Build Gratitude Into Your Holiday Marketing: A Checklist for Creatives
The holiday season is about story, connection and the people behind every piece of design — not just the products. At Inspiring Design, we live in the space where craft meets purpose, and this time of year offers a chance to share that truth. Drawing on the key points from Squarespace’s holiday-marketing checklist, here’s how creatives, makers and studios can prepare, engage and reflect… with a heart-centred edge.
Before the Season Starts
Prepare your offering: Add gift-ready items, local-studio exclusives or “thank you” editions that show your process of making.
Audit your website: Make sure navigation is seamless, checkout simple, product listings clean and imagery strong.
Ensure payments & fulfilment are in place: Behind the scenes matters. Shipping, tracking, returns — all must run smoothly.
Build your list and plan: Start collecting email subscribers, tease what’s coming, map out key moments like pre-holiday offers.
During the Holiday Rush
Use email and automation to your advantage: Scheduled emails, cart-abandon reminders and thank-you messages make a difference.
Create urgency & stand out: Use low-stock alerts, announcement bars, limited-edition launches — especially in a crowded season.
Stay connected: Go behind the scenes — show your studio, your tools, your hands at work. That human detail makes your brand feel alive.
Monitor what’s working: Check orders, feedback, responses. Adjust your offers if something’s resonating.
After the Big Rush
Leverage the “invisible quarter”: When many brands slow down, your thoughtful follow-ups or limited offers stand out.
Encourage self-shopping and gift-card use: People often treat themselves or redeem gift cards after the holidays.
Express thanks and build loyalty: Say thank-you, showcase testimonials or reviews, invite return visits. It’s not just for sales — it’s for relationships.
The holiday season offers more than a sales window — it offers a chance to deepen connection, to share your story and to invite people into your creative world. With thoughtful preparation, intentional storytelling and an unwavering focus on craft and community, your holiday campaign won’t just sell — it will resonate.
Ready to move from “holiday season” to “holiday experience”? Let’s craft a season that reflects who you are.
Read more of the blog on Squarespace here.
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