If Your Business Down in 2025—3 Simple Marketing Shifts to Boost Profitability Right Now

Learn why your service-based business might be struggling and discover proven strategies to increase revenue without working more hours. *Originally aired on This Rad Life Unfiltered podcast - listen to the full episode below or keep reading!

If your business revenue has dropped significantly in 2025, you're not alone. Many entrepreneurs are experiencing decreased sales, fewer referrals, and wondering if it's "just the market." But here's the truth: your business struggles aren't about the economy – they're about outdated marketing strategies.

Why Your Business Is Really Down (It's Not What You Think)

The Post-Pandemic Marketing Reality

The pandemic fundamentally changed how people buy. From 2020-2021, businesses could succeed with minimal marketing effort because everyone was online, eager to spend. You could literally post "Hey, I have this thing" and find customers.

Those days are over.

Now, buyers are more discerning, spending patterns have shifted, and the marketing tactics that worked three years ago are failing. If you're still relying on the same strategies from 2020, your business will continue to decline.

The Fatal Flaw: "Referrals Just Aren't Coming Anymore"

Recently, a friend told me her service-based business was down to half its normal revenue because "referrals just aren't coming in anymore." This statement reveals the core problem most struggling businesses face:

They've stopped actively marketing.

Referrals are wonderful, but building a business that depends entirely on them is like building a house on sand. When referrals dry up (and they always do eventually), you're left scrambling with no marketing foundation.

How Marketing Has Changed in 2025

From Generic to Specific Messaging

The fluffy, generic language that worked before ("alignment," "empowerment," "flow with us") no longer resonates. Modern buyers want clarity:

• What exactly do you sell?

• What problem does it solve?

• Why should they care?

• How much does it cost?

Instead of "Come flow with us and be in alignment with your body, mind, and soul," try "I offer sound baths and yoga classes for corporate teams looking to reduce workplace stress."

The Shift from "At" to "With" Marketing

One of the biggest changes in effective marketing is moving from talking at your audience to sharing with them. Here's what this looks like in practice:

"At" Marketing (What Doesn't Work Anymore):

• "This is how you 10x your client leads"

• "Here are the 5 steps to success"

• "You should do this to grow your business"

• Generic advice that could apply to anyone

"With" Marketing (What Works Now):

• "This is how I 10x my client leads"

• "Here's what happened when I tried this strategy"

• "I used to struggle with this exact problem, here's what I learned"

• Personal stories with specific details and outcomes

Why This Shift Matters:

People are overwhelmed with generic business advice. What they crave is authentic human experience. When you share your personal journey – including failures, messy moments, and hard-won lessons – you create connection instead of just broadcasting information.

For example, instead of posting "5 Ways to Increase Your Revenue," try "How I Added $50K to My Business This Year (And the Mistake That Almost Killed My Momentum in Month 3)."

The second approach makes people think "Tell me more about that mistake – I might be making it too" rather than "Oh great, another listicle I'll forget in five minutes."

Practical Examples:

• Fitness Coach: Instead of "Follow this workout plan," try "Here's the workout routine that helped me finally stick to exercise after years of starting and stopping"

• Business Consultant: Instead of "Optimize your workflows," try "I was working 60-hour weeks until I discovered this one scheduling trick that gave me my Fridays back"

• Product Maker: Instead of "Our candles create ambiance," try "I started making these candles because my tiny apartment felt like a sterile office – here's how the right scent transformed my space"

This personal approach builds trust because people can see you've actually walked the path you're teaching, not just regurgitating theory.

3 Simple Shifts to Increase Business Profitability Now

Shift #1: Email Your Former Customers and Ask for Business

This feels uncomfortable, but it works. Send a simple email to every past client or customer:

Template: "Hi [Name], I really loved working with you because [specific reasons]. Right now, I have [X] spots available for [your service/product]. If you know anyone struggling with [specific problems you solve], I'd love to help them achieve similar results. Also, if you're considering support with any new challenges, let's chat about how I can help."

Why this works: People are busy and forget you exist. A friendly reminder isn't bothering them – it's helping them solve problems.

Shift #2: Pick ONE Marketing Channel and Master It

Stop trying to be everywhere. Choose either:

In-Person Marketing Examples:

• Wedding photographers: Attend bridal expos in desirable cities

• Health practitioners: Partner with local gyms or wellness centers

• Handmade product creators: Focus on farmer's markets or craft fairs

Online Marketing Examples:

• Instagram for visual businesses (photographers, designers, makers)

• LinkedIn for B2B services (consulting, coaching, professional services)

• Email marketing for relationship-based businesses

The key: Go deep, not wide. Master one channel before adding others.

Shift #3: Clearly Articulate the Problem You Solve

Stop hiding behind vague descriptions. Be specific about who you help and what problem you solve.

Before: "I design cool websites for cool people" After: "I handle all the creative work for small business owners who are too busy and overwhelmed to create their online presence themselves, but know it's holding them back from attracting ideal clients"

Before: "Custom handmade candles" After: "Locally-made candles that create the perfect ambiance for busy professionals who want their home to feel like a peaceful retreat after long workdays"

Why These Strategies Work in Today's Market

Buyers Are More Discerning

People research thoroughly before purchasing. They want to understand exactly what they're buying and why it's worth their money. Clear, specific messaging cuts through the noise and speaks directly to their needs.

Personal Connection Wins

In an increasingly digital world, authentic human connection is more valuable than ever. When you share your story and speak directly to specific problems, you build trust faster than generic marketing ever could.

Consistency Beats Perfection

You don't need perfect branding or flawless marketing campaigns. You need consistent visibility where your ideal customers spend time, with clear messaging about how you solve their problems.

Common Marketing Mistakes to Avoid in 2025

Mistake #1: Waiting for "Things to Calm Down"

The world isn't getting less chaotic. Successful businesses adapt and thrive despite uncertainty, not because of perfect conditions.

Mistake #2: Trying to Appeal to Everyone

"I help everyone" means you help no one. Narrow your focus to specific problems for specific people.

Mistake #3: Inconsistent Marketing Efforts

Posting sporadically or going dark for months kills momentum. Better to post consistently on one platform than occasionally on five.

Mistake #4: Hiding Behind "I Don't Like Marketing"

Marketing isn't sleazy selling – it's turning the "open" sign on for your business. Without it, you have a hobby, not a business.

Taking Action: Your Next Steps

If your business is down in 2025, don't wait for external conditions to improve. Instead:

1. Today: Send that email to former customers

2. This week: Choose your one marketing channel and create a simple content plan

3. This month: Refine your messaging to clearly state the problem you solve

Remember: people haven't stopped spending money on solutions to their problems. They just don't know you exist as a solution.

Need Help Implementing These Strategies?

If you're ready to stop treating your business like a hobby and start implementing proven marketing strategies, consider working with a business coach who specializes in unconventional entrepreneurs.

In my private business coaching program I can help you:

• Identify which marketing channels will work best for your specific business

• Craft messaging that converts browsers into buyers

• Create systems that generate consistent leads without burning you out

• Clean up backend operations so you can focus on growth

The investment in professional guidance often pays for itself within the first month through increased revenue and avoided costly mistakes.

Ready to turn your struggling business around? Start with these three simple shifts today. Your future profitable self will thank you.

What marketing challenge are you facing in your business? Share your biggest struggle in the comments below – I read and respond to every single one.

This post is adapted from This Rad Life Unfiltered podcast. Subscribe to the weekly This Rad Life newsletter for more unfiltered business insights.