21 Creative Black Friday Marketing Ideas For Irresistible Campaigns

The only thing better than a good deal is a Black Friday deal.

Despite inflation-related worries, in 2023, Americans spent no less than $964.4 billion during the holiday season. Since it is already a well-known fact that holiday shopping starts with Black Friday & Cyber Monday, it is fair to assume a large chunk of that money was spent on the biggest shopping weekend of the year.

There’s more to it. Globally, people spent nearly $71 billion online on Black Friday, showing a clear propensity for post-Thanksgiving shopping, even well outside of the US borders. What started as an American tradition quickly expanded and became a worldwide phenomenon, with countries such as Canada, Mexico, Australia, and many others joining in on the shopping frenzy.

What is Black Friday marketing?

Originally, Black Friday marked the beginning of the holiday shopping season in the United States, and it always happened the day after Thanksgiving. At first a brick-and-mortar store event, Black Friday soon expanded to the online world as well. As such, Cyber Monday (the first day at work after the Thanksgiving weekend) came as a digital complement to the in-store frenzy. 

Black Friday marketing (sometimes known as BFCM marketing) refers to the offers, discounts, and promotions retailers and online businesses offer during the post-Thanksgiving weekend. And oh, is it a massive party!

Which marketing strategies are best to use for Black Friday?

Most often, companies employ a combination of early-bird specials, flash sales, and extended store hours, often backed by aggressive advertising campaigns & a combination of marketing activities such as email marketing, organic posts (SEO), PPC (Pay-per-click or paid media), Social media marketing, influencer marketing, andTV and billboard ads.

(By the way, here are more resources if you want to learn more about ATL, TTL & BTL marketing and advertising techniques and digital marketing strategies for your Black Friday sales boost.)

Should you extend your sales from Black Friday to Cyber Monday?

Over the past 15 years, Cyber Monday has become the de facto continuation of the Black Friday sales that have been going on for decades. 

Cyber Monday was created in the mid-2000s to get consumers to buy things from online stores, but it has become an incredibly popular shopping holiday, especially when it comes to digital goods. 

So, to answer the question, yes, if possible, do extend your Black Friday campaign to Cyber Monday. You can even take advantage of the entire four-day period between Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

21 Black Friday promotion ideas that make your offer irresistible

Let’s face it: Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals and offers are a very competitive space – not only is almost everyone in the game, but everyone puts out their best discounts during the same four days. It is understandable if it feels hard to keep up. 

How can you make sure your brand stands out and captures the attention of eager shoppers? 

Fear not! Dive into these top 21 ideas tailored for 2024, and set the stage for a record-breaking sales season. Whether you’re a seasoned retailer or a budding e-commerce site, these tips are sure to make your offers absolutely irresistible to your audience.

1. Offer a sneak peek

Revealing just a small bit of your Black Friday offers before the event can spark greater curiosity. 

If you run an eCommerce business, consider teasing a selection of top products that will feature in your Black Friday sales. For those in the SaaS sector, a short video or a GIF highlighting the core features of your product can be a compelling preview.

Regardless of the approach, it’s essential to frame the sneak peek within the Black Friday theme, ensuring that potential customers are aware of the impressive discounts that await them. This strategy can build anticipation, driving traffic and interest as the big day approaches.

Whatever you do, keep it in the context of Black Friday, and make sure you specify the deal details with an emphasis on your significant discount.

Here are 9 ways to promote your sneak peek:

• Add it to your newsletter
• Send it out in an email blast
• Promote it on social media
• Publish a YouTube video
• Add pop-ups on your website
• Create Search and Display ads
• Create a radio or podcast commercial
• Make flyers and spread the word
• If you are a big company: create television and billboard ads

2. Unveil a new product

Capturing the spirit of Black Friday requires more than just discounts; it’s about creating buzz and offering something truly unique. This year, consider unveiling a product that’s exclusive to Black Friday. Such a move will not only entice shoppers with the allure of something fresh and limited but also set your brand apart in a sea of generic sales.

When you a newl item available only on this special day, you instill a sense of urgency and exclusivity, compelling customers to purchase before they miss out. In an age where consumers are always on the lookout for the next big thing, a Black Friday-exclusive product could be your ticket to a memorable and successful sales event.

Examples of products you could make exclusive to (or simply release on) Black Friday include:

• Limited edition gadgets featuring a unique color or design exclusive to Black Friday shoppers 
• Collaborative apparel line created with an artist or influencer, available only during Black Friday weekend 
• Exclusive bundles with irresistible discounts when products are bought as a package during Black Friday 
• Unique jewelry pieces that appeal to collectors and fashion enthusiasts 
• Personalized gift sets with customization options available only through Black Friday 
• Signature fragrance that aligns with the season or brand ethos, offered solely during the shopping event 
• Experiential offerings like sneak peeks into future product lines or invitations to branded events for Black Friday customers

If you want to do this successfully, you should know t there are two major ways you can unveil a new product:

• First, you can add it a few days before the big day. Who knows, this may even lead to more sales before Black Friday proper.
• The second way is to add the product on Black Friday.

3. Spin the virtual wheel

You can gamify your Black Friday campaigns to gain more traction too. 

One popular method is to spin a virtual wheel. This tiny added feature to your store’s website will drive your current and potential customers to stop by your website for a chance to win prizes, discounts, and coupons.

This Black Friday marketing strategy is less about giving away great prizes and more about providing a fun experience. It indirectly creates a positive experience for both your brand and website.

Some tips on nailing this tactic include:

Integrate social sharing options to allow customers to share their wins, further promoting your brand organically.

• Keep the design of your virtual wheel simple and intuitive to ensure easy navigation for all users.
• Offer a mix of small and large prizes to cater to different customer segments and encourage wider participation.
• Clearly communicate the rules and conditions related to the spin so participants know what to expect.
• Use vibrant colors and graphics to grab attention and enhance the festive holiday atmosphere.

4. Offer a VIP early-bird discount

The early bird gets the worm, or discount in this case! 

Use your email list to send out an update on the featured products that will be discounted for Black Friday. To enhance the appeal of a VIP early-bird discount, employ strategic wording that evokes a sense of urgency.

Using phrases such as ‘limited availability’ or ‘nearing sell-out’ instills the idea of scarcity, making the offer seem even more exclusive. Research consistently shows that consumers are more inclined to act swiftly and decisively when faced with potential scarcity, often perceiving such limited-time or limited-stock offers as more valuable.

By tapping into this psychological principle, you can drive more immediate responses and higher engagement from your target audience. Not sure this tactic works? According to research, as much as 40% of people reported feeling angry for missing out on Black Friday deals, showing there’s a clear connection between the “fear of missing out” and the potential for better sales numbers for businesses.

5. Create a countdown promo video

Another neat idea you can use is creating a promo video with a countdown timer. This video can feature all of the products you will have on sale or just some of them, but a week in advance. 

This kind of campaign can help generate more hype and get people lining up on Black Friday to make their purchases. Once you’ve made a fantastic promo video, go ahead and promote it on your Instagram page.

In an example we really liked, Chubbies created a viral “anti-Black Friday” promo video, that subversively uses the Black Friday context to create their own sales holiday named jokingly “Thighber Monday” (formulated on Cyber Monday) that promotes their products.

Watch this Video example for Black Friday marketing: “anti-Black Friday” promo by Chubbies:

6. Create a “Black Friday exclusive” post

Leveraging Facebook’s dynamic marketing features can significantly boost your Black Friday sales. One particularly impactful method is to create a “Special Black Friday” carousel post. This visually engaging format allows you to prominently display a selection of your top sale items for the big shopping day. But it’s not just about showing the products — it’s about creating urgency.

By emphasizing that these deals are limited or available only for a short time, you tap into the principle of scarcity. This encourages potential buyers to act quickly, fearing they might miss out. Not only does this heighten anticipation for Black Friday, but it also drives consumers to mark their calendars, ensuring your offers remain top-of-mind as the day approaches.

Here are some more tips on how to make your Black Friday Facebook carousel ad/ post work:

• Keep your product images high-quality to capture attention effectively
• Use catchy headlines that convey value and urgency for the deals
• Include clear, concise calls to action to prompt immediate responses
• Leverage customer testimonials to build trust and credibility around your offers
• Optimize your post for mobile viewing to reach more potential customers

7. Partner up with a TikTok influencer

TikTok has firmly cemented its status as a cultural phenomenon, particularly among the Millennial and Gen Z demographics. Gen Z, in particular, is a dominant force on the platform, but if your target audience is made of different demographics, you should still consider TikTok as an option – almost everyone uses it these days. 

Think of it this way: with TikTok influencers consistently racking up views in the millions for their engaging content, it’s a marketing platform that can’t be ignored, especially when gearing up for Black Friday.

As you embark on the journey to find the right TikTok influencer for your brand, it’s essential to choose someone whose style and audience align seamlessly with your brand’s ethos and target market. Once you’ve pinpointed the ideal influencer, design a captivating promotional campaign that encourages viewers to ‘swipe up’, leading them directly to your exclusive Black Friday deals.

The combination of the right influencer and a compelling offer can be a game-changer for your brand’s visibility and sales.

Watch this Video example for Black Friday marketing: TikTok influencer Black Friday campaign:

8. Hold a different sale every hour

If your online business has a more extensive following, you can take advantage of an exciting, fast-paced idea involving holding a different sale every hour. 

For example, you can start at Midnight on Black Friday and have 24 separate sales. That’s going to potentially skyrocket the number of sales you get, especially if some products aren’t even available until a certain time.

Keep in mind that this kind of campaign needs to be thoroughly planned, so make sure you: 

• Ensure your website and payment systems can handle high traffic volumes throughout the day  
• Have a detailed schedule ready for the products and sales to be featured each hour  
• Communicate clearly with your team so everyone knows their roles and responsibilities  
• Use automation tools to schedule posts and updates in advance for each hourly deal  
• Allocate a support team to address customer inquiries promptly during each sale hour 

9. Give away a free gift with every purchase

Who doesn’t like free stuff? When you give away a free gift with every purchase on Black Friday, people are more inclined to buy your products. A common tactic used by small businesses is to give away something that’s worth under $2.

To help spread the word about your freebie giveaway, feature it on your store’s homepage. This gives it maximum visibility. You can place an ordering requirement on receiving the gift, such as requiring people to spend $75 or more to receive it. If you’re running on high margins, you can also simply give away a free gift with every purchase.

Offering a free gift with a purchase (GWP) might seem like an old-fashioned tactic, but it works. Numerous studies have shown it – and as major brands continue to tap into this approach, there’s clear indication that it is very much effective.

10. Offer a Buy-One, Get-One 50% Off

Another Black Friday marketing tactic that works wonders is buy-one, get-one 50% off – a less direct, but equally effective alternative to the GWP tactic mentioned above

This approach is based on upselling people to buy more than they would have originally. You can even make a variation of this, such as offering 50% off everything on the morning of Black Friday, then buy one, get one 50% off during the afternoon.

11. Offer bundle deals

Similarly, bundling products together can lead to increased sales, as customers perceive they’re getting a better value. For Black Friday, you can offer a special bundle price for products that are typically purchased together. Highlighting the savings compared to individual product purchases can also drive home the value of the deal.

Both in the case of buy-one-get-one-50%-off and in the case of bundle deals, you have to make sure the products you’re selling are complementary. If they’re not, people may question the value and effectiveness of the deal.

For example, you could bundle or discount things like:

• Complementary skincare products 
• Matching clothing accessories to create a complete outfit 
• Themed gift sets for different occasions (e.g., holidays, birthdays) 

Bundle deals can also be promoted through visually appealing graphics and posts on social media, such as Instagram or Pinterest. You can even offer limited-time bundle deals leading up to Black Friday to build anticipation and generate buzz.

12. Loyalty program boost

You can also offer enhanced loyalty points or rewards for purchases made on Black Friday. This not only incentivizes the immediate purchase but also encourages future shopping. A double or triple points day can make your loyal customers feel appreciated and valued.

Customer loyalty is crucial, and that is exactly what this tactic does so well. According to research, even a 5% increase in Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) can lead to a 25% increase in revenue – a major win for pretty much any kind of business.

13. Use flash sales

Flash sales are a dynamic tool in the world of Black Friday promotions, effectively instilling a sense of urgency in shoppers. By offering enticing deals that only last for a few hours throughout the day, you not only encourage prompt purchases but also keep the excitement alive. It’s vital to harness the power of social media in this strategy. 

A timely post or story on platforms like Instagram or Facebook can alert and remind your followers of the imminent start times, ensuring they don’t miss out on these exclusive deals.

14. Offer gift card specials

One highly effective promotional strategy is offering gift cards at a reduced price. For example, presenting a $100 gift card for just $85 can be a compelling proposition for shoppers – especially with winter holidays coming up (and everyone already on the lookout for the best gift for their loved ones.). 

This tactic achieves multiple objectives.

• First, it guarantees that the consumer will return to your store or platform for a future purchase, ensuring continued engagement with your brand.
• Second, by providing immediate monetary value, you’re appealing to the customer’s sense of getting a great deal, which can be a strong incentive to make a purchase.

Furthermore, consumers often end up spending more than the gift card value when they redeem it, leading to increased sales for the business. It’s also worth noting that some gift cards never get redeemed fully or at all, which further benefits the company’s bottom line.

15. Launch interactive social media challenges

Leverage the power of social media by launching challenges where followers can participate to win discounts or freebies. For instance, they might share a post, create a Black Friday wishlist from your products, or even post a photo using your product.

Remember that social media’s main goal is that of being, well, social – so the more you tap into the networking/ connectivity capabilities of social media, the easier it will be for you to amplify your brand and make your Black Friday offers visible to an ideal target audience. 

To that avail, consider the following tips: 

• Encourage user-generated content by creating a hashtag for your challenge 
• Engage with participants by responding to comments and shares 
• Collaborate with influencers to expand reach and visibility 
• Use live videos for real-time engagement during your challenge 
• Promote the challenge across all your social media platforms 
• Monitor analytics to measure the challenge’s success 
• Offer appealing prizes that align with your brand

16. Collaborate with a cause (Non-profit)

Partner with a charitable organization if you want to add some brownie points to your brand’s image. Yes, Black Friday can be about that too! 

For every sale made on Black Friday, pledge a small portion to the cause. It adds a feel-good factor to the purchase and often sways buyers who are on the fence.

Teaming up with a charitable organization is an excellent strategy for businesses looking to blend commerce with cause. In the days leading up to Black Friday, promote your partnership extensively across all channels.

Inform your audience that for every sale made on Black Friday, a certain percentage or fixed amount will be donated to the chosen cause. Incorporating non-profit marketing strategies, such as sharing stories or missions related to the charity, can provide depth to the campaign, allowing customers to connect emotionally.

17. Offer exclusive member sales

If you have a membership or subscription model, provide these customers with an exclusive sale or an extra discount. It rewards them for their loyalty and may incentivize others to join the membership. Such exclusivity not only acknowledges and rewards their ongoing loyalty but also amplifies the perceived value of being a part of your membership community.

By spotlighting these special privileges, potential customers can see firsthand the benefits that come with subscribing or becoming a member. Furthermore, it encourages current members to renew or maintain their memberships, knowing that they’re privy to unique perks. This approach fortifies customer loyalty, ensures sustained revenue from memberships, and acts as a compelling marketing tool to attract potential subscribers.

18. Make use of augmented reality (AR) experience

Incorporate AR technology to offer a unique shopping experience. For fashion retailers, this could be a virtual try-on. For others, it could be an immersive product demonstration. It not only enhances the shopping experience but also creates buzz.

For fashion retailers, imagine the possibility of allowing customers to engage in a virtual try-on session. Rather than grappling with the tedious process of physically trying on multiple outfits, shoppers could effortlessly visualize how different garments look on them through their digital devices. This not only streamlines the selection process but also minimizes the hassle of returns due to fit or style dissatisfaction.

Beyond the fashion industry, the potential applications of AR are vast. Retailers across various sectors can harness this technology to offer immersive product demonstrations. For instance, a furniture store could enable customers to virtually place a piece of furniture in their living space, assessing size, aesthetics, and fit before making a purchase decision. Similarly, a toy store could bring a toy to life, allowing children and parents to witness its functionalities in real-time.

19. Provide referral discounts

One of the most powerful tools in a retailer’s arsenal is the trust and loyalty of its customers. When harnessed properly, this trust can be translated into tangible growth for your business, especially through the mechanism of referral discounts. As we approach major shopping events like Black Friday, leveraging referral-based promotions can be the difference between a standard sales day and a record-breaking one.

Referral discounts operate on a simple premise: reward your existing customers for bringing in new ones. By offering your loyal clientele an incentive to share their positive experiences with friends and family, you’re essentially multiplying your sales force without incurring the traditional costs of advertising. When a current customer refers a new buyer who then makes a Black Friday purchase, the referrer is granted a special discount on their subsequent buy. This not only encourages the initial referral but also ensures repeat business from your existing customers.

Encourage your customers to refer friends and family. If their referral makes a purchase on Black Friday, they get a special discount on their next purchase. This word-of-mouth promotion can exponentially increase your reach

20. Offer extended shopping hours or early access

Extending shopping hours for brick and mortar stores can attract a larger crowd. Opening doors earlier than usual or keeping them open later can cater to different customer schedules.

For online platforms, offering an “early access” window for a select group or even the public can generate buzz and initial sales momentum. Make sure to promote these special hours or access periods well in advance through various communication channels, allowing shoppers to plan their day accordingly.

Black Friday marketing strategy examples by top retailers

Now that you know the best Black Friday promotion ideas, it’s time to take a look at an example of a winning Black Friday marketing strategy.

1. MeUndies is always on top of its Black Friday marketing game

The company created a unique Black Friday marketing strategy that involved an exclusive Facebook Live party that garnered over 13,000 views, with a 25% conversion rate. There was even a live DJ and a dance contest!

This marketing strategy led to a lot of word-of-mouth promotion because of how unique it was. In the end, over 660,000 people found out about the event.

2. Amazon’s “Countdown to Black Friday”

Amazon, the e-commerce behemoth, has mastered the art of extended Black Friday sales with its “Countdown to Black Friday.” Weeks before the actual day, Amazon begins offering “Deal of the Day” discounts on a range of products, building anticipation and ensuring that consumers check their site daily.

This strategy not only keeps Amazon at the top of shoppers’ minds but also spreads out the shopping frenzy over multiple days, reducing the strain on their logistics and ensuring a smoother customer experience.

3. Target’s Doorbusters and “Black Friday Preview Sale”

Target, a giant in the retail industry, often rolls out doorbuster deals, which are significant discounts available for a limited time, often when the store first opens. These deals are designed to attract large crowds, ensuring a surge of shoppers the moment doors open.

Additionally, in recent years, Target has also introduced a “Black Friday Preview Sale.” This event, typically held a couple of weeks before Black Friday, gives shoppers a chance to snag some Black Friday deals ahead of time. It’s a clever move that builds excitement and gives a taste of what’s to come, all while potentially spreading out in-store traffic.

Black Friday, Cyber Monday: Embrace the opportunities!

There’s no doubt that Black Friday marketing plays a pivotal role in driving holiday sales and consumer engagement. As shoppers eagerly anticipate the day to avail of hefty discounts, retailers must craft innovative and impactful marketing strategies to stand out.

Black Friday is a once-a-year opportunity every small business should take advantage of. In fact, you will likely make the majority of your annual sales during Black Friday, or between Black Friday and Cyber Monday – so give it your best. Use our ideas as inspiration, let your creativity roam free, and rake in those BFCM sales.

Let that wonderful time of year begin!