Focus and Go Episode 3 - Holidays for Creators
The Focus and Go podcast, hosted by Lenka and Tim, serves as a virtual creative meeting to discuss social media, art, and mental health. They aim to help artists and small business owners leverage the holiday season to boost their online presence and sales, sharing actionable strategies for planning and posting content to stay visible in the algorithms. Lenka and Tim offer tips on timing, local event participation, and creating holiday-themed freebies to engage audiences. They also encourage setting manageable goals, repurposing content, and thinking ahead for Black Friday and other key seasonal opportunities. The podcast aims to support creators in thriving through consistent, mindful engagement without holiday overwhelm, fostering both inspiration and community.
Show Notes for Focus and Go: Planning for a Creative Holiday Season
In this episode of Focus and Go, hosts Lenka and Tim dive into actionable strategies for creative entrepreneurs gearing up for the holiday season. If you’re an artist, author, or small business owner, read on for tips on building a holiday marketing plan that balances creativity with effective online presence.
1. Setting the Stage for the Holidays
Why Plan Early? Starting early (even before Halloween!) helps you avoid the last-minute rush and ensures you maximize holiday engagement.
Virtual Holiday Décor: Create seasonal graphics to boost visibility and attract your ideal audience. For free design tools, try Canva.
Develop a Posting Schedule: Ramp up your posting frequency around November to stay active in social media algorithms. Different platforms have varying optimal posting schedules (e.g., TikTok 2–3/day, Pinterest 7–15/day)(FocusandGoHoliday).
2. Creating Holiday-Themed Content
Theme Ideas for Posts: Showcase your product as a gift. For example, craft books make perfect stocking stuffers for budding artists, or a Kindle book could be the perfect escape for holiday travelers.
Freebies and Discounts: Consider limited-time offers or freebies to entice new followers. Offering a free eBook or a 99-cent sale can attract attention, especially on platforms like Amazon* affliate link, should you choose to purchase, a small amount returns to me while your price is exactly the same. Win/win.
Repurpose Last Year's Content: Update popular posts from last season with fresh visuals or new captions, ideal for platforms like Instagram and Pinterest.
3. Connecting Through Local Events
Attend Local Craft Fairs and Festivals: Engage with your community and introduce your products in person. If setting up a booth isn’t feasible, collaborate with local stores or participate in library events.
Share Your Story: Posting photos and testimonials from in-person events builds credibility and showcases your dedication to your craft.
4. Holiday Sales and Promotions
Plan Your Black Friday & Cyber Monday Strategy: These key sales days provide an ideal opportunity to introduce special offers. Consider partnering with Small Business Saturday to reach customers who support local and small-scale creators(FocusandGoHoliday).
Personal Touches for Online Sales: If you sell physical items, add an option for gift wrapping or personalized messages. These small touches can make a big difference in customer satisfaction.
5. Consistency with Free Content
Free Resources for Engagement: Offering free downloads like coloring books or wallpapers can drive traffic to your website. Make it easy for users to join your mailing list to receive these freebies and stay connected.
Use Testimonials to Build Trust: Sharing feedback from previous customers can help new audiences see the value in your products, especially if you’ve received awards or significant milestones on sites like Booksie.
6. Final Tips for Holiday Planning
Set Boundaries: Decide how much time you want to dedicate to packing and shipping orders. Establish clear deadlines for holiday shipping on your site.
Revisit and Refresh: Use this time to review and update broken links, old content, or website design for seasonal alignment (via FocusandGoHoliday).
For more creative business insights, connect with Lenka on Lenkaland and Tim on Timothy Murray. You can also explore Lenka’s Forest Fairy Crafts for unique DIY ideas and holiday inspiration!
