How to Keep Your Business Thriving When Customers Spend Less

“Tough times never last, but tough people do.” – Robert H. Schuller

When the economy shifts and a recession might be on the horizon, people get very careful with how they spend. They still want to treat themselves or improve their lives—but now they’re looking for the best deal. As a business owner, this is your chance to pivot and prepare so you can stay strong and even grow while others pull back.

Here’s what’s changing and what smart businesses are doing about it:

💰 What Customers Are Doing

• Cutting back on big spending – no full home remodels or luxury vacations

• Choosing smaller, cheaper projects – like touch-ups instead of full renovations

• Looking for the lowest price – they’ll shop around for the best deal

• Switching to more affordable options – cheaper salons, less expensive restaurants

• Still spending, but less often – maybe every other year instead of every year

🧠 What Businesses Can Do

• Stay flexible – offer smaller, budget-friendly services

• Advertise more, not less – remind people you're here and affordable

• Reconnect with past clients – through emails, texts, postcards, or even phone calls

• Offer discounts or deals – show value without dropping quality

• Highlight your most affordable services – and make sure people know about them

• Plan for maintenance-type work – quick fixes and touch-ups instead of major projects

🚀 Action Step

Create a "Budget-Friendly Services" menu this week. Highlight your best low-cost offers and share it with your clients through email or social media.

🎧 Dive Deeper

Check out the podcast: "Marketing Made Simple" by Donald Miller – perfect for learning how to adjust your message and show up where your customers are.

Stay sharp, stay helpful, and your business will shine—no matter what the economy is doing.