Sales Tips for Small Business Owners

Learn how to close more deals without sounding salesy with a sales framework that work. SNAP Selling is an effective sales framework for busy entrepreneurs, small business owners, and freelancers.

May 7, 2025

Heidi DeCoux

Heidi DeCoux

Heidi DeCoux is the founder of Cashflowy, an AI-powered bookkeeping platform, and has worked with thousands of self-employed professionals to simplify finances and improve profitability.

Are you a freelancer, solopreneur, or small business owner trying to make more money without turning into a full-time salesperson? We get it, it's no easy feat. Selling your product or service doesn't have to feel pushy, awkward, or even salesly.

How? The secret is using a sales framework that works with your buyer's mindset, not against it.

When you have a clear, straightforward, and frictionless sales process, your prospects move faster toward a “yes”. That's where the SNAP Selling, developed by the sales strategist Jill Konrath, comes in.
TL;DR

  • SNAP Selling simplifies sales by aligning with how modern, busy buyers make decisions—quick, clear, and low-effort.

  • The 4 principles—Keep it Simple, Be Invaluable, Always Align, and Raise Priorities— help you close more deals without sounding salesy.

  • Perfect for small business owners, SNAP Selling boosts conversions by making your offer the obvious next step, not a hard sell.

The Best Sales Framework for Busy Small Business Owners

Modern buyers are busy. They're overwhelmed with information, juggling priorities, and often making snap decisions. That's why the traditional sales approach (long pitches, info dump, and pressure) don't have the same appeal anymore.

Buyers are busy, distracted, and just want a solution to their problem, no more, no less. SNAP Selling helps you offer them just that. It aligns what you are offering with how today's buyers think (and act).

SNAP Selling is designed for busy, distracted buyers. They don’t have time for long-winded sales pitches, overly complex options, or decision fatigue. They want to instantly see value, understand the offer, and take action without second-guessing themselves.

The framework is built on four key principles:

Following these 4 steps will make your prospects feel like buying from you is the only obvious next step, not another decision they have to make.

If you want to master SNAP Selling and five other high-converting sales frameworks, grab our free Sales Accelerator Guide below.

A Quick Analogy: The Uber Effect on Sales

Let’s take a quick detour.

Imagine it’s raining and you’re stuck trying to hail a taxi on a busy street. You finally get in, unsure of the cost, the route, or whether they accept cards.

Then Uber came along. With one tap, you know how much it will cost you, when you will arrive, and you don't even have to worry about swiping your card.

Uber didn’t just change transportation, it changed consumer expectations.

Today, people want fast, effortless, and predictable experiences, whether from a transportation service or a photo package for their wedding day. 

If your sales process feels like calling a cab in a thunderstorm, they’ll bounce. If it feels like tapping “Request Ride,” they’ll convert.

SNAP Selling helps you create that smooth experience.

How to Simplify Your Sales Process with SNAP Selling

1. Keep It Simple

If your offer feels overwhelming or requires too much mental effort, Buyers'll delay the decision. Make it incredibly simple.

Example: 

Instead of saying, “I offer website audits, SEO services, branding packages, and full-site redesigns…” 

Try: “I’ll revamp your website in 7 days to double your conversions, without you lifting a finger.”

Make the decision a no-brainer.

2. Be Invaluable

Buyers don’t want a product or service, they want the results it brings them. If they don’t see immediate value, they won’t move forward.

Example: 

Instead of saying, “We offer full-scale content marketing strategies, blog writing, and distribution planning.” 

Try: “We’ll create and publish content that brings in high-paying clients, so you don’t have to chase them.”

Your buyers are busy, don’t make them figure out why your offer matters. Tell them directly.

3. Always Align

Not all buyers care about the same thing. One might be focused on saving time, while another wants to cut costs. If your messaging doesn’t match what they care about, they’ll lose interest.

Example: 
Instead of saying, “We offer bookkeeping, tax prep, and financial reporting services.”, 

Try: “We’ll cut your bookkeeping time from 20+ hours a month to just 1, so you can focus on growing your business.” (that's true, by the way, Cashflowy can make that happen for you).

When buyers hear an offer that speaks directly to their reality, the decision becomes easy.

4. Raise Priorities

Even if buyers see the value, they won’t always act unless there’s urgency. If they think “I can deal with this later,” they’ll put off the decision. That’s how sales get lost.

Example: Instead of saying, “This program is available year-round, join whenever you’re ready.”, 

Try: “Every month you wait is another month of lost revenue. Let’s fix that today.”

Buyers need a reason to act now. Give them one.

Understanding Buyer Psychology: The 3 Decisions Every Client Makes

Before making a purchase, buyers go through three critical decisions:

  1. Allowing Access: “Does this person deserve my attention?” 

Start by showing them why you're the right person to solve their problem.

  1. Moving Away from the Status Quo: “Is it worth changing what I'm currently doing?”

Highlight how much their current approach is costing them.

  1. Changing Resources: “Is that the best solution for me?”

Make your offer fit their needs and show how it will solve their problem.

Aligning your sales process with these natural decision-making steps makes it easier for buyers to say “yes”.

Ready to Make Sales Feel Effortless?

The days of complicated funnels and pressure-based sales tactics are over. Whether you're selling coaching, creative services, or software—buyers want clarity, simplicity, and results.

SNAP Selling helps you:

  • Streamline your messaging

  • Connect faster with leads

  • Convert more clients without feeling pushy

Download the Free Sales Accelerator Guide

Want to go deeper? Grab our free Sales Accelerator Guide and learn:

  • A full breakdown of SNAP Selling

  • 5 additional proven sales frameworks that increase conversions

  • Real-world examples you can use right away

Download the Sales Accelerator Guide and start closing deals with less stress and more confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions: Sales Process Simplification

What is the best sales framework for small business owners?

SNAP Selling is ideal for small business owners because it simplifies your messaging, aligns with buyer psychology, and helps you close more deals without high-pressure tactics.

How do I simplify my sales process?

Start by clarifying your offer, focusing on results, removing unnecessary steps, and using a framework like SNAP Selling to guide your sales conversations.

How can I improve conversions without sounding salesy?

Speak to your audience’s pain points, highlight clear outcomes, and create urgency. Avoid jargon and pressure. Frameworks like SNAP Selling help strike the right tone.

Is SNAP Selling good for service-based businesses?

Yes! Whether you're a freelancer, coach, or consultant, SNAP Selling works because it focuses on how modern buyers make decisions—fast, simple, and value-first.