Ever had a “million-dollar idea” in the shower, only to realize it’s worth about as much as a wet bar of soap?

Yeah, we’ve all been there. But what if I told you there’s a way to test your product idea BEFORE you spend months building it?

Enter: The $100 Pre-Launch Challenge.

Now, before you start checking your couch cushions for loose change, let me explain. This isn’t about spending $100. It’s about MAKING $100 with nothing but an idea and a healthy dose of chutzpah.

Here’s how it works:

1. Pick Your Idea: Choose the product concept you’re most excited about. Could be an e-book, a course, a SaaS tool, or even a physical product.
2. Create a Simple Landing Page: Use a free tool like Carrd or Google Sites. No fancy designs needed – just a clear description of what your product will do and a “Pre-Order Now” button.
3. Set Your Pre-Order Price: Make it low enough to be a no-brainer. $20-$50 is a good range. Remember, we’re aiming for 2-5 sales to hit our $100 target.
4. Craft Your Pitch: Write a short, compelling description of your product. Focus on the problem it solves and the main benefit. For example: “Tired of your cat ignoring you? ‘Meow Maestro’ is an app that translates your voice into irresistible cat commands. Pre-order now for just $29!”
5. Launch Your 24-Hour Campaign: Announce your “limited time pre-launch offer” on social media, relevant online communities, and to your email list (even if it’s just your grandma and your dog).
6. Track Your Results: Keep an eye on visits to your landing page and, more importantly, pre-orders.

Now, here’s where the rubber meets the road:

If you hit $100 in pre-orders within 24 hours, congratulations! You’ve got validation that people are willing to pay for your idea. Time to build that product!

If you don’t… well, you’ve just saved yourself months of work on a product nobody wants. And all it cost you was a day of hustle and maybe some mild embarrassment. Cheap at twice the price, I’d say!

But wait, there’s more! (Always wanted to say that.)

Here are some power-ups to supercharge your challenge:

1. The Urgency Booster: Add a countdown timer to your landing page. Nothing motivates like FOMO.
2. The Social Proof: Include testimonials from “beta testers” (aka your mom and your best friend). Just be sure to use their initials only, unless you want some awkward conversations at the next family dinner. Just kidding, use real beta testers. Your best bet are your prospects or current clients. Then use their full names and titles for the testimonials.
3. The Bonus Stacker: Offer an exclusive bonus for the first 5 pre-orders. Could be a consultation call with you (scary, I know) or a complementary digital goodie.
4. The Refund Guarantee: Promise a no-questions-asked refund if you don’t deliver the product within a specific timeframe. It reduces risk for buyers and lights a fire under your butt.
5. The Viral Loop: Offer a discount code that pre-order customers can share with friends. If their friend pre-orders, they both get an extra bonus.

Now, I know what some of you are thinking:

“But what if I take people’s money and then can’t deliver?”

First off, good on you for having a conscience. You’re already ahead of 83% of internet marketers. (I made up that stat, but you get the point.)

Here’s the deal: If you hit your goal and decide to move forward, great! Build that product and make it amazing. If you don’t, or if you realize you’ve bitten off more than you can chew, simply refund everyone’s money with a nice note explaining the situation. Most people will appreciate your honesty, and some might even offer to beta test your next idea.

Remember, this challenge isn’t just about making $100. It’s about:

1. Validating your idea quickly and cheaply
2. Building an initial customer base
3. Getting feedback to refine your concept
4. Creating urgency and excitement
5. Learning valuable marketing skills

So, are you ready to take the $100 Pre-Launch Challenge? It’s time to turn that shower thought into cold, hard cash. Or at least into valuable market insights. Either way, you win!

Now go forth and pre-launch! Your future product empire awaits.

Until next Saturday, happy challenging!

Ortega Ogomigo

P.S. Did you try the challenge? Hit reply and tell me how it went. Whether you made $1000 or $0, I want to hear about it. Best story gets featured in next week’s newsletter. (Warning: Embellishments will be met with good-natured mockery.)