Navigating the last quarter of the year can not only be challenging but also comes with lots of opportunities. The time between September and October is a transitional period where Halloween and the holidays are on the horizon. As you plan out the last quarter her are some things to keep in mind:

1. Holiday Season Prep and Seasonal Themes

Fall has arrived, and winter is coming through shortly thereafter, this is the time to tap into those cozy vibes and autumn colors. How can you incorporate that into your work? Think about your product designs and promotions.

And speaking of promotions, there is Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday coming up. What kind of campaigns can you create for you and your business?

2. The Power of Storytelling and Authenticity

Customers are increasingly drawn to small businesses that share authentic stories and experiences. Content that highlights the creator’s journey, the inspiration behind products, or customer testimonials is becoming what potential customers are wanting to know more about.

Behind-the-scenes content is also gaining popularity. Audiences love to see the creative process, making studio tours, live creation sessions, and behind-the-scenes videos a valuable tool for connecting with customers.

3. Sustainability and Ethical Practices

People are paying more attention to sustainability and any business that prioritizes eco-friendly materials, ethical sourcing, and transparent business practices is gaining a competitive edge.

Something else that is coming up more and more is the importance of social causes. People want to know what you support and how you go about it.

4. Hybrid Events and Online Experiences

As much as in-person is a great way to build connections, there is a demand for virtual learning experiences. When you can offer online workshops, courses, and live Q&A sessions to engage your audience, you expand on the people you are now able to reach.

Something that might work well is to create a hybrid event where you combine in-person and virtual elements allowing for more accessibility.

5. Niche Market Expansion and Customization

Something that doesn’t really get old is offering personalized products that are unique and meaningful. Whether it’s personalized art, creative services, or tailored experiences, customization continues to be one of the top sought out products or services.

Also building communities that are engaged around specific interests or styles can move you and your business forward. Platforms like Discord, GroupApp, and private social media groups are a great way to foster these communities.

6. Subscription and Membership Models

Creatives now have the opportunity to create subscriptions to offer exclusive content, early access to products, and members-only events, which helps drive customer loyalty. Using Patreon or other membership platforms can provide you with sustainable revenue streams.

8. Resurgence of Traditional Media

Did prints ever really go out of style? I don’t know because there is a renewed interest in print media. Art books, zines, and limited edition prints offer tangible value and collector appeal.

9. Collaboration and Cross-Promotion

Something else that comes up is collaborations expanding reach and attracting new audiences. When you partner with other artists or brands to create limited-edition products or a combined event these can be highly effective.

And let’s not forget that, love them or hate them, influencer partnerships are a valuable tool. Collaborating with influencers who align with the brand’s ethos and style can help build credibility and reach a wider audience.

What’s a trend you might want to explore during this last quarter? Let’s talk about it in the comments.