Running a business is no small feat — and sometimes, the months slip by before you realize Black Friday is around the corner, and you’re still without a game plan. Between vendors, orders, and finances, it’s easy to blink and find yourself in November thinking, “Where did the time go?” Black Friday is a huge opportunity to boost your holiday sales, but if you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry — you’re not too late! You still have time to implement simple, cost-effective strategies that will help you get the most out of your Black Friday marketing.
Your Last-Minute Black Friday Strategy
We get it. “Black Friday strategy” sounds fancy and maybe a little intimidating. It’s normal to feel some doubt about how to compete in such a big event — but guess what? If you have a business, you’re ready. You don’t need anything complicated to get more sales this November.
Here are some quick, effective content strategies that won’t drain your time, energy, or wallet.
1. Video Marketing
Research for 2024 shows that video is still the best way to engage your audience, especially when it comes to teaching them how to use your products.
And the best part? You don’t need a professional setup or a huge budget. In many cases, low-budget, authentic videos perform even better because people appreciate the realness.
2. Email Marketing
Ever wish you could just send a group text to your customers saying, “Hey! I’m having a Black Friday sale!”? Well, email marketing is the professional, practical version of that — and it works. In fact, 20% of online holiday traffic comes from email, and customers who buy through email spend 138% more.
Black Friday Marketing Ideas for Video
Short-form video content currently offers the highest return on investment of any marketing trend right now. Here are a few simple yet stand-out Black Friday marketing ideas you can use on your Instagram Reels, Stories, or TikToks to bring in the Black Friday sales.
Ask Me Anything (AMA)
People don’t just want to know about your product. They want to know you. Engage your audience by hosting an “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) session on Instagram. It’s a great way to interact, and you can naturally bring up your Black Friday deals in your answers.
Just follow these quick steps:
- Open Instagram and create a Story.
- Upload a picture of yourself (or something personal to your brand).
- Click on the smiley-face tab on the top.
- Select the “Questions” bubble.
- Write “Ask Me Anything” in the question box.
- Start answering questions, and sprinkle in some Black Friday hints!
Sneak Peeks
People love a good Easter egg. Deciphering clues and sneak peeks creates a sense of community and excitement for your customers.
Create short-form videos giving “sneak peeks” of your Black Friday sale:
- Post close-ups of new products and ask your audience to guess what they are.
- Share mysterious hints about what your sale will include.
- Create a countdown video, like “3 days to go!” with quick flashes of upcoming deals.
- Include hidden discount codes in your videos and invite followers to ‘hunt’ for them — perfect for replays and engagement.
Behind-the-Scenes
Of course, it doesn’t all have to be a secret or a surprise. Transparency can win hearts and wallets. Bring your fanbase along with you for the Black Friday experience:
- Film a time-lapse of your team getting ready for the Black Friday rush — packing orders, organizing stock, and setting up the website.
- Capture a quick clip of your team in a planning meeting, mapping out strategies for Black Friday. (Add some fun moments to make it feel relatable and real.)
- Do a walkthrough of your warehouse, giving little previews of special deals. (Is your warehouse your kitchen table? That’s okay! Use that too!)
- Interview team members (and yourself!) about their favorite products and what they do.
Live Packing & Shipping Orders
Black Friday is no longer a one-day event — and it starts early! Your customers love seeing the magic in real-time. Document the process as soon as your sales go live:
- Show your team packing and shipping orders.
- Record short thank-you messages for your customers as they come in. “Thank you, [Customer’s Name], for your order from [Location]!”
- Create urgency with live updates — your audience will feel the excitement and might just get some FOMO (fear of missing out).
Black Friday Marketing Ideas for Email
Email is your direct line to your customers’ inboxes, and when done right, it can make a big impact this Black Friday.
Announce Your Sale
Whether you’re a week or a day away from Black Friday, there’s still time to announce your sale. Draft a quick email with your deals to your list. If you’ve got a bit more time, offer early access to loyal customers or tease the sale with a series of countdown emails.
If you’re truly running last-minute (no judgment, we get it), go for the flash sale route. Try a flash sale email like “50% off for the next 3 hours!” It’s a great way to create urgency and drive quick sales.
Create a Gift Guide Email
Write out an email curating your best deals by category (e.g., gifts for him, her, kids, etc.) and help your customers find exactly what they need for the holidays.
Send Out a “Last Chance” Email
“Last Call! Black Friday Ends in 3 Hours!”
Nothing creates urgency quite like a countdown email reminding customers that time is running out.
Use Cyber Monday Marketing to Your Advantage
Missed Black Friday? No worries! Extend (or start) the sales with Cyber Monday marketing deals.
Get More Free Marketing Tips
Need more marketing tips for the holiday season and beyond? Consider us your go-to guides. Follow @spicylemonmarketing on Instagram, where we have lots more hacks, advice, and strategies — all for free!
