What is BFCM?

BFCM stands for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which are two of the biggest shopping events of the year. Black Friday marks the start of the holiday shopping season with massive sales and discounts. Cyber Monday follows Black Friday, focusing on online shopping deals. Together, these two days create a shopping frenzy, offering consumers great deals and businesses the chance to increase their sales significantly.

BFCM 2023 stats

In 2023, Shopify merchants achieved a record-breaking $9.3 billion in sales during BFCM, which represents a 24% increase compared to the previous year. An impressive 61 million customers made purchases from Shopify-powered brands, highlighting the platform's strength in empowering businesses.

Mobile sales also saw a significant increase in 2023, with 75.7% of BFCM sales made online, up from 55% in 2022. This shift towards mobile shopping underscores the importance of having a mobile-optimized store.

Additionally, about 30% of all annual retail sales occur between Black Friday and Christmas, making this period crucial for retailers.

When is BFCM 2024?

BFCM is observed annually on the Friday right after Thanksgiving to the following Monday in the United States. This year, Black Friday will be on November 29, and Cyber Monday on December 2.

Start preparing early

It’s best to start preparing your Black Friday & Cyber Monday marketing strategy as early as possible. Early preparation allows you to plan promotions and identify what will make your brand stand out.

Pro tip: Create a preparation timeline

Set up a timeline with key tasks leading up to BFCM. This will keep you organized and make sure you don’t miss anything important.

Plan your promotions

Consider the types of promotions and discounts that will attract your target audience. Options might include percentage discounts, buy-one-get-one-free deals (BOGO), or free shipping on all orders. Creating a sense of urgency with limited-time offers can drive more sales.

Pro tip: Test your promotions

Run A/B tests on different promotions before BFCM to determine which ones resonate best with your audience.

Build your marketing assets

Start building the assets you'll need for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This includes creating content for your owned traffic channels, such as your website, email list, and social media accounts. Consider launching your own app if you don't already have one, as it can be a great way to engage customers.

Pro tip: Leverage user-generated content

Encourage your customers to share their experiences with your products on social media. Showcasing this content can build trust and create buzz around your promotions.

Fix any issues with your site

Make sure your e-commerce site is ready for the increased traffic. This includes improving site speed and ensuring a smooth customer experience. A slow or buggy website can turn potential customers away, so it's important to address any issues well before BFCM.

Pro tip: Conduct a pre-BFCM site audit

Take the time to audit your website. Focus on load times, mobile responsiveness, and checkout processes. Address any issues to ensure a fantastic user experience.

Create excitement

Begin building excitement for your BFCM promotions early. Use email marketing, social media, app store, and your website to tease upcoming deals and create anticipation. The more excitement you build, the more likely customers will be to visit your store when the sales start.

Tailored tips for your business

• Small Businesses: Focus on personalized marketing strategies to connect with your local audience.
• E-commerce: Utilize targeted ads and retargeting strategies to maximize online visibility.
• Brick-and-Mortar: Promote in-store events or exclusive deals to attract foot traffic.

Final thoughts

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are golden opportunities to increase your sales and attract new customers. By starting your preparations early and focusing on what's going to make your brand stand out, you can ensure a successful BFCM season. Remember, thorough planning and a strong marketing strategy are key to making the most of this important shopping period. 

Start preparing now, and you'll be ready to take on BFCM 2024 with confidence.

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