Q1+Q2+Q3 is less than Q4? Wait! This might sound like a mathematical question, but it’s actually about annual sales. Here, ‘Q’ stands for ‘Quarter.’ You might wonder, How is this possible? Well, it happens because two major shopping events, Black Friday & Cyber Monday, fall in the last quarter of the year.
Every year, marketers put themselves in the driving seat to run faster than their competitors with their digital marketing strategy because they know that the more they grab consumer attention, the more profit they earn.
Giving discounts or early access are common tactics used by marketers, but if you want to take the lead in the competition, you need to think and act differently. As time passes, consumers’ thinking, tastes, and priorities change, and you need to adapt to keep up with that change for better outcomes.
Look at the calendar—you still have enough time to prepare for this big battle, one that could significantly increase your brand’s value.
We want you to win, which is why we will share some amazing marketing strategies for Black Friday and Cyber Monday through this blog to ensure you make this year a memorable one.
The Impact of Marketing Strategies on Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Black Friday doesn’t really seem ‘Black,’ and Cyber Monday doesn’t refer to a ‘Cyber Attack.’ Instead, these massive events for businesses are seen in countries like the United States.
These events occur in the last week of November every year, just after Thanksgiving. During this time, brands of all sizes clear out old stocks by offering unmatched discounts and deals, bringing them the opportunity to move their brand from the red zone (the danger zone, indicating losses) to the black zone (the safe zone, indicating profitability.)
To take the upper hand on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, brands create marketing strategies that feature special deals to drive sales and move their business into the profit zone.
What Makes Shoppers Wait for Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
Celebrating the day needs a reason, and for shoppers, no day can take the place of Black Friday and Cyber Monday for the following reasons:
- Massive Discounts and Deals
- Exclusive Offers and Limited-Time Sales
- Perfect Timing for Holiday Shopping
- Early Access for Luxury and Daily Use Products
- Free Shipping and Other Perks
- Opportunity for Group Savings.
What Drives Marketers’ Excitement for Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
Amazing deals wait for none; you hear this line most of the time when it comes to consumers. But what about marketers? This line applies to them, too; after all, selling products and achieving an all-time high profit is also part of a good deal. Here are a few reasons that show the real excitement behind marketers’ enthusiasm:
- Peak Online Traffic
- High Consumer Spending
- Increased ROI Potential
- Clearance of Old Stocks
- Perfect Testing Ground for Marketing Strategies.
- Opportunity to Build Long-Term Relationships with Customers.
Tracing the History of Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Black Friday and Cyber Monday have developed into two of the most significant shopping events of the year. Here’s a brief history of both:
Black Friday:
The term ‘Black Friday’ is the complete opposite of what people typically think when they hear it for the first time. It originated in Philadelphia in the 1950s due to chaos caused by the Army-Navy football game crowds.
Police referred to the day as “Black Friday” due to the trouble it caused. Retailers later adopted the name as a positive term for sales, and it became nationally recognized in the 1980s.
Top Statistics for Black Friday
- Black Friday sales in 2024 are expected to hit $10.8 billion (a 9.9% increase from last year).
- In 2023, Black Friday sales totaled $9.8 billion.
- 36% of Americans plan to shop on Black Friday this year.
- 71% of U.S. shoppers plan to shop online during Black Friday in 2024.
(Source- Black Friday Statistics)
Cyber Monday:
Cyber Monday became a famous term in 2005, introduced by the National Retail Federation. This event recognized that many people shopped online after Thanksgiving.
One reason was that shoppers browsed items in stores over the weekend but waited until Monday to purchase them at work, where they had faster internet connections. There are other theories available as well, but they don’t make much sense.
Top Statistics for Cyber Monday
- Consumers spend approx. $12.4 billion on Cyber Monday every year.
- Last year, 200.4 million Americans shopped during Cyber Week.
- On Cyber Monday, U.S. buying activity jumped by 512% compared to a regular day.
- 88% of the top 50 online marketers offer discounts for Cyber Monday.
(Source- Exploding Topics)
How to Create a Strategic Roadmap for Black Friday and Cyber Monday
These events are big, and you need to act like a warrior. A warrior plans everything before entering the battlefield to ensure a smooth process. And yes, the planning includes all ‘if’ and ‘but’ factors.
Below are some plans that many advertisers follow; you can take them as a checklist if you have already done your planning or review them if you are still in the planning process:
Prepare Your Inventory
The first step in the planning process is to prepare your inventory. Big events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the perfect opportunity for businesses to clear out their old stock.
The reason behind this is that the old stock was purchased at an old price from the manufacturer, and you’re still paying for the space where it’s been stored. You can make a list and add it to your website. If you notice that something is missing from your store that could be in high demand during these events, consider restocking it.
Update New Pricing
The next step is pricing. You need to decide on new pricing for your products. You can’t sell effectively if you put the same price tag on your offerings, as customers tend to wait all year in expectation of big discounts.
If you can’t offer eye-catching discounts, your rivals will snatch customers from you by offering a better price than yours. Keep the following things in mind when you decide the price:
- Make sure the price covers all your expenses and allows you to make a profit.
- Set a price that your customers can afford and are willing to pay.
- Be aware of what others are charging to make sure your price is competitive.
- Provide choices like basic, premium, or bundle deals and set pricing according to that to cater to different needs.
Look at The Previous and the Current Sales Estimate Report
Experienced marketers suggest preparing at least two months in advance to fully take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday because creating a well-planned roadmap takes time, and early preparation helps refine strategies. Now, after updating the price, you need to work on the marketing strategies.
You must look at the previous data, understand the shopping behavior of your targeted customers, and analyze the total sales from the previous year. You should also look at reliable reports from agencies that provide data on how sales are expected to unfold this year. This will help you a lot in making decisions for these events.
Research Marketing Platforms
Now, the time has come to think about ways to show your products to your targeted customers and inform them about your recent mouth-watering offers. To do this, you need to find the best marketing platforms.
You can avail of search engines like Google or ask your connections who are already using a particular platform for marketing. If you want the best results, don’t stick to just one platform; instead, utilize multiple marketing channels. Below are some points to keep in mind when choosing a marketing channel:
- Your Marketing Goals
- The Platform’s Reach and Engagement
- Cost
Optimize Your Website
Black Friday and Cyber Monday bring more traffic to your business website (if your marketing strategies are correct.) Ask yourself if your website is ready for this and will handle the high volume of traffic. If yes, then you need to test, and if you have a doubt, then you need to optimize it.
To boost sales on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, make sure your website is fast, mobile-friendly, and simple to use. Improve loading times, fix any errors, and check that your checkout process works smoothly. A hassle-free shopping experience keeps customers on your site, encouraging them to browse and complete their purchases easily.
Game-Changing Marketing Strategies for Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the most awaited shopping events of the year, and businesses compete hard to grab customer attention and boost sales. To shine in the crowd, here are some easy and smart marketing strategies:
Start Early with an Introductory Teaser
Begin your Black Friday and Cyber Monday campaigns early to build excitement. You can share creative teasers through email, social media, organic marketing, and paid advertising to give your audience a sneak peek at upcoming deals.
For example, announce a “coming soon” sale or reveal one exclusive discount early. You can create a teaser by taking help from any reference on the internet. Early buzz ensures your customers are ready to shop when your main event starts.
Create Urgency with Flash Sales
Flash sales are a powerful way to create urgency during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Offer short-term deals that last just a few hours to push customers to make quick decisions.
Promote these sales with countdown timers on your website and also in your online ads to increase excitement. Limited-time discounts encourage impulse purchases and help clear out specific inventory quickly.
The sense of urgency keeps customers coming back to check your website throughout the sale period. This is one of the best marketing strategies for engaging customers.
Offer Exclusive Bundles
What audience searches for the most during these events? Something extra without spending any additional costs, right? Offering exclusive bundles is a smart strategy for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
You can create special product packages that combine popular items at a discounted price. This gives customers more value while encouraging them to buy more.
Use PPC Ad Networks
PPC (Pay-Per-Click) ad networks are a perfect way to increase your sales on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. These ad networks let you target people who are most likely to be interested in your offerings.
You can show your PPC ads to customers looking for deals. The best part is you only pay when someone taps on your ad, so it’s a budget-friendly way to get more visitors to your website and increase sales during these big shopping events.
To make Black Friday and Cyber Monday memorable, our ad network is also launching offers for advertisers, where they have a chance to get a bonus on their deposit. Stay tuned to 7Search PPC’s social media pages for more information!
Implement AI in Digital Marketing
Unique ideas are the secret to success and growth in marketing. Using AI in digital marketing is the most utilized marketing strategies nowadays and will surely work on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
It can help businesses personalize ads, predict customer behavior, and automate campaigns. AI tools analyze data to target the right audience, improve ad performance, and optimize content in real time. This leads to more effective marketing, higher engagement, and better results during busy sales periods like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Conclusion
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are two mega events that are coming for the marketers. Businesses or brands of all sizes can take advantage of these events by offering special deals and promotions.
To make the most of these opportunities, it’s important to have a well-planned marketing strategies. By following the tips and marketing strategies outlined in this blog, you can increase your sales and make this year’s events, Black Friday and Cyber Monday, a success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the best marketing strategies for Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
Ans. The best marketing strategies include starting early with teasers, using flash sales to create urgency, offering exclusive bundles, utilizing PPC ad networks, and implementing AI to optimize campaigns.
How can I prepare my marketing strategies for Black Friday?
Ans. Prepare by reviewing past sales data, updating your inventory, setting competitive prices, and choosing the right marketing platforms. These actions will ensure your marketing strategies are aligned with your goals.
What role do discounts play in Black Friday and Cyber Monday marketing strategies?
Ans. Discounts are key in Black Friday and Cyber Monday marketing strategies. Offering significant price cuts or special deals encourages consumers to shop during these events, driving higher sales volumes.
How can I use urgency in my digital marketing strategies for Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
Ans. Creating flash sales and using countdown timers can build urgency. These marketing strategies push customers to make quick decisions, increasing sales in a limited time frame.
What marketing strategies can I use to clear out old stock on Black Friday?
Ans. Offering discounts, creating bundle deals, and using email marketing campaigns are great ways to clear out old stock. These marketing strategies make products more attractive to buyers, helping you move excess inventory.
