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Part 8 (Bonus): Ladder up

Updated over a week ago

Goal: Turn one product into many opportunities.

You’ve made something real. You’ve shared it. People are responding. So, what now? Instead of asking, “What should I make next?” answer, “Where does this take someone?”

Every great product should do two things:

  1. Solve a real problem

  2. Create a new one

Not in a manipulative way. In a natural, human way. When you help someone move forward, they’re now in a new place, with new needs, questions and goals. That presents you with an opportunity to help again.

The Product Ladder

Most creators start with a single product. The most successful creators build product ladders, a series of offerings that match the growing needs, trust and investment of the audience. Here’s one simple version:

  • Free: To earn trust
    Such as a PDF guide

  • Low-ticket ($7–$29): To earn a customer
    Your first product

  • Mid-tier ($49–$199): To offer transformation
    A self-paced course

  • High-ticket or subscription ($299+ or monthly): To build momentum
    A membership, cohort course or coaching

Ask yourself:

  • What’s the next challenge someone has after using my first product?

  • What deeper version of this transformation could I offer?

  • What would it look like to support someone more personally?

For example:

You created a $9 PDF on meal planning for busy mums.

Some readers want help sticking to it, so you offer a 21-day accountability challenge for $49.

Others want ongoing support — so you launch a monthly coaching circle at $99/mo.

Create your ladder (even if it’s just the next rung)

Do one thing today: Sketch your next rung. What’s a natural follow-up to your current product? Then let your audience know it’s coming. That signal alone builds anticipation, credibility and long-term connection.

“Loved this? I’m working on something to take it further.”

“Want to go deeper with this? Drop your email and I’ll keep you posted.”

“Looking for more accountability or guidance? I’ve got something in the works.”

The goal today:

  • Think about what your product sets up

  • Sketch one possible follow-up

  • Start listening for what your people want next

  • Begin building a brand that grows with them

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