3 Last-Minute Sales Strategies to Boost Black Friday & Cyber Monday
Introduction
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the busiest shopping days of the year, but also the most competitive. With shoppers bombarded by deals across email, social media, and ads, standing out is harder than ever. It’s no wonder marketers often struggle to plan, test, and optimise their sales strategies ahead of the peak season, all with a single Q4 goal: maximise sales and outperform the competition.
But what if you’re running late and still want your campaigns to achieve high engagement and strong ROI, leaving competitors behind? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Even if you’re behind on your campaigns, there’s still time to make a significant impact. Here are three last-minute strategies to boost Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, plus examples inspired by campaigns from BFCM 2024, and a cashback perk on ads that will give your marketing budget an extra boost!
1. Spin-to-Win Wheel
A spin-to-win wheel pop-up gamifies users’ experience, engaging visitors instantly while encouraging newsletter sign-ups.
Tips for success:
- Place the wheel on high-traffic pages like product category pages or homepage banners.
- Offer prizes such as free shipping, discount codes, 2x1 or exclusive promo offers.
- Keep it quick and fun, only require name and email to participate.
Campaign highlight
PatchPanel’s exit-intent spin-to-win wheel
PatchPanel implemented a gamified spin-to-win popup that offered discounts ranging from 5% to 50%. The key feature was its use of exit-intent technology, which triggered the popup when a user was about to leave the site. This strategy effectively captured leads that might otherwise have been lost, making the experience both engaging and interactive for the user.
2. Deal of the Hour
Hourly deals create urgency and encourage repeat visits throughout Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Easy-to-implement campaign ideas:
- VIP discounts at set hours (e.g. 11 AM, 3 PM, 7 PM).
- Flash giveaways such as “free gift with every purchase” for two-hour windows.
- Category-specific offers to promote specific product lines.
Campaign highlight
Amazon’s Flash Sales and Lightning Deals
Amazon used flash sales and lightning deals to create a sense of urgency and encourage multiple visits throughout Black Friday. This approach used countdown timers to push customers to act fast, keeping shoppers engaged throughout the day.
Cart Abandonment
Even with last-minute deals and exciting promotions, many shoppers may still leave without completing their purchase. Minimising cart abandonment is key to maximising your Black Friday and Cyber Monday revenue. Simple strategies, like clear checkout flows, persuasive urgency messaging, and targeted reminders, can dramatically improve conversions. Check out our guide on How To Reduce Cart Abandonment and discover simple strategies to keep them coming back!
3. Spotlight on New Arrivals
Promoting new products during Black Friday and Cyber Monday keeps your brand exciting and encourages shoppers to explore beyond discounted items.
Implementation tips:
- Add a “New In” section on the homepage with special holiday discounts.
- Send emails featuring messaging like “Don’t miss out on the latest trends with unbeatable deals!”
- Promote new collections on social media using countdowns and shoppable posts.
Campaign highlight
Sephora’s Exclusive Member Offers
Sephora provided exclusive offers to its members during Black Friday, including early access to deals and special gifts. This strategy not only promoted new products but also encouraged customer loyalty and increased membership sign-ups.
Flexible Returns Policies:
Another way to boost shopper confidence during high-stakes shopping events is by offering flexible returns policies. Customers are more likely to buy, and buy more, when they know returning items is hassle-free. This approach not only drives initial sales but also encourages repeat purchases and long-term loyalty. Learn more about on How Flexible Returns Policies Boost Loyalty & Repeat Sales.
Pro Tip: Boost Your ROAS with Incard
Maximise your holiday ad spend with Incard:
- Expand reach and increase visibility during peak shopping days.
- Gain a competitive edge by optimising every marketing dollar.
- Earn up to 2% cashback on ad spend during your Black Friday and Cyber Monday campaigns.
Conclusion
Even if you’re running behind on your Black Friday and Cyber Monday preparations, there’s still time to make a meaningful impact. By gamifying the shopping experience with a spin-to-win wheel, creating urgency with hourly deals, and spotlighting new arrivals, you can engage shoppers, reduce cart abandonment, and drive sales. Pair these strategies with flexible returns policies and the extra boost of Incard’s cashback on ad spend, and you’ll not only turn last-minute strategies into maximum revenue but also build loyalty that lasts beyond the holiday season.