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Productized Services: The No-BS Guide to Making Money Online

Productized Services: The No-BS Guide to Making Money Online

Productized Services: The No-BS Guide to Making Money Online

Let's be real. If you've spent any time on YouTube looking for ways to make money online, you've probably seen a ton of videos promising you the moon and the stars. "$100 per day!" "Earn $300 per day doing nothing!" Sound familiar?

Here's the problem: most of these videos are peddling absolute garbage. They'll string you along with long-winded explanations of how to test games, take surveys, or other nonsense that simply doesn't work. Their real goal? To get you to click their affiliate links and make them money, not you.

I'm not going to lie to you. I'm not gonna tell you how to make a hundred bucks a day starting next week. Instead, I'm going to show you how to build a real, sustainable online business using productized services.

This ain't no get-rich-quick scheme. It takes time and effort. But if you're willing to put in the work, you can create a business that generates serious income – even up to a million dollars (yes, you read that right).

In this no-BS guide, we're gonna break down:

  • What productized services are and why they're the smartest way to build an online business
  • Tons of real-world examples of productized services that are actually working
  • A step-by-step plan to get you started on your own productized service journey

So, if you're tired of the hype and ready to build something real, let's dive in!

TL;DR: How to Build a Real Business with Productized Services

  • Productized Services 101: These are pre-packaged, standardized services with set pricing and deliverables that let you scale without constantly trading time for money. They're designed for efficiency, freeing you up to focus on growth.
  • Real-World Examples: Successful productized services range from website optimization to social media management. You'll see how real entrepreneurs are making serious money by solving common problems with streamlined solutions.
  • Step-by-Step Plan: Start by dissecting your service into repeatable steps. Then automate, delegate, and standardize your process. Build a simple landing page, price your services clearly, and use cold outreach to land your first clients.
  • Client Satisfaction & Business Growth: Productized services meet client needs with clear outcomes and no surprises. As a business owner, you'll create predictable revenue streams and scale efficiently while delivering consistent quality.
  • Perfect Fit for Freelancers & Agencies: Whether you're a freelancer, an agency, or just starting out, productizing your services will help you break free from inconsistent income and build a scalable, sustainable business model.
  • 90-Day Action Plan: In the first 30 days, immerse yourself in learning and practice. Build your online presence by day 35, and spend the next 60 days aggressively pursuing clients with clear value propositions.
  • From Side Hustle to Full Agency: Start small, but keep in mind that productized services can be a stepping stone to running a high-ticket, performance-based agency down the line. This approach sets you up for long-term business success.

What is a productized service?

A productized service is a pre-packaged, standardized service that’s sold like a product, offering a clear scope, set deliverables, and fixed pricing. While it simplifies service delivery, there are key strategies for scaling and customization that can enhance its effectiveness.

Here's a breakdown:

  • Breaking it Down: You dissect your service into its core components. What are the steps involved? What tasks can be standardized?
  • Automation & Delegation: You figure out which parts can be automated with software or delegated to others, freeing up your time for the high-value stuff.
  • Clear Pricing: You create straightforward pricing packages that are easy for clients to understand and buy. No more haggling or custom quotes!

Two Flavors of B2B Services

There are two main types of B2B service businesses:

  1. Productized Services: Think of this as a McDonald's cheeseburger. It's the same every time, no matter who orders it. You offer a standardized service with a set price and scope. It's low complexity and doesn't require you to be an absolute expert to get started.
  2. Performative-Based Agencies: This is more like a Michelin-star restaurant. It's highly customized, results-driven, and expensive. You're paid a lot of money because you've proven you can deliver exceptional results.

Start with Productized Services, Level Up Later

If you're just starting out, productized services are the way to go. They let you get your feet wet, build your skills, and start making money without needing years of experience.

Think of it like this: you can't become a world-class chef overnight. You need to master the basics first. Productized and management services are your culinary school. Once you've got the chops, you can graduate to the fancy restaurant (performative-based agency) and command top dollar.

But for now, let's focus on building that solid foundation with productized content marketing services.

Got it, here's the continuation of the blog post, expanding on the provided bullet points for Chapter 1:

Productized Services: The Client's Perspective

  • From your client's point of view, a productized service is a dream come true.
  • It's a "done for you" solution that takes a problem off their plate.
  • It's clearly defined, has a set, fixed price amount, and delivers a specific outcome. No surprises, no hidden fees, just results.

Productized Services: Your Perspective

  • As a business owner, a productized, service model is your ticket to freedom.
  • It's a system that runs smoothly, whether you're personally involved or not.
  • This means you can scale your business without being tied down to every single task.

Benefits of a Productized Service

Why is this model so powerful? Let me break it down for you:

  • Become the Expert: By focusing on a specific service, you can hone your skills and become a true specialist. This leads to better results for your clients and a higher perceived value for your services.
  • Marketing Made Easy: No more casting a wide net and hoping for the best. You know exactly who your ideal client is and what they need. This makes marketing and sales a breeze.
  • Scale Up With Efficiency: By standardizing your processes and leveraging automation or delegation, you can serve more clients without burning yourself out. It's the key to building a business that can grow beyond your own limitations.
  • Predictable Revenue: With a clear, repeatable service offering, you can create consistent pricing and packages, leading to more predictable income. This stability allows for better financial planning and growth strategies.

In short, productized services are the perfect blend of client and ideal customer satisfaction and business scalability. It's a win-win situation.

Is Productization Right For YOU?

Who's a Good Fit for Productized Services?

Let's be honest, almost anyone can benefit from productization. But here are a few groups who are especially primed to make this model work:

  • Freelancers & Consultants: Tired of trading hours for dollars? Productization lets you break free from the feast-or-famine cycle and build a scalable business.
  • Agencies: Struggling with unpredictable revenue and juggling too many projects? Productize your core services for smoother operations and consistent income.
  • Software Companies: Got a great product but clients struggle to use it? Offer "Software With a Service" (SWaS) – implementation, training, or ongoing support – to boost customer success and revenue.
  • Startups: Need to validate your idea and get cash flowing fast? Productized services are your MVP on steroids.
  • Job-Leavers & the Recently Laid Off: Got skills and experience from your previous gig? Package them into a productized service and start your own show.

Why Productization is a Game-Changer

Still not convinced? Here's why productization is the key to unlocking your business's full potential:

  • Grow Big Without the Headaches: Serve more clients without the hassle of hiring and managing a huge team.
  • Give Clients What They Want: People want solutions, not more problems. People want solutions, not more problems.
  • Keep Clients Happy, Keep 'Em Coming Back: Consistent quality means fewer cancellations and more loyal customers. As any experienced marketing agency mentor will tell you, client retention is the cornerstone of sustainable growth.
  • No More Guesswork: Productize what you know people need, based on your skills and experience.
  • Get Paid Faster: Charge more upfront and reach profitability sooner with fewer clients.
  • Marketing & Sales Made Easy: Clear pricing and a targeted niche simplify attracting and converting clients.
  • Happy Clients, Happy You: Delivering results builds trust, leading to long-term relationships.
  • Become a Better Entrepreneur: Learn valuable business skills like pricing, marketing, and sales.

If you're tired of the grind and want a business that works for you, not the other way around, keep reading!

11 Profitable Productized Services You Can Start Today

Need some inspiration? Here are 11 productized service examples that are crushing it right now:

1. WordPress Speed Optimization:

  • Make websites lightning fast. People hate slow websites, and Google does too. Help businesses boost their user experience and SEO with this service.
  • Target Audience: Small businesses, bloggers, e-commerce stores
  • Offer a tiered pricing structure with different levels of optimization based on website size and complexity.

2. Online Interior Design & Curation:

  • Give people their dream homes without stepping foot inside. Offer pre-packaged design plans or virtual consultations for a flat fee.
  • Target Audience: Busy homeowners, renters looking to upgrade their space
  • Create pre-designed room packages at different price points, or offer virtual consultations with mood boards and shopping lists

3. Recordings to Blog Posts:

  • Turn podcasts, webinars, or interviews into killer blog content. This is perfect for busy entrepreneurs who want to repurpose their content and reach a wider audience.
  • Target Audience: Podcasters, webinar hosts, online course creators
  • Offer a transcription and editing service that turns audio or video content into polished blog posts, boosting SEO and reach.

4. Amazon Listing Optimization:

  • Help sellers dominate the Amazon marketplace. Optimize their listings, keywords, and product descriptions to get their products seen and sold.
  • Target Audience: Amazon sellers struggling with visibility and sales
  • Provide a keyword research and listing optimization package that helps sellers rank higher in Amazon search results.

5. Fish Veterinary Services:

  • Yup, even fish need doctors! Offer virtual consultations and subscription-based pond maintenance for fish owners who want to keep their finned friends healthy.
  • Target Audience: Fish hobbyists, pond owners
  • Offer a monthly subscription for virtual check-ups and personalized advice on fish health and pond maintenance.

6. Podcast Production & Editing:

  • The podcasting boom is real. Help people launch and manage their podcasts with a full-service package, from concept to editing to promotion.
  • Target Audience: Aspiring podcasters, businesses wanting to start a podcast
  • Create a package that includes everything from concept development and recording to editing and show notes creation. This service can be particularly valuable for businesses seeking guidance from an agency coach or marketing agency mentor.

7. Small Business Website Design:

  • Every business needs a website, but not every business can afford a custom build. Offer affordable, pre-designed website packages for small businesses and nonprofits.
  • Target Audience: Startups, local businesses with limited budgets
  • Offer a selection of pre-designed website templates that can be customized with the client's branding and content. This is a staple service for many offering digital agency coaching or coaching for digital agencies.

8. Facebook Ads for High-Growth Companies:

  • Specialize in helping fast-growing businesses scale even faster with targeted Facebook ad campaigns.
  • Target Audience: E-commerce stores, online businesses looking to scale
  • Specialize in a specific industry or ad objective to become a go-to expert and attract high-value clients.

9. Google My Business Management:

  • Local businesses need to be found on Google. Optimize and manage their GMB profiles to get them to the top of local search results.
  • Target Audience: Brick-and-mortar businesses, local service providers
  • Offer a monthly management package that includes profile optimization, post creation, and review monitoring

10. Social Media Management:

  • Take the headache out of social media for businesses. Offer monthly packages that include content creation, scheduling, and engagement.
  • Target Audience: Businesses overwhelmed by social media or lacking in-house expertise
  • Create different tiers of service based on the number of platforms managed and content created. This is another popular productized service for those offering coaching for digital agencies.

11. Turn-Key Dropship Websites:

  • Help aspiring entrepreneurs launch their e-commerce dreams with pre-made or customizable dropshipping stores.
  • Target Audience: Aspiring entrepreneurs wanting to start an online store
  • Offer a range of pre-built stores with different niches and product selections, along with setup and support services.

These are just a few examples to get your creative juices flowing. The key is to find a niche you're passionate about and where you can offer real value and specialized service to clients. Remember, the more specific your niche, the easier it will be to market your services and stand out from the competition.

The Power of Putting in the Reps

Remember that productized service you started? It's not just about making money in the short term. It's about building a foundation for something bigger.

After a year or so of running your own productized service model, you'll have:

  • Expertise: You'll know the ins and outs of your niche like the back of your hand.
  • Connections: You'll have built relationships with clients, partners, and maybe even a small team.
  • Insights: You'll have a treasure trove of data on what works and what doesn't.

This is where the magic happens. You can now leverage all of this to transition into a performative-based agency. This is where you get paid the big bucks, not just for delivering a more productized service businesses well, but for delivering results.

Example: Sam’s Journey from Content Creator to TikTok Agency

Sam for example, who is a Client Ascension student, started with a small content creation service focused on TikTok videos. Over time, he:

  • Mastered the art of creating viral content.
  • Built a team to handle various tasks.
  • Refined his processes to deliver exceptional results.

By refining his offer, building a strong team, and focusing on high-value clients, Sam grew his business to $55k per month in recurring revenue. Now, Sam runs a full-service TikTok marketing agency, offering strategy, content creation, and campaign management.

With a proven system in place, Sam can charge a premium for his services. His journey shows how putting in the reps can transform a simple service into a specialized, high-earning agency.

The Productized Service Launchpad

Productization isn't just a business model; it's a launchpad for your entrepreneurial journey. It gives you the experience, skills, and confidence to take your business to the next level.

So, don't be afraid to start small. That productized or service offering you're building today could be the stepping stone to the high-ticket agency of your dreams tomorrow.

Ready to Launch? Your 90-Day Productized Service Game Plan

Days 0-30: Nerd Out and Get Good

  • YouTube & Courses: Binge-watch every video on my channel (yes, every single one!). Then, find courses on Udemy or Skillshare related to your chosen service and dive deep. Internet Money is a program I created for complete beginners to make their first $1000 online by helping them learn a high-income skill, turn it into a formal offer and sell to high ticket clients. Aim for at least 30 hours of learning. Remember, knowledge is power!
  • Practice Makes Perfect: Don't just learn about your service, do it. Offer your services to friends, family, or even local businesses for free. This is where you get those valuable reps and build your confidence.

Case in Point: Ayman’s Journey to $44K/Month in 9 Months

Ayman, another Client Ascension student, started his journey as a beginner with just one client, earning $2K a month. To build up traction, he put in 12 to 14 hour days, working tirelessly to refine his skills and service. Here’s what he did:

  • Offered services for free: Ayman provided free work to his first few clients to build a portfolio and gain valuable case studies.
  • Relentlessly marketed himself: He didn’t just sit back; he actively reached out, showcasing his free work and securing those early clients.
  • Pivoted based on results: When he noticed his clients were getting better results from long-form YouTube content, Ayman shifted his focus from short-form content to YouTube marketing, showing his adaptability.

By refining his service, Ayman productized his offering into a clear, repeatable process. He focused on YouTube sales funnels where he could promise specific results—adding 10 to 30 qualified calls per month through YouTube content.

This approach allowed him to scale his agency to $44k+ per month within nine months. Ayman’s story underscores the importance of hard work, adaptability, and the power of a productized service that delivers consistent results.

If you've got some traction with your productized service and need help finding more clients to scale it past $10k/mo, we'll help you find your next 5-25 high-paying clients or provide a refund in full. If that sounds interesting and you want to become our next success story, book a call today.

Days 30-35: Build Your Digital Storefront

  • Landing Page: Create a simple, one-page website on Carrd. No fancy coding is required! Just explain what your service is, why you're the best at it, and how to get in touch.
  • Video Pitch: Film a quick video of yourself explaining your service and embed it on your landing page. People want to see the face behind the business.
  • Book Those Calls: Add a Calendly link so potential clients can easily schedule a call with you.

Read next: How to Create a Killer VSL for Your Business (+$5M VSL Script)

Days 35-95: Hustle Time!

  • Show Off Your Skills: Take that free work you did and share it with the people you did it for. Find their emails or hit them up on social media.
  • Reach Out: Use cold email or social media outreach to connect with potential clients. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there! And be sure to check out my Twitter masterclass for killer outbound strategies.
  • Don't Give Up: Not everyone will say yes, and that's okay. Keep following up until you get a clear answer. Persistence pays off!

Scale? Not Yet.

You might be thinking, "But Daniel, this doesn't scale!"

You're right. It doesn't. But when you're starting from zero, scalability is the last thing you should worry about. Focus on getting those first few clients, even if it means doing things that don't scale.

Once you have some momentum and a proven process, then you can start thinking about scaling up. But for now, just focus on getting that first sale. Trust me, everything else will fall into place.

How to Package Your Service into Product (and Getting Paid!)

Productization 101: A Step-by-Step Guide

Productization might sound fancy, but it's really just about creating a system. Here's how to break it down:

  1. Dissect Your Service: Get granular. What are the exact steps involved in delivering your service? List them all out.
  2. Automation & Delegation: Look at your list and ask yourself:
    • Can any of these steps be automated with software?
    • Can any of these steps be delegated to someone else on your team?
    • The more you can automate or delegate, the more scalable your service becomes.
  3. Standardize Your Process: Create a clear workflow or checklist for each service you offer. This ensures consistency and makes it easier to train others.
  4. Package it Up: Bundle your services into clear, easy-to-understand packages with set pricing. Think of it like a menu at a restaurant - give your clients options, but keep it simple.
  5. Recurring Revenue is King: Consider offering subscription-based or retainer models. This creates predictable income and helps you build long-term relationships with clients.

Pricing: Don't Sell Yourself Short

Pricing is where a lot of people get tripped up. Here are a few tips:

  1. Value-Based Pricing: Charge based on the value you deliver to your clients, not just the time it takes you to do the work.
  2. Cost-Plus Pricing: Calculate your costs (time, materials, overhead) and add a markup to ensure profitability.
  3. Hybrid Pricing: Combine value-based and cost-plus pricing to find a sweet spot that works for you and your clients.

Remember, you're running a business, not a charity. Don't be afraid to charge what you're worth!

To sum up, pricing your most productized service offering isn't a one-time decision. It's an ongoing process of testing, adjusting, and optimizing. Just like any other aspect of your business, your pricing strategy needs to be as dynamic as the market itself.

Read next: 9 Marketing Agency Pricing Models Explained (& When to Use each)

Land Clients, Scale Your Business

In the productized service space, attracting clients and scaling your business requires a strategic approach. It's about showcasing your expertise, building trust, and making it easy for potential customers to say "yes" to your service offering.

Marketing: Getting Your Name Out There

You've got a killer productized subscription service. Now, how do you get people to buy it? Here's the game plan:

  1. Niche Down: Don't try to be everything to everyone. Pick a specific target market and become the go-to expert in that niche. The more focused you are as a service provider, the easier it is to stand out in the crowded productized service space.
  2. Sales Page That Sells: Your website is your 24/7 salesperson. Make it clear, concise, and compelling. Highlight the benefits of your service, show off your pricing, and make it easy for people to take action.
  3. Drive Traffic: Nobody's gonna buy if they can't find you. Use a mix of paid ads, SEO, and social media to get eyeballs on your sales page.
  4. Convert Visitors into Customers: Give people a taste of what you offer with free trials or discounts. Use strong copywriting and calls to action to nudge them towards the sale.
  5. Upsell, Upsell, Upsell: Once you've got a client, don't be afraid to offer them additional services or premium packages. It's easier to sell to an existing customer than to find a new one.
  6. Freebies Work Wonders: Offer free consultations or audits to showcase your expertise and build trust. This can be a great way to generate leads and convert them into paying clients.

Scaling Up: Building a Business, Not Just a Job

Once you've got a steady stream of clients, it's time to think about scaling up. Here's how:

  1. Consistency is Key: Deliver the same high-quality service every single time. This builds trust and keeps clients coming back for more.
  2. Keep it Simple: Make your service easy to understand and use. Nobody wants to jump through hoops to get results.
  3. Price it Right: Do your research and make sure your pricing is competitive. But remember, value trumps price. Don't be afraid to charge a premium if you're delivering premium results.
  4. Automate, Automate, Automate: Use software and tools to streamline your processes and free up your time. The less manual work you have to do, the more you can focus on growth.
  5. Build Your Team: As you grow, you'll need to bring on help. Hire and train people who share your vision and can deliver your service with the same level of quality.
  6. Never Stop Improving: Get feedback from your clients and use it to refine your processes and offerings. The best businesses are always evolving.
  7. Client Relationships Matter: Keep your clients happy and engaged. This leads to repeat business, referrals, and testimonials that help you attract even more clients.

Scaling a productized or service provider takes work, but it's the key to building a business that can run without you constantly being in the trenches. So, start implementing these strategies today and watch your business soar!

Action Time: Real Tactics That You Can Implement

From Idea to Execution: Making it Happen

Remember those productized service examples we talked about earlier? Let's get tactical and see how to actually land those first few clients:

  • TikTok-Style Video Editing: Hit up podcasters and YouTubers with sloppy videos. Offer to edit one for free to showcase your skills.
  • Ad Creatives: Create a Twitter thread or TikTok series showcasing your ad designs. Tag relevant brands and founders to get noticed.
  • Ghostwriting Social Media Posts: Build a following on the platform you want to offer services on. Show, don't tell, that you know how to create engaging content.
  • Design Agency: Flood your social media with your best designs. Attract clients organically by showcasing your talent.
  • YouTube Video Editing: Find business-focused YouTubers with unedited videos and offer your services. They're already trying to make money on YouTube, so they'll understand the value of good editing.
  • Influencer Marketing: Use cold email to reach out to e-commerce brands and show them how you can connect them with the right TikTok influencers.

Busting the Productized Service Myths

Now, let's address some common misconceptions that might be holding you back:

Myth #1: People "Buy Now" Off Your Website

  • Reality Check: Most people won't whip out their credit card without talking to a real person first, especially for higher-priced services. Sales calls are essential!
  • The Good News: Your sales calls are a chance to build relationships, answer questions, and close the deal. Plus, you can eventually train someone else to handle them, freeing up your time.

Myth #2: A Productized Service Can't Work Without "You"

  • Reality Check: Your clients want their problems solved, not necessarily by you personally.
  • The Good News: Build systems and processes so your service can be delivered consistently, even without your direct involvement. This is how you create a business that can grow beyond your own limitations.

Myth #3: There's No Room for Custom Work

  • Reality Check: Productized services don't have to be cookie-cutter. You can absolutely offer tailored solutions within the scope of your packages.
  • The Good News: Standardize your processes, but don't be afraid to add personalized touches or offer add-on services for clients who need a little extra.

It's Hard, But Worth It

Building a productized service business isn't easy. It takes hard work, dedication, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone.

But if you're tired of trading time for money and ready to build something truly scalable, productization is the path of least resistance. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start building your empire!

We can help you build a productized service and make $10k+/mo

Building a successful online business isn't about get-rich-quick schemes or relying on shady tactics. Many business owners find success by packaging their expertise into valuable productized services that solve real problems for clients and create a sustainable income stream, often through a recurring service model.

Key Takeaways:

  • Productized services are your ticket to freedom: They offer scalability, client satisfaction, and predictable revenue.
  • Niche down and become an expert: Focus on a specific area where you can provide exceptional value.
  • Package your services clearly: Make it easy for clients to understand what they're getting and how much it costs.
  • Market strategically: Target your ideal clients and showcase your expertise.
  • Scale your business: Automate or delegate tasks to free up your time and serve more clients.

If you're ready to take your productized service business to the next level, head over to Client Ascension to see how we can guarantee you sign 5 to 25 clients—or you get a full refund. We'll guide you through the entire process, from refining your offerings to attracting high-value clients and scaling your operations.

Don't wait—take action now to turn your skills into a profitable online business. Schedule a call today!

Remember, the key to success is taking action. Start exploring potential service offerings, build your first productized service, and get it out there! The journey to online entrepreneurship begins with a single step.

Client Ascension Offer

Authors:
Daniel Fazio, Co-founder at Client Ascension
Aug 25, 2024

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