It’s the end of the long Easter holiday weekend here in the UK and I hope yours has been great whether you celebrate Easter or not.
There are lambs in the fields all around me, daffodils and tulips are springing up everywhere…
So I decided that, at this time of creation, my Easter gift to you would be even better than a chocolate egg…
Yep, you get a whole, invaluable newsletter tutorial that, if you put it into action will more than cover a ton of chocolate and then some.
If you’ve ever spent days (or weeks) creating something – only to hear crickets when you launch – you’re not alone…
We’ve all been there.
But what if I told you there’s a smarter way to build your next product?
One where you get paid first and then create exactly what your audience wants…
Today I’m showing you how to pre-sell your next ebook, course, or digital offer in a way that’s easy, authentic, and pressure-free.
You don’t need a huge list or a tech degree – just a clear idea, a simple message, and the right tools.
Let’s begin…
Step 1: Validate the Idea (Before You Create Anything)
Start with something small and powerful:
- A solution to a problem your audience talks about often
- A shortcut, strategy, or template you already use
- A topic people are already asking you about
Then validate that there’s real interest.
Try this:
- Post a teaser on Facebook or your email list and ask:
“If I created a quick guide that helps you [insert benefit], would you want it?”
Use a free poll or form to gauge interest and collect emails.
Free tools for validation include:
- Tally.so – Free, beautiful form builder to collect responses
- Typeform – Great for more visual surveys
- Answer the Public – See what people are searching for
Want some more help with that?
Watch this on validating your product idea:
Step 2: Create a “Pre-Sell” Page or Simple Order Form
You don’t need a full sales funnel. You just need:
- A clear promise (what it will do for them)
- What’s included (or will be)
- A pre-order price or early bird access
- A clear delivery date
Easy tools to create your pre-sell page:
- Payhip – Free storefront, allows pre-orders for digital products
- Gumroad – Free account, takes care of payments + emails
- Kit Commerce – If you’re already using Kit, use this to sell digital products directly
You can also just use a simple Google Doc with a Stripe link and email follow-up. No tech drama needed.
Step 3: Email (or DM) Your People
Here’s the magic trick:
Don’t just post once and wait. Personally invite your subscribers or followers to pre-order or sign up.
What to say? Something like this:
“I’m putting together a resource to help you [achieve X faster/with less stress]. I haven’t made it yet – I want to build it with you so it’s exactly what you need. If you’re interested, grab early access here.”
This builds trust, curiosity, and genuine excitement.
Plus people LOVE being part of something before it’s public.
Need some inspiration?
Take a look at these:
https://www.convertcart.com/blog/product-launch-email
https://www.podia.com/articles/product-launch-email-templates
Step 4: Build Only What’s Bought (Start Small)
Once people buy, deliver just enough to fulfil the promise. You don’t need a 20-module course or a 200-page ebook.
Ideas for easy MVP (minimum viable product):
- A 10-page PDF guide
- A private workshop or Q&A call
- A 3-email mini-course
- A template bundle with short explainer video
Watch this on how to build an MVP:
And read this on how to use AI to help you do it faster:
https://www.softkraft.co/building-mvp
Recap: Your Pre-Sell Checklist
Here’s your quick “build it after they buy it” flow:
- Pick a topic your people ask about
- Validate interest with a post or form
- Create a simple pre-order page (Payhip, Gumroad, ConvertKit Commerce)
- Send an email or post inviting early adopters
- Deliver the MVP based on what they paid for
Optional: Use the feedback from early buyers to shape a bigger version later!
This strategy doesn’t just save you time.
It builds momentum, confidence, and cash flow before you even open a blank doc.
The best part?
You get paid to create the exact thing your audience wants.
No more guessing. No more wasted weekends. Just smart, aligned, profitable creation.
Your TED talk this week is especially for you if you think you simply have no ideas or can’t create anything…Julie Burstein with Four Lessons In Creativity:
