How to promote your paid offer without feeling like a pushy salesperson (5 steps)
Write For Revenue #5
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I remember the first time I ever got on a call with someone about my business offer.
It was back at the start of 2020. I’d just launched my solo marketing business (great timing, right?) and I was trying to connect with a few potential partners.
I called up a local business, got chatting to the owner, and when it came time to pitch my partnership proposal, I was… pretty underwhelming, to say the least.
I think I actually finished it off by saying something like, “So… umm… are you, like, interested?”
Oh, the cringe.
(He was not interested, and I don’t blame him)
Fortunately, I’ve learned a lot since then. I know how to effectively reach out to potential business partners. I know how to sell my offer.
I’ve even been able to apply the same principles I’ve picked up in marketing to my writing-based business here on Substack.
That didn’t happen overnight, though.
The real struggle for writers
Most writers aren’t born salespeople (myself included).
We’d rather share an idea than pitch an offer. And yet, making money from our work means showing people how to buy it.
If you’ve ever worried about sounding pushy or “too salesy,” you’re not alone. I used to hate promoting myself (it’s different from promoting a business offer). I’m a natural introvert, so I’d be physically shattered after a phonecall with a potential partner.
But the good news is, you don’t have to sell like a marketer when it comes to your writing. You can guide people naturally towards what you’re offering, and they’ll even thank you for it later.
A gentle journey, not a hard sell
Think of your subscribers as guests visiting your office.
Some are casual visitors. Some become regulars, popping by as often as they can. Eventually, a few pull you aside and say, “How can I pay for more time with you?”
Your job isn’t to twist arms - it’s to make that next step clear and easy.
Let’s break down how to do that in 5 simple steps.
This post is part of my ‘Write For Revenue’ series for paid subscribers. Upgrade now to read every new and previous instalment. 👇