The festive season is here; for many freelancers, creators, and small business owners, it’s a time of mixed feelings.
On one hand, there’s the opportunity to unwind and spend time with loved ones; on the other, there’s the nagging question: Should I keep promoting my work over the holidays?
It’s tempting to shut down completely, but staying active—even in small, strategic ways—can set you up for success in January. With data-backed advice and expert recommendations, we’ll explore how to balance taking a well-deserved break and maintaining visibility.
The Value of Rest: Why You Deserve a Break
Burnout is real. Freelancers and micro-business owners often carry the weight of managing every aspect of their work, from invoicing to marketing to client delivery.
Without proper rest, productivity can plummet.
The Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE) reports that nearly 80% of freelancers feel they can’t afford to take breaks, yet 92% experience improved well-being when they do.
Recharging isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential for long-term creativity and health. (IPSE)
I think this is a key takeaway: Plan intentional downtime. Step back from work fully to reset and come back stronger, whether in a few days or a couple of weeks.
The Risk of Going Dark: Why Visibility Matters
While rest is crucial, disappearing entirely can harm your business. The holiday period is unique—many people have more time to browse online, explore content, and plan for the coming year.
For freelancers and creators, this means opportunities to connect with potential clients or customers.
Statistics to Consider
- UK holiday retail sales are projected to reach £85-100 billion, with significant online engagement driving this spending. (Statista)
- 47% of consumers start researching new services or projects for January during December downtime. (StartupMagazine)
Even for those who aren’t selling physical products, staying visible signals to your audience that you’re dependable and available for future work.
How to Stay Visible Without Overworking
The good news? You don’t need to be glued to your screen to keep your business visible.
Here are practical ways to maintain engagement while enjoying your holiday:
1. Automate Content
- Use tools like Buffer or Hootsuite to schedule posts in advance. Highlight your work, share tips, or wish your audience a happy holiday.
- Social media algorithms often favour consistent posting, even if it’s just once or twice a week.
2. Create Festive-Themed Content
- Share lighthearted or reflective posts tied to the season. For example:
- “Top Lessons I Learned as a Freelancer This Year.”
- “How to Prepare Your Creative Projects for 2024.”
- Posts like these build relatability and connection while keeping you top-of-mind.
3. Set an Out-of-Office Message
- Craft a friendly, professional autoresponder for emails. Something like:
“Thanks for reaching out! I’m taking a short break and will get back to you on [date]. In the meantime, check out my [website/blog/portfolio]. Wishing you a fantastic holiday!” - This shows professionalism while gently directing people to your work.
4. Engage Briefly
- Check emails or messages at a set time daily (e.g., 15 minutes in the morning). This prevents anything urgent from falling through the cracks without pulling you out of holiday mode.
5. Plan a Small Promotion
- If relevant, consider a holiday-themed discount or offer. For example:
- “Book by January 1st for 10% off my 2024 services.”
- Limited-time offers can create urgency and help fill your January pipeline.
Why Consistency Wins the Long Game
Marketing experts emphasise the importance of staying visible, even during quieter periods.
According to Constant Contact, 51% of small business owners believe email marketing has the highest return on investment during the holidays.
Similarly, HubSpot notes that social media engagement rates often spike in December as people spend more time online.
By staying lightly active now, you’re building momentum.
When January rolls around—when people are ready to commit to new projects—you’ll be the one they remember.
Balancing Boundaries and Business
The key to success over the holidays is balance.
You don’t need to hustle daily, but setting up a few critical systems can help you rest while ensuring your business remains in the conversation.
Checklist for Holiday Engagement:
- Schedule 2-3 social media posts per week.
- Write and queue a reflective year-end blog.
- SCould you set upan out-of-office email with links to your work?
- PYou can plan one brief check-in each eek for urgent messages.
- Enjoy your time off – knowing you’ve set yourself up for success.
A Final Word: Building Trust and Connection
This time of year is about more than just sales or metrics.
It’s an opportunity to deepen relationships with your audience and community by showing up authentically, even in small ways.
For the Creative Works community, this isn’t just about staying visible; it’s about supporting each other as freelancers, creators, and small business owners navigating the same challenges.
Keeping communication alive and taking time to rest allows you to set the stage for a productive, rewarding 2024.
