Updated for 2025! Bookwhen's 6 steps to prep for the new year

As we step into 2025, businesses face the challenge of navigating an ever-evolving landscape while staying ahead of the curve. Economic factors like inflation and supply chain disruptions have shaped the past year. By reflecting on challenges, setting forward-thinking goals, enhancing your offerings, and fostering a strong community, you can unlock your business's boundless potential in 2025.

Our 6 top tips below highlight how you can adapt, embrace creativity, and sustainably grow your business this year:

1. ✨Reflect on Your 2024 Journey

Begin the year by celebrating your wins and analysing areas for growth. Dive into your Bookwhen data to uncover insights into booking trends, popular events, and customer demographics. For instance, identify which types of classes or workshops attracted the most interest and consider how you can replicate or expand on these successes. Reflect on economic hurdles, such as rising costs or shifting booker behaviours, to pinpoint areas where adaptability paid off. This provides a solid foundation to optimize your offerings and craft a customer-focused schedule for 2025.

💡NEW! We have released some new help articles and a curated collection of reporting guides to track and analyse your bookings, payments, and customer data.

2. 🎯Set Clear Goals for 2025

Define measurable goals for your business and personal growth this year. Whether you aim to:

• Expand your audience with digital marketing strategies (like TikTok or Instagram Reels). Customers appreciate behind-the-scenes content. Share sneak peeks of your planning process or “a day in the life” stories on social media to humanise your brand and deepen engagement.
• Launch memberships or seasonal offerings.
• Or pursue certifications that enhance your credibility and expertise.

Clear objectives and a manageable action plan will give you direction and motivation. Break these goals into smaller milestones by month or term to maintain focus and track progress throughout the year.

3. 🎟️Refresh Your Offerings but Keep It Simple

In a world of endless choices, simplicity resonates with customers. Focus on refining your offerings rather than overwhelming your audience with too many options. Introduce new options or features but make them easy to understand and access. For example:

• To encourage community participation, offer small groups a "Craft Night Pass," “Get Fit Together Pass,” etc.
• Add beginner-friendly fitness sessions or hybrid online/in-person classes.
• Experiment with seasonal activities, like Valentine’s workshops or summer boot camps.

Hybrid workshops are in demand. Many customers enjoy the flexibility of both in-person and online options. Consider offering live-streamed classes or downloadable content for remote engagement.

4. 📈Plan Strategic Discounts and Price Increases

A new year is an opportunity to reevaluate your pricing strategy. While discounts can attract new customers, price increases may be necessary to cover rising costs and ensure profitability.

✅ Price Increases

When increasing prices, prioritise transparency and timing. Notify customers well in advance, and consider bundling price adjustments with value-added perks, such as free resources or extras.

✅ Strategic Discounting

Rather than offering discounts, which can undervalue your services, focus on incentives for first-time participants or multi-class passes and bulk booking discounts. For example, a “New Year Starter Pass” could include discounted access to several classes for beginners.

✅ Aligning Discounts with Price Increases

To ease transitions, offer discounts alongside new pricing. For instance, during the first month of a price change, provide a limited-time discount code to loyal customers.

5. 🎉Plan Special Events and Challenges

Excite and engage your customers with fresh initiatives throughout the year. Examples include:

• Seasonal craft workshops (e.g., spring flower arranging or autumn wreath-making).
• Fitness challenges tied to community goals.
• Charity events or donation-based classes to enhance community goodwill.

Collaborative events with other local businesses can create buzz. For example, a fitness studio and a nutrition coach could host a joint wellness challenge.

6. 🤝Enhance Your Customer Communication

Strong communication builds trust and loyalty. Ensure your contact details, social media links, and event descriptions are up to date on all platforms. A personalized New Year’s newsletter can also help strengthen connections by sharing your 2025 goals, upcoming events, and exclusive offers.

Create community-centric goals, such as fostering online or in-person spaces where clients can connect, share their progress, or showcase their crafts.


Embrace innovation, foster your community, and let your passion drive your success. Here’s to a creative, thriving, and impactful 2025!


If you would like more information or guidance on any of the suggestions and options mentioned above, our support team is here to help. Reach out via live chat or email support@bookwhen.com🕺