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We need to talk about something every small business owner goes through (even if no one likes to admit it!)…slow sales.
You know the feeling - you refresh your website order page 20 times, check your socials obsessively, and wonder if your customers have mysteriously vanished into thin air.
One day you’re flying high, the next day, it's dead. And suddenly, you're questioning absolutely everything. “Is it me? Is it my products? Is Mercury in retrograde?”
First of all - you are not alone. So many of you have reached out to me lately saying you’re struggling with slow sales, and I hear you. Truly.
But here’s the good news - slow sales don’t mean failure. They mean opportunity. Yep, hear me out. Those quiet patches in business? They can be the absolute perfect time to reflect, reset, and come back stronger than ever!
That’s exactly why I’ve written this blog - to help you flip the script completely and use slow sales days to your absolute advantage.
Let’s dive into how you can plot, plan, and prepare during the slow times - and turn that pause into real progress for your business.
Take Stock of Everything (Not Just Inventory)
When slow sales hit, the first thing you can do is take stock - literally and figuratively.
Go through your inventory - what’s selling, what’s not, and what’s missing?
Check your pricing - are your prices competitive? (Is your pricing giving you the profit you deserve - 3 to 4 times your cost?)
Review your expenses - are there areas you can streamline and cut your costs?
Use this time to assess what’s working in your business and what isn’t. Sometimes, slow sales are just a sign that it’s time to refresh your offerings or refine your systems.
Reflect on Your Business Journey
It’s easy to feel disheartened during a dip in sales, but this is actually the perfect moment to pause and reflect. Ask yourself:
Why did I start this business?
What have I achieved so far?
How has my brand evolved?
Reconnecting with your “Why?” can give you renewed motivation - and that mindset shift is everything when facing slow sales.
Use the Slow Time to Strategically Plan
Planning is often one of those things we mean to do, but it gets pushed aside when business is busy and we don't have time to do anything other than get orders out of the door. Well, slow days are basically the universe handing you a planner and saying, “Now’s your moment to do what you've been putting off!”
Use this time to:
Map out your next product launch
Think about seasonal or themed collections
Plan sales, bundles, or loyalty rewards
Set quarterly goals for growth and marketing
Having a clear roadmap helps you stay focused when sales pick back up - and trust me, they will!
Refresh Your Online Presence
If sales are slow, it’s the perfect excuse to give your website and social media a little TLC:
Update product photos and descriptions
Work on your SEO (optimising your website so customers can find it)
Refresh your homepage banners or shop layout
Rewrite your "About Me" page or FAQs
Customers love a well-organised, up-to-date shop. Plus, improvements you make now will pay off during your next busy period!
Reconnect With Your Audience
Don’t go quiet when business does - your audience still wants to hear from you! In fact, slow sales are a great opportunity to build relationships, not just push products.
Try:
Sharing some behind-the-scenes content (Creating new products, testing etc)
Asking your followers what they want more of and what products they'd love you to add to your offerings
Hosting a giveaway or poll (Customers love feeling involved in a business that they love!)
Going live to chat and connect with your audience
You never know what kind of engagement or feedback you’ll receive when you take the time to genuinely interact with your customes.
Experiment and Create Without Pressure
When you’re not rushing to fulfil orders, you finally have the time to enjoy making. Slow sales give you freedom to explore ideas without stress.
Test new product formulas or designs
Try new photography styles
Brainstorm packaging upgrades
Create for fun - not for perfection
Sometimes your best ideas come from the quietest moments.
Focus on Learning and Growth
Quiet days = learning days. There’s always something new to explore that can level up your business.
Take a short course (hello, SEO or Canva tutorials!)
Read a business book or listen to an inspiring podcast
Learn about new trends in your industry
Investing in yourself is never a waste - and the knowledge you gain during slow sales seasons can help you smash it when things pick up again.
Get Organised for the Next Busy Period
Use the downtime to get ahead on the tasks that usually overwhelm you when orders are rolling in.
Batch your content: schedule posts/reels, write captions & prep newsletters
Prep packaging: make sample packs, print labels & stock up on supplies
Create templates: for thank-you notes, invoices & future social media posts
When the orders start flying in again (and they will!), you’ll be so glad you set yourself up for success by getting organised now!
Celebrate Small Wins (They Matter!)
During slow sales, it’s easy to overlook progress - but every small win counts.
Celebrate a new follower
Appreciate a kind review received on one of your products
Be proud of finishing a to-do list
High-five yourself for simply showing up every single day for yourself and your business
Progress isn’t just about numbers. Sometimes, it's about resilience, creativity, and personal growth.
Remember: Slow Sales Are Normal - and Temporary
Let’s be honest - every single business experiences slow sales. Big brands. Small shops. Handmade hustlers. No one is immune.
It’s part of the journey. What matters most is how you respond. Will you give up - or will you level up?
Use this time wisely, and it could be the reason your next launch is a hit. Your slow season could be the space you needed to build your best ideas. Your quiet week could be where your next breakthrough begins.
So next time slow sales hit, take a deep breath. Know that you’re not alone. And trust that what you do now can change everything later.
Need a Boost?
If you're feeling stuck during your own slow sales period, come hang out with us in our House of Scent Community. I’ve got more tips, resources, and ideas to keep your creativity flowing and your confidence high - even when your orders are low.
Remember - Every empire has quiet days. Use them to plan your next reign! 👑 ✨
