Are you a coach, consultant, or entrepreneur planning free events? In this episode of “Sold Out Events,” paid events expert, Zach Hesterberg, drawing from a real $312,000 split test, breaks down the costly pitfalls of attracting the wrong audience with free tickets, even when you think you’re filtering for high-quality leads.

Discover why charging even a small fee ($7!) can dramatically increase your show-up rates, audience quality, and back-end sales, compared to offering free entry, even if you financially qualify the registrants. Zach reveals proven tactics, must-know event psychology, and practical strategies so you stop leaving money on the table and start packing your events with true buyers who value your expertise.

Tune in for actionable takeaways, from setting the right expectations in your offers to choosing the perfect ticket price. Whether you’re planning a challenge, bootcamp, or virtual event, this episode will help you maximize revenue, boost conversions, and ensure your next event is truly sold out.

Zach Hits On:

How paid events outperform free events financially.

How audience quality improves with paid admission.

How perceived value increases when paying to attend.

Why events attract wrong attendees or mindsets.

Why show-up rates are higher with paid tickets.

How clear expectations impact participant commitment and conversions.

How testing and iterating event strategies boosts results.

Timestamps:

00:00 Testing Strategies to Boost Revenue

04:04 "$53 vs. $130 Acquisition Costs"

08:25 "Setting Clear Intentions Matters"

12:47 Scale with Paid Virtual Events

About Zach Hesterberg:

Zach Hesterberg is the founder of PaidEvents.com and the go-to strategist behind some of the most profitable virtual events in the industry. He helps authors, speakers, and entrepreneurs host events that scale their message and sales.

Book a free event discovery call at paidevents.com

Download your free Paid Event Profit Playbook here: paidevents.com/free-playbook

Youtube: @zachhesterberg

Instagram: instagram.com/zachhesterberg/

Want to learn the secrets to selling high-ticket offers during the current trust recession? If so, you’re going to want to tune into the premiere episode of Sold Out Events with paid events expert Zach Hesterberg. If you’re a coach, consultant, or entrepreneur trying to scale your business with high-ticket services, but are struggling with a skeptical market, this episode is packed with insights just for you.

Zach breaks down why trust is at an all-time low and how consumer skepticism makes scaling high-ticket offers more challenging than ever. Learn why traditional sales funnels, like call booking and webinars, are becoming less effective, and how paid virtual events and paid challenges can dramatically increase your show rate, audience engagement, and conversion rates. You’ll learn the exact structure and benefits of hosting virtual multi-day paid events, proven to build genuine relationships and transform strangers into loyal clients.

Plus, hear how industry leaders like Amy Porterfield, Jenna Kutcher, Russell Brunson, and Dan Henry leverage this strategy, and why now is the best time for you to get ahead of the curve. Zach shares expert tips on building predictable client acquisition systems that work, even in today’s trust recession.

Zach Hits On:

The current trust recession and market skepticism

Importance of financial commitment in sales

Accountability through mentorship and coaching

The inefficiency of traditional call booking funnels

Flaws in webinars for building trust

The rise of paid virtual events/challenges

Advantages of multi-day, bite-sized event formats

Timestamps:

00:00 Building Trust for High-Ticket Sales

03:47 Understanding Service Sales Processes

07:46 "Webinars: Fluffy Sales Pitches"

11:23 "Paid Events Improve Engagement"

13:45 "In-Person Event Cost Challenges"

16:59 "Efficient Audience Engagement Strategies"

23:04 First-Mover Advantage in Business

23:46 "Bandwagon Marketing Inefficiency"

29:34 "Benefits of Engaged Paying Customers"

30:30 "Exponential Growth Through Selling"

About Zach Hesterberg:

Zach Hesterberg is the founder of PaidEvents.com and the go-to strategist behind some of the most profitable virtual events in the industry. He helps authors, speakers, and entrepreneurs host events that scale their message and sales.

Book a free event discovery call at paidevents.com

Download your free Paid Event Profit Playbook here: paidevents.com/free-playbook

Youtube: @zachhesterberg

Instagram: instagram.com/zachhesterberg/