describe the transformation. What will life look like after your audience uses your offer?
• Make it unique. Why is your solution different or better?

3. Create a High-Converting Landing Page

Your landing page is the digital storefront for your pre-sale. It needs to grab attention and drive conversions.

Key Elements:

• Headline that speaks to a pain point. Use emotional language.
• Benefit-rich description. Paint the picture of life after your solution.
• Social proof. Include testimonials, logos, waitlist numbers, or beta tester feedback.
• Call-to-action. Whether it's "Join the Waitlist," "Pre-order Now," or "Reserve Your Spot."

4. Build Anticipation Through Marketing

Get your audience excited and talking before you launch. This builds momentum and demand.

Strategies:

• Tease the offer. Share sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes updates.
• Leverage email marketing. Build a pre-launch list and nurture it with value.
• Use countdowns and scarcity. Limited access or bonus deadlines create urgency.
• Collaborate with influencers. Tap into aligned audiences who trust the messenger.

5. Engage with Your Audience

Engagement builds trust, answers objections, and deepens connection.

Methods:

• Live Q&As and webinars. Address doubts and showcase your expertise.
• Respond to DMs and comments. Show you’re accessible and real.
• Use polls and interactive content. Let your audience co-create the offer.

6. Offer Pre-Sale Incentives

People love a deal—especially if they're early adopters. Reward them for being first.

Ideas:

• Early-bird pricing. Discounted access for the first 50-100 buyers.
• Exclusive bonuses. Private coaching, templates, or behind-the-scenes access.
• Founding member recognition. Public shout-outs or lifetime perks.

7. Collect Feedback and Iterate

Your early buyers are also your test audience. Use their input to improve.

Approach:

• Send surveys. Ask about clarity, value, and expectations.
• Host debrief calls. Pick brains live for richer insights.
• Track behavior. Are they opening emails? Completing modules? Asking questions?

8. Prepare for a Successful Launch

Once you’ve validated the offer, it’s time to build and deliver.

Checklist:

• Finalize the product. Polish it based on real feedback.
• Streamline fulfillment. Set up systems for onboarding, delivery, and support.
• Plan your launch campaign. Use testimonials, case studies, and urgency to fuel conversions.

Pre-selling is the ultimate way to reduce risk and increase revenue before your offer is even built. By validating your idea with real buyers, you ensure you're creating something the market truly wants.

Key Takeaway: Pre-sell smart. Engage early. Build only what sells.

Next Step: Choose one audience to interview this week. You might be one conversation away from a sold-out launch.

🚀 Ready to Take Your Business to the Next Level?

Book your FREE 45-minute Business Coaching Call with Joseph McCormick—a former corporate executive turned entrepreneur who’s helped companies scale to 7-figures and beyond. Whether you’re looking to grow, automate, or build a magnetic brand that sells—Joseph can help you!

👉 Use the Calendar link below to reserve your spot and get personalized strategies to unlock your next level of growth.

Joseph’s Calendar Link: https://calendly.com/joe-mccormick-360/zoom-meeting-w-joseph-mccormick