Introduction
You've probably noticed a lot of signs pointing towards Black Friday lately. While Black Friday hasn't officially started yet, the preparations are already well underway. I'm sharing my "Basics of Black Friday Marketing" blog here, where we explain in detail the reasons behind this early preparation.
In this blog, we’ll delve deeper into Black Friday-focused promotions, discounts, affiliate marketing, and, of course, the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on e-commerce, particularly for Shopify merchants.
🛍️But first, let's take a look at the current landscape and what kind of consumer behavior we can expect this Black Friday:
According to Retail Dive, approximately 60% of consumers from the U.K. and U.S. plan to reduce their everyday spending to focus on their holiday gift budget. Additionally, 76% indicated they intend to spend the same or even more on gifts this holiday season.
In addition, the same study reveals another important detail that makes this article even more significant:
%80 of those surveyed indicated they plan to seek out discounts through email, social media, online searches, and marketplaces. Plus, 85% of respondents said they will likely make impulse purchases online.
Anyway, without further ado, let's dive into each topic and examine them one by one.
1. Increase Conversions With Meaningful Discounts
Black Friday is synonymous with discounts, and shoppers will be expecting significant savings. And your Shopify store should be no exception. Offering a mix of percentage-off discounts and special promotions can help you meet those expectations and drive traffic to your Shopify store.
Just be sure to plan your discount levels carefully—finding the right balance ensures you still make a profit while giving your customers the savings they crave.
2. Drive Sales with Targeted Promotions
Promotions are key to standing out during Black Friday. Consider using time-limited offers or exclusive bundles to create excitement around your products. Shoppers are often motivated by promotions that feel urgent, so highlighting limited-time discounts can encourage them to make quick decisions.
Examples of targeted promotions for Shopify:
- Flash Sales
- Bundle Deals
- Percentage Discounts
- Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO)
- Free Shipping Promotions
- Limited-Time Offers
- Exclusive Early Access
- Gift with Purchase
- Email Subscriber Discounts
- Social Media Contests
3. Offer Flexible Payment Options at Checkout
The only drawback of online shopping compared to traditional retail or your local grocery store was the lack of a 'buy now, pay later' option. However, that has changed today. Now, we can finally talk about this possibility.
As inflation cools, flexible payment options like Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) will be essential during Black Friday 2024.
This option allows shoppers to spread their payments, making those bigger purchases feel less daunting. Plus, offering BNPL at checkout can eliminate hesitation for budget-conscious shoppers, which means higher cart sizes and better conversion rates for you.
For those curious about how BNPL works specifically for Shopify stores, we explored this topic in detail with the Shopify Summer Edition 24.
4. Maximize Reach with Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is another smart way to expand your reach during Black Friday. By partnering with affiliates who promote your products in exchange for a commission, you can reach a wider audience.
Shopify’s affiliate tools make it easy to manage partnerships, track performance, and reward affiliates for sales, helping you scale your campaign effectively.
5. Engage Shoppers With User Generated Content
User-generated content (UGC), such as reviews, photos, and social media posts, can significantly influence purchasing decisions. Encourage your customers to share their experiences with your products and offer incentives for those who do.
This type of content builds trust and authenticity, which is particularly valuable during Black Friday when consumers are inundated with marketing messages.
6. Use AI to Enhance Shopping Experiences
We've saved the most important player for Black Friday 2024 for last: artificial intelligence and machine learning technology, as you might have guessed.
AI has a huge impact on e-commerce retail, and it is expected to expand even further over time. Here’s a quick look at the current landscape.
51% of e-commerce businesses currently use AI technologies.
Companies leveraging AI can boost their revenue by 20%, and the global market for AI in retail is expected to expand from $4.84 billion in 2021 to $31.18 billion by 2028.
AI is truly enhancing the way customers interact with brands and streamlining operations for Shopify store owners.
AI Ads Launcher
This AI feature streamlines the setup process, allowing you to launch targeted ads in just a few minutes. Removing the usual complexities associated with ad creation, it enables Shopify store owners to respond quickly to market shifts and seize emerging trends.
During Black Friday, when timing is crucial, this tool helps you get your promotions up and running faster than ever, ensuring you don’t miss out on potential sales.
AI Ad Creatives
AI Ad Creatives automatically generate visually appealing advertisements that not only capture attention but are also optimized for customer engagement. By utilizing your existing product catalog, Enhencer ensures that your ads align with your brand while maximizing conversion potential.
With the intense competition on Black Friday, compelling ads can make all the difference in attracting shoppers and increasing your sales volume.
AI Lookalike
AI Lookalike identifies and targets new users who resemble your best existing customers, helping Shopify store owners reach individuals who are more likely to be interested in your products. This precision targeting boosts the chances of converting new visitors into loyal customers.
As consumer spending surges during Black Friday, finding new customers who match the profile of your best buyers can significantly enhance your reach and drive conversions.
AI Remarketing
Let’s continue with AI Remarketing. This advanced feature analyzes the behavior of website visitors to craft highly targeted ads. By engaging users who have shown interest in your products but haven’t made a purchase, you significantly increase the likelihood of converting them into customers through personalized ads.
Cart abandonment is a more common phenomenon than you might think. Black Friday often sees many potential buyers browsing without purchasing, and remarketing allows you to effectively remind them of what they’re missing, driving them back to complete their transactions.
AI Ads Optimization
In the fast-paced world of online advertising, constant optimization is crucial. AI Ads optimization continuously adjusts your ad spend and targeting strategies based on real-time data, ensuring your Shopify ads achieve the highest possible return on investment (ROI) over time.
SUMMARY
Whether it’s offering irresistible discounts, crafting targeted promotions, or providing flexible payment options like Buy Now, and Pay Later, each tactic helps capture attention and boost conversions for your Shopify store.
But what really sets you apart this Black Friday is leveraging AI.
With tools like AI Ads Launcher, AI Ad Creatives, and AI Lookalike, you can quickly launch optimized campaigns and reach the right customers at the right time. AI Remarketing re-engages visitors who leave without purchasing, and AI Ads Optimization ensures your campaigns stay efficient and effective.
Want to explore how AI can simplify your marketing efforts during this Black Friday?
Schedule a free discovery meeting with Enhencer AI Ads today, and let’s create a strategy that resonates with your audience.
