Black Friday 2021: Are You Ready?
Black Friday is arguably Black Friday an occasion that has come to writing the holiday that precedes it. For years people have flocked to the stores anxious with excitement for the special deals that awaited them. I have a few treasured memories of Black Friday’s I spent shopping with my family. I also have a mixture of memories from the 7 years I spent working in retail, I spent 6 out 7 of those working in the store. With close to 100 days left until Black Friday, Are you ready?
Last year, 2020, saw a major shift. Stores remained closed on Thanksgiving as we found ourselves in the midst of a Covid filled world. Along with that came a huge uptick in online shopping across Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday! In fact, according to an article on Forbes.com, there was a 22% jump in Online Shopping on Black Friday alone! Moreover, the weekend overall saw an increase as a whole!
Chart from marketingcharts.com
Why does it matter? Well, Black Friday 2021 the predictions are trending to do the same. According to predictions from an article on Blackfriday.com, they are predicting online sales will grow about 20% again this year and generate $17 billion worth of sales. It will be another big year for Holiday Shopping! How are you going to make sure your business stands out in the crowd!
Your Overall Prep Should Look Like
1. Do It Now! Figure out your sales and promotions now! Go ahead and set a calendar that will have you ready! The earlier you do so, the sooner you can get the marketing materials ready!
2. Build Up A Buzz Retailers adopted the trend of having different select deals that were offered throughout November, with the biggest savings Black Friday thru Cyber Monday
3. Collaborate! – Find other brands where your products can complement each other and create a partnership for the holiday season. Who doesn’t love it when their favorite brands collab? It would give you a chance to get your product in front of a new audience. There has been a rise in directories and marketplaces for black-owned businesses below are a few!
Miiriya – a marketplace and app that is on( IOS and Android) has a vast marketplace of black-owned products
Blk Directory- Another marketplace and app created to increase exposure and connection to black-owned businesses (IOS and Android)
www.Webuyblack.com – a site and marketplace dedicated to helping you get the everyday products you love created by black-owned businesses.
Black Dollar App- Directs and connects you to black-owned businesses (IOS and Android)
The benefits of listing your business on an app or site include increase exposure to audiences both inside and beyond your target market.
Let’s Get Technical!
Outside of sales, how are you engaging your audience around your brand and nurturing that journey? Don’t wait until Black Friday to show up! Make sure you are showing up regularly in their feed and their inboxes! Are you invested in your email marketing or are you just showing up? What are those subject lines saying? Email marketing can be a top converter if the language and layout are correct! Do not be afraid to test and see what works!
Have you had your website audited? Have you gotten customer feedback on the navigation and check-out process of your brand? Check out sessions times and bounce rates? If you haven’t now would be a good time! Get those kinks worked out and make the necessary updates before the holiday season.
Do not let Black Friday sneak up on you and miss out on money that could help your business. Start getting ready now! Test-drive some of those sales, and get the marketing materials to read so when someone says can “Are you ready for Black Friday?” You can confidently answer yes!
Now if you need some help and are feeling a little lost or overwhelmed after reading this, we can talk. Reach out to K.Marie Creates today and let me help you get a plan in place and ready for your holiday campaign! Click here to get started today!
