The 7-Day Market Countdown: How to Build Excitement Before Market Day

One of the biggest mistakes makers make? Only mentioning they're trading the night before, or even the day of the market.

Your customers need time to plan - the more they see your business in the run-up to market day, the more likely they are to come and find your stall.

Here's a simple 7-day countdown to use before every market.

7 Days To Go - Announce it

Tell people you're trading, but don't stop there. Give them a reason to come: a new collection, your bestsellers, or what makes your stall worth seeking out.

Try this: "I'll be at [Market] next [day] with my new autumn collection - here's a sneak peek of what's coming."

6 Days To Go - Go behind the scenes

Show the making, packing and pricing. People love seeing the work behind every event.

Try this: a short video of you packing an order or pricing up stock, captioned "Getting ready for [Market] - here's what market prep actually looks like."

5 Days To Go - Tease something exclusive

A new product, limited edition, or market-only bundle gives people a reason to visit early.

Try this: "This one's only available at [Market] - see you there?"

4 Days To Go - Sell the in-person experience

Remind people what they can't get online: seeing your full range, chatting with you, discovering things they wouldn't find on a scroll.

Try this: A chatty story or reel along the lines of "Photos don't do this justice - come and see [product] in person at [Market] on [date]."

3 Days To Go - Show your stall

Share your setup or branding so people know exactly what to look for on the day.

Try this: a photo of your stall from a past market, or your banner/signage, captioned "Look out for this at [Market]."

2 Days To Go - Start a conversation

Ask who's coming, what they're hoping to find, who they're bringing. The more engagement, the more people see the post.

Try this: "Who's coming to [Market] this weekend? Tell me what you're hoping to find and I'll save one for you."

The Day Before - Build the final buzz

Packed boxes, finished products, a sneak peek of the stall. Remind everyone where to find you.

Try this: "All packed and ready for [Market] tomorrow - find me at [Location], [time] to [time]."

Market promotion isn't about posting once - it's about taking your audience on the journey with you. Show up consistently through the week and you'll build excitement, increase visibility, and give more people a reason to support your small business.

You don't need to do all seven days perfectly. Pick two or three from this list and try them before your next market - see what happens.

One more tip: tag the market host in your posts and stories. Most markets will reshare maker content, which means your post reaches their audience too - free visibility and extra hype, with zero extra effort on your part.

Happy planning!

See you at the next market!

Carmen x