Let’s be real for a second: if you're a first-time founder, you're probably pouring your heart and energy into building a product or service that you know is valuable. But here’s a truth that often stings at first:

People don’t buy your product. They buy the change it creates in their lives.

Let that sink in.

If your sales feel sluggish even though your offer is logically better than competitors, you’re not alone. Many first-time founders hit this wall. You’ve highlighted features, shown off credentials, maybe even priced competitively—but conversions still aren’t where you want them to be.

Here’s what’s really going on...

The Emotional Core of Buying Decisions

Your customers are not making purely rational decisions. We like to think we buy based on logic, but truthfully, emotions lead the way, and logic just tags along to justify the decision later (source: Harvard Business School professor Gerald Zaltman).

Customers are either:

• Running away from pain, or
• Running toward pleasure

Understanding both will help you reframe your entire marketing and sales approach.

1. Running Away from Pain (This is where urgency lives)

Most customers act fast when they want to escape something uncomfortable.

As a first-time founder, ask:

• What is the current struggle my audience is trying to fix right now?
• What do they complain about in DMs, Facebook groups, or late-night Google searches?

Examples of “pain-driven” emotional states:

• “I’ve tried so many marketing hacks, and nothing’s working.”
• “I’m overwhelmed with decisions and no roadmap to follow.”
• “I feel like I’m behind, and everyone else is ahead.”

Your response: Show how your solution gives immediate relief. Speak directly to that pain so clearly that they feel seen.

2. Running Toward Pleasure (This is where desire lives)

People also buy because they want a better future.

Your job: Paint that vision vividly.

Examples of “pleasure-driven” emotional states:

• “I want a business that runs smoothly and consistently attracts clients.”
• “I want to finally feel confident in my marketing decisions.”
• “I want freedom and control not burnout.”

Your response: Make the desired transformation feel achievable, not distant.

The Simple Messaging Formula for First-Time Founders

Use this 2-step formula in all your sales pages, emails, and pitches:

Step 1: Highlight the Pain

“Tired of launching over and over without seeing real results?”

Step 2: Spotlight the Transformation

“Imagine building a brand that clients chase you for not the other way around.”

This works because you meet your audience where they are and lead them where they want to go.

A Friendly Reminder: Emotional Selling ≠ Manipulation

This isn’t about using sleazy tactics. It’s about deep empathy.

Instead of asking:

• “How do I convince them to buy?”

Ask:

• “What stress are they dying to escape?”
• “What dream feels just out of reach for them?”

When you connect emotionally and solve real problems, your audience feels safe, heard, and ready to say yes.

Quick Win: Start With Pain

Urgency doesn’t come from vague dreams. It comes from immediate discomfort.

Think of it this way:
You ignore the dentist until you get a toothache. Then it’s suddenly urgent.

Always start your messaging by addressing pain, then pivot to the dream.

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