The Last 4 Weeks of Q3: How Small Businesses Can Finish Strong

Sep 2

Written By Joli Waldeck

The End of Q3 Isn’t the End of the Year

It’s tempting to look at the calendar, sigh, and think: “We’ll start fresh next quarter.”

But here’s the truth - the last 4 weeks of Q3 can make or break your momentum heading into Q4.

This is your chance to check in, tighten up, and turn small actions into big results before the quarter closes.

1. Revisit Your Goals (and Adjust if Needed)

Ask yourself:

What were my Q3 targets?
Am I on track - or off pace?
Do I need to push harder, pivot, or prepare for Q4?

Pro Tip: If you’re behind, focus on quick wins - things that can still move the needle in 30 days.

2. Audit Your Marketing

Your marketing doesn’t need a full rebuild - it needs a tune-up.

Which posts or campaigns actually performed?
What didn’t land?
Is your audience growing?
Do you have at least one clear lead gen funnel running?

Double down on what’s working. Pause what’s not.

3. Activate Your Warm Leads

You don’t need a flood of new strangers - you need to engage the people already in your orbit.

Reach out to past clients/customers
Follow up with “almost” sales
Send an exclusive end-of-quarter promo
Run a flash sale or mini-event to close Q3 with a spike

4. Create Q4 Foundations Now

Q4 is packed with holidays, campaigns, and sales cycles. Don’t wait until October to plan.

Map out your holiday content and promos
Order merch, print materials, or supplies early
Schedule collaborations or pop-ups with local partners
Decide what your Black Friday or end-of-year push looks like

Think of September as your launchpad.

5. Celebrate & Reset Your Team

If you have a team (or even if it’s just you), don’t sprint through the quarter without reflecting.

Celebrate small wins from Q3
Revisit your company vision
Share a preview of Q4 goals
Boost morale with a team lunch or fun outing

Happy teams = stronger execution heading into the busiest time of year.

Final Take: Don’t Coast Into Q4 - Launch Into It

The last 4 weeks of Q3 aren’t a throwaway. They’re a chance to tighten your systems, rally your audience, and build momentum for the most important quarter of the year.

Small steps now = big wins later.

Need help mapping out your Q4 marketing strategy?
JW Brands builds content calendars, campaign plans, and lead-gen systems that keep small businesses moving forward - quarter after quarter.

Joli Waldeck