Black Friday and Cyber Monday are prime opportunities for Black-owned businesses to reach new customers, generate more sales, and strengthen brand awareness. Whether you run a product-based or service-based business, these tips will help you create specials that stand out and resonate with your customers.

1. Set Specific Goals for Your Promotion

Decide what you want to achieve with your Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. Your goals could be to:

• Boost sales by attracting new customers.
• Clear out old inventory if you’re product-based.
• Promote new services if you’re service-based.
• Build a customer list by offering something in return for sign-ups.

Setting clear goals will help guide your decisions on what offers to create and how to track your success.

2. Design Offers for Both Products and Services

Choose items or services that add value and appeal to your audience. You don’t have to discount everything; instead, highlight a few key offers.

For product-based businesses, you could offer:

• Percentage Discounts: 20-50% off on popular items.
• Bundle Deals: Group related products together for a unique package price.
• BOGO (Buy One, Get One): Entice customers with buy-one-get-one deals on select products.

For service-based businesses, consider:

• Discounted Packages: Offer a special price for a bundle of services.
• Loyalty Discounts: Reward past customers with a discount on future services.
• Free Consultation or Trial: Attract new clients by offering a free consultation or sample of your service.

3. Plan for Cyber Monday as Well

While Black Friday is popular, Cyber Monday can be a strong alternative for online-focused businesses, especially for service providers who may not see as much traffic on Black Friday.

Consider these Cyber Monday ideas:

• Online-Only Deals: Offer exclusive discounts available only on Cyber Monday.
• Extended Access: If you’re in a service-based industry, offer limited-time discounts on future bookings or sessions.
• Special Add-Ons: Provide an extra service or feature at no additional cost for Cyber Monday purchases.

This approach extends your promotion through the weekend and gives customers more options to buy.

4. Promote Early and Often

Promotion is key to a successful sale. Start promoting your Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals at least two weeks in advance to build anticipation. Use social media, email newsletters, and your website to spread the word and create excitement.

A timeline for promotion might look like this:

• 2 Weeks Before: Tease your upcoming sale with “sneak peeks” of what’s to come.
• 1 Week Before: Announce your deals and encourage customers to mark their calendars.
• Day Before Black Friday: Send a reminder, focusing on what makes your business and deals unique.

5. Prepare Your Website & Customer Experience

For online sales, make sure your website can handle increased traffic and that your payment systems are working smoothly. Double-check that your site is mobile-friendly, as many customers will shop from their phones.

For service providers, ensure your booking system is ready for higher traffic or inquiries, and consider extending your availability if you anticipate high interest.

Whether online or in-store, adding a personal touch like a thank-you email or a follow-up call for service bookings can enhance the customer experience.

6. Add Value Through Your Black-Owned Brand

Black-owned businesses bring a unique story and value to their customers. Use Black Friday and Cyber Monday as a chance to highlight what makes your business special. Share your story, mission, and the impact your business has on the community. This not only draws attention but builds a deeper connection with customers who want to support you.

7. Follow Up and Keep the Connection Going

After Black Friday and Cyber Monday, don’t let the connection end. Follow up with customers, thank them for their support, and invite them to join your email list or loyalty program for future offers.

Consider encouraging customers to leave reviews or share their experiences online, especially if you’re a service-based business. Reviews help build credibility and make your business stand out to future clients.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for Black Friday and Cyber Monday doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a clear plan and the right offers for your customers, you can make these shopping days a win for your business. Focus on what makes your business unique, promote early, and make the experience memorable for your customers. Whether you’re selling products or services, this is a powerful opportunity to connect, grow, and celebrate your Black-owned brand.