Seasonal Business: Make the Most of Your Slower Months

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Seasonal businesses don’t have to be viewed as a business that only operates during a few short months – there are ways to help boost business all year long, and make the most of those slower months.  Even after your presumed key season has passed, you can use your resourcefulness to learn more about the needs of your customers and try out new ideas.  Here are some specific ways to maximize the months when you have a little down time:

Have a blog and maintain it.

To build page rank, focus on your blog during the slower months. While it’s important to treat your blog like a queen all year long, it’s crucial not to neglect it when your business is slow.  Write posts that are full of great content and are relevant to your target audience.  Your page rank will increase – just remember it doesn’t happen in a day.

Extend your season.

Sell something specific to cold weather?  Instead of the typical November through March sales months, try to extend your season by one to two months both before and after that time frame. If you offer your products or services for a slightly lower cost your customers will take note and business will likely boom.  Your season is probably longer than you think.

Seek niche markets.

If you bake cookies, pies and muffins that sell like crazy around the holidays, find a way to increase revenue during the other months too.  Consider adapting your products to a niche market.  Contemplate developing gluten or sugar-free products that a smaller audience will adore. There's a lot of reasons why you should serve a niche market.

Hold an event or cross-promote.

As you work hard to stay afloat during the less-than-prime months, remember you are not alone.  Team up with a complementary business and co-market an event or promotion with them.  Think outside of the box -- a photography business could cross-promote with business that sells photo props or headbands for children.  A bed-and-breakfast could cross-promotes with a nearby restaurant or offer deals to a play or movie.  Don’t be afraid to reach out to other businesses – you just may form a successful partnership ally.

Seek customer reviews and feedback.

During your slower time, concentrate on how to earn new, or repeat business during your next busy season.  Customer reviews are priceless.  Ask for testimonials and success stores from past sales seasons and feature those in your e-newsletter, your blog or social media websites.  Not only will this speak volumes about your business, but your customers will also enjoy the recognition.

While your business may have months that are significantly more profitable than others, don’t write off the other months of the year.  The slower times can be a great way to build clout around your business, try new products and seek feedback from your customers.  Your customers’ needs are different all year long – so do your best to serve those needs in ways your current business allows.

How do you maximize the slower months of the year to help your seasonal business?