Pre-Sell It Before You Build It

“What if I spend all this time building something… and nobody wants it?”

Hey there fellow side hustler,

If you’ve had that thought — you’re not alone. It’s one of the biggest reasons side hustlers stay stuck in the planning phase. We think we need to have it all done before we put it out there.

But here’s the truth:
You don’t need to finish it before you sell it.
You can pre-sell.

In fact, this is advice I’ve heard from my own mentors for years — and it’s turned out to be one of the most powerful ways to start smart instead of stuck. Even better? Writing your sales page before you create the product helps you get clear on what people actually want. It forces focus, simplifies the build, and sets a target.

🛠️ What Is Pre-Selling, Really?

Pre-selling simply means offering something for sale before it’s fully built or delivered. You’re upfront about it being early access, a beta round, or a waitlist — and in exchange, people often get a discount, bonus, or special access.

You can pre-sell:

• A digital product (ebook, mini course, template, guide)

• A service (strategy session, custom design, consulting)

• A group offer (beta cohort, workshop, challenge)

• Even physical products or kits, if delivery timelines are clear

And no — you don’t need a fancy funnel to do it. A Stripe link, Gumroad page, or Notion order form works just fine.

📌 Why Pre-Selling Is a Power Move

• It validates demand before you spend time or money building

• It gets you paid early, which funds development

• It boosts motivation — because now you’re building for someone

• It reveals messaging gaps before it’s too late

Writing the sales copy first can be clarifying. You’ll see right away what resonates, what feels fuzzy, and what you need to explain better — before you’re 20 hours deep in development.

🧩 3 Ways to Pre-Sell Without Feeling Sleazy

1. Be transparent — Let people know it’s in early access or beta, and frame it as an opportunity to shape the product.

2. Limit the offer — Use urgency ethically by offering pre-orders to the first 10–20 people, or only for a limited time.

3. Include a bonus — Whether it’s a discount, free upgrade later, or 1:1 session, sweeten the deal for early supporters.

✅ Try This: Your First Pre-Sell Test

Pick one product, service, or idea you’ve been toying with. Instead of building it, write the offer page first.

• Describe the transformation or result

• List what’s included

• Add an “early interest” or payment button

• Share it with a few trusted people (or publicly if you're ready!)

Even if no one buys right away, the process will sharpen your idea instantly — and you’ll be miles ahead of those still stuck in “what if” mode.

Your idea is valid — but your audience will tell you if it’s valuable. Pre-sell it and find out.

Let them help shape what comes next.

Stay Curious,

Side Hustle Quest
Your guide to low-cost, high-impact side hustle strategies