Why Your Next Client is Waiting for You to Run a Promotion (Yes, Really)

Let's get something out of the way: You're not a used car salesman. You're not running midnight infomercials. And you definitely don't need to become someone you're not just to fill your calendar.

But here's what might surprise you - your ideal clients are actually waiting for you to give them a reason to work with you. They're sitting on the fence, credit card in hand, hoping for that little nudge that makes today the day they finally say yes.

That nudge? It's called a promotion. And before you click away thinking "promotions aren't for me," stick around. Because what we're about to share isn't about slashing prices or compromising your worth. It's about creating ethical urgency that serves both you and the people you're meant to help.

Why Promotions Work for Service-Based Businesses

Here's a number that might blow your mind: Marketing research shows that 3-6% of your audience is ready to buy from you right now. Today. This minute.

They don't need more convincing about your value. They don't need another free discovery call. They just need a reason to act.

Think about it - when was the last time you bought something? Chances are, there was a "because." Maybe it was Black Friday. Maybe it was a birthday discount. Maybe someone was launching something new and offered founding member pricing.

That "because" isn't manipulation - it's motivation. It transforms "I should really do something about my anxiety" into "This is the week I'm finally getting help."

One of our members sent just 8 emails about a promotion to his small list. The result? Multiple thousands in revenue. Not because he suddenly became a master copywriter, but because he gave people who were already interested a reason to act now instead of "someday."

What You Can Promote (Even If You're Not Launching a New Offer)

"But I don't have anything new to promote!"

Stop right there. You don't need a shiny new program to run a promotion. Here's what you already have that's promotion-worthy:

Your Existing Services, Reframed

• "New Year, New Nervous System" (same anxiety coaching, timely angle)

• "Couples Connection Week" (your regular couples sessions, special focus)

• "Back to School Confidence Boost" (standard teen coaching, seasonal hook)

Bundle What You Already Do

• 3 sessions + your guided meditation audio

• Monthly coaching + exclusive workshop recordings

• Standard package + 30-day email support

Open Up Your Calendar

• "I have 5 spots opening in January"

• "Taking new clients for the first time in 6 months"

• "Expanding my practice - inaugural client special"

• Create Urgency Around Discovery Calls

• "First 5 people to book this week get their consultation fee waived"

• "Book by Friday to lock in 2024 rates"

• "Limited discovery call spots before the holidays"

The key? You need a "because." Because it's a new season. Because you're celebrating an anniversary. Because you just completed additional training. Because you have more availability. Because Mercury is finally out of retrograde (hey, if it resonates with your people, use it).

How to Structure Your Offer Without Undervaluing Your Work

Here's where most helpers go wrong - they immediately slash their prices. Please, don't do this. You've worked too hard to build your expertise to suddenly offer it at bargain basement prices.

Instead, think like a gift-giver, not a discounter.

The Bonus Stack Method

Let's say your standard 3-session package is $1,500. Instead of dropping it to $1,000, try this:

• 3-session package: $1,500 (this is your regular price)

• BONUS: Stress Relief Toolkit (value $197)

• BONUS: Recording of your "Sleep Better Tonight" workshop (value $97)

• BONUS: 30-day text check-in support (value $297)

Total value: $2,091

Promote this value with the special $1,500 price

See what happened there? You maintained your rate while creating massive perceived value. Your clients feel like they're getting an incredible deal without you devaluing your core service.

The Early Bird Approach

Launching a group program or workshop series?

• Signup by Early Bird date: Special pricing + exclusive bonus session

• Missed Early Bird cut-off: Regular price but still includes exclusive bonus session

• Everyone else: Regular price, no bonuses

This creates urgency without discounting and rewards fast action-takers.

The "Bring a Friend" Multiplier

Instead of discounting, add value through connection:

• "Book your package and gift a session to someone you care about"

• "Join my group program and bring an accountability partner for free"

These offers are different. The first is buy one, gift one. It plays of the psychological value of giving a gift to someone else. The second offer is buy one and bring a friend, which plays into the psychological driver away from being “alone”.

The "I Know This Stuff But I'm Buying Anyway" Truth

Here's a confession from Chris Thompson, co-founder of Pykthos: "I know a lot about health and fitness. I don't need to buy training. But about 6 weeks ago, I bought a small group coaching program for about $100. Why? Because I knew that paying money would make me actually follow through. The program didn't teach me anything revolutionary - just basic workouts I already knew how to do. But having skin in the game and a group of people doing it with me? That changed everything. Down 7 pounds, stronger than I've ever been. Sometimes people don't buy information - they buy implementation."

How to Promote Without Paid Ads (Or Feeling Like a Marketer)

You don't need a marketing degree or a Facebook ads account. You need three things: an email list (even a small one), a social media presence (even a modest one), and the willingness to talk about what you do.

The Simple Email Campaign

Here's a simple structure you can steal:

• Email 1: "Something special is coming"

• Email 2: "Here's what I'm offering and why now"

• Email 3: "Client success story related to the offer"

• Email 4: "FAQ about working with me"

• Email 5: "Why I created this offer"

• Email 6: "24 hours left"

• Email 7: "Final hours"

• Email 8: "Here's what you missed (and what's coming next)"

  

Bonus tip: You can also use that final email to disclose that the price has only gone up incrementally, and those who missed out still get a great deal for another 24-48 hours until you reach full price.

Social Media Storytelling

Instead of "BUY NOW" posts, share:

• Why you're running this promotion

• Client transformation stories

• Behind-the-scenes of your practice

• Your own journey that led to this work

One practitioner we know posted a simple Instagram reel: "I have 3 spots opening up in January. If you've been thinking about working on your anxiety, this is your sign." Booked all three spots in 48 hours.

The Discovery Call Push

Sometimes the promotion isn't about selling your package - it's about getting people on the phone:

"For the next week only, I'm opening up 10 free discovery call spots. Usually, these are reserved for referrals only. If you've been curious about hypnotherapy but weren't sure if it's right for you, claim your spot."

Why People-Helpers Deserve to Promote Themselves

Here's what we need you to understand: Running a promotion isn't pushy. It's leadership.

Right now, someone in your audience is struggling. They've been thinking about getting help for months, maybe years. They follow you, they read your posts, they know you could help them.

But they're waiting.

Maybe they're waiting for the "right time" (which never comes). Maybe they're waiting for a sign. Maybe they're waiting for that little extra push that helps them justify the investment to themselves or their partner.

Your promotion is that push.

When you create ethical urgency - a real reason to act now - you're not being salesy. You're being of service. You're helping people stop procrastinating on their own transformation.

Every time you don't promote your services, someone who needs your help stays stuck. Not because they don't value what you offer, but because humans are wired to delay decisions without a compelling reason to act.

So here's your homework: Pick one promotion idea from this post. Just one. Give yourself a "because." Set a date. Send the emails. Make the posts.

Your future clients are waiting for you to give them a reason to say yes. Don't make them wait any longer.

P.S. - Still feeling resistant? Start small. Run a "New Year, New You" promotion in January. Everyone expects it, so it feels less scary. Then once you see how well it works (and how good it feels to help more people), you'll be planning your Valentine's Day "Love Yourself First" special before you know it.