Book a Call
Book a Call
Shopify Sales
Black Friday
Cyber Monday
BFCM Sales
Shopify Growth
Shopify Sales
Black Friday
Cyber Monday
BFCM Sales
Shopify Growth
ARTICLE #116
Table of contents
How to boost your Shopify sales during Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
Shopify Sales
Black Friday
Cyber Monday
BFCM Sales
Shopify Growth
Shopify Sales
Black Friday
Cyber Monday
BFCM Sales
Shopify Growth
Written by:
7 min read
Updated on: October, 25, 2024
Toni Hukkanen
Head of Design
Creative Direction, Brand Direction
Toni Hukkanen
Head of Design
Creative Direction, Brand Direction
Ready or not, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are nearly here—and if you’re a small or midsize enterprise using Shopify, you’ve got a massive opportunity on your hands.
In 2023 alone, merchants on Shopify raked in $9.3 billion over the BFCM weekend (a 24% jump from 2022), so there’s serious potential for you to boost visibility and sales. But since Black Friday hits on 29 November (right after Thanksgiving), followed by Cyber Monday on 2 December, simply stocking up on inventory and dropping prices isn’t enough. Your success often hinges on how inventive your deals are and the tactics you use to promote them. Let’s explore some tips and a quick checklist for brainstorming your Black Friday/Cyber Monday marketing ideas.
Ready or not, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are nearly here—and if you’re a small or midsize enterprise using Shopify, you’ve got a massive opportunity on your hands.
In 2023 alone, merchants on Shopify raked in $9.3 billion over the BFCM weekend (a 24% jump from 2022), so there’s serious potential for you to boost visibility and sales. But since Black Friday hits on 29 November (right after Thanksgiving), followed by Cyber Monday on 2 December, simply stocking up on inventory and dropping prices isn’t enough. Your success often hinges on how inventive your deals are and the tactics you use to promote them. Let’s explore some tips and a quick checklist for brainstorming your Black Friday/Cyber Monday marketing ideas.
Plan Black Friday and Cyber Monday strategy
Plan Black Friday and Cyber Monday strategy
To start making your strategy, you need clear goals to stay focused. Define precisely what you want to accomplish. Maybe you aim for 100 more sales, 60 loyalty sign-ups, or 500 additional email leads. Clarity here sets the tone for your marketing strategy and helps you stay organised.
Use Shopify Reports to revisit last year’s BFCM results—especially the Sales by Product report. Which products or offers flew off the shelves? Identifying strong performers from last year can guide your approach this time around.
To start making your strategy, you need clear goals to stay focused. Define precisely what you want to accomplish. Maybe you aim for 100 more sales, 60 loyalty sign-ups, or 500 additional email leads. Clarity here sets the tone for your marketing strategy and helps you stay organised.
Use Shopify Reports to revisit last year’s BFCM results—especially the Sales by Product report. Which products or offers flew off the shelves? Identifying strong performers from last year can guide your approach this time around.
Black week sales with bundles
Offering bundles can be a double-win: more perceived value for customers plus a higher average order value for you. Mystery bundles (where you include surprise items) can help you shift old or slow-moving stock without it feeling like a total clearance.
Consider multiple bundle tiers at different price points—basic, deluxe, or ultimate. That way, you can appeal to a wider range of shoppers, from budget-conscious folks to big spenders.
Offering bundles can be a double-win: more perceived value for customers plus a higher average order value for you. Mystery bundles (where you include surprise items) can help you shift old or slow-moving stock without it feeling like a total clearance.
Consider multiple bundle tiers at different price points—basic, deluxe, or ultimate. That way, you can appeal to a wider range of shoppers, from budget-conscious folks to big spenders.
Simplify long-distance gifting
Data indicates that 15% of BFCM 2023 orders were cross-border, implying a big demand for sending gifts far away. You can tap into this by:
Offering gift wrapping: Let people pick from stylish packaging options.
Targeted delivery dates: Give customers the option to choose a specific arrival date.
Personalised cards: Include a short note or custom message for that personal touch.
Data indicates that 15% of BFCM 2023 orders were cross-border, implying a big demand for sending gifts far away. You can tap into this by:
Offering gift wrapping: Let people pick from stylish packaging options.
Targeted delivery dates: Give customers the option to choose a specific arrival date.
Personalised cards: Include a short note or custom message for that personal touch.
Gamify your Black Friday promotions
Gamification is a clever way to spark engagement:
Apps Like Wheelio: This app creates a “spin-the-wheel” pop-up for discounts, making it fun to sign up for your mailing list.
Challenges or Mini-Games: If you’d prefer a different style, check other gamification apps in the Shopify store. Just pick one or two approaches so the experience remains intuitive rather than overwhelming.
Create exclusive BFCM collections
Group relevant items under a single category—perhaps “Holiday Must-Haves” or “Top Winter Picks”—so shoppers can quickly browse your best deals. This method also amplifies your brand storytelling and helps visitors see your top suggestions for gift ideas.
Gamification is a clever way to spark engagement:
Apps Like Wheelio: This app creates a “spin-the-wheel” pop-up for discounts, making it fun to sign up for your mailing list.
Challenges or Mini-Games: If you’d prefer a different style, check other gamification apps in the Shopify store. Just pick one or two approaches so the experience remains intuitive rather than overwhelming.
Create exclusive BFCM collections
Group relevant items under a single category—perhaps “Holiday Must-Haves” or “Top Winter Picks”—so shoppers can quickly browse your best deals. This method also amplifies your brand storytelling and helps visitors see your top suggestions for gift ideas.
Optimise your Shopify store for speed
Your site may handle 2,000 visits easily on a normal day, but what if it jumps to 10,000 on Black Friday? Slow load times or crashes could send customers running elsewhere.
Check Loading Speeds: Compress large images, remove bulky apps, and ensure your theme is well-optimised.
Use Tools: Shopify’s built-in performance analyser or third-party solutions (e.g., Pingdom) can pinpoint problem areas.
Your site may handle 2,000 visits easily on a normal day, but what if it jumps to 10,000 on Black Friday? Slow load times or crashes could send customers running elsewhere.
Check Loading Speeds: Compress large images, remove bulky apps, and ensure your theme is well-optimised.
Use Tools: Shopify’s built-in performance analyser or third-party solutions (e.g., Pingdom) can pinpoint problem areas.
Improve the shopping experience
Almost 74% of visitors leave a website if it takes longer than 5 seconds to load on their smartphone. Meanwhile, a 1-second delay in page load can lead to a 7% decrease in conversions.
1. Check your site for mobile-friendliness
During BFCM 2023, 72% of purchases came from mobile. If your site’s a headache on phones, you’re throwing away potential sales. Responsive Shopify themes help, but double-check how your store looks on an actual smartphone—especially the checkout process.
2. Prep for high Traffic
Test your site’s performance under heavier-than-usual demand using analytics tools such as PageSpeed Insights. Even a tiny delay can lead to lost conversions.
3. Polish product pages and checkout
Add compelling descriptions, highlight payment methods, and install straightforward CTAs. Offering a fast and fuss-free checkout encourages customers to actually complete their purchases instead of abandoning carts at the last minute.
Almost 74% of visitors leave a website if it takes longer than 5 seconds to load on their smartphone. Meanwhile, a 1-second delay in page load can lead to a 7% decrease in conversions.
1. Check your site for mobile-friendliness
During BFCM 2023, 72% of purchases came from mobile. If your site’s a headache on phones, you’re throwing away potential sales. Responsive Shopify themes help, but double-check how your store looks on an actual smartphone—especially the checkout process.
2. Prep for high Traffic
Test your site’s performance under heavier-than-usual demand using analytics tools such as PageSpeed Insights. Even a tiny delay can lead to lost conversions.
3. Polish product pages and checkout
Add compelling descriptions, highlight payment methods, and install straightforward CTAs. Offering a fast and fuss-free checkout encourages customers to actually complete their purchases instead of abandoning carts at the last minute.
Create irresistible discounts and promotions
Your BFCM strategy must include irresistible discounts and promotions. You can personalise discount sizes and types for different groups of visitors. For example, you can offer a 30% discount to first-time visitors or a $30 discount in a bundle with free shipping to appeal more to repeat customers.
1. Entice customers with free shipping
Shoppers often anticipate free shipping, particularly if they hit a certain cart value. Over BFCM, consider lowering or eliminating shipping costs entirely to sweeten the deal—and encourage bigger orders.
2. Gift cards with each purchase
Adding a free gift card for use on a future purchase can nudge customers to return. If they gift that card to a friend, you might just gain another loyal buyer.
3. Daily special deals
If you worry about sustaining high traffic and interest all week, roll out a new product discount each day to keep the excitement going. Use countdown timers and eye-catching banners to hammer home that sense of urgency.
4. Gift with purchase
Brands that don’t love heavy discounts can offer a small present instead. If you’re a premium brand, try bundling an exclusive mini product or limited-edition item when customers spend over a set amount.
Your BFCM strategy must include irresistible discounts and promotions. You can personalise discount sizes and types for different groups of visitors. For example, you can offer a 30% discount to first-time visitors or a $30 discount in a bundle with free shipping to appeal more to repeat customers.
1. Entice customers with free shipping
Shoppers often anticipate free shipping, particularly if they hit a certain cart value. Over BFCM, consider lowering or eliminating shipping costs entirely to sweeten the deal—and encourage bigger orders.
2. Gift cards with each purchase
Adding a free gift card for use on a future purchase can nudge customers to return. If they gift that card to a friend, you might just gain another loyal buyer.
3. Daily special deals
If you worry about sustaining high traffic and interest all week, roll out a new product discount each day to keep the excitement going. Use countdown timers and eye-catching banners to hammer home that sense of urgency.
4. Gift with purchase
Brands that don’t love heavy discounts can offer a small present instead. If you’re a premium brand, try bundling an exclusive mini product or limited-edition item when customers spend over a set amount.
Benefit from email marketing and SMS campaigns
Email remains one of the most effective channels for BFCM deals—some studies show it outperforms even social media. Start collecting addresses early with sign-up pop-ups and embed shareable QR codes leading to a registration form.
Segment your mailing list
Group your audience into various categories—like loyal customers vs. brand-new leads. Tailor your messages to each segment’s preferences. A little personalisation can prompt a big uplift in open and click-through rates.
Fire up SMS
The SMS marketing method has a 98% open rate, and BFCM 2022 sales rose 64.5% year over year. Though automated sends declined 34%, SMS campaign orders rose around 1600%. You might let your VIP customers know about an upcoming “early access” sale or use automated texts to confirm shipping and delivery updates. Link your product catalogue to the SMS platform for easy conversions.
Email remains one of the most effective channels for BFCM deals—some studies show it outperforms even social media. Start collecting addresses early with sign-up pop-ups and embed shareable QR codes leading to a registration form.
Segment your mailing list
Group your audience into various categories—like loyal customers vs. brand-new leads. Tailor your messages to each segment’s preferences. A little personalisation can prompt a big uplift in open and click-through rates.
Fire up SMS
The SMS marketing method has a 98% open rate, and BFCM 2022 sales rose 64.5% year over year. Though automated sends declined 34%, SMS campaign orders rose around 1600%. You might let your VIP customers know about an upcoming “early access” sale or use automated texts to confirm shipping and delivery updates. Link your product catalogue to the SMS platform for easy conversions.
Use social media and paid ads
45% of consumers discover products on social media, so harness those channels to broadcast your BFCM offers:
Instagram and Facebook: Add a direct shopping feature if possible, post regular updates with countdowns, and deploy relevant hashtags.
Influencer Partnerships: Stats suggest 37% of consumers trust influencers more than brands themselves. Collaborations can expand your audience reach—and if you use micro-influencers whose followers align with your ideal customer, even better.
Paid Ads: If you plan to run social ads, start them a bit earlier than late November to lock in potential leads when prices might still be lower.
45% of consumers discover products on social media, so harness those channels to broadcast your BFCM offers:
Instagram and Facebook: Add a direct shopping feature if possible, post regular updates with countdowns, and deploy relevant hashtags.
Influencer Partnerships: Stats suggest 37% of consumers trust influencers more than brands themselves. Collaborations can expand your audience reach—and if you use micro-influencers whose followers align with your ideal customer, even better.
Paid Ads: If you plan to run social ads, start them a bit earlier than late November to lock in potential leads when prices might still be lower.
Make sure to optimise order and fulfilment workflows
If you are expecting a jump in orders, line up extra help. Also, confirm that your inventory levels and shipping partners can handle the surge.
Use Shopify’s Order Timelines to keep tasks in order. Consider grouping shipments by shipping method, location, or priority. This shortens the time spent sorting and ensures you keep top-tier customers or urgent deliveries on track.
Donate or encourage a cause
Not every brand loves big markdowns—some prefer a different spin, like donating a portion of their BFCM sales to a charity. Many shoppers respond positively to ethical or community-minded offers. This approach can reinforce your brand’s ethical stance while still generating buzz around your sale.
Offer referral bonuses
If you want to spread the word fast, consider a referral bonus for existing customers who bring in new buyers. For instance, offer them a small discount or a loyalty point boost for each successful referral. Word-of-mouth marketing can be a huge multiplier over BFCM, especially when people are comparing deals and asking friends for brand recommendations.
If you are expecting a jump in orders, line up extra help. Also, confirm that your inventory levels and shipping partners can handle the surge.
Use Shopify’s Order Timelines to keep tasks in order. Consider grouping shipments by shipping method, location, or priority. This shortens the time spent sorting and ensures you keep top-tier customers or urgent deliveries on track.
Donate or encourage a cause
Not every brand loves big markdowns—some prefer a different spin, like donating a portion of their BFCM sales to a charity. Many shoppers respond positively to ethical or community-minded offers. This approach can reinforce your brand’s ethical stance while still generating buzz around your sale.
Offer referral bonuses
If you want to spread the word fast, consider a referral bonus for existing customers who bring in new buyers. For instance, offer them a small discount or a loyalty point boost for each successful referral. Word-of-mouth marketing can be a huge multiplier over BFCM, especially when people are comparing deals and asking friends for brand recommendations.
Monitor analytics and make continuous improvements
After (and even during) BFCM, collect data on what worked—and what flopped. Did a particular bundle outsell everything else? Did your site traffic spike, but sales lag? Adjust your approach in real-time if something isn’t clicking. Then, once BFCM wraps, collate all your learnings so you can tweak your strategy ahead of next year.
After (and even during) BFCM, collect data on what worked—and what flopped. Did a particular bundle outsell everything else? Did your site traffic spike, but sales lag? Adjust your approach in real-time if something isn’t clicking. Then, once BFCM wraps, collate all your learnings so you can tweak your strategy ahead of next year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sells the most during Black Friday?
The most popular sales items during Black Friday include electronics 49%, cosmetics 23% and clothing and accessories 72%.
What sells the most on Cyber Monday?
During Cyber Monday, mobile shopping continues to become more popular, with smartphone sales accounting for 59% of all sales in 2023 compared to 55% in 2022. Overall, mobile sales were higher throughout Cyber Week at 51.8% compared to 49.9% in 2022.
What is the trend in Black Friday 2024?
During BFCM 2024, brands will experiment with value-driven promotion beyond conventional discounts, including bundled offers, exclusive experiences, and loyalty programme benefits.
Final Thoughts
Boosting your Shopify sales over Black Friday and Cyber Monday isn’t just about slapping on a discount. It’s about prepping your site for speed, building can’t-miss offers, creating an effortless customer journey, and backing it all up with smart marketing. From day-long flash deals to meaningful brand partnerships, your options are broad—so pick the ones that match your brand story and audience. With careful planning, a bit of creativity, and a customer-first mindset, you can transform a typical sales weekend into your business’s big break.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sells the most during Black Friday?
The most popular sales items during Black Friday include electronics 49%, cosmetics 23% and clothing and accessories 72%.
What sells the most on Cyber Monday?
During Cyber Monday, mobile shopping continues to become more popular, with smartphone sales accounting for 59% of all sales in 2023 compared to 55% in 2022. Overall, mobile sales were higher throughout Cyber Week at 51.8% compared to 49.9% in 2022.
What is the trend in Black Friday 2024?
During BFCM 2024, brands will experiment with value-driven promotion beyond conventional discounts, including bundled offers, exclusive experiences, and loyalty programme benefits.
Final Thoughts
Boosting your Shopify sales over Black Friday and Cyber Monday isn’t just about slapping on a discount. It’s about prepping your site for speed, building can’t-miss offers, creating an effortless customer journey, and backing it all up with smart marketing. From day-long flash deals to meaningful brand partnerships, your options are broad—so pick the ones that match your brand story and audience. With careful planning, a bit of creativity, and a customer-first mindset, you can transform a typical sales weekend into your business’s big break.
Work with us
Click to copy
work@for.co
- FOR® Brand. FOR® Future.
We’re remote-first — with strategic global hubs
Click to copy
Helsinki, FIN
info@for.fi
Click to copy
New York, NY
ny@for.co
Click to copy
Miami, FL
mia@for.co
Click to copy
Dubai, UAE
uae@for.co
Click to copy
Kyiv, UA
kyiv@for.co
Click to copy
Lagos, NG
lagos@for.ng
Copyright © 2024 FOR®
Work with us
Click to copy
work@for.co
- FOR® Brand. FOR® Future.
We’re remote-first — with strategic global hubs
Click to copy
Helsinki, FIN
info@for.fi
Click to copy
New York, NY
ny@for.co
Click to copy
Miami, FL
mia@for.co
Click to copy
Dubai, UAE
uae@for.co
Click to copy
Kyiv, UA
kyiv@for.co
Click to copy
Lagos, NG
lagos@for.ng
Copyright © 2024 FOR®
Work with us
Click to copy
work@for.co
We’re remote-first — with strategic global hubs
Click to copy
Helsinki, FIN
hel@for.co
Click to copy
New York, NY
ny@for.co
Click to copy
Miami, FL
mia@for.co
Click to copy
Dubai, UAE
uae@for.co
Click to copy
Kyiv, UA
kyiv@for.co
Click to copy
Lagos, NG
lagos@for.ng
Copyright © 2024 FOR®