How to Prep for Your Best Black Friday Ever (In Just 5 Weeks)

Because Handmade Doesn’t Mean Last-Minute—Let’s Plan Like the CEO You Are.

Black Friday is coming. And if you’re in the handmade space, this isn’t the time to wing it and “see what happens.”

This is your moment to move intentionally, prep in advance, and get ready to bring in those holiday coins without burning yourself out.

The best part? You don’t need a 47-point strategy. You just need a clear weekly plan—and that’s exactly what we’re about to lay out for you.

Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can prep like a pro and set your craft biz up for your best Black Friday ever.

WEEK 1: Set the Foundation (aka Your Game Plan Week)

This week is all about clarity. Before you dive into graphics or email promos, you need to answer some key questions.

✅ Do this:

  • Decide what you’ll promote (best-sellers? bundles? new launch?)

  • Map out your discount or offer

  • Set your Black Friday sale start + end dates

  • Make a list of what needs to be created: graphics, emails, posts, product restocks, etc.

  • Set a revenue or order goal (yes, you’re allowed to dream big!)

💡 Pro Tip: A strong, focused offer beats a messy “everything’s 10% off” vibe. Choose a star product or create a limited-time bundle.

WEEK 2: Prep Your Products + Inventory

This is your production week. Give your future self the gift of not scrambling during Thanksgiving week.

✅ Do this:

  • Restock best-sellers

  • Pre-make what you can

  • Create gift sets or holiday packaging

  • Order shipping supplies (you do not want to run out of mailers mid-sale)

💡 Pro Tip: Use this time to tag or label sale items in your shop platform (Etsy, Shopify, etc.) so everything’s organized ahead of time.

WEEK 3: Build Your Content + Promo Plan

This week is all about storytelling and visibility. You’re not just selling—you’re building hype.

✅ Do this:

  • Write 3–4 social media posts leading up to the sale

  • Draft your Black Friday emails (at least 2–3 total)

  • Schedule sneak peeks, countdowns, and reminders

  • Take photos or videos of sale items in advance

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t wait until Black Friday to promote your sale. Start teasing it now with things like:

  • “Here’s what I’m prepping for Black Friday”

  • “VIPs on my email list get early access 👀”

WEEK 4: Warm Up Your Audience

Let’s not just show up cold. This week is about getting your people ready to buy.

✅ Do this:

  • Post behind-the-scenes of packaging, prepping, or batching

  • Send a “Get Ready for Black Friday” email to your list

  • Use Stories or Reels to share FAQs, shipping deadlines, or product benefits

  • Drop a waitlist or early access link if you’re feeling fancy

💡 Pro Tip: Give your audience a reason to stay tuned—make it feel exciting, exclusive, and worth watching for.

WEEK 5: Launch Week!

It’s game time, baby. You’ve done the work. Now it’s time to show up and sell.

✅ Do this:

  • Send your Black Friday launch email early (some folks start sales Wednesday!)

  • Post about your offer 1–2x per day on your chosen platform(s)

  • Go live or show your face in Stories—people buy from people

  • Send a reminder email 24 hours before the sale ends

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t assume people saw your first post. Keep talking about it. Most people need 5–7 touchpoints before they buy.

Bonus Tips for a Smooth Sale:

  • Automate what you can: Schedule emails and social posts in advance.

  • Update your policies now: Make sure shipping timelines, return info, and product listings are clear.

  • Batch your packaging supplies: Organize boxes, inserts, and thank-you notes now to save time later.

  • Rest. Hydrate. Breathe. You’re a one-person show, not Amazon Prime. Protect your peace.

Action Step: Create a 5-Week Black Friday Prep Calendar

Grab your planner or Google Calendar and block out:

  • Key task deadlines

  • Content posting days

  • Email send dates

  • Inventory prep days

  • Your own rest day(s) too—yes, it matters.

You Deserve a Black Friday That Feels Good and Pays Well

You’ve worked hard on your products.
You’ve poured heart and time into your shop.
You don’t need to hustle in chaos to have a successful holiday sale.

All you need is a plan—and the confidence to show up for it.

Let’s make this your most intentional, aligned, and profitable Black Friday yet. You’re ready.

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