One of the most cringe-worthy trends in the world of online courses is the practice of pre-selling—promoting and selling a course before it's even been written. It's a bit like those overused phrases that make you roll your eyes, such as "This coffee shop hits different" or "Let me speak my truth." Annoying, right?

Let's dive into why this tactic is a disservice to both creators and consumers alike.

Firstly, let's address the underlying motive behind pre-selling: quick cash grabs. It's a strategy often employed by "get-rich-quick" content creators who want to persuade you to buy their pre-recorded course without having put in the effort to create it themselves. It's essentially selling the idea of making money by selling courses, without actually having valuable content to offer. It's a deceptive shortcut that undermines the integrity of course creation.

Moreover, pre-selling contradicts the essence of what course creation should be about: sharing genuine expertise and knowledge gained through real-life experience. A course creator should meticulously research and organize their insights into an easy-to-follow format, enabling students to learn without repeating the creator's past mistakes. It's about being a guide, not just a salesman.

Some argue that pre-selling allows for gathering feedback to tailor the course content. However, as a competent course creator, you should already possess a deep understanding of your subject matter, knowing precisely what steps your students need to take to succeed. If you're uncertain about your content, perhaps you're not ready to create a course yet.

Consider my journey in creating my first course on Google Ads management. Recognizing the challenges faced by small business owners and agencies alike, I compiled a course based on the systems and training I developed for new Google Ads staff. Confident in the demand for my expertise, I proceeded with creating the course, knowing it would genuinely benefit my audience.

Additionally, pre-selling courses can have practical drawbacks:

1. Loss of Focus:

Balancing content creation for various platforms like YouTube and podcasts alongside course development can be draining. Separating these activities allows for better focus and quality output.

2. Diminished Value:

Selling a product before it's even created cheapens the perceived value of the course and undermines the credibility of the creator.

3. Disappointed Expectations:

When students purchase a course, they expect immediate access to the promised content. Making them wait diminishes their satisfaction and trust in the creator.

In conclusion, pre-selling your course is a shortsighted strategy that not only compromises your integrity as a creator but also risks disappointing your audience. Instead, invest time and effort into crafting a valuable course that genuinely addresses your audience's needs. Remember, quality content speaks for itself, and genuine expertise is always worth the wait.