If you’re anything like me, you’ve poured your heart into your creative business—every design, every product, every post is a piece of you. But when it comes to turning that passion into actual profit, it can feel like you’re spinning your wheels, stuck in the same spot no matter how hard you work. I’ve been there. I remember feeling that mixture of excitement and fear, launching my first digital product way back in 2009, wondering if all my efforts would ever pay off.
With the launch of my first blog and website, I spent sleepless nights, 24/7 for four months filled with passion, no previous failures under my belt, caffeine and bananas, and an almost delusional sense of confidence and belief in the universe that everything was going to work out. I spent months googling how to build a website, taking notes on how to use photoshop to create an ebook, and I was filled with (uh-hum — a little naïve) passion to create a digital global empire.
I had a plan, and a dream, and I was so sure my business was going to work.
I hit launch on my website, and waited for the sales for my $20 fitness ebook to come flooding in. You would have laughed at my surprise that I launched to absolute crickets.
With the launch of my first blog and website, I spent sleepless nights, 24/7 for four months filled with passion, no previous failures under my belt, caffeine and bananas, and an almost delusional sense of confidence and belief in the universe that everything was going to work out. I spent months googling how to build a website, taking notes on how to use photoshop to create an ebook, and I was filled with (uh-hum — a little naïve) passion to create a digital global empire.
I had a plan, and a dream, and I was so sure my business was going to work.
I hit launch on my website, and waited for the sales for my $20 fitness ebook to come flooding in. You would have laughed at my surprise that I launched to absolute crickets.
FACT: you can still find that same ebook I wrote way back 15 years ago in some shady, dusty corners of the internet. To this day, that ebook has made a grand total of $132.50.
However, that first $100 was the most critical and life-shaping one.
Fast forward to 2016, some learning and a new business, I remember the total feeling of exhiliration when I hit launch on a new digital program, and my phone started pinging away with new sales. Everything changed for me when I discovered a simple strategy that helped me make my first $100 online in just 24 hours, and then another $100, then another. These were small wins, but it meant the world to me—and I know it will for you too. Today, I want to share that process with you, in the hopes that it helps you take that first step towards the success you’ve been dreaming of.
It took me over ten years to master the art of digital products, and it's so important to know — if you can make ONE sale, you can make more!
The lesson in this? Setting micro goals helps create momentum. They can help you to keep expectations in check, and provide small and regular doses of motivation and a sense of accomplishment that add up over time to big, bold goals.
Making your first sale online can feel like a massive guessing game with no clear path. It can be frustrating, disheartening, and sometimes it feels like everyone else has it figured out except you. As creative business owners, our work is so personal — it’s not just about selling a product, it’s about sharing a piece of ourselves. And when that doesn’t connect with people, it’s easy to start doubting everything. I’ve felt that doubt, too. But I want you to know that there’s a way through it, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. The strategies I’m going to share with you helped me make my first $100 in just one day, and it can help you do the same. Because the truth is, you’re closer to success than you think.
1 | Identifying the Problem: Solve a hyper-specific problem
Focusing on solving a hyper-specific problem is a powerful strategy if you're looking to make consistent sales and build a loyal customer base. When you target a precise issue that your audience is struggling with, you position your product or service as the go-to solution for that particular need. This not only makes your offering more relevant but also creates a deeper connection with your audience, as they see that you truly understand their pain points. By narrowing your focus, you eliminate the noise of trying to appeal to everyone and instead become a specialist in your niche. This specialisation allows you to craft tailored marketing messages, develop more effective solutions, and ultimately stand out in a crowded market. Customers are more likely to trust and invest in a business that addresses their specific challenges with expertise and precision, leading to higher conversion rates and more meaningful customer relationships.
2 | Test various high-value lead magnets
To date, I have had 2000+ downloads of my free lead magnet. However, it took multiple tries and testing to land on this one magnet that my audience actually wanted. Following on from point number one, what is something you provide that solves a hyper-specific problem?
A few different lead magnets you can provide include:
A few different lead magnets you can provide include:
- A step by step guide to reach a specific goal
- A workbook or playbook that provides reflective questions to help someone create a transformation in order to achieve something
- A blueprint that helps to solve a problem
- A template that helps to save TIME or MONEY
HOT TIP: If you can articulate the problem your audience has in a way that deeply resonates with your ideal customer, they are going to ASSUME you have the solution to that. Focus on expressing the problem faced by them over perfecting the solution.
3 | Craft your ONE irresistible offer
When you're just starting out, it can be natural to want to offer a wide range of products, because your mindset might be — "more products, more diversity = more sales and reach, right?!" WRONG. More offers can actually overwhelm your customer and become diluted, deterring your customer from actually making a purchase. If you're a creative entrepreneur, you may also be prone to shiny object syndrome and wanting to offer more products because, well it's FUN creating products!
Start with ONE offer or ONE product to ONE specific audience. Over time, refine this offer. Million dollar businesses have been built using this approach.
Start with ONE offer or ONE product to ONE specific audience. Over time, refine this offer. Million dollar businesses have been built using this approach.
4 | Discover your unique point of curiosity
People don't buy if they're not curious. They also won't buy if this question hasn't been answered in their minds — "What is it I'm buying that is different to anything else I've tried before?". Create a sense of curiosity around your product or leave some questions slightly unanswered in your solutions. Explain in your sales copy what it is that is UNIQUE to you — is it your signature framework? Is it a process? A particular ingredient in your soufflé? Identify those points and clearly express why you're different.
5 | Charge LESS than you think
This may be controversial, and goes against the addage of "charge what you're worth", or "choose your desired hourly rate" etc. Many entrepreneurs that are only just starting out, don't yet have the credibility to charge high prices. When you are looking to make those first few sales, charge a smaller price point (but one that still feels comfortable for you).
You want to make the buying process as frictionless as possible in those early stages. Think of it this way; the smaller price point is the price for building your portfolio, testimonials, momentum and first raving customers.
Secondly, an important part of pricing is ensuring you're slowly building trust with incremental price increases in products. For example, to go from a cold-interested customer to paying for a $2,000+ product or service, is unlikely. Start with a free product, then a small 'risk-free' purchase (approximately $7-50), before leading into higher price points.
You want to make the buying process as frictionless as possible in those early stages. Think of it this way; the smaller price point is the price for building your portfolio, testimonials, momentum and first raving customers.
Secondly, an important part of pricing is ensuring you're slowly building trust with incremental price increases in products. For example, to go from a cold-interested customer to paying for a $2,000+ product or service, is unlikely. Start with a free product, then a small 'risk-free' purchase (approximately $7-50), before leading into higher price points.
Making your first $100 online is more than just a financial milestone—it’s a moment of validation, a sign that you’re on the right path. I know how much this means, especially when you’re just starting out. The steps I’ve shared today are ones you can take right now, wherever you are in your journey. And remember, this is just the beginning. With each sale, you’ll gain more confidence, learn more about what works, and get closer to building the creative business you’ve always dreamed of. So take that first step, trust in your abilities, and know that success is within your reach. You’ve got this.
