Summer is a busy time for everyone. People are out on vacations, grilling with family, catching a ball game, or soaking up the sun at the beach. What are they not doing as much? Spending time indoors shopping. That is why many business owners talk about “the dreaded J months”—January, June, and July—when things tend to slow down.If you are worried about your summer sales, you are not alone. The good news is there are plenty of ways to bring customers back into your business or get them shopping online. Here are seven ideas to help you heat up your summer sales:

Ask for Reviews and Referrals Summer is a great time to reach out to your current customers. Ask them for a review or a referral. Offer a coupon or a gift card as a thank you. This not only spreads the word about your business but also gives you a chance to check in and show your appreciation for their loyalty.

Offer a New Product Use the slower months to introduce something new. With less competition, your new product will stand out. Plus, you can see how customers respond before making it a permanent addition.

Entice Customers with Specials Try flash sales, one-day events, sidewalk sales, or holiday-themed promotions. There are plenty of summer holidays and fun days—like National Sunglasses Day on June 27—to use as an excuse for a sale. Customers love a good deal, and a special promotion can be just what they need to stop by.

Appreciate Your Customers Customer relationships matter as much as sales. Host a Customer Appreciation Day. Go all out with snacks, drinks, giveaways, games, and special discounts. Market the event everywhere you can. Your customers will remember the extra effort and feel valued.

Amp Up Your Social Media Share photos and videos of your products. Introduce your staff. Post helpful tips and articles. Want to get customers involved? Run a contest or giveaway. Ask people to follow, like, comment, or tag friends to enter. You can even have them share photos with their favorite purchase from your store. This helps you reach more people and keeps your feed lively.

Start a Loyalty Program Reward your regulars. Whether you prefer a punch card or a digital key tag, make it easy for customers to earn rewards. For example, after ten purchases, offer a free item or a discount. Watching those rewards add up is exciting and keeps people coming back.

Improve Your Customers’ Shopping Experience Listen to customer feedback about your shop or website. Maybe your sales rack is hard to reach, or your website’s instructions are confusing. Use the slower summer months to reorganize, tidy up, or update your website. These small changes can make shopping easier and more enjoyable, which can lead to more sales.Try out any—or all—of these tips to boost your summer sales and keep your business thriving all year long. If you want more ideas or need help putting any of these into action, just ask. Good luck with your summer sales!