Things are heating up for America’s 33-million-plus small businesses. That’s because the summer shopping season has officially kicked off. Consumers are out and about, and being ready for them could be the difference between a sales season that’s red-hot, and one that’s ice-cold. Make sure your summer days stay sunny with the following tips.
- Stick to the plan. In a perfect world, you’ll start preparing for the next summer before the current summer ends. It’s not too late, however, if you’re just now getting your strategy together. There are a few actions you can take right now, such as stocking up on inventory. Check last year’s orders to get a baseline idea of the items you’ll need. Consider the likelihood that you’ll be serving vacationers in addition to your regular clientele, and update your business plan accordingly. Thinking about what worked last summer and what didn’t is another useful exercise.
- Make this the summer of the customer experience. Whether online or in-person, today’s shoppers have more options than ever. Curating a memorable experience for your customers is how you set yourself apart. To that end, few things are as effective as a well-run summer promo. Offer a limited-time sale, loyalty program membership, or summer-themed product or service. Hold a contest or giveaway. No matter what you do, have fun with it!
- Don’t forget about your staff. Recent research shows that employee burnout is real. Have you considered adjusting your summer operating hours to combat that fatigue? Early closure days, for example, are a great way to reward staff and boost morale. If doing so doesn’t sound practical, you can always diversify your staffing between long- and short-term employees. Hiring seasonal team members can relieve the workload on your year-round staff.
- Keep it fresh. When was the last time you refreshed your digital profile? If you can’t remember, it’s probably time. Summer presents an opportunity to reinvigorate your brand. Optimize your social media with fun summer content or launch a new marketing campaign. The SBA Learning Center can help you get the ideas flowing.
- Schedule an event. People are itching to get out and soak up the summer sun. That makes it an ideal time to host an event. Set up an in-store (or, better yet, outdoor) activity that showcases your products or services. Offer refreshments and promotional items to draw shoppers in. You might also consider teaming up with another small business in your area to build community.
It’s time to make this a small business summer to remember! Connect with an SBA resource partner to ensure you’re set up for success: sba.gov/local-assistance.