Winter can be a daunting time for many industries, with its short days, cold weather, and unpredictable conditions. However, it doesn’t have to spell uncertainty for your business. While the festive run-up to the holidays can bring cheer, the mid-winter period can often cause disruptions to your company’s financial health. With careful planning and strategic measures, your business can not only survive but thrive during the winter months. Read on to learn 5 secrets of winter business success.
Maintain Visibility with Your Customers
One of the easiest things you can do for your business during the winter months is to keep yourself in front of your customers. Post regularly to your social media accounts, attend any local winter events that might be happening (either as a vendor or as an individual), and ALWAYS carry business cards when traveling. You never know where your next customer might be discovered, and having a business card ready will help them remember your name once you part ways.
Take Advantage of Other Business’ Winter Events
If you are a restaurant owner who knows the beautiful cabin next door is a favorite spot for winter weddings, making your presence known as a potential catering service is a must. For horse farms, opening up your trails to snow shoers, cross-country skiers, or even snowmobilers and creating a checkpoint can generate more awareness for your location and ultimately bring you more business. If you’re a photographer, consider attending events that might not typically have a photographer because of harsh conditions–fill a need when you find one!
Post-Holiday Discounts: Attract Budget-Conscious Consumers
In the aftermath of the holidays, most people are more budget-conscious than usual. Try offering discounts, coupons, buy-one-get-one deals, gift cards, or referral bonuses to draw in customers. Avoid the trap of offering too many discounts before the holidays–many people wait until afterwards to make larger purchases because they are able to get better deals.
Hosting Your Own Winter Event: A Platform for Business Promotion
Maybe you’re a landscaping company whose primary source of income is tending lawns, and you want to raise awareness for your snow-removal division. Hosting a snowman-building competition at your office for local families could help you make some much-needed connections and increase business.
Refresh Your Online Presence
Take advantage of slower times of the year and update your website or blog. While a complete redesign might not be in the budget, adding or replacing photos with ones of recent projects, writing new informative articles, or sending a few new email blasts can give potential customers a fresh new take on your company.
