When Business is Slowing Down: What to Do as a Service Provider
It’s normal to hit slow periods in your service business, but how you respond can make all the difference in getting back on track. Whether you’re facing fewer clients, stalled growth, or just need to kickstart momentum, here’s what you can do to keep your business thriving.
1. Direct Outreach: Get in Front of New People
When business is slow, it’s time to take action and reach out to potential clients directly. Don’t wait for them to come to you. Use short-term strategies like direct outreach on social media, emails, or even calls to introduce your services to new prospects. Personalize your approach—identify who needs what you offer and craft messages that highlight how you can solve their problems.
Don’t underestimate the power of following up. Most new clients come after several points of contact, so consistency is crucial.
Key Tip:
Make a list of potential clients or leads, and commit to reaching out to a set number every day. Track your efforts to stay accountable.
2. Tap into Your Network: Leverage Referrals
Your network is one of the best sources of new business—especially those you’ve already served. Reach out to past clients or colleagues and ask them for referrals. If you’ve delivered value before, people are usually happy to help.
Incentivize referrals by offering something in return, like discounts on future services, or even a thank-you gift. Word of mouth can carry a lot of weight, and since referred clients already trust you through someone they know, they’re more likely to work with you.
Key Tip:
After completing a project, ask for referrals directly. Don’t wait for clients to offer—ask them to introduce you to someone in their circle who could benefit from your services.
3. Stay Visible: Use Social Media and Content Marketing
If your business has slowed down, one thing you can control is your visibility. Use social media consistently to remind your audience of the value you bring. Share helpful content, client success stories, and industry tips to establish yourself as an expert. A solid presence on platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, or even YouTube can attract new leads over time.
Don’t forget the long game—create SEO-friendly content (like blog posts, podcasts, or videos) that showcases your knowledge. Investing in content helps people find you when they’re searching for solutions, which pays off in the long run.
Key Tip:
Post at least once a week on social media and create blog posts or videos that offer value. Use SEO best practices so new clients can discover your content organically.
4. Balance Short- and Long-Term Strategies
When business is slow, you need a mix of fast-action tactics and long-term investments. Direct outreach, networking, and referrals can help you land new clients quickly. But for sustainable growth, invest in SEO, content marketing, and collaborations with others in your industry.
Podcasts, YouTube, and SEO-focused blog posts take time to build traction, but once they do, they can bring in clients passively over time. Meanwhile, keep putting in short-term efforts like social media outreach to maintain momentum.
Key Tip:
Set aside time each week for both quick actions (like outreach and follow-ups) and long-term strategies (like content creation and SEO).
5. Stay Positive: Don’t Let the Slowdown Mess with Your Mind
Business ebbs and flows are normal, but mindset plays a big role in how quickly you recover. It’s easy to let self-doubt creep in during slower times, but remind yourself of past successes. If you’ve landed clients before, you can do it again.
Don’t let negative thoughts stop you from taking action. Stay resilient and keep pushing forward with the confidence that things will turn around as long as you stay focused on the right actions.
Key Tip:
Write down a list of past wins or client successes and review it when things feel slow. It’s a reminder that you have the skills to succeed again.
What Now?
Slowing down isn’t the end—it’s an opportunity to refine your approach and refocus your efforts. If you’re ready to get more clients, book a free sales call with me today. I’ll help you create a clear, actionable plan to revive your business, attract new clients, and get you back on track to consistent growth. Let’s work together to turn things around!
