Should I start selling now?

If you’re a business owner who’s spent time building a social media presence, you might be wondering: When is the perfect time to start selling my product or service?

Before I go on, I want to apologize for the break. It’s been an overwhelming time, and I have had to prioritize. I hope you are well. I miss you all, too!

I get asked this question a lot, and it’s understandable. You’ve worked hard to grow your platform, and now you’re excited to start converting followers into customers.

But here’s the thing: you don’t want to rush into selling too soon. The key is knowing when — and how — to do it in a way that feels natural and exciting for your audience.

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you out!

1. Don’t Rush Into Selling Right Away

Imagine walking into a store for the first time, and the salesperson immediately pushes you to buy something. It feels uncomfortable, right? It’s the same on social media. Your audience needs to trust you first. If you swoop into selling too soon, they might be turned off.

Start by building a relationship. Share valuable content that helps them understand your brand and what you stand for. For example, if you run a fitness brand, post workout tips, healthy recipes, or stories about how you stay motivated.

These are the types of content that can give your audience a glimpse into your brand’s values and personality. Give your audience time to feel connected to you before you start promoting your services.

2. Educate Your Audience First

Your audience is more likely to buy when they understand why they need your product. Educate them about what you offer and how it solves their problems.

Let’s say you sell eco-friendly skincare products. Don’t just post pictures of your products and prices. Instead, explain why using natural ingredients is better for their skin and the environment. Share how certain chemicals in regular skincare products can cause harm over time, and how switching to your products can make a difference.

This way, you’re not just selling a product — you’re educating your audience and helping them make informed decisions.

3. Use Social Proof to Build Trust

People trust recommendations from others more than they trust ads. Sharing reviews, testimonials, or case studies can make a huge difference.

For instance, if you’re a business coach, you can share success stories of clients who’ve seen results after working with you. “After just three months of coaching, Sarah increased her sales by 50%!” That kind of proof makes people think, “If it worked for them, maybe it will work for me too.”

Social proof reassures your audience that they’re not taking a gamble by buying from you.

4. Highlight Their Pain Points

Point out the problems your audience faces to help them realize that they need what you’re offering. But instead of sounding like you’re only focused on selling, approach it from a place of empathy.

Let’s say you’re selling a time management app. You could create posts highlighting how busy professionals often struggle to balance work and life. Share relatable stories: “Ever feel like your to-do list never ends? Our app can help you organize your tasks, reduce stress, and get more done each day.”

By addressing their pain points, you make it clear that your product can be the solution.

5. Engage With Your Audience

Selling doesn’t have to be hard. The best way to make sales feel natural is to interact regularly with your community and create opportunities for two-way conversations.

For example, if you sell handmade jewelry, ask your audience which designs they like best through polls or comments. When they feel like they’ve had input, they’ll be more invested in your brand. Plus, engagement builds loyalty, and loyal followers are more likely to buy from you when the time is right. You can also respond to their comments and messages promptly, or even ask for their feedback on your products or services.

6. Launch Strategically

When you’re finally ready to sell, make it feel special. A well-planned launch can create excitement and urgency.

For instance, offer your loyal followers early access to your new product, or give them a special discount for a limited time. Something like, “Our newest collection drops tomorrow, but as a thank-you for following us, you get early access!” This makes your audience feel valued and can encourage quick action.

7. Use Storytelling to Build Emotional Connections

People don’t just buy products — they buy feelings, experiences, and transformations. Use storytelling to create an emotional connection with your audience.

For example, if you sell a weight-loss program, don’t just focus on the features of the program. Share real stories of how people’s lives have changed because of it. “Before joining our program, Jane felt tired and unmotivated. Now, she’s lost 20 pounds and feels healthier than ever. Here’s how she did it.”

When your audience can see themselves in the stories you tell, they’ll be more inclined to take action.

8. Nurture Relationships Over Time

Even after you start selling, turn your social media feed into something other than one big sales pitch. Keep providing value to your audience, even if they have yet to buy from you.

For instance, if you sell online courses, continue sharing free tips, helpful articles, or behind-the-scenes looks into your business. People might not buy immediately, but if you keep nurturing the relationship, they’ll come around when they’re ready.

9. Experiment and Adjust

Not every strategy will work for every audience, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Test different types of content to see what resonates most with your followers. For example, try video content, Q&A sessions, or even user-generated content to keep things fresh.

Use your social media insights to track what’s working. If certain posts get more engagement, double down on that approach.

10. Be Patient and Consistent

Building a business and selling to your audience takes time. Don’t expect overnight results. Be consistent in providing value, engaging with your community, and positioning your product as the solution to their problems.

Your loyal customers will come, but they’ll come when they’re ready. Be patient, stay consistent, and trust the process.

Final words

That’s it! By following these steps, you’ll have a clear roadmap for when to start selling and how to do it in a way that feels natural and exciting for your audience. Stay focused, and remember, it’s all about providing value and building relationships.

Happy selling!