Last Minute Black Friday Marketing Tips for Small Businesses

November 25, 2024

last minute black friday marketing tips

Black Friday is here, and if you’re feeling behind on marketing, don’t worry—there’s still time to make an impact! Small businesses can take advantage of the final week leading up to the big day with smart, quick-turnaround strategies. Here are fresh, actionable last minute Black Friday marketing tips to maximize your post-Thanksgiving success:

Run Flash Sales on Social Media (Probably one of the most powerful of these last minute Black Friday marketing tips)

Social media is perfect for last-minute promotions. Announce time-limited flash sales throughout the week to create urgency. For example:

“50% off everything from 5 PM to 8 PM tonight only!”
“DM us for an exclusive coupon code valid for the next 3 hours!”

Use Instagram Stories, Facebook Live, or Twitter polls to interact with your audience in real-time and keep the excitement going.

Create “Exclusive Access” Deals

Entice your loyal customers or email subscribers with early access to discounts before Black Friday. This tactic builds goodwill and helps clear inventory before the busiest shopping day. A quick email subject line like, “Your VIP Black Friday Deal is Ready!” can drive engagement.

Partner with Other Local Businesses

Collaborate with nearby small businesses to cross-promote offers. For instance:

Create a shared discount package, such as “20% off at [Your Store] and [Partner’s Store] when you shop at both!”
Feature each other’s products or services in your social media stories to broaden your reach.

Leverage Google My Business

Update your Google My Business profile with your Black Friday deals. Many shoppers search for local deals, and having your promotions, updated hours, and contact information visible can help you attract nearby customers. Don’t forget to utilize the Updates section where you can post messages and photos about important deals!

Offer Mystery Discounts

Add an element of surprise to your Black Friday promotions with mystery discounts. For example:

Let customers spin a digital or in-store wheel to reveal their discount percentage.
Use sealed envelopes containing surprise offers that customers can redeem only after their purchase.

These tactics create excitement and incentivize impulse buying.

Launch a Last-Minute Gift Guide

Create a quick Black Friday gift guide highlighting your best-selling or discounted items. Share it through email, social media, or even a downloadable PDF. Keep the design simple and highlight urgency with phrases like “Limited Stock!” or “While Supplies Last.”

Promote Free Upgrades or Extras

If you can’t compete on price alone, offer free perks. For instance:

Free gift wrapping for purchases over a certain amount.
A complimentary small product or gift card with every purchase.
Free shipping for orders placed during the week.

These add-ons enhance the customer experience and boost sales without major price cuts.

Optimize for Mobile Shoppers

Last-minute shoppers often browse on their phones. Ensure your website or online store is mobile-friendly and that checkout is fast and easy. Add payment options like Apple Pay or PayPal to minimize barriers. When utilizing popups, make sure they look proper and readable on mobile devices.

Create a Sense of Community with “Shop Local” Campaigns

Highlight the importance of supporting small businesses. Use hashtags like #ShopSmall or #SupportLocal on your posts and share stories about your business’s impact on the local community. Shoppers who value meaningful purchases are likely to choose your business.

Go Live and Sell

Host a live shopping event on Instagram or Facebook. Showcase your products, answer questions, and offer exclusive discounts to viewers. The interactive format builds trust and encourages immediate purchases.

Use Countdown Timers Everywhere

Add countdown timers to your website, emails, and social media posts. This visual cue reinforces urgency and encourages quick decision-making. Try captions like, “Only 72 hours left to snag these deals!”

Highlight “Buy Now, Use Later” Offers

Not all customers want to use their purchases immediately. Promote gift cards or vouchers with a small bonus, such as “Buy a $50 gift card, get a $10 bonus.” These make perfect gifts and bring customers back after Black Friday.

Capitalize on Post-Black Friday Shoppers

Prepare for customers who missed Black Friday deals by teasing upcoming Cyber Monday or Small Business Saturday promotions. Use language like, “Missed Black Friday? Don’t worry, we’ve got something amazing coming Monday!” to keep the momentum going.

Even with limited time, you can still make a splash this Black Friday. Use these strategies to engage your customers, stand out from competitors, and maximize sales. Remember, creativity and authentic connection with your audience can go a long way.

Happy selling, and here’s to your Black Friday success!

We hope you found this guide of last minute Black Friday marketing tips useful! If you haven’t read our previous posts on preparing for Black Friday and the Christmas holiday shopping season, we encourage you to catch up so you can beef up your marketing this season!