126: How to Plan the Rest of 2025 and Finish the Year Strong
It’s the final countdown of 2025, and Heather’s here to help you finish the year strong.
If you’re stuck on what to promote for Black Friday or wondering how to keep your audience engaged through December, this episode has you covered!
Heather shares her go-to strategies for creating promotions without slashing prices, plus smart ways to warm your email list and boost sales during one of the noisiest times of the year. You’ll learn when to run your Black Friday sale (hint: not on Black Friday), how to turn December into your “give and grow” month, and what to track now so your 2026 plan practically builds itself.
Tune in to learn how to sell smarter, serve better, and end the year with momentum!
Key Takeaways:
- (03:15) Why planning ahead for November and December matters more than ever
- (04:00) Black Friday sales strategies; standing out when everyone’s running a sale
- (10:15) When to send your promo emails and how many to send
- (11:45) Turning December into your month of giving
- (14:00) Easy one-day sale ideas to weave into your December emails
- (16:10) Tracking your results and writing notes for your future self
Episodes Mentioned:
24: Tips for a Successful Black Friday Sale
27: How to Navigate December as an Online Business Owner
75: 5 Tips for a Successful Black Friday Promotion
Listen on:
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Smart Strategies to End Your Year Strong
How to Make the Most of Black Friday, November Promotions, and December Engagement as a Digital Product Seller
Heather shares candid experiences and actionable strategies for making these last two months not just productive, but transformative for your online business. Whether you’re gearing up for your first crowded Black Friday or looking to nurture your audience in December, here’s everything you need to know.
Planning for Q4: Why Flexibility Matters
While Heather typically maps out annual promotions in advance, this year she shifted tactics. By responding to real-time feedback and adjusting offers based on audience needs, she found unexpected success and valuable insights.
The lesson? Even for “control freaks” in business, a willingness to fly by the seat of your pants can lead to growth and innovation.
As Q4 approaches, now is the time to plan with intention. Consider what worked (and what didn’t) this year, set clear goals, and prepare to pivot if needed.
Thoughtful planning ensures your efforts in November and December set the stage for a strong start in the new year.
Black Friday: Beyond the Discount
Black Friday is no longer a single day—it’s a whole month of promotions. But are discounts always the best strategy?
Heather suggests rethinking the nature of a “sale.” Instead of slashing prices, consider offering bonuses, buy-one-get-one deals, free gifts, or creative bundles. Gifts with purchase can increase perceived value without eroding your prices or profit margins.
For newer sellers, Heather advises keeping things simple: focus on one product, run a short sale (one to three days), and target your email list rather than spreading yourself thin on social media.
More experienced sellers should review last year’s metrics, mix up their strategies, and prioritize what converts best—while injecting fresh energy into their promotions.
A crucial tip: launch your Black Friday sale early, before inboxes overflow during the actual holiday weekend. This increases visibility and avoids competing with larger brands and physical product sales.
Mastering Email Marketing for Seasonal Sales
Email remains a powerful tool for driving sales, especially during peak promotional periods.
Heather recommends sending more emails than usual during Black Friday, as crowded inboxes require extra touches to capture attention. If your audience uses school-based addresses, be strategic—schedule emails for weekdays when they’re more likely to be seen.
Lean into messaging that resonates with the season: self-improvement, prepping for the new year, and solutions for busy teachers and parents.
December: Warm Your Audience and Sell Subtly
While November is about selling, December is about giving.
Heather emphasizes the importance of warming your list after major sales events.
Provide valuable freebies, quick tips, and actionable resources that help your audience succeed. Generosity fosters trust, loyalty, and repeat sales—without the hard sell.
That doesn’t mean you stop selling altogether. Use soft mentions of related products, subtle links, or one-day flash sales embedded in warm, helpful emails. Tailor offers to themes of renewal and progress as the new year approaches.
Reflect, Record, and Prepare for Growth
After your campaigns, take time to debrief. Note which tactics worked best, what resonated with your audience, and what you’d improve next year.
This “future self” strategy ensures you’re continuously evolving and maximizing your results each Q4.
By combining strategic planning, creative promotions, and thoughtful engagement, you can end the year strong—and lay the foundation for even greater impact in the future.
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