Think Like an Operator #13 - BFCM

Hey there!

We’re literally days away from the busiest shopping weekend of the year - Black Friday and Cyber Monday

According to Bain & Company, US retail sales are projected to hit an unprecedented $75 billion during BFCM this year, with year-over-year growth of around 5%. This weekend alone is expected to account for 8% of total US holiday sales, marking the highest share since 2019!

With so much at stake, brands need to stay sharp and agile in these final days leading up to BFCM. Whether you're finalizing your offers or prepping your website for high traffic, there are still impactful moves you can make to maximize your sales.?

If you’re still making final tweaks to your strategy, don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Here are some last-minute tactics and insights to help you maximize your brand’s performance during this crucial period. ????

1. Fine-Tune Your Offers: Make Them Irresistible

The key to winning BFCM is delivering offers that grab attention and drive action. Consumers are looking for value, so focus on offers that create a strong value proposition:

• Sexy Ass Offers: Give consumers a reason to click that "Buy Now" button by stacking value. Think sitewide discounts plus a free gift or exclusive bundles that can't be found anywhere else
• Urgency & Scarcity: Use countdown timers, limited-time discounts, and “while supplies last” messaging to create a sense of urgency. Consumers are motivated to act quickly if they fear missing out

2. Prepare for Traffic Surges

Is your website ready for the influx of traffic? A slow-loading site can kill conversions, especially on mobile. Ensure your checkout flow is seamless and optimize for speed:

• Mobile Optimization: Over 70% of BFCM traffic is expected to come from mobile devices. Make sure your site is mobile-responsive and optimized for fast load times.
• Multiple Payment Options: Offering Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options like Affirm, Afterpay, and Sezzle can boost conversion rates by providing more flexibility to customers.

3. Leverage Real-Time Data to Adapt Quickly

BFCM is a fast-paced game, and being agile is critical. Monitor performance metrics in real-time and be ready to pivot if necessary:

• Dynamic Marketing: Track which channels, creatives, and offers are resonating with your audience. If something isn’t working, adjust your strategy on the fly. Don’t be afraid to test new creatives or switch up offers mid-campaign.
• Email & SMS Campaigns: Last-minute email and SMS blasts can drive significant revenue. Segment your audience to target VIPs with exclusive offers, and use automated flows to capture shoppers who abandon their carts.

4. Don't Overlook Post-Purchase Engagement

BFCM isn’t just about closing the deal—it’s about nurturing long-term customer relationships. After the purchase, keep the momentum going:

• Post-Purchase Upsells: Leverage thank-you pages and post-purchase emails to offer upsells or cross-sells.
• Customer Experience: Ensure clarity on Estimated Delivery Dates to manage expectations and reduce returns. Happy customers are more likely to become repeat customers.

5. Maximize Customer Retention

Acquiring customers during BFCM is just the first step. Retaining them is where the real ROI lies:

• Early Access for VIPs: Reward your most loyal customers with early access to deals. This not only drives loyalty but also creates buzz around your brand.
• Exclusive Offers: Post-BFCM, keep your new customers engaged with exclusive offers or personalized follow-ups to boost Customer LTV

Final Thoughts: It’s Not Too Late!!!

Even if you’re feeling behind, there’s still time to make impactful changes. Focus on simplicity and clarity—don’t overwhelm your customers with complex offers or a cluttered website. Remember, BFCM is about creating a seamless, value-driven experience for your customers.

Levitate Foundry is here to support you during this high-stakes period. Need a quick strategy call or last-minute optimizations? We’ve got your back.

Let’s crush this BFCM together! ??

Learn more about Levitate Foundry

Levitate?has a history of launching?and?scaling brands?and?celebrity brands. We're growth marketing experts and the largest female-founded performance marketing and Shopify Plus agency in NA. Focusing on best in class?media buying,?performance creative,?email, retention, affiliate marketing, and?landing pages/CRO, we've helped 300+ brands scale via 2-3 digit run rates.?Here are some customer?testimonials.