Slow Season Business Tips

Every business has a slow season. From seasonal businesses like seaside souvenir shops to traditional retailers after busy months of Christmas shopping, most industries must face the dreaded off-season at one time or another. You're sure to recognize it when you see it — engagement levels drop, sales decrease and your business bears a resemblance to an Old West ghost town.

Maybe your business has slowed, but that doesn't mean you have to slow down with it. Here are some off-season business tips to help you keep up revenue and make the most out of this time.

1. Explore Year-Round Revenue

If you have a seasonal business or your store struggles through off-peak seasons, it may be time to get a little creative. Examine your business assets for potential avenues of year-round revenue. Could you put your location, space or equipment to work in other ways during the off-season?

There are plenty of examples of businesses that do just that, from snowplow companies that haul soil or mulch in the spring to Christmas markets that sell other holiday decor throughout the year.

2. Generate Online Content

If you don't already have online content, your slow season is the perfect time to focus on creating a website, developing a blog or optimizing your social media accounts. Even if you don't sell a physical product, online content builds your business's brand and promotes you as an industry leader. From restaurants to summer camps, taking advantage of the internet's boundless potential will keep your company at the forefront of people's minds.

3. Continue to Engage With Customers

Now that you've generated your online presence, leverage your blog or social media followers through engagement. Connecting with customers through posts, newsletters, email blasts, videos and photos builds a buzz about your business and keeps people interested. In the off-season, engagement gets prospective customers excited about your offerings and keeps them in the loop year-round.

4. Have a Sale or Promotion

Post-holiday or off-season sales can work wonders if your momentum has dropped off a bit. Savvy customers love great deals. Promotions appeal to your loyal customer base, and they can also get new patrons through the door. Consider holding a special flash sale or holiday promotion after your busy season.

5. Avoid Burnout

Off-season is an ideal time to check in with your employees and sales reps to make sure your team isn't struggling with burnout. Ensure everyone has the right tools for success and understands your overall business goals. You might also take this opportunity to offer training, attend networking events or encourage your employees to take some time off.

6. Promote Your Business Through Outdoor Advertising

No matter the time of year, outdoor advertising is bound to get your customers' attention. You can promote new hours, advertise sales and, most of all, attract potential customers by putting your business in their direct line of sight.

LookOurWay products are designed to garner positive attention and generate buzz throughout your community. Here are just a few methods of reaching out to customers through outdoor advertising products:

• Attention-grabbing inflatables: Whether it's a huge arch or a comical critter, giant inflatables offer a fun way to make people notice your business.
• Custom signs: Custom signs can convey information and details about your business so that people can learn more about what you do before they even walk through the door.
• Air Dancers® inflatable tube men: As these brightly colored figures wave in the wind, customers can't help but look. From small 6-foot versions to whopping 20-foot options, you can choose the perfect inflatable tube man to suit your business.

Your business may be off-season, but your commitment shouldn't be. Contact us today to learn how we can optimize your outdoor advertising.