You have to have a higher seller rating before you can promote listings which would mean you need sales before you can “level up”. If you fall bellow that criteria after previously obtaining it then they will no longer allow you to have promoted listings again. This is the extent of what I know. Maybe others will have more info but I do not think there is a way around the process. There are services that will help remove defects from your account as you sell which keeps you in good standing to be able to still promote.
The way I did it was first make a few sales and keep good metrics. Then I paid for a subscription which all include promoted listings feature. I contacted support, informed them I paid for a subscription and they activated my promoted listings. Some people have said this doesnt work but it worked for me
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ebay promoted listing 
