The sun is high, the days are long, and if you're anything like me, you've noticed that the pace of your handmade business has taken a bit of a dip. Yes, it's that time of the year - the much-dreaded summer slowdown.
Don't worry, we're all in this together, and I'm here today to offer some friendly advice on not only surviving this slower season, but actually making the most out of it!
1. Understanding the Summer Slowdown:
Let's clear this up right off the bat: if your sales are experiencing a slump, it's not a reflection of your beautiful products or your business acumen. The summer slowdown is a well-documented trend that impacts even the most successful handmade businesses. With summer activities, vacations, and longer days, customers often shift their focus away from shopping. Understanding this industry-wide pattern can help you manage your expectations and strategize effectively.
2. Time to Rekindle Your Relationship with Your Business
Think of the summer slowdown as a gift of time - precious hours to devote to tasks that often fall to the wayside in the hustle of high sales periods. It's time to shower your business with a little TLC. Revamp your shop layout, dive into researching new techniques or materials, or work on expanding your product line. This could also be the perfect opportunity to relax, recharge and get those creative juices flowing again. Summer is when I'm spending the most time on the computer; making stickers, email marketing, website clean up, writing blog posts.
3. Revamp Your Digital Space
While summer might mean fewer physical sales, it doesn't mean your online presence should go on vacation. In fact, summer is a fantastic time to update your website store, start that business blog you've been thinking about, or give your social media strategy a makeover. You might not see immediate returns, but investing time in your digital platforms now will pay off in the long run.
4. Engage, Engage, Engage:
Remember, out of sight can lead to out of mind. Use this time to maintain visibility and engage your audience. Sure, your customers might not be shopping as much, but that doesn't mean you can't engage with them. Organize a summer-themed giveaway, start a fun challenge on your social media platforms, or share some behind-the-scenes sneak peeks of your crafting process. While you might not see immediate conversions, the enhanced user experience and visibility will benefit your business in the long term.
5. Summer Promotions:
Who says you can't fight the summer slowdown with a little strategic promotion? Hosting a summer sale or offering special discounts can attract both new and returning customers. Try offering deals on your best sellers or seasonal items to give those summer sales a boost.
6. The Silver Lining: Prepping for the Holidays
Last but not least, remember what lies on the other side of summer— the bustling, frenetic holiday season. The summer slowdown is the perfect time to start preparing. Whether it's planning your holiday inventory, making early orders for supplies, or laying the groundwork for your holiday marketing campaign, using this time wisely will give you a head-start when the busy season kicks in.
Yes, the summer slowdown can feel a little disheartening, but remember, it's just a season - and it doesn't last forever. Embrace this time as an opportunity to refresh, reconnect, and revamp. As handmade business owners, our passion is our product, and even a slow summer can't change that. So grab a cool drink, pull out your crafting supplies, and let's make this summer slowdown work for us!
Please note that the information contained within this blog is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, nor is it intended to replace professional counsel. We encourage readers to consult with a qualified professional or legal advisor for specific advice tailored to their unique circumstances. Ghost Poppy assumes no responsibility for any actions taken based on the content of this blog.