Why I Choose Affordability as My Mark of Quality

The most common refrain I hear when it comes to creator made content is “price dictates perception of quality.”

I struggle with that every time I put something out there I want to sale.

Why? Because I grew up poor. Not living in your car poor, but I hope the light bill gets paid poor.

When I purchase things, I still keep the price tag in mind, because I’m frugal with my money to value ratio. I like getting a good deal and getting something useful.

That’s why I recently changed the prices to my eBooks.

I know I can sell them for $20 or more and make sales.

But what about the people out there, the writers, who are struggling with their finances and can’t afford the great, actionable content I want to give them because they have to worry about that light bill?

I’ve been there, so I understand that pain.

So, I’m daring to challenge that status quo, because I believe affordability and excellence can go hand in hand.

I changed my pricing on my products so they are around the price of a cup of coffee.

I’ve seen so many products out there that boast their worth through exorbitant price tags, implying that anything less expensive is inferior.

And I’ve bought a few of them and all I can say is…

It’s utter bullshit.

Not only that, but it limits access for consumers and my audience.

It also perpetuates a cycle where quality is synonymous with exclusivity.

The status quo approach alienates a significant portion of my market.

Imagine a young writer whose potential is stifled by the high cost of my materials and can’t reach their full potential.

That messaging is pretty clear to me: quality, success, and the right to dream big are reserved for those willing to pay the premium.

If you’re poor, stay poor, because I’m in it for the money.

I can’t really cotton to that line of thinking.

The dilemma itself is as old as commerce.

How does one balance quality with cost?

I know my products aren’t inferior, and pricing them affordably doesn’t change that.

It also allows me to democratize excellence by teaching others what I know in a way they can afford.

I do this by using a DIY Guerilla Publishing strategy.

1. I build the product from the ground up using affordable or open source tools.
2. I use efficient distribution models that allow me to keep business costs down.
3. I use a razor-thin margin strategy and reinvest my profit into making more content.

This affordability is my rebellion against the notion that high prices equal quality.

Yes, I could make more money faster if I followed the status quo, but it’s not always about money.

I don’t want to be known as a rich writer. I want to be known as a writer that changes lives.

I believe this approach will not only endear me to cost-conscious consumers but will also allow me to tap a broader market which, in the end, will mean more money in my pocket with a longer shelf life in the hearts and minds of my audience.

Now, imagine that young writer once more…

They’ve purchased my products.

Said products helped them become a success.

They become a best-selling writer and they constantly name drop my books as one of the primary ingredients in their success.

Tell me of a better way to generationally market and leave a legacy behind that even my children can profit from.

That young writer’s success is my success. It’s a testament to my belief that affordability does not compromise quality.

It amplifies opportunities.

And the affordability is more than just about saving money.

It’s about my audience feeling empowered, knowing that they’re not priced out of quality.

It’s the joy of a hobbyist turned professional, scaling new heights, and the satisfaction of knowing they didn’t have to go into debt to achieve their dreams.

All thanks to me.

So, I will price my products affordably because I believe in the inherent value they bring to the lives of those who use them, not the perceived value inflated by a hefty price tag.

In doing so, I’m not just selling my product.

I’m leading a movement.

A movement that asserts quality is not dictated by a price tag, success is attainable, and dreams should have no barrier for entry.

Thanks for reading!

Hi, I'm Joe. I help creators share their unique voices simply and effectively. Here's how I can help you:

• Join my newsletter.
• Get 1 email every week.
• Access multiple actionable links.
• Learn focus, clarity, efficiency, & consistency.
• Profit.