10 Creative Ways to Grow Your Profit Layer
Picture your business like a layered cake. Each layer represents a cost: labor, materials, admin, office supplies, and so on. At the very top sits the smallest layer: the profit.
Sweet, but thin if you do not think about it since the beginning.
So, how do we make that top layer thicker without compromising quality or burning out?
Here are 10 creative strategies you can start experimenting with TOMORROW:
1. Turn Waste into Revenue
Don’t let leftovers go to waste. Can scraps, offcuts, or unused materials become something new?
Example: A furniture maker sells offcuts as craft wood packs. A bakery turns day-old bread into croutons or breadcrumbs.
Action: Look around: what’s being thrown away that could be repurposed or sold? Hey, if people sell statues made of scrap metal, why can’t you?
2. Create a Premium Experience
People love feeling special. Add a VIP option that costs little extra but feels luxurious.
Example: A café offers a “Barista’s Choice” tasting experience. A service provider adds priority booking or exclusive packaging.
Action: What small touches could make your offer feel premium? From welcome messages, small promotions, presents, a kind card at birthdays, and you know… maybe cake.
3. Go Back to the Drawing Board
This sounds challenging, but the truth is you already know all you need to. Look at your past services:
Which one cost you less (in hours, sanity, materials…) and gave you the best income?
Mold your future services on that one!
Action: Review your history and your number. Your most profitable offer is there, you already thought about it or sold it, and it is your blueprint for success.
4. Collaborate for Cross-Promotion
Team up with another business to create bundles or joint offers.
Example: A yoga studio partners with a local café for a “Wellness & Coffee” package.
Action: Who in your network complements your service? Reach out and brainstorm. No, I am not talking about you finding someone who has the same client base (that helps) but actually COMPLEMENT your philosophy.
5. Introduce Micro-Offers
Small add-ons can feel like a treat and boost your revenue without adding much cost.
Example: A photographer offers instant social-media-ready edits for a small fee.
Action: What tiny extras could you offer that customers would love? A little post service care, maybe?
6. Gamify Your Service
Make referrals and upsells fun. Reward customers with challenges or loyalty perks.
Example: “Refer 3 friends and unlock a secret menu item” or “Collect points for exclusive rewards.”
Action: How can you turn engagement into a game? For example, if you check our Newsletter, you’ll find some nice examples there. Sign up below for more!
7. Sell Knowledge, Not Just Products
Turn your expertise into digital products: templates, guides, or mini-courses.
Example: A florist creates a downloadable “DIY Wedding Bouquet Guide.”
Action: What do you know that others would pay to learn? A “kit to build your mini stool”, a “what to look for when buying flowers for occasions” or “5 gift ideas that complement our product”.
8. Offer Subscription or Membership Options
Instead of one-off sales, create recurring revenue with memberships or subscriptions.
Example: A bakery offers a “Bread of the Month” club.
Action: What could you deliver regularly that customers would love? Choose something people already really like about your services, and see what can be packaged.
9. Upsell with Purpose
Don’t just sell more: sell smarter. Offer upgrades that genuinely add value.
Example: A designer offers a “Brand Strategy Session” alongside logo design.
Action: There are people out there offering “Training days”, “Meet the animals”, “Petting zoos” and “behind the scenes” as VIP experiences. What premium version of your service could make customers say “yes”?
10. Package Your Genius
Bundle services or products into irresistible packages that feel like a deal but increase your margin.
Example: A photographer offers a “Full Day Shoot + Social Media Kit” package.
Action: How can you combine what you already offer into something more compelling?
Ready to Bake a Bigger Profit Layer?
These ideas are just the start. Want to dive deeper and learn how to build profit into your offers without stress?
Join me for the SOS Business Clinics in Dorchester, a 1:1 with a spin.
First topic:
“Pricing for profit and shaping your offer”