It's that time of the year again, the Christmas countdown is in full swing and Black Friday / Cyber Monday is coming up.
This year, Black Friday is taking place on Friday the 26th of November and Cyber Monday is taking place on Monday the 29th of November. Typically, this is when people receive their last paycheck before Christmas.
Over the years we have seen these Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals starting earlier and earlier, and we have also seen the two events merge to make a solid block of discounts and offers created to tempt you from the beginning of November right through to the week before Christmas.
It’s a wonder whether we can actually even talk about Black Friday and Cyber Monday as a specific date or event anymore.
However you want to refer to these pre-Christmas promotions, it's clear that there are some elements that sum up this event and they should be utilized by retailers.
One of those elements is the focus on ecommerce.
Black Friday/Cyber Monday/Pre-Christmas Sales Online
Naturally, online shopping increased in 2020 thanks to Covid and there are no signs that this is going to be decreasing in 2021.
If you are a retailer that still does not have an online presence, then make it your priority. If you are a retailer with an online presence, then make sure that you check them out and ensure that it is up the scratch.
Make sure you check…
- That your contact details are up to date and easy to find
- That your delivery information is correct and easy to find
- That the process through your website and payment is working and easy to use
- That all graphics on site have been updated to reflect your black Friday/cyber Monday/Pre-Christmas sale
And most importantly, check your stock levels so that you have what you say you have, there is nothing worse than making a sale to then having to backtrack on that order.
Don’t forget your marketing
With all of the noise that surrounds this busy shopping period, don’t forget your marketing.
Ensure that you have a series of social media posts ready to go in the run-up to the event to help highlight what you offer in the most attractive way.
Start with a plan for how you are going to launch your Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions and get all of the graphics and images done ahead of time. There are lots of scheduling tools that you can make the most of so that the majority of the work is done for you.
If you have not done so already, take a look at your existing audience on social media and within your email mailing lists and consider how you want to communicate with them to encourage repeat orders.
And last but not least, don’t forget about delivery
Couriers are under a lot of pressure at this time of year to deliver masses of products, if you can encourage early ordering then do so as this will take the pressure and stress away not just from couriers but also from individuals worrying about whether it will arrive in time for the big day.
When listing the delivery options on your website make it crystal clear when the cut-off date is for orders overseas, for your standard delivery service, and any express delivery options you provide. This clarity will avoid any last-minute stress for yourself and encourage your customers not to leave things to the last minute.
Should you need any assistance with your Black Friday and Cyber Monday marketing efforts then contact the team here at Digital Nachos.
Published: 2nd Nov 2021