Ep 018: 5 Things to Do During the Slow Season of Your Business
If you’re in a slower season of business and feeling uneasy, you’re not alone. Slow seasons can feel unsettling—especially after coming off a busy, high-volume stretch. But here’s the truth I’ve learned over the years: your busy season is only as successful as the work you do during your slow season.
In this episode of the Kelsi Bailey Photography Podcast, I’m sharing five intentional things I focus on every year during the slow season of my business. Instead of panicking, slashing prices, or making rushed decisions, this quieter time has become a powerful opportunity to reset, refine, and prepare for what’s next.
Whether you’re a photographer, creative, service provider, or small business owner, these strategies are designed to help you work on your business when client work slows down—so your next busy season can feel more aligned and sustainable.
1. Refresh Your Website
Your slow season is the perfect time to step back and look at your website with fresh eyes. Review your copy, update your pricing, swap out images, check links, and make sure everything reflects where your business is headed in the new year. These updates can feel tedious—but they matter.
Bonus tip: share these updates with trusted friends or clients for feedback. Fresh eyes often catch things we miss.
2. Evaluate & Improve Your Workflow
Take a close look at what worked (and what didn’t) during your busy season. Where were the hiccups? What felt inefficient or stressful?
This is a great time to refine your workflow, explore automation, or set up systems that will save you time later. Tools like CRMs, email templates, and project management systems can make a huge difference when things get busy again.
My FAVORITE CRM is Honeybook. It’s changed the entire way that I run my business (in the BEST way) and I invite you to try it-you can even try it for 30% off when you click right here.
3. Start (or Nurture) Your Email List
If you don’t have an email list yet, let this be your sign to start one. Social media is great—but your email list is something you own.
If you already have a list, use the slow season to reconnect with your subscribers, refresh your welcome sequence, or create simple email funnels that will continue working for you all year long.
4. Update Your Client Deliverables
Pricing guides, prep guides, welcome packets, media kits—whatever deliverables you regularly send to clients—now is the time to review and refresh them.
A few thoughtful updates can elevate your client experience and make your workflow feel more seamless when inquiries pick up again.
5. Sharpen Your Skill & Reignite Your Passion
Finally, don’t forget why you started in the first place. Use this slower season to learn something new, take a course, explore inspiration, or reconnect with your craft.
Whether that looks like researching your industry, experimenting creatively, or simply picking up your tools with no pressure attached, this step matters more than you might think.
A Final Encouragement
Slow seasons are not a sign that something is wrong. They’re part of the natural rhythm of business.
When you use this time intentionally—without panic—you set yourself up for a busy season that feels calmer, more organized, and more aligned. The work you do now will support you later.
Listen & Subscribe
If you enjoyed this episode, I’d be so grateful if you’d leave a review, subscribe to the show, or share this episode with a fellow business owner who might need the reminder that slow seasons are still productive seasons.
