Rapidly Grow From Scratch With a Seed Launch—Even If You Have No Product or List

Tara weighed the odds: she wanted to build an online course to help other moms live more joyful lives, but she had no email list, no finished product, and barely a network beyond her Facebook friends. Rather than spend months creating a polished course nobody wanted, Tara drafted a simple outline of six weekly calls. She invited her small network to join her in the inaugural experience—clearly stating they’d be co-creators, not just students.

Five people signed up. On week one, Tara asked what each participant struggled with most, using their answers to guide the class. As each week passed, Tara adapted her content live, recording sessions and collecting feedback after every call. Not only did her pilot clients love the personal approach, they suggested ideas that never would have occurred to her. These recordings became the foundation for the next version of her product, which she sold to a larger group—now more confidently, now with proof and testimonials in hand.

That is the Seed Launch in practice: sell a transformational experience before it’s fully built, co-create the best version in real time, and let your earliest customers contribute. This approach works because people are more inclined to buy and engage when they feel their needs are being listened to. Research in learning science reveals that products developed iteratively with real users are more effective and more profitable than those polished in secret. It’s leverage you can access from day one—regardless of list size, experience, or slickness.

Think about what problem or transformation you can help others achieve—even if it’s not yet a finished product. List people you know who might benefit, and reach out with an invitation to join your first, beta-run group. Clarify it’s a collaborative process, so everyone knows they’re part of shaping the result. Before each lesson or module, ask what they’re struggling with most and let that guide you. Not only will you build a better course, you’ll finish with a full product, testimonials, and a sense of momentum. Set your beta launch goal this month.