Better business

How to boost your business over winter

These tips provide ideas to keep momentum up in winter, as well as using your downtime productively.

Winter is traditionally a quieter period for painters due to predictable weather conditions and the fact that many clients hunker down during the colder months and wait to reassess their home improvement projects in spring.

Winter is traditionally a quieter period for painters due to predictable weather conditions and the fact that many clients hunker down during the colder months and wait to reassess their home improvement projects in spring.

The revenue decrease can be stressful but managing seasonal fluctuation is crucial for any good business, and there are many things that can be done during this downtime to ensure your workload is consistent. It's also a great time to take a breath and look at ways to boost your business.

These tips provide ideas to keep momentum up in winter, as well as using your downtime productively.

Indoor projects

Communicating with clients regularly is the best way to ensure you're top of mind when it comes to any of their upcoming projects. Even though it might be pouring and freezing outside, reach out and remind them that you're ready and available to undertake any indoor jobs they might need done. Even just the act of reaching out might compel them to bite the bullet and get you back in.

Seasonal discounts

Due to it being quiet across the board, careful planning means that you could offer winter discounts for loyal clients. You may have already completed a number of projects around their property but know they have more in the pipeline, so offering a deal might just get them over the line to finish them off.

Upskill and diversify

During the high season, it can often feel like there isn't a spare second in the week to dedicate to learning how to actually grow your business and upskill. The less busy winter months could be a great time to carve out some time to get extra certifications and qualifications, extra training, explore marketing options or the ever-expanding world of social media. The Master Painters Association is a great place to start – among their wide offering they host regular seminars, masterclass events, networking events and skill refinement workshops.

Stay visible

Just because work is slow, it doesn't mean you need to drop off the radar. With a bit of extra time on your hands, ramp up your marketing and points of contact to make it easier than ever for people to contact you. This could be in the form of a monthly EDM (email newsletter) with winter tips, advice and information, or a letterbox drop in local neighbourhoods. It's also a good time to ramp up your social media presence. While it might feel like unchartered territory for many, social media is an incredibly powerful and effective tool for reaching new audiences, showcasing your work and sharing happy client testimonials.

Outside painting in winter is possible

While it's not the most popular time to do so, winter painting is possible thanks to Resene additives. So you can talk these through with clients and let them know that you'll make it work for them. While you may be familiar with Resene Wintergrade Additive and Resene Umbrella Additive, here are a few handy tips you may not know.

Tips when using Resene Wintergrade Additive:

• Do not apply in temperatures over 10°C. Use standard Resene decorative finishes instead.

• Do not use in non-Resene paints.

• Do not use when rain, snow or ice is expected.

• Although Resene Wintergrade Additive will not alter the original colour, it is recommended that you use the product consistently on the same surface.

• Only mix what you plan to use in your current painting session. Paint dosed with Resene Wintergrade Additive will thicken if you store it.

• Not all Resene products are compatible with Resene Wintergrade Additive. If in doubt, check with Resene ColorShop staff.

• Resene WIntergrade Additive is normally used for exterior projects, but can be useful for interior painting of new builds without adequate heating. Some surfaces, like concrete, can be much colder than the ambient temperature, and are successfully painted in the depths of winter with a bit of help from the additive.

Tips when using Resene Umbrella Additive:

• Only mix what you plan to use in your current painting session. Paint containing Resene Umbrella Additive should be used the same day for best results.

• Exterior painting should not be undertaken when medium or heavy rain is expected during the drying phase.

• Not all Resene products are compatible with Resene Umbrella Additive and the dosage rate varies by product. Ensure you check the dosage requirements before you start and follow the instructions.

• Important note: If you have a cold and wet day, you can't use Resene Wintergrade Additive and Resene Umbrella Additive at the same time. Use one or the other, not both. If you find it is cold and wet, it might be better to opt to prep an interior decorating job instead and wait for better weather conditions outside.