How to Pre-Sell Your Course Before You Record a Single Lesson: 8 Steps to Start Selling Your Online Course Before You Build It

Let’s be real—there’s nothing worse than pouring your heart (and hours of your time) into building an online course, only to launch it… and hear crickets.

But what if you could generate real sales before creating a single lesson?

That’s not just a dream—it’s a proven strategy called pre-selling. It allows you to validate your idea, earn income upfront, and create powerful momentum before your course ever goes live.

This is exactly what I’ve done since starting my e-learning business in 2019—and it’s what I now teach every student who joins my world. The first online course and coaching program I pre-sold was called 5-Figure Genius Academy.

I remember the moment I saw that first payment notification. It felt surreal. That someone would buy my course idea—something that existed only in Google Docs and sticky notes—was the moment I realized this was more than possible. It was powerful.

That one sale changed everything. It gave me the clarity, confidence, and proof I needed to move forward—and it set the foundation for every course launch I’ve done since.

Not just for me—but for the students I guided, and the thousands more who’ve built and launched profitable courses since. It’s been one of the most life-changing and fulfilling journeys of my life—and I want that for you too.

You’re here because you have a gift to share. Your course is your vessel. Let’s make sure your message reaches the people who need it—and earns for you before you even press record.

In this blog, I’m giving you 8 clear, doable steps to pre-sell your next course like a pro. Whether you’re building your very first offer or scaling your course business, these steps are designed to help you move fast, build with confidence, and sell with integrity.

🎁Before We Dive In…
Want to map out your online course idea as you read this?
Grab your free copy of The Ultimate Course Creation Planner— it’s the exact tool I use with my clients to clarify their course topic, transformation, and structure before building.

👉Download it here and follow along as we explore how to use AI to streamline the process.

Prefer to watch?
Start with this video: — then come back and dive into the full blog strategy below.

Shannon Martel | October 7, 2025

1. Get Crystal Clear on the Promise of Your Course

Let’s cut through the noise: your course isn’t just about information—it’s about transformation.

Start with the end result. What will your students walk away with? How will their life, business, or mindset be better after taking your course?

Ask yourself:

• What am I helping people achieve?
  
  

• What problem does this solve for them?
  
  

• What makes my approach different?
  
  

You don’t need a perfect pitch—just a clear promise that speaks to the heart of your ideal student.

Need help? The One Hour to Course Clarity Workshop will help you define your course promise, audience, and outline in just 60 minutes. FINALLY Get Course Clarity, Structure & a Pre-Sale Strategy You Can Run With!

2. Create a Pre-Sell Ready Version of Your Course

You don’t need the full course to start selling it. Depending on your audience, you might choose to deliver the content live each week to create urgency and connection, or drip pre-recorded lessons for more flexibility. Both approaches work—just pick the one that best fits your energy and your students' learning style.. You just need the first step and a path forward.

This is what we call your MVP (Minimum Viable Product).

Here’s what to prepare:

• A course outline with 3–5 key modules
  
  

• A clear start date or content delivery plan
  
  

• The first module (recorded or taught live)
  
  

• A simple PDF or checklist to guide early students
  
  

Bonus tip: Let your audience know they’re getting in early. Frame it as exclusive access, VIP pricing, or even a “founding member” experience.

3. Set the Right Price (and Make It a No-Brainer)

Here’s the secret: people are happy to pay for clarity, access, and momentum.

You’re not charging for perfection—you’re offering a fast-track to a desired result.

Ideas to make your pre-sell irresistible:

• Offer a limited-time discount
  
  

• Include a private Q&A call or live feedback session
  
  

• Cap the number of early seats
  
  

• Offer a payment plan, even on lower-cost offers
  
  

Set the price high enough to validate demand—but low enough to encourage early action. For example, if you plan to sell your course at $497 when fully launched, consider offering it for $147–$197 during pre-sell. This helps you attract action-takers while confirming there’s demand for your course topic and approach. I go deeper into pricing strategy in this blog post, including how to choose a model that works for your stage of business and audience.

4. Build Your Pre-Sale Funnel (It Can Be Simple!)

You don’t need a fancy system to launch a successful pre-sale. But you do need a few key elements:

• A landing page with your course promise, outline, timeline, bonuses, and CTA
  
  

• A lead magnet like the Ultimate Course Creation Planner to attract and warm up your audience
  
  

• A 3-part email sequence to convert leads into buyers
  
  

Want my exact system? Watch the How to Pre-Sell with 3 Emails video for templates you can use today.

Don’t want to build the tech yourself? I offer done-for-you services using the all-in-one platform TekMatix, where we create your full sales page, automations, and onboarding so you can focus on teaching.

Need help designing your sales page, opt-in, or lead magnet? Save time and stress with the Course Creators A–Z Bundle—my all-in-one toolkit that includes branding assets, lead magnet templates, sales pages, and more. It’s everything you need to launch beautifully and confidently, without getting stuck in design overwhelm.

5. Start Talking About It (Even If You’re Nervous)

Pre-selling only works if people know about it. And guess what? You don’t need a massive audience to get results.

Start small, but start now. Try these:

• Post on social media: “I’m working on a new course to help you [result]. Want early access?”
  
  

• Email your list (even if it’s tiny): Invite them to join you behind the scenes
  
  

• Go live and share the why behind your course. If you're nervous about going live, start with a simple script like this: “Hey friends! I’m creating a new course because I’ve seen so many people struggle with [insert problem], and I know this can help. I’m looking for a few early students to join me while I build it out, get access to everything first, and shape it with their feedback.” Keep it casual and heartfelt—you’re not selling, you’re inviting.
  
  

• Create 1–2 mini videos answering common questions or objections
  
  

Remember: people buy energy and confidence—not polish. Show up real.

6. Onboard Early Students Like They’re VIPs

Your first students are gold. Treat them like insiders, cheerleaders, and collaborators.

Here’s how:

• Send a warm welcome email that explains exactly what happens next
  
  

• Create a private group or chat thread for accountability and feedback
  
  

• Release Module 1 with clarity and enthusiasm
  
  

Use TekMatix or your course platform to automate what you can—but keep the personal touch.

These students will likely become your best testimonials, affiliates, and future case studies.

7. Gather Feedback & Social Proof As You Go

Don’t wait until the course is over—ask for feedback as soon as possible.

Try questions like:

• What made you say yes to this course?
  
  

• What was your biggest win from Module 1?
  
  

• What would make this even more helpful?
  
  

Use their words to improve your content and your marketing copy.

Bonus: Ask for testimonials while the experience is fresh. Feature them on your sales page to build trust and social proof. Place them near your CTA, use a rotating carousel, or sprinkle them throughout the page so visitors continually see real outcomes and relatable stories from others just like them.

8. Relaunch with Confidence (and Better Conversions)

Now you’ve got:

• A validated course idea
  
  

• Real students with real feedback
  
  

• Social proof you didn’t have before
  
  

You’re ready to:

• Raise your price with confidence
  
  

• Add new bonuses or payment plans
  
  

• Build a full sales funnel and relaunch to your list or audience
  
  

Want to scale this with ease? Inside The Ultimate Course Creator’s Hub, I give you templates, coaching, community, and tech support to build a profitable course business—without burning out.

Let’s Wrap It Up: Your Pre-Sell Playbook

To recap, here’s your step-by-step:

1. Clarify your course promise
   
   

2. Outline your MVP version
   
   

3. Set a compelling pre-sale price
   
   

4. Build your funnel (simple is fine!)
   
   

5. Promote it with heart and transparency
   
   

6. Welcome early students with intention
   
   

7. Collect feedback + social proof
   
   

8. Launch the full course with confidence
   
   

Your Next Best Step

👉 Ready for step-by-step help creating, launching, and selling your course with confidence?

Join me inside The Ultimate Course Creator’s Hub—your all-in-one home for support, strategy, and sustainable growth.

Because here’s the truth: your course isn’t just a product. It’s your legacy. It’s how you help others rise, create impact, and build a life of freedom. Whether you're doing this for yourself, your family, or the clients you’re meant to serve—this is your calling. Your destiny.

If it’s possible for me—and thousands of other course creators, coaches, and entrepreneurs—it is absolutely possible for you too.

#CourseCreatorsHub #OnlineCourseBusiness #DigitalEducation #SellYourCourse

With love and strategy,
Shannon x