Pros And Cons Of Pre Selling Your Membership

Summary

Whether you are starting out, or seasoned in the membership selling process, having guidance on how to sell like a professional is greatly valuable. In this post, Jonathan calls out the Pros and Cons of selling memberships and how to execute as a professional. 

 

Pre-sell Your Online Course: Boost Sales with Strategic Presales and Marketing Tactics

Pre-selling an online course is a strategy that can offer various advantages for course creators. By gauging interest and generating revenue before a full launch, creators can validate their ideas and gather early feedback. Pre-selling can help determine if there is demand for the course content before investing significant time and resources into its creation.

Despite the benefits, pre-selling is not without challenges. It requires a carefully crafted marketing strategy and clear communication with potential buyers about course launch dates and content availability. Creators must be prepared to address uncertainties and manage expectations effectively.

At its core, pre-selling is about building a connection with an audience and understanding their needs. Leveraging tools like email campaigns, webinars, and social media can enhance this strategy. When executed well, these efforts can result in a successful course launch with engaged and ready participants.

Key Takeaways

• Pre-selling validates and funds course ideas.
• Clear marketing and communication are crucial.
• Effective engagement builds a supportive audience.

What Does Pre-Selling Digital Products Mean?

Pre-selling digital products means offering a product for sale before you entirely create it. This strategy allows creators to gauge interest and collect funds in advance. It’s common in online courses, e-books, or memberships.

Benefits of Pre-Selling:

1. Market Validation: Validate if there’s demand.
2. Early Revenue: Generate funds before completing the product.
3. Customer Feedback: Receive feedback to shape the final product.

Creators can use various platforms to pre-sell, such as membership sites, landing pages, or email campaigns.

Common Tactics:

• Early Bird Discounts: Offer lower prices for early buyers.
• Exclusive Access: Provide unique content or bonuses.
• Clear Timelines: Communicate launch and completion dates.

Pre-selling can be a powerful tool, but it requires transparency. Customers must understand they are buying a product in development.

Engaging with potential buyers through clear communication channels, such as newsletters or webinars, can help maintain interest and trust. Pre-selling often involves building a relationship with the audience, ensuring they feel confident about the purchase. This method also allows for better preparation and resource allocation for the creator, ultimately aiming for a successful launch.

Pros

Pre-selling an online course offers several advantages. It helps raise necessary funds, measures interest levels, encourages action, and ensures that course content meets student needs. This approach also aids in building an email list, which is crucial for marketing efforts.

The Importance Of Raising Capital

Raising funds is essential for anyone wanting to create an online course. Pre-selling can help gather the money needed before developing the course fully. This means less financial risk since resources are secured upfront.

 

Developers can use these funds for various expenses, such as marketing or improving course quality. This financial cushion makes it easier to focus on creating valuable content. Funding before launching also reduces stress and allows for better business decisions.

The Power Of Validating General Interest

Pre-selling allows creators to gauge interest in their course topic. This is like testing the waters before diving in. Knowing what people are interested in ensures that the course will have an eager audience.

Creators can adjust their plans based on this feedback. Low interest might suggest a need to refine the course idea. Positive responses can boost confidence and clarify marketing strategies. Validating interest reduces the chances of investing time and resources into something unappealing.

It Motivates You Into Real Action

Taking steps towards pre-selling motivates creators to be more proactive. It turns ideas into tangible actions. Setting deadlines and goals becomes necessary when customers are already committed.

This action-driven approach helps maintain focus. It’s easier to prioritize tasks when there’s a clear path forward. Completing small milestones can be gratifying and fuel momentum. Motivation from pre-selling encourages sustained progress and determination to succeed.

It Makes The Whole Process Truly Real

Pre-selling makes the course development process feel more concrete. Having paying customers creates a real sense of responsibility. It moves the project from a conceptual phase to an active commitment.

This reality checks keeps creators engaged and focused. Knowing that real people are waiting for the course adds urgency and importance. It transforms abstract plans into tangible timelines and actions. This grounding effect can improve both the content and delivery of the course.

You Won’t Waste Time On Course Content That Doesn’t Benefit Your Students

Through pre-selling, creators receive direct feedback on what potential students want. This prevents unnecessary work on content that lacks value or interest.

Creators can refine their material to match the needs and interests of their audience. This ensures that every aspect of the course is relevant and valuable. Time and resources are optimized by focusing only on content that benefits students.

It Helps You Develop An Email List

Building an email list is crucial in pre-selling. It is an effective way to connect with interested individuals. This list is a valuable tool for future promotions and updates.

Email campaigns can nurture relationships with potential students. It keeps them informed and engaged throughout the course creation process. A well-curated list boosts marketing efforts, ensuring the course reaches the right audience. Email lists improve communication and build trust with future customers.

Cons

Pre-selling an online course can bring a lot of challenges. It may lead to stress from time pressure and could result in poor course validation if not executed properly.

It Produces A Load Of Pressure

Pre-selling often creates significant stress. Course creators are pressured to deliver content by a set deadline. This pressure can affect the course quality, as creators might rush through the development process. With pre-selling, customers expect a finished product in a limited time. If unexpected challenges arise, it can lead to disappointment and potential damage to reputation.

Handling multiple tasks simultaneously, such as marketing and course creation, may overwhelm individuals. This multitasking can lead to burnout if not managed carefully. Balancing these tasks requires careful planning and prioritizing to avoid compromising course quality.

Poor Course Validation Outcome

Pre-selling a course might not provide accurate feedback on potential success. Sometimes, pre-sale results may not accurately determine interest. A small sample size or lackluster marketing could lead to misguided conclusions about the course’s demand.

Over-reliance on pre-sale results can be problematic. The negative feedback might not reflect the course’s true potential, especially if marketing efforts were weak. Creators might misinterpret early results, potentially discouraging them from developing a promising course idea. Ensuring effective marketing strategies during pre-sale helps in gaining meaningful insights.

Suggestions For Successfully Pre-Selling A Product

Pre-selling a product is a strategic way to gauge interest and secure funding before the product is fully developed. This process involves identifying the key benefits, crafting an engaging landing page, and leveraging testimonials, among other tools.

Identify The Course’s Unique Benefits And Outcomes

Understanding the distinct advantages and potential results of taking your course is crucial. Clearly outline what your course offers that others do not. Communicate how it solves a problem or meets a need for your audience.

List specific skills or knowledge they will acquire. A well-defined course outcome helps attract the right students eager to achieve those goals. This also boosts the trust potential customers have in you.

Develop A Powerful Landing Page For Your Course

A strong landing page captures visitors’ interest quickly. Begin with a catchy headline and concise description. Visually appealing design and easy navigation enhance user experience.

Include essential elements like course benefits, pricing details, and a call to action (CTA). Using bullet points to highlight vital information can be practical. Ensure all content on this page supports and corresponds with the promised value.

Be Honest, If You Were A Student, Would You Buy Your Course

Critically evaluate your course from a student’s perspective. Analyze its strengths and potential weaknesses. Consider if the value it offers is worth the price.

Ask for feedback from peers or mentors who can offer honest advice. This thoughtful approach uncovers areas for improvement and boosts the course’s appeal to prospective students.

Have You Got A Compelling Call For Action?

A compelling call to action drives users to take the next step. It should be clear, visible, and persuasive. Use action-oriented words like “Enroll Now” or “Get Started.”

Limit it to one or two powerful CTAs per page to avoid overwhelming potential customers. The goal is to guide them smoothly through the purchasing process without confusion or hesitation.

Have You Got A Couple Of Powerful Testimonials

Testimonials provide social proof, showcasing real experiences from past students. Select reviews that highlight specific outcomes or benefits. Place them strategically on your landing page to reinforce trust.

Video testimonials can be particularly impactful. They offer a personal touch and authenticity, helping potential students envision their success with your course.

Create A Powerful Lead Magnet

A lead magnet entices potential customers, offering them value upfront. It could be a free e-book, webinar, or checklist related to your course.

Ensure it aligns with the course content, demonstrating your expertise and the course’s relevance. This helps build an email list and nurture leads until they’re ready to purchase.

Have Tremendous And Powerful Evergreen Website Content

Evergreen content is permanently relevant and continues to attract traffic over time. Create blog posts or videos offering lasting value. These should cover topics related to your course niche.

Maintain SEO best practices to enhance visibility. By establishing your website as a knowledge hub, visitors are more likely to trust and buy your courses.

Promote Using YouTube And SEO

YouTube is a powerful platform for showcasing your expertise. Create engaging, informative videos linked to your course topics. Optimize these with SEO strategies by using relevant keywords.

Add links back to your landing page in descriptions. This can increase traffic, leading more potential customers to explore your offer.

Have A Real Social Media Strategy

A structured social media plan can amplify your course’s reach. Identify platforms where your audience is most active. Share content relevant to their interests, creating engaging posts and stories.

Consistent interactions and discussions build community. Use analytics to track performance and adjust your strategy, ensuring continued growth and engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a presale, and how does it work?

A: A presale is a marketing strategy where you sell your membership or course before it officially launches. It works to raise funds and gauge interest by allowing early subscribers to join at a lower price.

Q: What are the pros of pre-selling your membership?

A: The pros include validating your idea, securing initial revenue, building an audience, and creating buzz. It allows you to understand if there’s demand for your product before fully launching.

Q: Are there any cons to consider when preselling?

A: Yes, cons include the risk of a low subscriber count, the pressure to deliver on promises, and potential negative feedback if the product doesn’t meet expectations. It’s essential to weigh these factors before launching a presale campaign.

Q: How can I create an effective presale campaign?

A: To create an effective presale campaign, you should define your target audience, create a compelling sales page, offer incentives for early subscribers, and utilize social media and email marketing to promote your presale.

Q: What should I include in my pre-launch email?

A: Your pre-launch email should include a brief overview of your course, details about the presale offer, and a call to action encouraging prospects to subscribe early. Highlight the benefits and any limited-time bonuses.

Q: How does a presale help with course sales?

A: A presale helps with course sales by allowing early subscribers to commit before the course exists. This helps build a community, provides feedback to improve the course, and generates funds that can be reinvested into marketing efforts.

Q: Can I increase the price after a presale?

A: Yes, you can increase the price after a presale, especially if you offer an early bird discount. Once the presale ends, it’s common to raise the price for new subscribers to reflect the value of the course.

Q: What is a seed launch to preselling?

A: A seed launch is a specific type of presale where you test the market by selling your course or membership at an early stage. This method allows you to gather feedback and adjust before a full launch.

Q: How can I use social media to promote my presale?

A: You can use platforms like Instagram stories to share sneak peeks, testimonials, and countdowns to your presale. Engaging with your audience and creating excitement will help drive more subscribers to your campaign.

Q: What if my membership doesn’t exist yet?

A: If your membership doesn’t exist, you can still presell by clearly communicating your vision and what subscribers can expect. Offering a money-back guarantee can also help alleviate concerns and encourage sign-ups.

Final Thoughts

Pre-selling an online course is valuable for validating interest and securing early sales. By offering the course before it’s fully developed, creators can gauge demand and adjust content accordingly. This approach helps strategize the course structure and refine marketing tactics based on initial feedback.

Advantages of pre-selling include:

• Immediate feedback from early adopters
• Improved course content and accuracy
• Early cash flow to fund development

Potential Challenges can arise:

• Pressure to meet deadlines
• Need for vital communication with buyers
• Possible need for refunds if expectations aren’t met

For a successful pre-sale, building trust with potential customers is crucial. Sharing testimonials, showcasing expertise, and maintaining transparency about the course can encourage sign-ups. Providing detailed course outlines and engaging content helps maintain interest.

Creators should leverage various platforms like social media, email campaigns, and webinars to reach a wider audience. Utilizing these tools effectively can drive more interest and sales.

Launching a pre-sale can offer insights into market demand and customer preferences. With careful planning and execution, pre-selling can lead to the successful launch of a well-crafted online course.