• July 8, 2025
• on Marketing, Micro-Steps Success
• by TLj Creative Marketing

Micro-Step #21: What If You’re Missing the One Thing Your Audience Actually Wants?

I used to think I was doing everything right.

My line dance classes were welcoming, fun, and packed with people from all levels. But something kept nagging at me. Some beginners looked uncomfortable. They were smiling, sure, but I could tell they were overwhelmed trying to keep up.

At first, I brushed it off. “They’ll catch on,” I told myself.

But one night, instead of assuming, I asked a few regulars a simple question:
“What do you wish I offered that I don’t yet?”

And their answers were so clear.

“I wish there was something just for brand-new dancers.”
“Sometimes I want to ask questions but don’t want to slow the class down.”
“I’d love even just 15 minutes with you before class.”

That one question changed everything.

Why Guessing Doesn’t Work

When we’re passionate about something, we think we know what our people need. We build offers, post content, plan services, all based on what we think will help.

But sometimes, we’re too close to see it clearly. Our assumptions aren’t bad, they’re just incomplete.

Asking that one question opened my eyes. I realized I didn’t need to overhaul my whole class. I just needed to make space for a little extra help, offered with intention.

The Power of a Single Question

“What do you wish I offered that I don’t yet?”

That’s it. One sentence. It feels casual. Non-salesy. Thoughtful. And it invites honesty in a way big surveys don’t.

That question told me exactly what was missing, without me having to guess or overthink it. And because it was so specific, I was able to respond with something meaningful.

Now, I offer an optional “Pre-Class Basics” session just for beginners. Fifteen minutes before we start, focused on the very first steps. It’s a small fee, and I keep it limited to 2 or 3 people so it stays personal.

And those same folks? They keep coming back. They’re more confident. They’re having fun. And they’ve even started bringing friends.

How to Ask It (and Actually Get Answers)

• Put it in your Instagram Stories question box
• Send a short email to your list with only that question
• Post it inside your group or community space

Say it like a person, not a brand:

“Hey, I’ve been thinking about how to serve you better. What’s one thing you wish I offered that I don’t yet?”

What to Do With the Answers

Look for patterns. Are several people saying the same thing in different words? Are they pointing to a gap you didn’t see before?

Sometimes it’s not a full-blown new offer. It’s a tweak, a bonus, a tiny shift that makes everything feel more personal and useful.

That 15-minute pre-class time I added? It didn’t take a huge effort, but it added huge value.

Keep the Conversation Going

Let people know you’re paying attention. If you try their suggestion, tell them. If you’re still thinking it over, thank them for the idea.

When your audience feels heard, they stay close. They engage more. And they buy, refer, and cheer you on.

Try This Today

Want a quick win?
Post this to your audience right now:

“Curious question for you: What’s one thing you wish I offered that I don’t yet?”

One question. One shift. That might be all it takes.

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Similar Posts:

• Micro-Step #11, Pt. 2: Speak to Their Interests, Not Just Their Demographics
• Micro-Step #11, Pt. 3: This Is What Turns Browsers into Buyers