The Startup Ideas Podcast
The best businesses are built at the intersection of emerging technology, community, and real human needs.
Back to Tactics
Direct Message Pre-Selling
Message potential customers individually to soft-commit before public launch
Why It Works
Creates personal connection and social proof before public launch, reduces financial risk
Prerequisites
List of warm prospectsClear value propositionSpecific dates and pricing
How to Execute
1
Identify 10-20 ideal customers from existing network
2
Craft personal message explaining unique opportunity
3
Ask for soft commitment at specific price point
4
Get 3-5 commitments before public announcement
5
Use commitments as social proof in public launch
When It Fails
When messaging feels spammy or when you haven't built relationship first
Real Example
“Before announcing art retreat, personally message 15 creative professionals asking if they'd join for $5k, get 4 yes responses, then launch publicly with social proof”