5 Things To Do In Your Slow Season to Increase Sales

If you are experiencing a slow season in your business this summer, please know you are not alone, but more importantly you are still in control of the success of your business. I know it may sound a little “woo woo” but I’m telling you the truth and who better to remind you just how powerful you are in your small business? Listen up. Instead of hitting the panic button, take time to step back and be intentional about where your efforts are going so you can make the impact your business deserves.

Keep reading for my favorite five things you can get started doing right now to increase sales during your slow months in business.

#1 Focus on Existing & Past Customers During Your Slow Months in Business

Bringing in new customers shouldn’t always be the focus. Yes, newbies are wonderful and we want to see new sales coming in but “sales” are the goal. Period.

According to American Express, “the success rate of selling to a customer you already have is 60-70%, while the success rate of selling to a new customer is 5-20%.” Take time to review your customer records and create specific outreach to these people in your slow season. Create special alumni or returning offers, check in to see if they need anything, remind them that you’re there! Consider sending a referral incentive for them recommending people to your business and booking or purchasing with you. Create a brand ambassador program that previous customers and loyal fans of your brand can sign up to part of and help spread the word.

#2 Show Off What Others Are Saying

Get credit for the work you’re doing! You want to showcase what it’s like to work with you by sharing customer testimonials! Sometimes these are right at your fingertips where other times you may have to dig for them or make requests.

If it’s been a little while since you reached out to previous customers for a review, make the time and send out requests via email or direct message. Make it easy on the recipient by sharing a direct link to where you want them to leave the review and consider asking them to answer a specific question or two that helps you get the answer you are looking for. For example, “what were you looking for before you signed up to work/purchase from me?” or “What was your favorite part about working together?”

Once you have your reviews you can share them in a multitude of ways to leverage their worth. Include them on social media, your website, in a service or pricing guide, or even attached in an email.

#3 Poll Your Audience & Customer Base

If you are feeling frustrated by your sales right now due to slow months in business , perhaps it’s time to ask the people what they want! Feel empowered by polling or surveying your audience in your slower seasons to learn what your customers need and want!

You can create a few quick Instagram Story slides that ask “yes” or “no” questions, include quizzes or ask your followers to follow a link to a Google Form or other online survey you create. Take the opportunity to ask helpful questions that you can use to formulate a new offer or tweak existing ones. Maybe there’s a new product idea you’re thinking about or an event you want to host? Help validate your idea before wasting time on it. Market research is one of the most powerful (and often free) tools to utilize during slow months in business. Brainstorm all the questions and feedback you can muster and then start asking peolple!

#4 Hone in On What’s Working in Your Business

Stay the course. Not the easiest advice when you feel like the ship is sinking, but hear me out. A lot of business owners will attempt to pivot during their slow seasons. They’ll add new services that they don’t even want to offer, simply out of obligation to try to bring in profit. Instead, take time to review your previous sales quarters and look at what has been working. Take inventory of where sales are still coming in, and that may be where your energy is best spent. It’s ok to shift your plan slightly but don’t get overwhelmed and start grasping at straws.

#5 Take Time for Intentional Rest

It can be difficult to stay positive during your slow season and while you may be tempted to work even harder to increase business, don’t be fooled. This time can often be a blessing, not a curse. Carve out intentional time to rest while you have the chance and allow yourself to do it guilt-free. If you are looking to stay productive, intentionally step back from specific areas of your that where you can, and focus your time towards skills you want to develop. This could be the opportune month to join a mastermind or enroll in a course you’ve had your eye on. No matter what, schedule some time to focus on what you need in your slow season and you will truly come back stronger.

Commit to Consistency When It Counts

This month, I am challenging you to choose two things from the list to commit to implementing with whatever time you have to work on them. Your slow seasons are filled with purpose and opportunity, but you have to tell yourself that and believe it. Write the two things down you’re committing to do on a sticky note or add it to your planner and choose some intentional time over the next few days to address them.

I believe that the next strongest season of your business is just around the corner. Do you?

Are you ready to turn this slow season in business into your strongest?! I’d love to be there to support you and help you navigate which next steps to take to ensure they lead you into that season more confident and capable than every before. Download my Services Guide to learn more about creative business coaching and how we can work together towards your goals. I’d love to chat soon!