For years, I believed selling meant convincing. The harder I tried to pitch, the more resistance I felt from my audience.
Then I discovered Daniel Priestly’s “Sell by Teaching” principle, and it completely reframed my approach. Instead of pushing harder, he shows that you can sell more effectively by educating your audience first — giving away real value and letting trust do the heavy lifting.
In this post, I’ll explain what “Sell by Teaching” means, how I’ve begun applying it to affiliate marketing, and why this simple shift can dramatically increase your conversions. (I’ve also embedded Daniel’s original video so you can watch it for yourself.)
What the “Sell by Teaching” Principle Is
Daniel Priestly’s “Sell by Teaching” principle flips traditional selling on its head. Instead of convincing or pressuring people to buy, you give them useful, actionable knowledge that helps them make an informed decision. By educating your audience first, you build trust, authority, and goodwill — all of which make purchasing feel like a natural next step rather than a leap of faith.
In practice, this means sharing the “why” and “how” behind your recommendations. Instead of simply stating, “Buy this product,” you explain the problem it solves, the benefits it delivers, and the framework or reasoning behind your endorsement. When people learn from you, they naturally view you as the guide to follow — and the person to buy from when they’re ready.
My Reflection on the Lesson
When I first heard Daniel Priestly explain “Sell by Teaching,” it felt like a relief. For years, I thought effective selling meant persuasive copy and high-pressure tactics. But I noticed the more I tried to “convince,” the more my audience tuned out.
Daniel’s principle gave me permission to do what I actually enjoy — teaching. I started breaking down why certain products mattered, how to use them effectively, and where they fit into a bigger strategy. Instead of pushing a link, I offered insight. Instead of hype, I shared helpful context.
Almost immediately, my readers engaged more. They clicked to learn more, replied with questions, and began seeing me as a guide instead of a promoter. The best part? Sales increased without feeling like “selling.”
Why This Matters for Affiliate Marketers
Most affiliate marketers drop links and hope for clicks, but “Sell by Teaching” opens a much stronger path. By focusing on education-first content, you:
- Build credibility: When readers learn something valuable from you, they’re more likely to trust your recommendations.
- Stand out from the crowd: Most affiliates simply pitch; few explain the “why” and “how.” Teaching sets you apart.
- Drive higher-quality clicks: When people understand the benefits and context, they click with intent, leading to better conversions.
- Increase long-term loyalty: Educational content positions you as an ongoing resource rather than a one-time stop.
In short, teaching transforms your affiliate business from a transactional model into a relationship-driven model. Readers start seeing you as a guide who helps them navigate decisions — which makes every recommendation far more powerful.
Here is the video – timestamped for convenience
I’ve embedded the exact clip where Daniel Priestly explains the “Sell by Teaching” principle so you can watch it for yourself. Hearing him outline why teaching builds trust makes the concept click in a way that text alone can’t.
As you watch, think about how you could explain your next affiliate offer in a way that teaches your audience something new — rather than simply pitching it. This small shift can dramatically increase engagement and conversions.
Quick Action Step
After you watch the clip, take five minutes to brainstorm one teaching opportunity for your next promotion. Ask yourself:
- What do my readers need to understand about this product before they can fully appreciate it?
- Can I create a short tip, mini-guide, or quick explainer video that answers that need?
- How can I frame my next email or blog post as a lesson instead of a pitch?
Choose one idea and build it into your next email or article. Even a single “teaching moment” can start shifting how your audience sees you — from a link-dropper to a trusted guide whose recommendations naturally carry more weight.
Bringing It All Together
Daniel Priestly’s “Sell by Teaching” principle is about flipping the script: instead of persuading harder, you teach better. By giving your audience valuable insights, you build trust and authority — and sales become a natural side effect rather than an uphill battle.
For affiliate marketers, this approach is a game changer. When you consistently educate, you’re not just promoting products; you’re helping people make smart decisions. That goodwill turns into higher-quality clicks, stronger conversions, and a loyal following that returns for your next recommendation.
Watch the video above, choose one teaching opportunity for your next promotion, and try it out. Over time, you’ll notice that your audience clicks more, buys more, and sees you as their trusted guide — not just another affiliate.
In the next reflection, I’ll dive into Daniel Priestly’s “Leverage Small, Consistent Actions” principle — how tiny daily moves compound into massive results.