7 Black Friday blunders to avoid in 2024

Black Friday is a fantastic opportunity for retailers, but some common mistakes can dampen your success. Avoid these pitfalls and boost your results with smart strategies around data, loyalty, and multichannel marketing.

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1. Relying on discounts alone

Discounts are a given, but don’t let them be your only move. Instead of slashing prices across the board, consider bundling products, offering a “Buy one, get one” deal, or giving a small gift with a purchase. Customers want to feel like they’re getting something special—not just the lowest price.

Hot tip: Use customer data to personalize offers based on past purchases. Exclusivity can be as powerful as a discount.

 

2. Failing to be everywhere

Your audience is on multiple platforms, so your campaign should be too. Don’t focus only on your website or one social channel. Align your messaging across email, SMS, social media, and even in-store promotions to create a seamless experience.

Hot tip: Use marketing automation to send the right message at the right time, whether a reminder email or an in-app alert.

 

3. Forgetting about your VIPs

Black Friday isn’t just about attracting new customers—it’s also a perfect time to reward loyalty. Give your best customers early access, double points, or exclusive offers to keep them coming back long after Black Friday.

Hot tip: Segment your top spenders and craft special deals just for them. Make them feel like insiders!

 

4. Neglecting your customer data

Avoid the trap of sending generic offers to everyone. Use customer insights to create personalized offers and tailor your messaging. Not everyone needs the same discount, and customized recommendations can drive higher sales.

Hot tip: Analyze last year’s data to anticipate trends and stock the right products. Plan your inventory with confidence.

 

5. Ignoring on-site messaging

When shoppers land on your site, your messaging needs to grab their attention instantly. Use clear, personalized banners and pop-ups to highlight deals, nudge customers toward higher-value items, or save abandoned carts.

Hot tip: Set up exit pop-ups with time-sensitive deals to catch customers before they leave.

 

6. Un-engaging after the sale

The relationship doesn’t end at checkout. Black Friday is a great time to build loyalty by creating a strong post-purchase experience. Send personalized follow-ups that offer related products, loyalty points, or sneak peeks of future sales.

Hot tip: Automate a post-purchase email flow to keep customers engaged and coming back.

 

7. Not tracking and tweaking in real time

Don’t just set your Black Friday campaign on autopilot. Track performance and be ready to adjust. If something isn’t working, tweak your ads, offers, or messaging. Flexibility is key to making the most of the weekend.

Hot tip: Use real-time reporting to track traffic and conversion rates so you can make quick adjustments that maximize results.

 

Wrapping it up!

Nailing Black Friday means going beyond basic discounts. By avoiding common blunders like relying solely on discounts, neglecting customer data, or failing to reward loyal shoppers, you can position your brand for standout results. Remember, personalization, omnichannel presence, and real-time tracking will keep you ahead of the game. Stay flexible and follow these tips—Black Friday 2024 could be your biggest win yet!

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