How to Pre-Sell Your Course (Before You’ve Built a Single Lesson)
You don’t need to spend weeks building slides or recording modules before you can start selling your course.
In fact, waiting until it's all “done” is one of the most common mistakes I see new creators make.
Pre-selling is a way to test your idea, generate income, and build real momentum before you create a single lesson.
It’s also a great way to stop overthinking and start engaging directly with the people you’re here to help.
This is the approach I use with clients who want to get results without burning out or disappearing into perfectionism. If that sounds like you, keep reading.
Step 1: Start by Testing the Idea
Before you start building anything, make sure your course idea is something people are already looking for help with.
You can do this by:
Typing a few words into Google, YouTube, or TikTok and seeing what comes up
Looking at books or podcasts on the topic and reading the reviews
Talking to real people and listening for patterns in their questions or frustrations
If your idea solves a clear, specific problem, you're in a good place to move forward.
If it feels too broad or abstract, take a step back and narrow it down. The clearer the outcome, the easier it is to sell.
Step 2: Get Clear on the Transformation
People don’t buy courses because they want more information. They buy because they want a result.
You don’t need a full curriculum yet. You just need to answer this question:
What will someone be able to do after this course that they can’t do right now?
Try writing it like this:
“By the end of this course, you’ll be able to ____________, even if ____________.”
Here’s an example:
“By the end of this course, you’ll have launched your first paid workshop, even if you’ve never taught online before.”
This is what you’ll lead with when you start talking about the offer.
Step 3: Create a Simple Way for People to Say Yes
You don’t need a fancy funnel to pre-sell your course. You just need a clear way for people to understand what it is, who it’s for, what’s included, and how to sign up.
Here’s what that might look like:
A short landing page or email with your course name, transformation, outline, and price
A simple checkout link using Stripe, PayPal, or your course platform
A calendar link if you want to speak with potential students before they buy
If this is a beta round or first launch, let people know. That often makes the offer feel more intimate and valuable, especially if you’re offering live support.
Step 4: Start Sharing the Offer (Before It’s Done)
Once you’ve validated the idea and created a way for people to sign up, it’s time to start sharing.
This doesn’t need to be loud or pushy. Just talk about what you’re building and why.
You can post about:
The problem your course solves
The kind of person it’s designed for
Why you created it
What people will walk away with
When it starts and how to join
You can also share behind-the-scenes moments or invite people to DM you with questions.
Connection leads to conversion, especially if this is your first time offering something like this.
Step 5: Build the Course One Week at a Time
After the first few people join, you can build the course in real time or stay one week ahead.
This takes the pressure off and allows you to adjust based on what your students need.
Many of my clients feel more focused and creative when they know someone is actually going to use what they’re building.
It creates accountability and momentum, without the endless loop of “Is this even good enough?”
Pre-Selling Is a Smart Start
The truth is, you don’t need to have it all figured out to get started.
You just need to know the transformation you’re offering and be willing to share it.
Pre-selling gives you:
Clarity on what people actually want
Early income that funds your time
The chance to build with your students, not in isolation
If you’ve been sitting on a course idea and waiting for the perfect moment, this is your sign. You don’t have to wait anymore.
Want Help Mapping Out Your Pre-Sale?
This is one of my favorite parts of the course creation process.
If you want support figuring out your offer, writing your sales message, or deciding how to deliver your course, I’m here to help.
Book a free strategy session and let’s get your idea out of your head and into the world.
Your course doesn’t need to be done.
It just needs to start.
