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Extended Explanation

Hey there, digital creators. Let’s have an honest chat about something that often goes unspoken: the mistakes we make on the path to building digital products.

Not the little hiccups, but the big, unexpected mistakes that can derail even the most promising projects.

I’m diving into this topic not just to share my experience but to help you avoid these pitfalls entirely.

Trust me—learning from others’ missteps is far less painful than learning the hard way.

These aren’t your typical “oops” moments.

These are the kind of mistakes that can ruin your business if you don’t catch them early. Let’s break them down.

❌ Copying the Best-Selling Product

 It’s tempting, isn’t it?

You see a digital product crushing it, and you think, “Why don’t I just make my own version of that?”

But here’s why that strategy often backfires:

• They’ve already built authority: The market trusts them because they’ve been around longer or have established a unique voice.
• The audience is tapped out: If everyone’s buying from them, they might not be looking for alternatives.
• Fierce competition: Competing with a best-seller is like setting up a food truck next to a Michelin-starred restaurant.

What to do instead? Focus on what makes you unique.

Build around your expertise and perspective, even if it means starting smaller.

❌ Not Having an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

One of my biggest regrets was pouring months into a product without testing the waters first.

The result? A polished product that nobody wanted to buy.

An MVP lets you:

• Test demand before committing significant resources.
• Gauge interest by offering something smaller or simpler.
• Create a waitlist of eager buyers who validate your idea before it’s even built.

For example, instead of launching a full-fledged course, I could’ve started with a simple PDF guide or a free workshop.

Learn from me—start small and iterate based on feedback.

❌ Not Niching Down

I used to think the broader my audience, the better my chances of selling. Wrong.

• Trying to please everyone pleases no one: A broad approach dilutes your message.
• Niching down boosts connection: People feel seen when you speak directly to their pain points.
• You can always expand later: Start with a focused niche, and as you grow, explore adjacent markets.

For example, instead of creating a general productivity guide, target “time management for solopreneurs” or “workflow hacks for Etsy sellers.” Specificity sells.

❌ No Sales Funnel

Did you know that 98% of people who visit your sales page leave without buying?

That statistic haunted me until I realized the power of a sales funnel.

A funnel helps you:

• Retarget potential customers who aren’t ready to buy immediately.
• Automate follow-ups, keeping your product top of mind.
• Turn “maybe later” into “yes, please”: Many customers buy weeks or months after their first visit.

A simple funnel might look like this: Free lead magnet → Email sequence → Sales page → Upsells.

Without this, you’re leaving money on the table.

❌ Not Having an Email List

I’ll admit it—early on, I underestimated email marketing. I thought social media was enough. Spoiler: it’s not.

An email list is your safety net. Here’s why:

• Direct access to your audience: Unlike social platforms, you control your email list.
• Always ready to sell: Launching a new product? Your list is the first place to go.
• Simple lead magnets work wonders: A free checklist, guide, or template can grow your list quickly.

Start today, even if your list only has five people. Future you will thank you.

❌ No Marketing Plan

You’ve got a product idea—great! But if you don’t have a marketing plan, you’re basically flying blind.

Here’s what a solid marketing plan should include:

• Your target platforms: Are your customers on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube?
• Your core strategy: Will you focus on SEO, paid ads, affiliates, or social media?
• Your messaging: What pain points are you addressing, and how do you communicate your value?

Before you build the product, plan how you’ll market it. That’s how you set yourself up for success.

❌ Not Outsourcing

I used to think I had to do everything myself—writing, design, marketing, customer support. Big mistake.

• You don’t need to hire full-time: Freelancers and contractors can handle specific tasks.
• Focus on your strengths: Let others handle the rest.
• Avoid burnout: Outsourcing isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity when you want to scale.

For example, I outsourced video editing and saved hours that I redirected toward strategy and customer engagement.

❌ Bad Branding

Here’s a hard truth: people judge books by their covers—and digital products by their branding.

• Great branding builds trust: A polished, cohesive look signals quality.
• It’s not just about aesthetics: Branding includes your tone, messaging, and customer experience.
• It’s often more important than the product itself: If your product looks unprofessional, people won’t even give it a chance.

Invest in good design and clear messaging. It’s worth every penny.

What I Learned From These Mistakes

Making these mistakes was painful, but they taught me valuable lessons about building a sustainable digital product business:

• Validation is key: Never skip the research phase.
• Start small: Use MVPs to test your ideas.
• Focus on your audience: Speak directly to their needs and pain points.
• Automate and outsource: Free up your time for what truly matters.
• Invest in branding and marketing: They’re the bridge between your product and your customers.

If I could go back, I’d do so many things differently. But the beauty of digital entrepreneurship is that every mistake is a learning opportunity.

Your Turn!

Which of these mistakes resonate with you? Have you fallen into any of these traps—or avoided them entirely? Share your thoughts and let’s learn together. After all, the best way to build a thriving business is to keep growing and iterating.

Here’s to learning, adapting, and creating products that truly make an impact!