6 Tips for a successful Black Friday & Cyber Monday online sale

Black Friday & Cyber Monday are the biggest shopping days in the US (post-thanksgiving and pre-Christmas) and in the past few years this has been picked up in Australian and growing each year. (though Boxing Day Sales are still the most important sales day in Australia) .

Each year the competition grows, and more is needed to attract shoppers to your website and to achieve a successful sale day.  

Here are my 6 tips for a successful Black Friday / Cyber Monday online sale in Australia.  

1.

Make is super special.

A 10-20% discount is not special enough – the offer must be exclusive that is only offered during this sale.

Do your research, see what retailers (and your competitors) offered in previous years, ready consumer reports or survey your customers and create a once-a-year type discount not to be missed.  

2.

Do not discount everything.

Strategically select products that will go on sale. A discount on all products in not what Black Friday is about.

It is also not about ‘getting rid’ of old stock that was already on sale – consumers expect to see full priced items on a sale for this say.

3. 

Create a sense of urgency

Do not be tempted to offer black Friday sale for a long period (I see many retailers offering it through November). Black Friday and Cyber Monday are all about one day super sale.

Create a countdown promoting the sale but do not start if until the actual date.  

4.

Think about Shipping

Many Black Friday shoppers expect free or discounted shipping so do not forget to add this to your one-day offer. This will make the overall shopping experience and satisfaction better.  

5.

Create dedicated Design

Create special website banners and landing pages with the sale theme to catch the attention of shoppers to your website. Don’t forget to create different ones for Black Friday and Cyber Monday if you are offering both.  

6. 

Start promoting early.

Promote your sale often leading to the event to let everyone know and create anticipation. You do not need to say what the deal is but make sure customers are ready to visit your site on the say. Use email marketing, social media posts and text messages to your database.