# How to pre-sell online courses Published on 2025-01-20 · Updated on 2026-09-10 · 3 minutes to read Master the art of pre-selling your online course before creation. Learn proven strategies to validate your idea, secure early sales, and build momentum while minimizing risk. In the world of online education, pre-selling has become an essential strategy for entrepreneurs looking to minimize risks and maximize their chances of success. This innovative approach disrupts traditional digital product launch codes. Let's discover together how to master this technique to succeed in your online course project. ![__wf_reserved_inherit](https://schoolmaker.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTEwNiwicHVyIjoiYmxvYl9pZCJ9fQ==--6c960f19fea0fb1b6bda57f94439b00a96618858/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJ3ZWJwIiwicmVzaXplX3RvX2xpbWl0IjpbMTAyNCw3NjhdLCJzYXZlciI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo4MCwic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--1f06f6bf089d87795d52fa32db1316ab92c3a7c6/SchoolMaker-Ad-1-.png) SchoolMaker-Ad-1-.png 51 KB ## What is a Pre-Sell Strategy? ### Concept Definition A pre-sell strategy involves selling a course before creating it. While this approach might seem counterintuitive, it offers numerous advantages for both the entrepreneur and future students. The goal is to validate market interest before investing time and resources in content creation. ### Differences from Traditional Launch ![__wf_reserved_inherit](https://schoolmaker.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTEyNCwicHVyIjoiYmxvYl9pZCJ9fQ==--1192466de0e98f16fc30f49035c660dfadf0678c/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJ3ZWJwIiwicmVzaXplX3RvX2xpbWl0IjpbMTAyNCw3NjhdLCJzYXZlciI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo4MCwic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--1f06f6bf089d87795d52fa32db1316ab92c3a7c6/Traditionnal-20launch.png) Traditionnal-20launch.png 86.8 KB In a traditional launch, creators typically follow this process: 1. Product creation (often several months of work) 2. Launch 3. Customer acquisition 4. Potential adjustments ![__wf_reserved_inherit](https://schoolmaker.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTEyNSwicHVyIjoiYmxvYl9pZCJ9fQ==--633fca950f0fb87979b774812fd2295b2435aa93/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJ3ZWJwIiwicmVzaXplX3RvX2xpbWl0IjpbMTAyNCw3NjhdLCJzYXZlciI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo4MCwic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--1f06f6bf089d87795d52fa32db1316ab92c3a7c6/Pre-20sell-20approach.png) Pre-20sell-20approach.png 86.8 KB The pre-sell approach offers a different sequence: 1. Audience building 2. Pre-sale 3. Creation of tailored content 4. Progressive delivery ## Benefits of Pre-Selling ### Market Validation One of the main advantages of pre-selling is immediate market validation of your concept. Instead of spending months creating a course that might not find its audience, you get direct confirmation of potential customers' interest. ### Time and Resource Savings By avoiding creating a complete course before ensuring audience interest, you save valuable time and considerable resources. This approach allows you to focus your efforts on what really matters: meeting your customers' actual needs. ### Creating a Customer-Centric Course Pre-selling enables you to co-create your course with your first customers. Their real-time feedback and questions allow you to adjust the content to perfectly align with their expectations and needs. ## Key Steps for Successful Pre-Selling ### Building a Qualified Audience To succeed with pre-selling, it's recommended to: - Build an email list of at least 1,000 subscribers - Develop an engaged community (about 5,000 YouTube subscribers for 1,000 emails) - Create regular valuable content ### Creating an Attractive Pre-Sale Offer Your pre-sale offer should include: - Preferential pricing (e.g., 40% discount) - Exclusive personal coaching - The opportunity to influence course content - A clear money-back guarantee ### Structuring Your Course Plan Before starting the pre-sale, prepare: - A detailed module plan - The complete first module - A realistic delivery schedule - A clear progression structure If you want to pre-sell an online course, [SchoolMaker](/?utm_campaign=blog&utm_medium=article&utm_source=website) will allow you to unlock each section of your course as you go along. In addition, you can create several bundles that include access to: - Courses - Community - Coaching - Lives - Videos Q&A. Your bundles are fully customizable. A duration of access can be defined for each content (lifetime, limited-time, subscription). ![__wf_reserved_inherit](https://schoolmaker.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTEwNiwicHVyIjoiYmxvYl9pZCJ9fQ==--6c960f19fea0fb1b6bda57f94439b00a96618858/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJ3ZWJwIiwicmVzaXplX3RvX2xpbWl0IjpbMTAyNCw3NjhdLCJzYXZlciI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo4MCwic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--1f06f6bf089d87795d52fa32db1316ab92c3a7c6/SchoolMaker-Ad-1-.png) SchoolMaker-Ad-1-.png 51 KB ## Marketing Strategies for Pre-Sales ### Specific Sales Arguments Key arguments to convince your prospects: - Preferential pricing for early birds - Exclusive personal coaching - Direct impact on course development - Community support - Privileged access to the creator ### Managing Urgency and Scarcity Urgency is particularly effective in pre-sales because: - The discount is time-limited - Personal coaching is only available to early subscribers - The course might never launch without a minimum number of enrollments ## Content Creation and Delivery ### Module Organization and Planning For effective delivery: - Plan one module per week - Create content progressively - Adjust content quantity rather than postpone deadlines - Use a suitable online learning platform ### Managing Customer Feedback Implement a system to: - Collect feedback after each module - Organize Q&A sessions - Adjust content based on needs - Create supplementary lessons if necessary ## Managing Ethical and Practical Aspects ### Transparent Communication Be clear about: - The product's pre-sale status - Creation and delivery schedule - Refund conditions - Exclusive benefits for early subscribers ### Refund Policy Establish a clear policy: - Refund conditions - Compensation in case of cancellation - Minimum commitment required - Alternatives offered if the project fails ## Conclusion Pre-selling represents a modern and effective approach to creating and marketing an online course. This method not only minimizes risks but also helps create a product perfectly adapted to your audience's needs. By following the steps and advice detailed in this article, you significantly increase your chances of success in the competitive world of online education. ![__wf_reserved_inherit](https://schoolmaker.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTEwNiwicHVyIjoiYmxvYl9pZCJ9fQ==--6c960f19fea0fb1b6bda57f94439b00a96618858/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJ3ZWJwIiwicmVzaXplX3RvX2xpbWl0IjpbMTAyNCw3NjhdLCJzYXZlciI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo4MCwic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--1f06f6bf089d87795d52fa32db1316ab92c3a7c6/SchoolMaker-Ad-1-.png) SchoolMaker-Ad-1-.png 51 KB ### FAQ **Q1: What's the minimum number of people needed to validate a pre-sale?** A: The exact number depends on your financial goals, but it's recommended to set a minimum sales threshold before starting creation. This threshold should cover your costs and invested time. **Q2: How long should the pre-sale phase last?** A: Typically, 2-4 weeks is optimal for building excitement while maintaining urgency. **Q3: What if I can't deliver content on schedule?** A: Communication is key - inform students early, adjust module size rather than postponing, and provide extra value to compensate for any delays. **Q4: Is it ethical to sell a course that doesn't exist yet?** A: Yes, if you're transparent about the pre-sale status and committed to delivering value, while offering a clear refund policy. **Q5: How much of the course should be ready before pre-selling?** A: At minimum, have a detailed course outline and the first module complete to ensure quality delivery and proper time management. ‍ — Stan Leloup, SchoolMaker