As we roll into the last few months of the year, it’s crunch time. The 4th quarter is right around the corner, and if you’re a crafter or small business owner, you know what that means: holiday sales, hustle, and a whole lot of opportunity to make some serious money. This is the season that can take your business to the next level—*if* you’re ready to make the most of it.
So, let’s talk about how you can gear up, stay ahead of the game, and make this holiday season your most profitable yet.
1. Set Clear Goals and Intentions
First things first, what do you want to achieve this holiday season? I’m not just talking about sales goals (though those are important), but also about how you want your business to *feel* during this busy time. Are you aiming for a smooth, organized process? Are you looking to build stronger relationships with your customers? Get specific, write it down, and keep those goals front and center as we head into the season.
Quick Tip: Set a revenue goal for Q4. Maybe you want to hit $5,000 in sales, or maybe you’re shooting for $50,000—whatever it is, be clear about it and break it down into smaller weekly or daily targets.
2. Create Bundles That Sell
The holiday season is prime time for gift-giving, and customers *love* bundles. It’s a quick, easy way to boost your sales and offer more value without reinventing the wheel.
For example, if you’re selling custom t-shirts, why not bundle them with a matching tumbler or ornament? You’re not just selling a product—you’re selling a ready-made gift that makes your customers’ lives easier. And who doesn’t love that?
Pro Tip: Offer a small discount on your bundles to make them even more irresistible. A “Buy 2, Get 10% Off” deal can work wonders during the holiday rush.
3. Promote the Experience, Not Just the Product
People don’t just want stuff—they want experiences. They want to feel the excitement, joy, and warmth of the holiday season, and your products can be a part of that. So, instead of just saying, “Hey, buy my custom mug,” try saying, “Imagine cozying up with a hot cup of cocoa in this personalized mug on a chilly winter morning.”
See the difference? It’s all about painting a picture and helping your customers see themselves in the moment.
Engagement Idea: Share photos or videos of your products in use. Show the unboxing experience, the “Wow!” moment when they receive their order, or even a behind-the-scenes look at you creating these pieces. It builds a connection and gets your customers excited.
4. Leverage Social Proof to Build Trust
This one is big. People trust other people more than they trust ads or sales pitches. So, if you’ve got happy customers, let the world know! Share their testimonials, reviews, or photos with your products. This not only builds trust but also reassures potential buyers that they’re making a great decision.
Don’t Be Shy: Ask your past customers to share their experience or a photo with your products. You’d be surprised how many people are willing to shout you out when they love what you do.
5. Start Your Marketing Early
We’ve all heard the saying, “The early bird catches the worm,” and that couldn’t be truer for holiday sales. Don’t wait until the last minute to start promoting your holiday offers. Start teasing your deals, sharing sneak peeks, and getting your audience excited now.
Marketing Tip: Begin sharing holiday-themed content, like gift ideas or holiday-inspired designs, to build anticipation. Use this time to remind your audience that you’ve got something special coming their way.
6. Keep Your Eyes on the Big Picture
The holiday season is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and feel overwhelmed, but remember: this is your time to shine. Stay focused, keep your mindset positive, and celebrate every win along the way, no matter how small.
Self-Care Reminder: Don’t forget to take care of yourself during this busy time. Your energy is what fuels your business, so make sure you’re recharging when you need to.
A Quick Heads-Up About What's Coming Next…
If you’ve been following along, you know I’m all about helping you succeed. That’s why I’m super excited about the "Holiday Hustle Masterclass" coming up, Monday -September 23rd. It’s designed specifically for crafters and small business owners like you who want to make the most of this holiday season and hit those sales goals.
We’re diving deep into strategies that will help you stand out, get your products in front of more customers, and turn this 4th quarter into your most profitable one yet. So, keep an eye out—TODAY is your LAST CHANCE to get in the room!
Final Thoughts: The Time to Hustle Is Now
The holiday season is your chance to show up, shine, and make your mark. It’s the time when people are actively looking to spend money, and your job is to make sure they’re spending it with "you". Stay focused, stay motivated, and remember—you’ve got everything you need to make this season a success.
Now go out there, set those goals, and make it happen. Your holiday hustle starts now!
Lane