Why Most Businesses Struggle with Sales & How to Fix It Fast

Hey there, founder! It’s Iyabo Bello, and if you’ve been wondering why your business isn’t making as many sales as you’d like, you’re not alone. Sales can feel like the toughest part of running a business, but the truth is—most businesses struggle with sales because they’re making a few common mistakes.

The good news? These mistakes are fixable. And today, I’m going to show you how to turn things around quickly.

1. You’re Talking to the Wrong Audience

I see this all the time—business owners selling great products but pitching them to the wrong people. It doesn’t matter how good your offer is; if the people seeing it don’t need it, they won’t buy.

How to fix it:

• Take a step back and define your ideal customer—who exactly needs what you’re selling?
• Stop trying to sell to everyone and focus on those who actually have a problem you can solve.
• Use the right platforms—your audience might not be on Instagram, but they could be on LinkedIn or Facebook groups.

When you speak directly to the right people, selling becomes 10x easier.

2. You’re Not Making It Easy for People to Buy

Have you ever wanted to buy something but got frustrated with a complicated checkout process? Your customers feel the same. If buying from you takes too much effort, they’ll walk away.

How to fix it:

• Make sure your website is fast, mobile-friendly, and simple to navigate.
• Reduce unnecessary steps—no one wants to fill out 10 forms just to make a purchase.
• Offer multiple payment options to remove any friction.

If your buying process is smooth, customers will stick around instead of giving up halfway.

3. You’re Selling Features Instead of Results

People don’t buy products; they buy solutions to their problems. If you’re only listing features, you’re missing the emotional connection that drives sales.

How to fix it:

• Instead of saying, “This is a high-quality skincare product,” say, “This cream will clear your acne and boost your confidence in 7 days.”
• Focus on how your product or service makes their life easier, better, or happier.
• Use customer testimonials and stories to show real-life results.

People want results, not just another product. Sell the outcome, not the features.

4. You’re Not Following Up with Potential Customers

Many business owners assume that if someone doesn’t buy right away, they’re not interested. That’s not true. Most people need multiple interactions before they make a purchase. If you’re not following up, you’re leaving money on the table.

How to fix it:

• Set up an email or WhatsApp follow-up to check in on leads who didn’t buy the first time.
• Offer a small discount, bonus, or free consultation to encourage hesitant buyers.
• Stay in touch with your audience through valuable content so they remember you when they’re ready to buy.

People get distracted. Sometimes they forget. A simple follow-up can be the difference between a lost sale and a new customer.

5. You’re Not Building Trust with Your Audience

Why should someone buy from you instead of your competitor? Trust. If they don’t trust your brand, they won’t hand over their money.

How to fix it:

• Show social proof—customer reviews, testimonials, case studies.
• Be consistent with your messaging and branding across all platforms.
• Give free value before asking for a sale—helpful tips, guides, and educational content work wonders.

People buy from brands they trust. Build trust, and sales will follow.

6. You’re Not Leveraging Referrals & Word-of-Mouth

One of the easiest ways to boost sales is by letting your happy customers bring in new customers for you.

How to fix it:

• Create a referral program—offer rewards for customers who bring in friends.
• Ask for testimonials and share them everywhere.
• Deliver exceptional service so people naturally recommend you.

Word-of-mouth is still one of the most powerful marketing tools out there. Use it.

Final Thoughts – Let’s Fix Your Sales Struggles Today

Sales don’t have to be a struggle. If you focus on the right audience, make buying easy, sell outcomes (not features), follow up, build trust, and leverage referrals, you’ll see a real difference in your business.

Need help implementing these strategies? Book a consultation with Mercy Elroi today. Let’s work together to get your sales flowing effortlessly.