How to Thrive in 25
Smart Marketing Ideas for Small Craft Businesses
Boxing Day. Often another enjoyable opportunity to see family and friends or even a quiet day of digestion or exercise. As the Christmas rush dies down, there’s a lull between Christmas and New Year in which we can plan a month of opportunity for small craft businesses. Even though Christmas is over, customers will still be looking for unique and meaningful items, often at a discount. This makes January sales a golden opportunity to boost your income, clear out excess stock and attract new customers. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can also use this time to strengthen your brand and set the tone for the year ahead.
Whether you’re selling handmade jewellery or you specialise in home décor, smart marketing strategies can help you make the most of January sales. And don’t forget: safeguarding your business is just as important as growing it. Investing in insurance for craft business ensures that your hard work and creativity are protected, even during the busiest times.
Why January sales matter
January sales are a great way to engage your audience at the beginning of the year. Also, many people are looking for deals after Christmas, whether to spend gift cards, treat themselves, or stock up on unique gifts for future occasions.
This makes January an ideal time to:
- Attract new customers through promotions.
- Build loyalty among existing customers with exclusive offers.
- Clear out stock to make room for new product lines.
- Gather valuable feedback and insights for the year ahead.
- With the right approach, your January sales can create momentum that carries your business through the quieter months.
Smart ideas for January sales marketing
1. Create irresistible offers
Everyone loves a good deal, especially after Christmas – for example, discounts, “bundles” or free shipping offers. Consider creating a “New Year, New You” promotion to tie your products to common January themes like self-care, organisation or fresh starts.
You could offer discounts on products that help customers organise their homes, like hand-crafted storage solutions or planners.
Create bundles that pair popular items, such as matching accessories or complementary home décor pieces.
Promote “last chance” sales to create urgency and clear out seasonal stock.
2. Leverage social media
Social media is a powerful tool for reaching your audience and promoting your January sales. Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to showcase your products and special offers.
Tips for social media success:
Post high-quality images or videos of your products in action.
Share testimonials or reviews from happy customers.
Host a giveaway to generate excitement and attract new followers.
Use hashtags like #JanuarySales, #NewYearCrafts, or #ShopSmall to increase visibility.
By staying active on social media, you can keep your brand at the forefront of people’s minds and drive traffic to your store.
3. Send personalised email campaigns
Email marketing remains one of the most effective ways to connect with your customers. Use this channel to announce your January sales, share exclusive discounts, or highlight new products.
To make your emails stand out:
Personalise your messages with the recipient’s name or past purchase details.
Include eye-catching visuals and a clear call to action.
Create a sense of urgency by including countdowns or limited-time offers.
Segmenting your email list based on customer preferences or purchase history can help you deliver more relevant content and increase engagement.
4. Refresh your online store
If you sell your crafts online, January is a great time to refresh your website and make it more appealing to shoppers. Update your homepage with a banner highlighting your sales, and make sure your product listings are accurate and engaging.
Consider adding:
A “Sale” or “Clearance” section for discounted items.
Badges or labels on sale products to make them stand out.
New photos or descriptions for products that didn’t sell well over Christmas.
A well-organised and visually appealing website can enhance the shopping experience and encourage repeat visits.
5. Partner with Other Small Businesses
Collaborating with other small craft businesses can expand your reach and attract new customers. Look for businesses with complementary products or audiences and explore ways to work together.
Ideas for collaboration:
Cross-promote each other’s sales on social media.
Create bundled offers featuring products from both businesses.
Host a joint giveaway to engage both audiences.
These partnerships can help you build relationships within the craft community while growing your customer base.
Plan: Marketing beyond January
While your January sales are in full swing, take time to think about your marketing strategy for the months ahead. Use the insights you gain during this period—such as which products are most popular or what types of promotions drive the most sales—to refine your approach.
Additionally, consider how you can protect and grow your business in the long term. Investing in insurance for craft business is an essential step for safeguarding your work against unexpected challenges. From liability coverage to protection for stock and tools, the right insurance policy can provide peace of mind as you focus on growing your craft business.
Don’t forget self-care
Running a small craft business can be demanding, especially after you’ve expended so much energy creating, marketing and selling Christmas gifts, as well as orchestrating your own family Christmas. Make sure to carve out time for yourself, whether it’s reflecting on your achievements, setting goals for the new year, or simply recharging your creative energy. Protecting yourself and looking after yourself is important as, apart from anything else, your business thrives when you’re at your best.
For all of us, January is a month of fresh starts and exciting opportunities and, while growing your business is important, don’t overlook the value of protecting it. If you need advice on which cover is the best for your unique business, just give us a call and either Naomi or Sam will be there to help. Investing in insurance for craft business ensures that your hard work and creativity are safeguarded, giving you the confidence to focus on what you do best: crafting unique, high-quality products that people love.