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The Truth About Online Sales Tactics

It’s tempting, right?

Add a countdown timer. Claim your product is “the only one of its kind.” Promise unrealistic results. After all, that’s what seems to work, right?

But here’s the truth: short-term tactics often lead to long-term losses.

In today’s internet-driven world, customers are smarter than ever. They do their homework. They read reviews. They know when they’re being manipulated—and they don’t forget.

So let’s talk about the five lies many online business owners use, why they’re risky, and what to do instead.

1. “Limited Time Only” (When It’s Not)

The Lie:

Entrepreneurs slap a countdown timer on a product page claiming the offer ends in 10 minutes—only to have it reset every time the page reloads.

Why It Backfires:

Customers know this game. Fake urgency might get you a few impulse buys, but once someone realizes the deal is always available, your credibility takes a hit.

The Better Move:

Create authentic urgency:

• Offer truly limited bonuses or exclusive pricing for email subscribers

• Launch products in waves or batches

• Use waitlists and early bird access to drive FOMO honestly

People respect scarcity—when it’s real.

2. “This Will Work for Everyone”

The Lie:

Claiming your product or service works 100% of the time for 100% of people.

“Guaranteed to transform your business in 30 days—no matter what!”

Why It Backfires:

Overpromising sets expectations sky-high. And when even one customer doesn’t get those results? They leave bad reviews, request refunds, and warn others.

The Better Move:

Be transparent about who your offer is really for. Use phrasing like:

• “Best for busy parents looking to save time”

• “Works great if you’re already familiar with basic editing tools”

• “Ideal for creators who’ve launched at least once”

It’s okay to have a niche—specificity builds trust.

3. “We’re Just Like You”

The Lie:

Pretending to be a solo entrepreneur, while actually being a fully staffed agency—or vice versa.

Some businesses hide behind fake personas, pretending to be a struggling solo founder to appear relatable. Others pose as big brands when they’re really just starting out.

Why It Backfires:

People eventually find out. When they do, it feels like they’ve been tricked—and trust breaks instantly.

The Better Move:

Tell the real story. Whether you’re a one-person show or a small team, people connect with honesty far more than made-up origin stories.

If you're small, own it:

“I’m a one-woman design studio—so your project gets my full attention.”

If you’re big, own that too:

“We’re a growing team passionate about helping brands scale without the chaos.”

4. “Everything Is 100% Automated”

The Lie:

Marketing your service or system as “completely hands-off” or “fully automated” when it still requires regular updates, manual oversight, or setup work.

“Just install this and never touch it again!”

Why It Backfires:

Customers expect automation—but they also expect clarity. If they find out they still have to do stuff after paying for a “done-for-you” system, they’ll feel misled.

The Better Move:

Be clear about what’s truly automated and what isn’t. Frame the offer like this:

• “We automate 80% of your lead gen—so you can focus on closing the deals.”

• “We set up your system, and you run with it (we’ll train you first).”

That way, your value still shines—but it’s rooted in truth.

5. “This Price Won’t Last Long”

The Lie:

Artificial discounts that are always available. Or worse—products that are never actually sold at the “original” price.

“Normally $497… but just for you today: $47!”

Why It Backfires:

Shoppers catch on to fake markdowns fast. If your product is always on sale, your brand loses authority—and future price raises become harder to justify.

The Better Move:

Set honest pricing and explain the value behind it. If you’re offering a real discount, tell people why:

• “Beta pricing while we gather testimonials”

• “Pre-launch special for early adopters”

• “Seasonal sale—valid until Sunday only”

Transparency = long-term trust.

The Cost of These Lies

Let’s be real: these “little lies” might boost short-term conversions—but they’ll quietly eat away at your business.

Here’s what’s at stake:

• Damaged brand reputation

• Negative reviews and refund requests

• Lower lifetime customer value

• Poor word-of-mouth and limited referrals

And most importantly? You risk losing the trust of the people who were actually rooting for you.

So What Should You Do Instead?

If you want to build a sustainable, respected business online:

• Be honest, even if the truth doesn’t sound as exciting

• Set realistic expectations—and then overdeliver

• Let your real story and values speak louder than hype

• Build real urgency through genuine scarcity, seasonal offers, or limited bonuses

Your customers don’t want perfect—they want authentic.

FAQs

Q: Isn't marketing all about selling the dream?Yes, but that dream should still be real. Sell a vision that’s achievable, not fantasy. Inspire your audience, but don’t mislead them.

Q: What if my competitors are lying and getting sales?Let them. Focus on the long game. Trust compounds over time, and the market always rewards consistency and truth in the end.

Q: How can I build urgency without lying?Try:

• Time-based promotions

• Limited inventory (with proof)

• Exclusive bonuses for a small group

• Waitlists for early access

Final Thoughts: Ditch the Lies, Build the Brand

You don’t need trickery to succeed in online business. What you do need is clarity, consistency, and a commitment to serving your audience with real solutions.

Customers are smart. They crave honesty. They remember how you made them feel.

So instead of tricking them into a sale, earn their trust—and keep it.

Because the best marketing strategy in the world… is being real.

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Adella Pasos has over 35,000 subscribers on YouTube. This Entrepreneur and Marketing Expert has shared her passion for growing brands from the ground up. She’s worked with Startups, Small Businesses, Fortune 500 Corporations and Entertainment Talent to help them recognize the value of marketing, and give her clients the ability to access their niche market via online, social media, mobile, merchandising, and events.

She hosts the What’s Your Game Plan TV show features: Free Expert Advice, and Growth strategies for Business Owners Across the Globe. Access thousands of FREE Tips, Trends & Tools to Move Your Business Forward!

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