In 2023, online Black Friday shopping increased 8.5%. Globally, people spent $71 billion dollars. That's an opportunity for promotion you don't want to miss.
However, while you may understand the importance of Black Friday for your business, it’s not uncommon to find yourself short on time to meticulously plan your Black Friday marketing ideas. Scrambling for last-minute campaigns might feel overwhelming, but don’t worry — there’s still time to make an impact.
As a marketing design agency born from understanding the challenges of limited time and design resources for extra marketing campaigns, at TodayMade, we know your pain firsthand. This guide is packed with practical, low-effort Black Friday marketing strategies that can help you stand out and drive sales, even at the last minute.
Before we begin, let's look at some statistics that show why Black Friday is worth your time.
Why Black Friday is crucial for your business
Think of Black Friday as the Super Bowl of shopping — it’s when customers are actively hunting for deals and businesses have their best shot to score big. And the numbers back this up:
Even if your Black Friday campaign isn’t planned to perfection, don’t worry. You can still make an impression with quick, creative Black Friday marketing strategy that capitalizes on the urgency and excitement of the season. Let’s dive into those ideas next!
Easy-to-execute Black Friday campaign ideas
Now that you understand the importance of Black Friday, let’s explore quick-to-implement strategies that will set your business apart. These ideas are designed to be effective yet manageable, even if you’re starting late.
Discount and deal strategies
Attractive deals are the backbone of marketing ideas for Black Friday. Here’s how you can make them work:
1. Flash sales and time-sensitive offers
Offer short, steep discounts to create urgency and encourage immediate action. The key is to make the discount significant enough to spark spontaneous purchases, while still maintaining profitability.
Price items slightly higher than your minimum, then slash prices for a limited window. Cap the discounted quantities too, so customers feel that urgency to buy now before it's gone.
How to execute: Announce the sale across all platforms — your homepage, emails, and social media. Use countdown timers to emphasize the short duration and build excitement. For example, highlight phrases like “Only 2 Hours Left!” or “While Supplies Last!”
See how this creative animated ad creates urgency with the phrase “Hurry – ends at 3 pm!” Source
2. BOGO (Buy One, Get One Free) deals
This classic strategy boosts purchase volume while moving excess stock. BOGO deals are especially effective for lower-cost items or products that complement high-demand goods. Shoppers love the feeling of doubling their value, making it an irresistible offer.
How to Execute: Clearly display the BOGO offer on product pages, email campaigns, and social posts. Use phrases like “Stock Up!” or “Double the Joy!” to emphasize value. Bundle complementary products (e.g., winter gloves with hats) for added appeal.
Encourage higher spending by offering bigger savings as customers add more to their carts. This approach works wonders during Black Friday as shoppers look to maximize value.
How to execute: Use banners to display tiers like “Spend $50, Save 10%” or “Spend $100, Save 20%.” Ensure that the tiers are easy to understand, and feature clear CTAs like “Add More to Save More!”
Clearly state your offering for the tired discounts campaign. Source
4. Referral discounts
Use your current customers to bring in new buyers by rewarding them with discounts or perks. This method is cost-effective and can significantly expand your customer base.
How to execute: Offer personalized referral codes and a clear incentive, such as “Give $10, Get $10.” Promote these discounts through email campaigns, social media, and loyalty programs.
5. Exclusive discounts for subscribers or loyalty members
Rewarding loyal customers with exclusive Black Friday deals encourages people’s trust and repeat business. It also allows you to target a pre-engaged audience, increasing conversion rates.
How to execute: Offer early access or unique promo codes to your email list or loyalty members. Use subject lines like “Your VIP Access to Black Friday Deals Is Here!” and ensure the discount feels meaningful—such as 25% off for members versus 20% for the general public.
A phrase like “Since you’re out VIP” will make customers understand you care.Source
6. Different sales every hour
This one is quite a creative Black Friday sale idea that is quick-to-implement but requires your attention thought the day. Keep shoppers engaged throughout the day by unveiling new deals every hour. This approach encourages repeat visits and creates a buzz around your brand.
How to execute: Publish a sale schedule in advance via your website, emails, or social media. Use reminders like “Don’t Miss the 12 PM Doorbuster!” to drive anticipation. Utilize bold banners and notifications to guide visitors back to your store as new deals drop.
Combining products and offering perks can increase average order values:
7. Product bundles with discounted prices
Combine complementary products into value-packed bundles to encourage higher average order values. Bundling is particularly effective for Black Friday as customers are actively seeking ways to maximize their purchases. This strategy works well with items that are often bought together, such as beauty sets, tech accessories, or clothing basics.
How to execute: Create bundles that highlight cost savings with phrases like “Save $15 when you buy together!” or “Get the Set and Save!” Promote these bundles on product pages and in email campaigns, making it easy for shoppers to understand the value.
Add an element of surprise by offering mystery gifts/boxes filled with items that customers might not expect. Shoppers love the excitement of receiving a “mystery” bundle, and it’s a great way for you to move slower-selling inventory. Plus, these deals create a sense of exclusivity, which is particularly effective on Black Friday.
How to execute: Market mystery boxes as “Guaranteed Savings” or “Surprise Value Worth $X!” to build interest. Limit availability to boost urgency and consider setting up mystery box options for different budgets (e.g., a $25 box, $50 box, etc.). As well you can offer mystery gifts in addition to customer’s purchase.
Tokyo Laundry offered a special secret offer for the promo code. Source
Carrot & Stick chose to add a “Deluxe gift” for free to the order. Source
9. Special gift cards
Gift cards offer flexibility and encourage future spending. For Black Friday, sweeten the deal by adding extra value — like a bonus $10 for every $50 spent on gift cards. This is especially popular during the holidays, as customers look for easy gift options.
How to execute: Create promotional banners on your website and social media with phrases like “Free $10 with Every $50 Gift Card Purchase!” Offer both digital and physical gift card options, so shoppers can choose the format that suits their needs.
Free shipping is among major Black Friday ideas for eCommerce and can significantly reduce cart abandonment. During Black Friday, making shipping free (or lowering the threshold for free shipping) can drive more conversions.
How to execute: Clearly advertise “Free Shipping on All Black Friday Orders” across your website and emails. If possible, add a banner with a countdown to emphasize the limited-time nature of this offer.
Email marketing remains one of the most effective channels for reaching and converting Black Friday shoppers. Use it to build anticipation, recover abandoned carts, and reward loyal customers. Here’s how:
11. Early access for subscribers
Giving your email subscribers a head start on Black Friday deals can drive conversions and help avoid website traffic bottlenecks during peak times. Customers who feel they’re getting exclusive access are more likely to make a purchase.
How to execute: Send an “early access” email a day or two before Black Friday. Include clear CTAs and an invitation-only tone, like “Get First Dibs on Black Friday Deals!” If possible, create a unique landing page for early-access customers to make the experience even more special.
Highlighting time-sensitive deals can be incredibly effective in your Black Friday email strategy. When customers see that a deal is ending soon, they’re more likely to take immediate action. Use subject lines and graphics that emphasize the limited-time nature of the offer.
How to execute: Send emails with strong subject lines like “Last Chance! 50% Off Ends Soon” and include countdown timers in the email body. This visual reminder helps build urgency. Try to send multiple emails throughout the day to remind shoppers as the deadline approaches.
Cart abandonment emails are perfect for re-engaging shoppers who left items in their carts without completing the purchase. A gentle reminder, paired with a small discount, can often recover the sale.
How to execute: Automate cart abandonment emails to be sent within a few hours of cart abandonment. Include specific product images to remind shoppers what they left behind, and consider adding an exclusive discount like “10% Off Your Saved Items” to encourage them to return and complete the purchase.
Exclusive deals for your VIPs or loyalty program members can drive repeat business and create a sense of exclusivity. Offering special perks to your most loyal customers during Black Friday shows appreciation and strengthens customer relationships.
How to execute: Segment your email list to target loyalty members with exclusive early access or unique discounts. Use subject lines like “Your VIP Access to Black Friday Deals Starts Now!” and ensure that the offer feels meaningful, such as an additional 10% off just for them.
Using social media strategies is a dynamic way to engage Black Friday shoppers, amplify brand visibility, and create buzz around your deals. Here’s how to make the most of it:
15. Giveaways and contests
Hosting giveaways and contests on social media is an excellent way to increase engagement and grow your audience quickly. Contests that require followers to “tag a friend” or “share to win” can significantly expand your reach and bring in new followers.
How to execute: Announce your contest a few days before Black Friday and highlight the prize in your visuals. Make entry easy with rules like “Tag a friend to enter” or “Follow and share this post to win.” This type of interaction not only generates excitement but also introduces your brand to a wider audience. By the way, social media design is one of TodayMade’s main areas of expertise.
16. Black Friday countdowns with social media posts, stories or live streams
Use Instagram Stories, Facebook Stories, or TikTok Lives to create excitement around your Black Friday deals. A countdown in Stories builds anticipation, while live videos allow you to showcase products, answer questions in real time, and interact with your audience.
How to execute: Post daily Stories leading up to Black Friday with countdown stickers to build anticipation. On the big day, go live to reveal deals and highlight featured products. Interact with viewers by answering questions and offering exclusive promo codes to those watching.
Announcing the Black Friday stream in X post.Source
17. User-generated content
Encourage customers to post photos or videos of their purchases with a branded hashtag. User-generated content not only boosts engagement but also builds social proof, showing prospective customers that others are enjoying your products.
How to execute: Create a catchy hashtag for your Black Friday campaign, like #BlackFridayFaves or #BestBFDeals. Ask customers to share their purchases or “unboxing” videos using the hashtag, and feature their content on your own social media pages to show appreciation and encourage others to join in.
Answering customers’ questions in TikTok as a Black Friday campaign. Source
Website optimization for Black Friday
An optimized website is essential for turning Black Friday traffic into sales.
18. Dedicated Black Friday landing pages
Creating a dedicated landing page for your Black Friday deals can help streamline the shopping experience. It consolidates all promotions in one place, making it easy for customers to browse offers without distraction.
How to execute: Design a Black Friday landing page with clear sections for deals, organized by category. Use engaging CTAs like “Shop Now” or “Deals Ending Soon!” and incorporate high-quality images. Make this page easily accessible from the homepage and link to it in all your Black Friday promotion ideas, like emails and social media posts.
Hostinger chose a dark theme with neumorphic design elements for their Black Friday landing page.Source
19. Optimize for mobile shopping and fast checkout
With 79% of Cyber Week traffic coming from mobile devices, optimizing your website for mobile is non-negotiable. This means ensuring that images load quickly, buttons are easy to tap, and the checkout process is smooth and fast.
How to execute: Test your site’s mobile experience thoroughly, focusing on loading speed and the checkout process. Simplify the checkout form to reduce friction, and consider adding payment options like Apple Pay or Google Pay for a quick, one-tap purchase experience.
20. Spin a wheel (or other gamified pop-ups)
Gamified pop-ups, like a “spin-the-wheel” discount, add an element of fun and surprise that can capture attention and increase conversions. Shoppers are more likely to engage when there’s a chance of winning a discount or a free item.
How to execute: Set up a “Spin to Win” pop-up on your homepage using tools like OptiMonk or Privy. Offer a variety of small rewards, such as 5% off, 10% off, or free shipping, and set limitations so the offers feel special. Highlight that prizes are available only on Black Friday to encourage immediate action.
21. Use exit-intent pop-ups with exclusive offers to capture hesitant shoppers
Exit-intent pop-ups are triggered when a user is about to leave the page, giving you one last chance to convert them with an exclusive offer. This tactic is especially effective for hesitant shoppers who may need an extra incentive.
How to execute: Set up exit-intent pop-ups offering a limited-time discount or free shipping, with a message like “Wait! Here’s 10% Off If You Complete Your Purchase Now!” Use scarcity phrases to emphasize urgency, such as “Only Available Today!”
Running targeted ad campaigns during Black Friday is essential for capturing a larger share of online shoppers. By using PPC and retargeting ads, you can reach both new audiences and re-engage visitors who showed interest but didn’t complete a purchase.
22. Run targeted Black Friday sales ads on Google and social media platforms
During Black Friday, competition for ad space is high, so focusing on well-targeted ads can ensure your budget is used effectively. By running ads on platforms like Google, Facebook, and Instagram, you can reach a specific audience who’s actively searching for deals.
How to execute: Use keywords like “Black Friday deals” or “holiday sales” combined with your product type. Create eye-catching visuals and ensure your ad copy highlights the Black Friday-specific offers. Set up audience targeting based on demographics and interests to reach the most relevant shoppers.
23. Retarget visitors who browsed your website but didn’t purchase
Retargeting ads help bring back potential customers who visited your site but didn’t complete a purchase. Black Friday shoppers often browse multiple sites, so reminding them of your offers through retargeting can increase the chance of conversion.
How to execute: Use retargeting ads on platforms like Facebook and Google Display Network. Show these visitors specific products they viewed or offer a small discount to encourage them to return. Include a clear call-to-action like “Come Back and Save 10%!” to make the offer appealing.
Cross-selling and upselling
Cross-selling and upselling are effective techniques to maximize the value of each Black Friday transaction. By offering related products or recommending upgrades, you can increase average order values while enhancing the shopping experience.
24. Suggest complementary products in checkout pages to increase average order value
Cross-selling involves recommending products that complement the items already in the customer’s cart. For example, if a shopper is purchasing a camera, you might suggest compatible accessories like memory cards or camera cases. This approach not only boosts order value but also helps shoppers find items they may have otherwise overlooked.
How to execute: Use the checkout page to display relevant recommendations labeled as “Frequently Bought Together” or “Customers Also Bought.” Choose items with a lower price point than the main product to make the add-on feel like a good value without overwhelming the buyer.
25. Use post-purchase upsell strategies with personalized recommendations
Post-purchase upselling is a technique that promotes additional items after a purchase is completed. By suggesting products that are relevant to the shopper’s recent purchase, you can capture additional sales without interrupting the initial checkout experience. This is especially useful for Black Friday, as customers are already in a buying mindset.
How to execute: Set up a post-purchase page or email that suggests upgrades, refills, or other relevant products. For example, if a customer buys a coffee maker, recommend coffee beans or filters. Personalize these suggestions based on the item they’ve just purchased, and include a time-limited discount to encourage immediate action.
While there are plenty of quick and easy Black Friday advertising tips you can use, some things shouldn't be ignored even if you're planning late. Here's what you can't skip, no matter how last-minute you're planning:
1. Ignoring stock and inventory limitations
Mistake: Running ads or promotions for products that have limited stock or may sell out quickly without a backup plan.
Solution: Monitor inventory closely, limit certain promotions to items with ample stock, and use banners or pop-ups to alert customers when stock is low. Offer alternatives or “rain checks” if inventory is depleted.
2. Skipping pre-sale website testing
Mistake: Overlooking a thorough test of your website’s load capacity, checkout functionality, and mobile responsiveness can lead to crashes or buggy user experiences during high traffic.
Solution: Run load tests, streamline your website for speed, and double-check that the checkout process is flawless across devices. Prepare a backup plan or alert if issues arise during peak traffic.
4. Offering confusing or overly complicated discounts
Mistake: Using complicated tiered discounts schemes can confuse customers, leading to abandoned carts or dissatisfaction.
Solution: Opt for clear, straightforward discounts (e.g., “20% off all items” or “Buy 1, Get 1 Free”). If you do use a tiered approach, make it easy to understand by visually breaking down savings in your emails or product pages.
5. Neglecting customer support availability
Mistake: Not having enough customer service reps on hand or failing to offer live chat during high-traffic hours can frustrate customers who need help.
Solution: Ramp up customer support for Black Friday, especially during peak hours. If possible, implement live chat and automate responses to common queries.
8. Failing to use proper social proof on high-traffic pages
Mistake: Not including customer reviews, ratings, or “best-seller” badges on popular product pages, which can reassure and encourage new buyers.
Solution: Add user-generated content like reviews or “most popular” tags to highlight trending products. If possible, integrate live sales notifications (“John in Chicago just bought this item!”) for added urgency.
9. Not preparing for high return rates
Mistake: Many Black Friday items see higher-than-normal return rates, especially for categories like apparel. Failing to plan for returns can lead to logistical bottlenecks and extra costs.
Solution: Communicate clear return policies upfront and prepare logistics for potential high returns. Offering free returns can make customers feel more confident purchasing but prepare for the associated costs.
10. Relying solely on email without SMS or push notifications
Mistake: Limiting communication to email only when customers may miss messages in a crowded inbox.
Solution: Complement email with SMS or push notifications to capture customer attention on multiple channels. Keep SMS short, with direct CTAs, and use push notifications selectively for high-value or expiring deals.
11. Ignoring last-minute changes and feedback
Mistake: Sticking rigidly to your original plan despite real-time issues or customer feedback, which can lead to missed opportunities.
Solution: Keep a small team dedicated to monitoring feedback and performance throughout Black Friday. Be flexible with real-time adjustments, like shifting ad budgets or tweaking messages, based on how promotions are performing.
12. Skipping quality visuals by not having a dedicated marketing designer
Mistake: Using generic or outdated visuals instead of creating fresh, on-brand graphics for Black Friday campaigns. Low-quality or mismatched visuals can make campaigns appear less professional or engaging.
Solution: Prioritize having a marketing designer (or freelancer if needed) ready to create visually appealing graphics that align with your Black Friday messaging. High-quality visuals can significantly increase engagement and conversion rates, especially on visually driven platforms like social media.
Last-minute Black Friday marketing tips
Time is of the essence, but that doesn't mean your Black Friday marketing campaigns have to be any less effective. With the right tools at your disposal, you can quickly create and implement campaigns that capture shoppers' attention and drive sales. Here are some last-minute marketing tips that leverage easy-to-use resources for maximum impact.
1. Send immediate email blasts with Mailchimp or Brevo
Email marketing is a direct line to your customers, and platforms like Mailchimp and Brevo make it easy to compose and send emails quickly.
How to implement:
Utilize ready-made Black Friday email templates available on these platforms.
Craft a compelling subject line to increase open rates, such as "Limited time Black Friday deals inside!"
Segment your email list to personalize offers—for example, send exclusive deals to your most loyal customers.
Schedule emails to go out at times when your audience is most likely to check their inbox.
2. Implement attention-grabbing pop-ups with OptinMonster
Capture your website visitors' attention immediately with pop-ups highlighting your Black Friday deals. OptinMonster allows you to create engaging pop-ups without any coding knowledge.
How to implement:
Choose from OptinMonster's Black Friday templates.
Customize the messaging to promote your specific deals or discounts.
Set up exit-intent pop-ups to catch visitors right before they leave your site.
A/B test different pop-up designs to see which one performs better.
3. Schedule social media posts efficiently with Buffer or Hootsuite
Maintaining a consistent social media presence is crucial, especially during Black Friday. Buffer and Hootsuite help you schedule posts across various platforms so you can focus on other tasks.
How to implement:
Plan out your social media posts for the day, highlighting different deals or product features.
Use the scheduling feature to post during peak engagement times.
Include hashtags like #BlackFriday and #BlackFridayDeals to increase visibility.
Monitor engagement and be ready to interact with your audience in real time.
4. Make data-driven decisions with Google Analytics
Understanding what's working and what's not can help you make quick adjustments to maximize sales. Google Analytics provides real-time data on your website's performance.
How to implement:
Set up dashboards to monitor key metrics like traffic sources, page views, and conversion rates.
Identify which products or pages are receiving the most attention and consider promoting them further.
If a particular campaign isn't performing well, use this data to tweak your strategy on the fly.
Keep an eye on mobile vs. desktop traffic to ensure your site is optimized for the majority of your visitors.
5. Create stunning visuals fast with Canva or design services
Visuals are key to grabbing attention during the bustling Black Friday period. Canva offers a user-friendly platform with pre-designed templates specifically for Black Friday promotions, allowing you to produce eye-catching images quickly. Alternatively, if you prefer professional assistance, you can opt for marketing designer (agencty, freelance or in-house) to have custom-designed visuals tailored to your brand's needs.
How to implement:
For a DIY approach:some text
Sign up for a free Canva account if you haven't already.
Search for "Black Friday" templates within Canva.
Customize the templates with your brand colors, logo, and messaging.
For professional design services:some text
Visit Upwork, Linkedin, TodayMade or other available resources to explore their offerings.
Contact them to get high-quality visuals created efficiently.
Think hiring a professional designer for your last-minute Black Friday campaign is impossible? TodayMade specializes in exactly that. We can quickly create high-quality visuals that will catch the customer's eye. Contact us today to transform your marketing ideas into reality.
