How to Get Out of a Business Slump

Experiencing a slow month in business is completely normal, even for the most successful entrepreneurs. There will be times when sales dip, motivation fades, or the next step feels unclear. The good news? There are practical ways to ease the stress that comes with a slump and regain momentum. With the right approach, you’ll push through and come out stronger on the other side.

1. Reach Out to Past Customers or Supporters

Harvard Business Review says it can cost 5 to 25 times more to land a new customer than to retain the one you already have. So why not start with the people who’ve already bought from you? Go through your past customers and send a quick follow-up—whether it’s an email, DM, or text—just to check in and see if they need anything. For example, if you sell custom T-shirts, you could message previous buyers with a limited-time discount on your latest design.

2. Ask for Feedback and Act on It

Your customers are the heart of your business, whether you’re offering a service or selling products. Try reaching out to past customers, friends, or even business mentors and ask, “What would make my product or service better?” Honest feedback can help you improve in ways you might not have considered. A simple Google Form or Instagram poll works great for collecting responses, and making a few small changes based on their input can have a big impact.

3. Refresh Your Marketing Strategy

Marketing your business means more people seeing what you offer, so keep showing up. If your usual content isn’t getting much traction, switch things up. Share behind-the-scenes moments, a day in your life, or customer testimonials. If you’re selling art, try posting time-lapse videos of your design process to grab attention and turn views into sales.

4. Reach Out to 10 New Potential Customers

When business feels slow, reaching out to new customers can feel overwhelming. So instead of aiming for a huge number, start small—just 10 new people. Look them up on LinkedIn, send a quick personalized DM or email, and keep it simple. Something like, Hey [Name], I saw that you [mention something relevant]. I create [product/service] and thought it might be a good fit for you! Reach out with confidence, knowing that what you offer can truly help them.

5. Take Care of Your Mental Health

Keeping your energy and passion for your business means you have to take care of yourself. Here are a few simple ways to stay in a good headspace:

• Step outside for a quick walk during breaks—it helps reset your mind.
• Set work hours instead of being “on” all the time.
• Start a gratitude journal to remind yourself of the wins, big or small.
• Move your body and eat well so you have the energy to keep going.

6. Set an Achievable Goal for the Week

Big goals can feel exhausting to reach, but breaking them into smaller ones makes them much more doable. Start by choosing one specific thing to accomplish by the end of the week—like posting three TikTok videos. Then, break it down even further. Plan out when you’ll film, what the content will be, what the caption should say, and whether you’ll schedule the post or upload it on the spot.

7. Improve One Part of Your Product or Service

Sometimes, instead of trying to change everything at once, it helps to focus on one small improvement at a time. Pick one area to work on, whether it’s your design, packaging, pricing, or overall quality, and see what difference it makes. For example, if you’re a freelance writer, you could improve your service by offering SEO writing or developmental editing. 

8. Try a 24-Hour Flash Sale

Short-term deals encourage customers to take action quickly. Try running a one-day discount or bundle offer and spread the word through social media, emails, DMs, and texts. For example, if you sell digital planners, you could launch a “24-Hour Productivity Boost Sale” at 40% off, attracting a rush of last-minute buyers.

Your Next Step

A business slump won’t last forever, and small, consistent steps can help you get back on track. Choose two strategies from this list and start putting them into action today. What matters most isn’t dwelling on the slump but focusing on the steps you take to move forward.

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