Launching a custom calendar before Christmas is a smart way to boost sales, build brand awareness or fundraise successfully. Whether you’re a small business, school, community group or local artist, timing is everything—and so is your marketing strategy. With calendar printing online now easier than ever, and demand for promotional calendars peaking in the lead-up to the holidays, getting your marketing right can make all the difference. If you want to print wall calendars that people love—and buy—you’ll need more than great images. You need a smart, festive and well-timed plan.
Here are practical marketing tips to help you launch your calendar before Christmas and make the most of the holiday season.
1. Start Early – But Not Too Early
While it’s tempting to get a jump on the year, most people don’t start calendar shopping until October or November. Launching your marketing campaign in September or early October gives you enough time to tease the calendar, build anticipation and take pre-orders for Christmas gifts. It also gives you the opportunity to use big retail days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday to drive sales!
Use calendar printing online services that offer fast turnaround and delivery, so you can stay flexible with your timeline.
2. Create a Pre-Launch Teaser Campaign
Before you officially launch, generate excitement. Share sneak peeks on Instagram and Facebook—blurred images, behind-the-scenes shots, or close-ups of your favourite monthly designs. Set up a ‘Coming Soon’ landing page to capture emails for your mailing list.
You could also run a poll on social media asking followers to vote for their favourite image in your custom calendar or suggest special dates to include. This builds engagement and creates a sense of involvement, making people more likely to purchase once your promotional calendars are released.
3. Offer Pre-Order Discounts
Give early buyers an incentive to act. A limited-time discount or a free gift with pre-orders can create urgency. Consider bundling your print wall calendars with other seasonal items—like cards, magnets or prints—especially if you’re a creative, charity or small retailer. Bundling boosts perceived value and is proven to increase sales!
4. Promote Across Multiple Channels
Use every platform available to get the word out. That includes your website, social media, email newsletters, Etsy store, and local community groups. You can also partner with other small businesses or venues—like cafes, libraries or salons—to display a sample calendar with a QR code for purchases.
Include a strong call to action in every post or listing, and don’t forget to highlight the benefits: limited edition, Australian-made, supports local business or cause, etc.
5. Tap Into the Gifting Market
Promotional calendars make ideal Christmas gifts—practical, thoughtful, and personal. Position your calendar as the perfect gift for specific audiences, such as pet lovers, gardening fans, parents, or grandparents.
Use messaging like “The perfect stocking filler” or “Give the gift of a year of smiles” in your online store and ads. Highlight features like space to write, school holidays marked, or high-quality images—especially if you print wall calendars intended for everyday use.
6. Use Testimonials and Social Proof
If you’ve sold calendars in previous years, share customer feedback and photos of your calendar in their homes or workplaces. Social proof is powerful—it builds trust and helps overcome hesitation. New customers are more likely to buy when they see others are happy with your product.
7. Create a Sense of Urgency
Remind people that your calendar is a limited-run item. Countdown posts, “only 50 left!” messages, or “final day to order for Christmas delivery” banners help motivate customers to act quickly. If you’re using a calendar printing online service with a known deadline for pre-Christmas delivery, build your campaigns around that.
8. Don’t Forget Offline Opportunities
Attend local markets, pop-ups, or community events in the lead-up to Christmas. Calendars are an easy impulse buy and a great way to connect with your community in person. Bring flyers or cards with your online store URL so people can order later if they don’t have cash on the day.
Time It Right for Maximum Sales
Launching your calendar at the right time, with a well-planned marketing push, can deliver big results. From clever pre-order campaigns to festive promotions, it’s about telling the story behind your calendar and making it irresistible as a holiday gift. So, if you’re ready to print wall calendars this year, take advantage of calendar printing online to streamline the process, and use promotional calendars to make a lasting impression all year round.