Hey there, startup founders! 👋

So, you've been burning the midnight oil, tweaking your product, testing prototypes, maybe even arguing with your co-founder about whether your logo should be more 'bold red' or 'passionate crimson.' But here’s the real question: Why wait to make money until the big launch when you can start raking it in now? That’s where pre-sales come in. Yep, that's right! Imagine getting paid before your product is even live. Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it?

Well, buckle up, because today I’m going to share some surefire strategies to help you secure pre-sales before your product launch. Spoiler alert: it’s easier than trying to explain NFTs to your grandma!

1. The Early Bird Gets the Worm (and Your Product) 🐦

Offering exclusive deals or early-bird pricing is one of the oldest tricks in the startup playbook — and guess what? It works like a charm. Here’s why: People love feeling special. Give them a reason to buy early, and they’ll line up faster than folks waiting for the next iPhone release.

Strategy in Action:Think of it as a party. When you’re throwing a bash, you want your coolest friends to show up first, right? So, you offer them VIP access, complete with a fancy wristband and maybe even some free hors d'oeuvres. Your early-bird customers are just like those friends. They get the best price, exclusive perks, and bragging rights that they were there before everyone else. Plus, nothing says “exclusive” like a countdown timer ticking away on your website.

Pro Tip: Create a limited-time offer with early-bird pricing to create a sense of urgency. Use phrases like “Only 50 spots available!” or “24 hours left to get 30% off!” — trust me, FOMO (fear of missing out) is real!

2. Build Hype Like a Hollywood Blockbuster 🎬

What do Marvel movies and your startup have in common? (No, it's not the billion-dollar budget… yet.) It’s the hype! Before the latest superhero flick even hits theaters, they’ve already made millions in ticket sales thanks to teasers, trailers, and a well-oiled marketing machine.

How to Do It:Start a drip campaign on your social media channels, email lists, and yes, even WhatsApp (because no one escapes those family groups). Tease your audience with sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes content, and testimonials from your beta testers. Your goal is to make people so curious that they can’t wait to throw their credit card at you.

Analogy Time: Imagine your product is like a pot of popcorn. The kernels (aka your customers) are just sitting there. But once the heat (your marketing) is applied, they start popping like crazy! 🎉

3. Leverage the Power of Limited Edition 🌟

There’s something magical about the words “limited edition.” It’s why people camp outside stores for limited sneaker drops or those Pumpkin Spice Lattes. When people think they’re getting something rare, they’re willing to pay up — and fast.

Strategy in Action:Offer a special version of your product that’s only available for pre-sale customers. It could be an exclusive feature, a special color, or even just a cool badge that says, “I was here first.” You’d be amazed at how much people love showing off their early adopter status.

4. Use Social Proof Like a Pro 📢

You’ve probably heard the saying, “If your friend jumped off a bridge, would you?” Well, the modern version is, “If your friend pre-ordered this product, would you?” And the answer is usually yes!

How to Nail It:Gather testimonials, create case studies, or showcase user-generated content from your beta testers. When potential customers see that others have taken the plunge (and survived), they’re more likely to follow suit.

Pro Tip: Feature reviews and testimonials prominently on your landing page. Make it so compelling that people will think, “If Steve from accounting thinks this product is the best thing since sliced bread, who am I to disagree?”

5. Bundle Up for Maximum Impact 🎁

Another great way to secure pre-sales is to offer bundles. It’s like those infomercials — “But wait, there’s more!” — and suddenly, you're buying two vacuum cleaners for the price of one.

Example:If you’re launching a skincare product, why not bundle it with a free mini lotion or a “How to Use” guide that turns your product into an experience? The perceived value skyrockets, and customers feel like they’re getting a steal.

Alright, fellow founders, it’s time to put these strategies into action. Remember, pre-sales aren’t just about making money early (though that’s a sweet bonus). They’re also a way to validate your product, build a loyal customer base, and gain insights into what your audience really wants.

Before I go, I’ve got something special for you: 🎉

Free Course Alert 🚀

Join my FREE course filled with webinars, 1:1 consultations, community support, and workshops designed to take your startup from zero to hero. Spots are limited, so don’t miss out!

👉 Sign Up Now

P.S.: If you’re still wondering whether pre-sales are for you, remember this — if Blockbuster had thought about pre-sales, maybe they’d still be around today. 💥

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit manojthomas.substack.com