Denise Duffield-Thomas's Blog, page 20
August 30, 2023
What’s a realistic conversion rate for a launch?
What’s a realistic conversion rate for a launch?
// <![CDATA[
// ]]>
After every launch, I’m nagged by the question - why didn’t more people buy?
Despite the success of my business, and even when we’ve had 7-figure launches, the question still haunts me.
If you’ve ever thought this or had a launch that missed expectations, then today’s podcast episode is for you.
We’re talking launch conversion rates and the real reasons why people don’t buy.
Instead of internalizing a perceived failure, questioning your worth, or letting self doubt overshadow your achievements, you need to get to grips with real conversion rates.
How many people really saw your sales page? How many people bought?
How did you do against the industry standard conversion rates?
Listen to this week’s podcast to learn:
Realistic conversion rates and how to predict launch success
How to stay on top of your expectations and mindset during a launch
How different pricing options may affect conversion rates
How to make your buying experience easier and seamless for your customers
Remember, not everyone is going to buy anyway. Even if you were perfect and every aspect of your launch went great, a small percentage of people typically buy - but this is still a huge achievement.
This affirmation has helped me with varying conversion rates…
“They would if they could, and they will in the future”
Don’t take it personally, make it easy for people to buy from you and trust the process.
xx Denise
August 23, 2023
Is launching getting harder?
Is launching getting harder?
// <![CDATA[
// ]]>
Back then when I first tried my hand at launching an online business, it was a whole different ball game.
In 2009, social media was an infant, graphics creation was a nightmare and hosting your own videos? Forget about it unless you were ready to shell out some serious dough.
I still remember the days when PowerPoint or Paint were my tool of choice for creating graphics and I continually tweaked HTML struggling to center things on my webpage.
Fast forward to today, and things are wildly different.
Creating graphics is as simple as a click with platforms like Canva and hosting videos? Platforms like Teachable and Kajabi have made it as easy as pie.
But amidst all the convenience, I hear from lots of entrepreneurs that launching has become more challenging.
The need to keep up with the ever-evolving social media platforms, the struggle to stand out in an increasingly saturated market - it's enough to make even the most seasoned entrepreneurs want to stop.
So, is launching getting harder? I'd say yes and no.
Yes, because the demands are higher and the competition is fiercer. But also no, because with the right mindset and strategy, launching can still be really rewarding.
It's easy to feel overwhelmed and start doubting yourself when you're about to launch. I've been there, trust me.
The online business landscape is constantly changing, and what worked yesterday might not work today. But that's where the thrill lies, in continuously learning and growing.
Listen to today’s podcast episode for my take on the challenges and winning strategies I’m seeing online.
Yes, it might seem daunting, but with the right mindset and strategy, launching can be an exciting adventure.
So tell me, what's holding you back from launching? I'd love to hear your thoughts on today’s ep.
xx Denise
P.S. Remember to get registered for Jeff Walker’s Launch Masterclass this week - it’s the perfect way to get caught up on AI and up-level your launch skills with the latest and best teaching.
I’ll be watching along - I do every year and always learn something from Jeff.
Click here to register for free via my affiliate link
August 16, 2023
Preparing my business for long term travel
Preparing my business for long term travel
// <![CDATA[
// ]]>
As an introvert, the thought of living out of suitcases, constantly on the move with my family was simply overwhelming.
But, when Mark and I first starting talking about the idea of taking on some extended travel, there was a determination deep within me to turn this journey into something more than just an extended vacation.
It was about breaking free from the daily grind, to create vivid memories that would last a lifetime.
In a couple of weeks, my family and I will begin four months travel in Europe, mainly based in the UK but with a few adventures and weeks away on the continent.
I’ve never been a very adventurous traveller and I haven’t loved traveling with young kids in the past, so it’s taken some time for me to prepare for this trip.
There are a lot of logistics to plan in our business but it’s also taken some mindset work.
I bet many of you entrepreneurs and business owners can relate to this, especially if you’re planning to hit the pause button on work for an extended period.
So, how am I managing to streamline my operations without breaking our business?
Here are three simplified steps I took, which I believe would be beneficial for you as well:
Delegate and Automate: I identified tasks that could be managed by my team or automated with the right software. This will reduce my workload considerably.
Plan Ahead: I’ve planned my work schedule for the next four months in advance, ensuring that my business can run smoothly even in my absence.
Stay Connected: I’ve made sure that I can connect to the internet no matter where we go so I’m connected to my team, community, and keep an eye on my business.
Listen to today’s episode to learn:
Strategies for achieving balance between professional commitments and family life while traveling.
How to lighten your business processes for extended time away, improving efficiency.
The art of saying no to pave the way for more personal space and mental peace.
Insights into my techniques for content batching and repurposing pre-existing work.
The liberation that comes with decluttering and relinquishing relentless commitments.
Now, over to you.
Simplify your business and make space for new adventures. It's time to be present and experience life outside of work.
August 14, 2023
How story-telling can help market your product-based business
When it comes to selling things there is a slightly different way to launch or market things but I truly believe that it comes down to creating a desire for a product or service.
If you have a product or service that solves a problem or provides a desired feeling then it really comes down to sharing it with people, story telling and connecting to your audience on a consistent basis.
Story telling can help you build exclusivity, intrigue and a passion following for your product-based business.
If you share it with enough people then the numbers will always play out and pay out.
It doesn’t matter what or how you’re selling - story telling is the key to engaging your audience and building connection.
When it comes to selling there are many different way to launch or market products or services but I truly believe it comes down to creating a desire for your offer.
If you have a product or service that solves a problem or provides a desired feeling then the secret to sales is to share it with people, tell a story and connect with your audience on a consistent basis.
Story telling can help you build exclusivity, intrigue and a passion following for your product-based business.
If you share it with enough people then the numbers will always play out and pay out.
I learned the process of the Sideways Sales Letter from @jeffwalkerco, where he teaches how to weaves intricate story telling into your launch.
I use his Product Launch Formula in every promotion I do because it helps you to build anticipation and desire, and convert more sales.
Watch Jeff’s free training on the sideways sales letter by registering for his Launch Masterclass here: https://www.denisedt.com/plf
August 13, 2023
The truth about failed launches & the juicy lessons you can learn from them!
The truth about failed launches & the juicy lessons you can learn from them!
// <![CDATA[
// ]]>
As a money mindset mentor, I’ve seen so many people throw in the towel after one crappy launch. There seems to be more and more talk about launching getting harder or conversions being down in today’s economy.
I’ve been there – it’s rough!
You released your book and… crickets, or you've launched your first program and nobody has bought it. This feels devastating. But I’ve got some tips on how to bounce back after a failed launch and some juicy lessons you can learn from these experiences.
I want to talk to you about sales page conversion stats and share more about my failed (and successful) launches.
Do you know what? Having a successful launch isn’t about branding, or colors or pretty ads. It isn’t even (gasp!) about pricing!
I’ve dug old this throwback podcast episode to share my ultimate successful launch secrets!
Listen in today to learn:
How to set goals for your launches
How not to freak out!
The 1% rule
How to reframe failure
The importance of getting back on the horse and relaunching the same program
Denise xx
P.S. This episode was originally released in November 2021 and is one of my most popular on the topic of launching.
With so many mindset gremlins to navigate when launching, I highly recommend following a proven process and taking the guess work out of launching.
I’ve been talking about my launch mentor Jeff this month and want to make sure his free training masterclass is on your radar - the first lesson is coming later this week.
Click here to join the waitlist to learn the step-by-step process I use in my business from the man who invented online launching.
August 9, 2023
Money lessons from New York 🗽
Money lessons from New York
// <![CDATA[
// ]]>
I recently got home from an AMAZING trip to New York, and I was surprised by how many money lessons I picked up!
This was an unusual trip because, at least initially, it wasn't work-related. It felt hard to let myself relax and do something purely for fun.
As you may know, I love musicals and Broadway (and have invested in a few), so I went to NY for BroadwayCon.
The Ruler in me did add two VIP days to pay for the trip, but it was honestly such a chilled, and inspiring trip.
So the first lesson straight away was that it's okay for me to do things just for me and just for joy - this is definitely something I want to lean into next year.
When did you last do something just for the fun of it?
Listen to this podcast episode for more on:
Why we feel the need to justify doing anything non-work related
Marketing lessons from business class travel that you can apply
Ideas for charging more for convenience or speed
How to maximize your investment in a photo shoot
Letting yourself be worthy of receiving support
I absolutely loved geeking out at the convention, and it really sparked my creativity - I'm excited to go again next year.
I can't wait to hear which lessons from today stand out. Please hit reply or message me on social media.
You don't need to go to New York to follow your dreams, you can make it anywhere, and it's up to you! Enjoy…
xx Denise
August 2, 2023
The hardest thing about my business
The hardest thing about my business
// <![CDATA[
// ]]>
I don’t want to be a “Debbie Downer,” but I’m going to be real with you.
Being in business, particularly working with your significant other, is not always sunshine and rainbows.
Today’s podcast episode isn’t a pity party, but I’m giving you an honest look at some of the things I find hardest in my business.
Scroll through Instagram, and it’s easy to think that everyone’s got it all together, me included, so today, I’m getting vulnerable and sharing some of the negative side of being an entrepreneur.
Listen to this new podcast episode to learn:
How I struggle with being put on a pedestal as a public person
How to handle the weight of being responsible for a lot of people
My imposter syndrome and fears of making mistakes
What I’ve learned about boundaries and saying no
Why working with my husband has been really challenging
The downside of being a perfectionist and wanting things done in a certain way
What are you finding hard in business right now? Do any of my challenges resonate?
Being in business is not always going to be easy, but that’s the good thing about having your own business - you can choose how you want to run it and build it around your life.
You can love your business but not like it every day.
We can do hard things.
xx Denise
July 26, 2023
Talking money with my kids
Talking money with my kids
// <![CDATA[
// ]]>
For today’s podcast, I’ve got something a little different for you and it’s so fun!
And this took some expert editing because recording this ep was a little manic!
This episode is a family affair - I’ve got four special guests; my hubby Mark and our three gorgeous kids.
Listen to this chat with our family to learn:
How we talk about money
Our kids' ideas about money and future careers
What our kids think we both do in our business
How we use tapping to release fears or emotions
And so much more!
I hope you enjoy this insight into our hilarious family! Sometimes you’ve got to just go with the flow. Maybe we’ll do some more episodes together next year when we’re traveling.
Let me know your favorite parts and any questions you have about talking money with your kids.
xx Denise & Mark
P.S. If this episode sparked some ideas, you should also checkout episode #67: Raising Kids With A Healthy Attitude To Money, click here to listen now.
July 19, 2023
The real costs in my $5m business
The real costs in my $5m business
// <![CDATA[
// ]]>
SO JUICY! Ever wondered what it costs to run a multi-million dollar business?
In today's podcast, I take you behind the scenes and share the real costs from my company.
Some people are scared to scale their business because they're worried about their costs escalating, so I'm sharing this so you can acclimatize to hearing big numbers and not get freaked out by them.
I also value transparency and have learned so much in the past from other people sharing their numbers. Many people talk about income numbers but only sometimes costs or margins, so I'm lifting the lid.
Your business doesn't have to be anything like mine, you'll make your own decisions and plans based on your stage of business and money personality, but it's always fascinating to see behind the scenes.
Listen to this episode to learn:
Where our $5m of income comes from
How much I make per year from my books and speaking gigs
Our profit margin for 2022 and our biggest expenses
What Mark and I pay ourselves and the tax man
How much I donate and the causes I support
The great thing is that there are very few barriers to entry in online business today, and most of these costs are deliberate and a result of growing or wanting to grow.
You can set up your business at any income level to focus on profit and lifestyle.
So much fun!
xx Denise
P.S. One of the biggest things that has helped me grow our revenue from course sales over the last five years has been learning to launch using Jeff Walker’s Product Launch Formula.
Jeff is our launch mentor and next month he will be running a free Live Launch Masterclass to share his launch blueprint - the one I use for every promotion in my business.
Click here to join the PLF waitlist for early access to learn from the master in Jeff’s free training.
I’ll be sharing more about launching and working with Jeff soon.
July 12, 2023
How to acclimatize to higher revenue
How to acclimatize to higher revenue
// <![CDATA[
// ]]>
If you’re stuck at a plateau or want to move to the next income level, it starts with exploring your unconscious beliefs about why you can’t earn more.
Are there unwritten rules about what you are and aren’t allowed to earn? Maybe there are unconscious limits from your parents, industry, or mentors.
In today’s podcast episode, I discuss how to acclimate to higher revenue and the steps you can take to be open to expanding beyond what you thought was possible.
Because the acclimatization process is different for everyone and each stage of business.
I want you to feel confident in setting your prices and earning more. So you’re grounded in your business and wealth so that you can create your version of a First Class life.
The lesson for me has been about acclimatizing to more income and the extra expenses that come with that. While making sure I’m not sabotaging myself by growing my costs - I’ve had to learn to design my business for higher profit and plan for taxes.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Both practical and mindset tips to get used to earning more
How masterminds can help normalize the big numbers and challenges that come with growth
How to prepare for more taxes and legal stuff that comes with higher revenue
The symbolic actions you can take to make higher revenue feel natural, like paying yourself a regular salary
How to incrementally upgrade your life and standards before the income arrives
When you combine your work ethic with this mindset work, higher revenue, and higher profit are possible - I’ve seen it with hundreds of my students, so why not you?
It’s your time, and you’re ready for the next step.
xx Denise
