Black Friday, the much-awaited shopping event of the year, is not just a consumer frenzy; it’s a goldmine for marketers. Scheduled for November 29, this global event is the best time for sale, promotion, data collection and lead generation. It is the most important time for brands to boost their revenues.
In 2023, global online spending during Black Friday had reportedly reached 134 billion US dollars , with expectations for 2024 exceeding 150 billion US dollars. Therefore, this is a crucial date on the marketing calendar, as businesses across industries—from tech and fashion to digital tools and hosting services—strive to maximize their profits.
According to Britannica.com, Black Friday is commonly used to refer to the Friday after Thanksgiving, when retailers have traditionally kicked off the holiday shopping season with deep discounts. Occasionally used to identify different financial calamities in the 19th and 20th centuries, the term gradually became popular in the 1980s to refer to this critically important day in the retail industry. Black Friday is routinely the busiest shopping day of the year in the United States in terms of number of shoppers, though not necessarily the biggest in terms of sales volume.
Quoting the History channel, usatoday reported that Black Friday’s name dates back to the 1950s. It was used by Philadelphia police to describe the chaos that often took place in the city the day after Thanksgiving. Many suburbanites would come to Philadelphia to do their holiday shopping, while others traveled to the city for the annual Army-Navy football game, according to Britannica. This would cause large crowds, traffic, accidents, shoplifting and several other issues, leading officers to work extra hours.
For years, Black Friday has symbolized the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season in the U.S. With its irresistible discounts, it has transcended geographical and cultural boundaries to become a worldwide event. Thanks to globalization and the rise of e-commerce, consumers from every corner of the world eagerly await the deals of this day.
Why Black Friday Matters to Marketers?
IFor marketers, Black Friday is more than a sales event. It is the best time to collect data and generate leads. Also, it is the best time to boost revenue and build brand loyalty.
1. Data Collection and Lead Generation
Every Black Friday campaign generates valuable insights into consumer behavior, preferences, and purchasing patterns. By using customizable registry forms and email subscriptions, brands can gather data to refine their future marketing strategies.
For example, tools like PhantomBuster, a cloud-based software for data scraping and lead generation, help marketers automate outreach across platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram. This automation not only saves time but also ensures a steady flow of high-quality leads.
2. Boosting Revenue and Brand Visibility
Black Friday campaigns allow businesses to tap into the heightened buying intent of consumers. With strategic promotions, urgency tactics, and personalized offers, brands can significantly boost their revenue while enhancing their visibility in a competitive marketplace.Here’s why it’s so significant:n the digital era, it has evolved into a high-tech affair where platforms like Amazon, WooCommerce and other e-commerce sites compete for consumer attention and revenue. From gadgets to fashion, home appliances to digital services, almost every product category gets its share of the spotlight.Why Black Friday Matters to Marketers
6 Strategies Marketers use to make profit
1. Prepare for a Traffic Surge
With online traffic spiking during Black Friday, brands must ensure their websites are optimized for speed, mobile-friendliness, and security. A slow-loading site can deter shoppers and lead to lost sales.
2. Run Social Media Campaigns
Platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook are buzzing with Black Friday promotions. Marketers use these platforms to:
- Build anticipation with teasers and live content.
- Run contests to engage audiences.
- Share exclusive discount codes.
3. Capture Email Leads
By building email lists in advance, marketers can directly reach potential buyers with personalized offers and reminders about upcoming deals.
4. Optimize Product Pages
Clear and detailed product descriptions, high-quality images, and accurate stock information are essential for driving conversions.
5. Use Urgency Tactics
Countdown timers, low-stock alerts, and limited-time offers create a sense of urgency that compels shoppers to act quickly.
6. Cross-Sell and Upsell
Marketers use product bundles and recommendations to increase the average order value, ensuring each sale maximizes profitability.
Get ready for unmissable deals!
While the main event is a one-day affair, many brands start their sales early, transforming the entire week of November 21–29 into a bargain hunter’s paradise.
This global event is eagerly awaited for its unmatched discounts on everything from tech gadgets to fashion and home appliances. This year, tech enthusiasts have even more to celebrate, with brands like Apple and Google rolling out enticing offers and early deals.
Whether you’re hunting for the latest MacBook or scouting for discounts on Google’s flagship products, Black Friday 2024 promises something for everyone. Amazon, the juggernaut of e-commerce, has been in overdrive preparing for Black Friday. Known for its customer-centric approach, Amazon has:
- Unveiled Early Deals: To build anticipation, Amazon has launched “Black Friday Week” sales, allowing shoppers to start saving days before the actual event.
- Curated Lightning Deals: Limited-time offers ensure customers stay glued to the platform for the best bargains.
- Invested in Infrastructure: From upgrading its servers to ramping up its logistics network, Amazon has ensured that millions of orders are processed and delivered seamlessly.
- Enhanced Personalization: Advanced AI algorithms help recommend deals based on customer browsing habits, ensuring a more tailored shopping experience.
Moreover, Amazon Prime members enjoy exclusive perks like early access to sales, free shipping, and even surprise discounts.
Several companies stand out during Black Friday with offers tailored to marketers and businesses.
1. Bluehost’s Black Friday Sale
Bluehost, a leading web hosting provider, offers some of the best deals in the hosting niche during Black Friday. Whether you need web hosting or WordPress hosting, signing up for a Bluehost plan during this period can save you significant money.
- Exclusive discounts are available on all hosting plans.
- Additional benefits include free domain registration and SSL certificates.
2. WP Rocket
WP Rocket is a WordPress performance plugin designed to boost website speed and improve SEO rankings. Faster-loading sites enhance customer experience and drive revenue, making this a must-have tool for businesses.
- Deals on WP Rocket during Black Friday are especially attractive for marketers aiming to improve their web performance.
3. PhantomBuster
PhantomBuster automates data collection and lead generation, offering tools to scrape LinkedIn and other platforms for high-quality leads.
- Marketers can use this tool to automate outreach campaigns and increase efficiency.
4. Hostinger
Hostinger provides discounted hosting services during Black Friday, enabling businesses to establish and maintain a strong online presence.
WooCommerce and E-Commerce Websites: A Race Against Time
Beyond Amazon, WooCommerce-powered websites and other e-commerce platforms have been working around the clock to get their systems ready for the Black Friday shopping frenzy. Their preparations include:
Optimizing Website Performance: With millions of users expected to flood their websites, platforms have upgraded their servers and implemented load-balancing techniques.
Launching Email and Social Media Campaigns: Promotional content is reaching consumers in waves, urging them to wishlist their favorite items and set reminders for the big day.
Expanding Payment Options: From traditional credit cards to digital wallets like PayPal, Apple Pay, and cryptocurrency, e-commerce sites are ensuring smoother transactions.
Offering Flexible Delivery Options: Same-day delivery, in-store pickup, and flexible return policies are becoming standard
The Challenges: Cybersecurity Threats
While Black Friday is a boon for businesses including online businesses, it is a magnet for cybercriminals also. During this time, cybersecurity experts face a surge in phishing scams, payment frauds, and counterfeit goods.
Common Cyber Threats:
- Phishing Scams: Fake websites and emails designed to steal personal information.
- Payment Fraud: Compromised gateways intercepting customer transactions.
- Counterfeit Goods: Fraudulent listings offering fake products.
Safety tips:
- Use Trusted Platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and Croma.
- Verify URLs and ensure the site uses HTTPS encryption.
- Enable two-factor authentication for added security.
Future of Black Friday
With the entry of AI, machine learning, and the metaverse shopping experience has changed in the last couple of years. However, virtual reality shopping, AI-driven personalization, and sustainability-focused campaigns are likely to define the future of annual Black Friday event.
All Eyes on November 29
The count down has begun for November 29. The buzz around Black Friday has grown louder. Analysts have predicted that there would be record-breaking sales, with some estimates suggesting global revenues might surpass 200 billion US dollars this year. This is the day when companies make a significant chunk of their annual profits, and customers score deals that seem too good to be true.
From massive discounts on electronics to never-before-seen deals on clothing and accessories, the day is all set to be a win-win for both businesses and shoppers. The combination of cutting-edge technology and strategic marketing ensures that Black Friday is not just an event—it is an experience in itself.
Conclusion
Black Friday 2024 is a profiteering haven for marketers. With the right strategies, brands can leverage this event to increase their revenue, build customer loyalty and gain invaluable insights into consumer behavior.
At the same time, it is extremely important for both businesses and consumers to remain vigilant against cybersecurity threats.
