How to Plan a Successful January Launch: A 3-Month Strategy Guide
If you're thinking about launching a new offer in January, you might be tempted to wait until after the Christmas break to start planning. But here's the thing - starting your January launch prep in October isn't just being super organised, it's actually essential for creating a successful, stress-free launch that brings in those hell yes clients right from the start of the year.
As someone who's run countless launches (and helped my clients do the same), I've learned that trying to start from scratch in January is a recipe for burnout and missed opportunities.
To be your most magnetic self and attract those perfect-fit clients, you need to maintain that exciting, expansive energy that makes people think "Oh my gosh, this offer is exactly what I need!"
In this blog, we'll explore my proven three-step strategy for planning a successful January launch, including how to leverage the pre-Christmas period to build momentum and secure early bird sales.
🦁 Why Start Planning Your January Launch in October?
The challenge with January launches is that December tends to be a quiet month for business.
➜ Your ideal clients are often:
Focused on Christmas spending and family time
Unsure about their December revenue
Hesitant to commit to new investments
Taking time off and mentally checking out
Starting from zero in January means you're trying to warm up a cold audience while simultaneously launching to them - that's a lot of pressure!
Instead, we can use October through December strategically to build momentum.
🦁 Step 1: Get Clear on Your Audience Growth Strategy
The number one thing you need to focus on right now is audience growth - but not just any growth.
You need to attract the right people who will become your hell yes clients in January.
➜ Identify Your Hell Yes Client
Take a moment to really think about:
Where are they in their business or life right now?
What challenges are they experiencing?
What will they be feeling in January?
What specific problem will your offer solve for them?
➜ Create Targeted Content
Your content strategy from October onwards should include:
Weekly content specifically speaking to your January launch audience
Content addressing both current pain points and January aspirations
Social media posts that make them feel seen and understood
Email sequences that build trust and connection
➜ Review Your Lead Magnet
Is your lead magnet specifically targeting these hell yes clients?
Often we create general lead magnets trying to capture everyone, but for a successful launch, specificity is key. Your lead magnet should directly connect to the problem your January offer will solve.
🦁 Step 2: Leverage Pre-Christmas Opportunities
This is where we get strategic about using the pre-Christmas period to our advantage. Here's how:
➜ Black Friday Strategy Options
| Strategy | Details | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Early Bird Pricing | Offer significant discount for early commitment | Creates immediate momentum |
| Limited Spots | Add scarcity to early bird pricing | Drives faster decisions |
| Bonus Bundle | Include additional resources or support | Adds immediate value |
| Extended Payment Plans | Offer longer payment terms for early birds | Makes commitment easier |
| Pre-Launch Access | Provide exclusive content or support | Builds excitement |
➜ Building Early Momentum
Don't wait until January to start selling.
Use December's natural buying energy to your advantage by:
Creating a compelling early bird offer
Using the Black Friday period as a launch pad
Offering valuable bonuses for early commitment
Structuring tiered pricing that rewards early action
🦁 Step 3: Commit and Prepare
This is where many launch plans fall apart - the commitment phase.
It's normal to feel hesitant about fully committing to a launch strategy, but this is exactly why starting in October is so powerful.
➜ What to Prepare in Advance:
Set concrete launch dates
Create your landing page
Plan your launch event format
Set up automated emails
Decide on community aspects
Prepare promotional content
➜ Make It Fun and Authentic
Remember, your launch doesn't have to follow anyone else's formula.
Think about what would make the launch fun and exciting for you. For example, when I launched my ads course, instead of doing a traditional slideshow masterclass, I did a live 30-minute ad campaign build to show how simple it could be.
🦁 Final Thoughts
Planning your January launch in October might feel early, but it gives you the runway you need to create real momentum. By the time January arrives, you'll already have:
A warm, engaged audience
Early bird sales under your belt
Clear, tested messaging
All your systems ready to go
This means you can focus on showing up with energy and enthusiasm, rather than scrambling to pull everything together at the last minute.
The key to a successful January launch isn't just in the planning - it's in starting early enough to build genuine momentum and connection with your audience. This way, when January comes around, you're not starting from zero - you're building on existing excitement and energy.
🦁 Ready to Start Growing Your Launch Audience?
The success of your January launch largely depends on building the right audience now. Whether you're planning a course, membership, or high-ticket offer, having a strategy to consistently reach new potential clients is essential.
Without this, you risk launching to the same audience over and over again, which can limit your growth and impact.
One of the most effective ways to reach those perfect-fit clients is through strategic Facebook and Instagram ads. When done right, even a modest ad spend can help you build an engaged audience of future hell yes clients who are ready to buy when you launch.
If you're ready to take the leap into Facebook & Instagram ads, my Audience Builder Course is the perfect place to start. I'll walk you step by step through 3 key Facebook & Instagram ad campaigns to allow you to grow your email list AND Instagram followers - for as little as £3/day.
Click here for all the info & to sign up.
What next?
If you’ve found this blog post useful, here are some ways you can be a part of my world:
1) Love an Instagram story? Good, me too! Come say hi & access plenty more of my free tips over on: @sophiegriffithsco
2) Listen to my podcast! It’s all about taking big, bold moves in your marketing with strategic, practical advice and loads of inspiration too! Click here to find out more and listen!
3) Interested in working with me? To check out the client services I offer here click here
Listen to the full podcast episode for additional insights and tips here.
