How to Grow Your Small Business and Brand During Slow Times

😟 Summer Slump or ☀️ Summer Strategy?

Summer is my favorite time for all the things - 🏖️ beach, bbq, break … but work-wise, it can sometimes feel slow. Fewer client calls, quieter inboxes, 🦗and with less hustle, maybe a feeling of less urgency to get things done, too. I’m a believer in calm business practices whenever possible, but not stagnation - that gets me stressed. And I think one way to maintain a stress-free but productive mindset is to take advantage of the downtime, with a strategic approach.

Here are some steps you can take before your next busy rush period:

Do you have clear consistent messaging across all of your audience touchpoints?

1. 📋 Audit your visual presence
Why it matters: Your website, social feed, and branded materials are often someone’s first impression of your business. Make sure they’re still doing their job (bonus if it’s while you’re sitting poolside!).

How to start:

• View your homepage and socials as if you're a new visitor, or ask a friend to give you a critique.

• Ask: Is it clear what I offer? Does everything look consistent and professional?

• Note anything outdated, or off-brand. Consider a quick font or color refresh.

2. 🪥 Refresh your client-facing materials
Why it matters: Working on things like your proposals, welcome guides, or lead magnets may have been put off for more urgent business matters. But they are critical in connecting and building trust.

How to start:

• Choose one item you haven’t updated in a while.

• Make sure it reflects your current pricing, tone, and offerings.

• Consider updating the design or adding fresh visuals. Nothing says designed and not looked at since 1970, like photos from, well, the 1970s!

3. 🏃🏽‍♀️‍➡️ Get a head start on fall promotions
Why it matters: Printers, vendors, and your own time get stretched thin in the fall. Planning now = less stress later.

How to start:

• Brainstorm and outline your fall promotions or events. Look through last year’s calendar for recurring dates and events.

• List the materials you'll need (social posts, banners, flyers, packaging, etc.)

• Begin working on one piece this month—you’ll thank yourself later.

Even if business feels slow, your brand doesn’t get to snooze. A few small updates now can help you show up stronger when your audience is back and business is busy! 🐝 Time to motivate! :)