Selling on Instagram (without the ick)
You've poured your heart into your offer. The content is great, the delivery is on point, and you know it's genuinely going to help people.
So why does selling it feel so... icky?
If you've ever caught yourself thinking:
👉 Why is no one signing up?
👉 How do I talk about what I do without sounding like a pushy sales bot?
👉 Is this even worth the effort?!
You are not alone. I've been hearing this from so many brilliant people lately. Selling something you've made yourself feels vulnerable in a way that selling someone else's stuff just doesn't.
I've run a lot of workshops over the years and every single one has taught me something. So here's what I know - the good, the simple, and the game-changing.
1. Start earlier than feels comfortable
Yep, earlier. If it’s a lower-cost workshop, give yourself 4-6 weeks. Bigger offers? Even longer. People are busy- your job is to gently get on their radar and stay there.
2. Before you open Canva, Ask this:
Why would someone genuinely need to come to this workshop?
If you can name at least two real, relatable reasons- it’s go time. Everything flows better when you’ve got this nailed.
3. Get clear on the transformation
This is the golden thread. If someone signs up, what do you want them to walk away with? Confidence? Clarity? A new skill? Pin this down and make it the star of your messaging.
4. Map the content journey
You’re not just posting randomly- you’re leading people somewhere. Build a path with three key types of content:
Warm-Up Content: sparks curiosity
Deep Dive Content: builds trust and positions you as the person to help
Action Content: directly answers hesitations or doubts
5. Show the after
People don’t buy a class- they buy the result.
So show the energy. The buzz. The “OMG that helped so much” moments. Use:
Past workshop clips
Behind-the-scenes shots
Testimonials
Screenshots of wins
“Imagine this…” storytelling
6. Anticipate the wobbles
Think about what might make someone hesitate- and answer it before they even ask.
For example:
“I’ve never done yoga before” - “Beginner-friendly and no bendiness required!”
“I’m too busy” - “You’ll get the replay, so you can catch up when suits you.”
7. Create FOMO (in a friendly way)
Use Stories to count down, tease what’s coming, share sneak peeks, and highlight happy past attendees.
Let people feel like not signing up might be a mistake.
8. Don’t be shy- ASK!
This can be light, playful, and natural.
“Grab your best biz buddy and come along together– 2 for 1 offer ends Friday!” works a lot better than a “final reminder” post buried in guilt.
9. Talk about it... (much more than you think necessary)
Your audience won’t see everything you post. That one heartfelt post? Someone blinked and missed it.
If you feel like you’ve said it 100 times… say it 10 more. You’re not being annoying, you’re being visible.
10. No everyone buys like you
This was a biggie for me.
Just because you plan weeks ahead doesn’t mean your people do. Many of my signups come at the very last minute - so keep going. Right up to the end.
Finally, don’t put all your eggs in the Insta Basket
Use the other brilliant tools at your fingertips:
Newsletters
Facebook groups
WhatsApp chats
Word of mouth
Your lovely DMs
Instagram features I love for selling:
🔗 Link stickers – make it easy to take action
⏰ Countdown stickers – build anticipation
👀 Reveal stickers – spark curiosity
📅 Post & Reel reminders – busy brains will thank you
🤝 Collabs – hello, new followers!
🎥 Lives – real-time connection and trust-building gold
Selling doesn’t have to feel uncomfortable. It can be clear, confident, and true to you.
