One of the dreams of being a small business owner is to have freedom, both financial and personal, from the constriction of the traditional work world. However, since running your own business is a 24/7 occupation, many people turn to seasonal businesses to achieve that freedom. The problem is, during the slow season business doesn’t generate money.
There are ways that you can keep your business thriving during this time so you don’t have to struggle. Learn the tips and tricks the pros use to survive a slow business season, and thrive until business picks up again.
Surviving the Slow Business Season
One of the biggest tricks to surviving the slow business season for seasonal business owners, is to make sure your busy season is highly successful so that it can get you through the slow months. Even still, it’s important to have a slow season plan in place to keep yourself relevant and ensure that your busy season clients don’t forget you’re there.
Giveaways and Promotions
The off season is a perfect time to engage in some word-of-mouth promotions and giveaways. Establish partnerships with other local businesses, radio stations and the like to keep your name out there. The giveaway could be a discount on products or services, freebies or anything else you can imagine that’ll keep your business fresh in people’s minds.
Contests, drawings, call or drop-in promotions…all of these are excellent options for giveaways and promotions. Let your imagination run wild!
Seasonal Products
Many businesses shift their focus slightly to offer different or modified products and services over the slow months. A famous pool company, for example, shifts gears in the winter months to offer holiday-themed yard decorations. If there’s a way you can tweak your product to be relevant in the slow months, go for it!
Hosting and Sponsoring
Is there a community event that you can sponsor, or even offer to host at your business? This is an outstanding way not only to keep yourself relevant, but to be seen giving back to the community.
People love businesses that are involved and care about the neighborhood, and this will keep you relevant all year long. It also allows you to be where your customers are, which will catch their attention.
Newsletters and Mailings
The options for direct mail marketing in the off-season are numerous. You could send holiday cards to your best clients. You could keep everyone apprised of your coming year activities via regular newsletters. You could mail postcards and special promotions, advertising the giveaways you put together above.
Of course, no direct mailing is complete or effective without a custom envelope that displays your company logo and culture. Custom envelopes are an outstanding way to impress your clients and keep your business fresh and relevant all year long.
If you’re in need of custom direct mail services to keep your business relevant in the new season, Letter Jacket is ready to provide a complete range of custom envelope services for you. Read a little bit about our company, and get in touch for more information today!