Nearly a third of New Zealand’s small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are entering 2025 with growing sales pipelines for the first quarter of 2025, according to new insights from MYOB.
That’s excellent news for the Kiwi small business economy, but the same report also shows that 27% of NZ SMEs have less work in the sales book than planned.
So, what can you do to kickstart your sales over the coming first quarter of the year?
Giving your sales strategy a refresh for 2025
MYOB surveyed 500+ SME owners and decision-makers from across New Zealand. 30% of those polled reported having more work lined up for January to March than they would usually expect, while 41% have the same level of work or sales in the pipeline as normal.
But just over a quarter (27%) say they have less work lined up for their first quarter, compared to expectations. And that shows there’s room for improvement in their sales strategies.
Here are five important ways to improve your sales pipeline.
Boost your online presence
Online is a key channel for engaging with both existing and new customers. Refresh your website and social media platforms so they’re tailored for search engines optimisation (SEO). And use targeted online advertising campaigns to engage with customers.
Focus on customer loyalty
It’s easier and cheaper to retain your existing customers than to find new ones.Set up loyalty programs, offer discounts to repeat customers and provide exceptional customer service. This turns your customers into brand advocates and nurtures these relationships.
Explore new markets and niches
Diversifying into a new market helps you keep your sales strategy fresh. Look for new market segments or geographic areas to expand into. This helps to grow your customer base, reach new potential customers and bring in more sales.
Put technology at the heart of your strategy
Being at the cutting edge of digital and AI-based technology gives you an edge. Use the latest software tools to streamline your operations, improve customer communication and gather valuable customer data for targeted sales and marketing campaigns.
Form new strategic partnerships
Forming a partnership opens up a whole new customer audience. Collaborate with other businesses – both inside and outside your own sector – to cross-promote products or services, reach new customer segments and make the most of each other’s business strengths.
Putting some momentum behind your 2025 sales strategy.
The outlook for 2025 is certainly looking brighter for some NZ small business owners. So, to make the most of this market optimism, it’s a good idea to update your sales strategy.
Come and talk to the team about ways to improve your sales pipeline over the course of 2025
This post was originally published / written by BOMA and has been updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness
