Kristina from Gem Creative Co. recently shared her inspiring story about her first-ever sold-out launch for her 1:1 branding services, and it’s packed with actionable insights for creatives looking to scale their own businesses. Here’s what we can learn from her journey.
The Turning Point: From Custom Chaos to a Signature Service
Before her launch, Kristina’s business was scattered with custom services that demanded a lot of time and energy. She knew something had to change if she wanted to create a sustainable, scalable business. Enter her signature service: In Your Element.
Kristina decided to streamline her offerings into one comprehensive package—a three-part branding process designed specifically for small service-based businesses and personal brands. By productizing her service and branding it as her signature offer, she created clarity for both herself and her potential clients.
Key Takeaway: Simplify your offer suite. Creating one clear, signature service makes it easier for your audience to understand exactly how you can help them—and why they should work with you.
Building Buzz: The Power of a Waitlist
Kristina didn’t just launch her signature service out of nowhere. She built anticipation through a well-executed waitlist strategy. She regularly updated her waitlist subscribers with behind-the-scenes updates about the offer’s development, from naming the package to defining who it was for.
Her authenticity and transparency during this process created excitement and intrigue. People were invested before the service even launched, with some even reaching out to ask if they had missed the deadline.
Key Takeaway: Use your waitlist as more than a passive signup form. Engage your audience with updates, share the journey, and make them feel like they’re part of the creation process.
The Launch: Timing, Bonuses, and Exclusivity
Kristina launched her In Your Element service with intentionality. She:
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Offered exclusive early access to her waitlist subscribers.
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Announced bonuses for each phase of her three-part process, adding value to the already robust offer.
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Revealed the price and bonuses the day before the launch, creating urgency and excitement.
By the time applications opened, Kristina’s audience was primed and ready to take action. She received seven applications during the waitlist period and filled her initial spots within days of going public with her offer.
Key Takeaway: Exclusivity and bonuses can make a huge difference. Reward your most engaged audience members with early access and added value to boost conversions.
Content Strategy: A Tale of Two Platforms
Kristina focused her warm-up strategy on Instagram and TikTok, leveraging each platform’s strengths. TikTok allowed her to experiment and reach new audiences, while Instagram became her space for more polished, shareable content.
She leaned into content that was fun for her to create, like fictional brand concepts and design tips, while keeping her messaging consistent with her signature offer.
Key Takeaway: Play to each platform’s strengths. Use one for experimentation and discoverability and the other for deeper engagement and connection.
Results: More Than She Bargained For
Kristina’s goal was to book three clients at $7,500 each. She ended up booking four clients and generating $34,000 in total revenue—her first $10,000 month! Not only did she exceed her financial goals, but she also set the foundation for a more sustainable business model.
Key Takeaway: When you build buzz, clarify your messaging, and lean into your unique strengths, your audience will respond—sometimes beyond your expectations.
Lessons for Your Next Launch
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Streamline Your Services: A signature offer makes your value clear and creates an easier path to a sale.
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Engage Your Waitlist: Keep them in the loop, share updates, and make them feel like VIPs.
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Leverage Bonuses: Add value to your offer to increase perceived worth and incentivize early action.
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Be Strategic with Content: Use platforms strategically to build buzz and connect with your ideal clients.
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Track and Repeat: Save your emails, refine your process, and treat each launch as a stepping stone for the next.
Kristina’s story is proof that with the right strategy, you can sell out your offer—even on your first launch. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your approach, there’s so much to learn from her journey. Ready to create your own sold-out success story? Let’s get to work.
Want to get started on your Warm Up journey? Listen to The Warm Up podcast preview episodes to get started.
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