Most local businesses have busy and quiet times of year. Heating engineers are in demand when the weather turns cold, florists around celebrations, and repair shops after the holidays. Planning around those patterns helps you make the most of busy periods and fill the quiet ones.
AT A GLANCE
Know your seasons
Spot when demand rises and falls.
Plan early
Prepare before the rush.
Keep it simple
One clear offer, one clear action.
Learn your own seasons
Look back at your bookings and sales to see when demand rises and falls. Your own records are a better guide than general advice, because every area and trade is different.
Plan before the rush
Customers start searching before a season begins. Update your profile, photos and services a few weeks ahead so you are ready when people start looking.
Use quiet periods wisely
A focused promotion can bring customers in when business is slower. Maintenance checks, early bookings and off-peak appointments are good candidates.
Keep offers clear and honest
A good seasonal offer is easy to understand: what it is, who it is for and when it ends. Avoid small print that surprises customers later.
- State exactly what is included
- Give a clear end date
- Make the next step obvious, such as booking online
Update your profile when the season ends
Remove expired offers and seasonal hours promptly. Out-of-date promotions frustrate customers and make your profile look neglected.