April 2026 Roundup
Welcome back to my new mini-blog series, where I reflect on what happened while running my UK small business over the past month. Check my roundup for March 2026 here.
Well, April 2026 has been an even slower month for sales. This may have been due to the School Easter holidays and rising petrol prices, resulting in less money for people to spend. But 2026 has not been a great year for sales so far.
It has been the school Easter holidays for 2 weeks, so I have not had much of a chance to work on my latest designs.
As I mentioned, I just came off the School Easter holidays, so I have been busy with lots of Easter trails, gardening, and trying not to go mad after being asked for a snack for the one millionth time.
So let’s break the month down and take a snapshot look at what’s been happening.
Sales Snapshot 📦
Overall sales have been very poor for April. It seems 2026 is not the year for small businesses, especially mine. It just means I have a chance to really push some design ideas to help boost sales.
Overview of Shop Stats:
- Best Seller: Sci-Fi Door/Wall Sign
- Unexpected Performer: Binary Code Mug – New sales for this popular product
- Slower Product: Book Lover Coaster, this is usually a good seller, but there have been no sales for April.
Views on my website have been steady. I am aware my shop page isn’t working on my website, waiting for my husband to find the time to help fix it. However, Etsy has been very up and down in views and visits.
Repeat Customers: One repeat customer from Northern Ireland who sent a lovely supporting message to me.
What Worked Well: I have been working on Pinterest a bit more, and it has started to bring in more interest and a couple of clicks through. No sales yet, but fingers crossed soon.
What I’m Changing for May: I am going to go through my listings and start to updating my photos, as I feel they need a decent update.
Product Development Corner 🎨
April has been mostly spent on development for a new product range based on the Cake Queen tote bag. Different cake options and quotes to boost sales, and exploring the possibility of gift sets/bundles.
I’ve had some door hangers since I started sublimating, and I finally had an idea for them. Again, part of my potential Cake Queen range.
Two ideas so far, but my supplier no longer sells this door hanger, but another one does, just not in the same style, so it may not look the same by the time they are ready to sell.
I am hoping May will keep me busy with development, as this is the part of being a small business that I enjoy the most.
Community & Connection 🤍
Small business friends are just amazing.
It’s never been about out-selling one another; it’s about supporting one another through the ups and downs.
Big shout-out to Cam at VibeQuiz for his award-winning gifting quiz and for accepting me and my Binary Code products onto his VibeQuiz platform. Check it out if you’re struggling for gift ideas.
Social Media shout-out to Paper and Moon Studio for her supportive comments on my posts and messages. She also has some lovely self-care posts on her Threads and Instagram accounts.
The Reality Check
Another month of challenging sales counts. It seems I am not alone in this, so if you are shopping, please shop small for 2026.
I am planning to make changes to the look and feel of my listings as they seem disjointed again and look way too busy. Just not appealing for customers browsing the Etsy website.
Despite the slow sales, I am still proud of myself and value every sale that comes in. I still pinch myself when someone spends their hard-earned money on one of my products.
Life Behind the Desktop
Things slowed down a bit with the Easter holidays. But grateful I managed to get the time with my son and work around that. But I am back at the desk and getting back to my usual schedule.
The 2025 tax year has come to an end, and it’s now time to file my tax return. Yes, I am one of those people who likes to get it out of the way early.
But I’m incredibly thankful to have the flexibility to work around school life. The money I do make goes towards fun days out and constantly restocking the fruit bowl (because children are bottomless pits). And maybe the odd treat for myself.
It’s hard at times, but it is worth it.
Looking Ahead to May
As May goes on, I will be pushing Father’s Day gift ideas and continuing the spring campaign and starting to look. I will also be promoting gift ideas for teachers for the end of the school year.
Primary focus will be on the Cake Queen design range. I will be looking at new products to sublimate as well. I will also be slowly updating my listing images, especially now that the weather is nicer for photos.
May has 2 Bank holidays and the May half-term at the end to juggle.
Until Next Month
Thank you for supporting my little business this month. Whether you ordered, shared, liked or simply cheered me on — it truly means everything.
If you’re a fellow small business owner, I’d love to hear how your April went. Why not share your own reflections in the comments?
Until next month 💛
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