Black Friday BFCM Tips : Checklist To Prepare for BFCM 2023

As the holiday season approaches, retailers across the globe are preparing for Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM) 2023. For many organizations, BFCM represents an opportunity to conclude the year on a high note by increasing profitability and increasing consumer engagement. 

It’s never too early to start preparing for Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM) 2023. Every year this event brings a massive boost in sales, so businesses must make sure they are ready to take full advantage of the situation. To do this, there are numerous steps that can be taken to ensure success when BFCM rolls around. From optimizing your website and email campaigns to leveraging social media platforms and grooming customer relationships

In this post, we’ll share 27 tips to help you prepare for BFCM 2023. We’ll cover everything from creating a marketing plan to setting up your shipping process. So whether you’re a BFCM newbie or veteran, read on for some helpful advice!

What is black Friday?

Black Friday is an annual shopping holiday in the United States that takes place on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Black Friday began in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as far back as 1952 and has since spread throughout the US and even to other countries worldwide. 

On Black Friday, stores will open early, have special deals on certain items, stay open longer, sell limited-edition items, have doorbuster sales, offer free shipping, and more. People line up outside stores overnight to get the best deals available. 

It’s an exciting day for shoppers looking for significant savings on items they want or need, from clothing to electronics – which is why it’s become such a popular event year after year.

What is the importance of black Friday for businesses?

The importance of Black Friday for businesses is that it’s an opportunity to boost sales and attract new customers. Companies can increase their market share and take advantage of the large number of shoppers looking for deals when they offer discounts and specials on thousands of products.

It’s also a great way to clear out old stock and introduce customers to new products or services. Businesses can also use Black Friday to build brand awareness by promoting their deals on social media through email campaigns, online ads, and other ways. 

By running effective promotions and offering unbeatable prices, retailers can generate massive revenue in just one day, making Black Friday a key event for any business looking to maximize profits.

An essential Black Friday checklist

We have compiled a 27-point checklist to help you prepare for BFCM 2023.

1. Expect a more extended sales period

This year’s buyers are making purchases earlier than before. This year’s buyers are early. Justuno says 65% of US shoppers will shop before Black Friday and Cyber Monday. 

This means sales will start early and extend throughout the BFCM weekend, so businesses should be prepared. Retailers should promote in-store and online shopping when possible. Firms must improve inventory management and customer service with a more extended shopping season.

2. Prepare for traffic spikes.

Test your server’s load before Black Friday to prepare for traffic. Shopify’s speed report measures website speed. Check for flaws that could slow down your website and harm the user experience. Better hosting rates up page load times while increasing traffic. Well-designed navigation helps clients find what they need.

3. Focus on top sales channels

Doubling down on top sales channels can enhance holiday profits. You may better target clients and capture seasonal demand by focusing on profitable channels. Instagram, Facebook, Google, TikTok, Pinterest, and Snapchat are supported. 

By syncing your products across platforms and creating channel-specific ads, you can reach millions of consumers for free and drive qualified traffic to your store.

4. Internationalize yourself

Shopify Markets revolutionized how brands do international business. Businesses can personalize purchasing experiences using familiar currencies, languages, domains, and payment methods. 

This helps organizations reach new global markets and clients while boosting conversions. Shopify Marketplaces enables you to manage international markets from your admin. Businesses can grow and optimize Black Friday marketing with a straightforward interface.

5. Make backup plans

Preparing for company disruptions with contingency measures. They help you predict and respond quickly to challenges. Include inventory, personnel, finance, operations, and customer service. As such, their effectiveness should be carefully created and evaluated.

6. Use Shopify POS in person

Shopify POS is a complete POS system. It lets businesses accept payments, manage inventory, offer to buy online/pick up in-store, measure customer loyalty and engagement, develop customized checkout processes, and more. Shopify POS helps businesses develop multi-channel experiences.

7. Make an early decision about inventory

Businesses should make inventory decisions early for BFCM. Give suppliers plenty of time to source or produce products due to the epidemic. 

Shopify Reports and ABC analysis help companies find hot products and plan inventory. Stockouts affect customer experience, sales, and a company’s reputation.

8. Plan busy-season delivery early

Ecommerce enterprises arrange busy-season deliveries early. Orders will come quickly with the right plan. This includes fast shipping during busy times and free or flat-rate shipping to boost sales. 

Charge based on weight and size to avoid overcharging or undercharging. Investing early in the proper delivery plan can increase cart conversion rates, average order value, and customer satisfaction.

9. Increase your conversion rate.

Ecommerce enterprises must increase conversion rates. The e-commerce conversion rate calculator helps you evaluate your site’s performance in relation to that of competitors in your industry, pinpoints areas in need of improvement, and provides concrete recommendations for increasing your conversion rate. Learn how to boost sales and lead generation. With the calculator’s data, you may optimize for profit.

10. Sales planning

Sales planning takes time. Examine your items, profitability, and inventories to provide discounts. Create a Google Sheets or Excel sales map to ease things. Include start dates, sale prices, and product specifications. You’ll have a comprehensive sales guide. Shopify discounts can help you handle promotions.

11. Optimize order-fulfillment workflows

BFCM order and fulfillment workflow optimization are complicated. Make sure your fulfillment area has enough supplies and products. Additional assistance or personnel may be needed to handle the extra task. Regular communication with all stakeholders ensures smooth operations. Following these procedures can optimize order and fulfillment workflows during BFCM.

12. Create a BFCM offer

BFCM sales will attract shoppers. Customers buy more after the discount. Customers buy more to replace this product. Can’t-miss sale? Highlight one Black Friday-Cyber Monday deal. Spams BFCM. Stand out. Once customers are at your store, upsell. Shopify’s apps Sale, promotion. 

Countdown timers and conversion-boosting devices encourage early Christmas shopping. Upselling/cross-selling. Cart-based recommendations increase purchases. Shopping: Cart squandered. Payment reminders are needed.

13. Create holiday banners and hero images.

Holiday promotion requires banners and hero images. Shopify and other services can create eye-catching images. Use CreativeMarket templates, Taler, Canva, or a Shopify Expert to create custom graphics. Creating festive ideas for your Shopify store has never been easier.

14. Retarget past customers

Black Friday-Cyber Monday sales are boosted by previous retargeting visitors. Customers who forgot about your store or sale are reached. You can send relevant ads to store visitors and buyers using a Facebook pixel. This increases the likelihood that they’ll use your deal, allowing you to boost revenue without adding new customers.

15. Begin email marketing early

Early email marketing planning can boost BFCM sales. You’ll have time to create emails highlighting discounts, build anticipation for deals, and collect customer email addresses for holiday sales. 

Shopify Email allows you to schedule campaigns and emails in advance, giving you more time for holiday festivities. Early preparation helps you optimize BFCM’s revenue chances.

16. Increase conversion by offering buy now, pay later options.

By integrating Shop Pay, shops may enhance mobile conversion by 91% and checkout conversion by 9%. Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services have grown 50% in the US in recent years. Shop Pay Installments might enhance order value by 50%. These technologies make payments easier for customers and improve store conversions.

17. Reward loyal customers

Reward loyal consumers by rewarding them for their continuous business. It helps create client ties and encourages repeat business. Exclusive deals, discounts, or loyalty awards show appreciation. 

Email campaigns and retargeting can boost consumer engagement and loyalty. These activities will make loyalty program members feel valued and appreciated, boosting sales and growth.

18. Chat converts browsers to buyers

Shopify Inbox enables you to communicate with shoppers during their purchases. Customize the customer experience with message labels, customer context, product, shipping, and other queries. Trust, loyalty, and conversions rise. Facebook and Instagram are for customer engagement. By advising buyers, you enhance sales and develop trust.

19. Offer personal help

Clients need prompt and personal attention on Black Friday. Quick, friendly service will please customers: standard language and responses aid customer service. Learn how to handle angry customers with empathy and provide excellent customer service. You can give clients prompt, personal help with the right attitude and preparation.

20. Easy returns

Excellent customer service requires easy returns. Your website’s return policies should be transparent, fair, and well-communicated. Free returns reduce the risk for many customers. Multiple pages (shipping/returns, FAQ, product page, order notification emails) containing return policy information might help customers know what to expect.

21. Mobile-first

Small businesses must prioritize mobile in the digital age. Mobile devices are more popular than desktops. Make the mobile user experience easy and intuitive, making the website mobile-friendly. Mobile testing should be part of any store owner’s routine, Shopify or not. Mobile optimization boosts client satisfaction and sales.

22. Evaluate checkout

The checkout process must be evaluated to optimize customer journey and conversions. Mobile shoppers may abandon long forms. Consider Shop Pay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay to reduce keystrokes. Studies show Shop Pay increases checkout speed and checkout-to-order rates. Evaluating your checkout process boosts conversions and customer satisfaction.

23. Get site feedback

Get feedback to enhance website sales. Real individuals testing your website and giving comments work well. Shopify Experts offer user-friendly store guidance. Testing is crucial to a successful ecommerce business since it reveals areas for improvement and ensures clients have the best online experience.

24. Use Shopify Reports

Shopify Reports offer business data. Real-time data on consumer visits, purchases, and orders help you make marketing decisions. Tracking Black Friday campaigns with Marketing Performance and Funnel Analytics. A/B testing increases conversions and client loyalty. With Shopify Reports, you can optimize your BFCM efforts.

25. Use heat maps to understand user behavior

Heat maps show website user behavior. They offer clicks, taps, and scrolling. Heat maps indicate user hot regions and cold spots. They can disclose customer behavior trends and impact design, optimization, and UX improvements. Heat maps show user activity during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

26. Make seasonal customers year-round

To maximize earnings, seasonal shoppers must become year-round customers. Businesses can keep holiday customers by using social media and email. Non-subscribers should be retargeted to display relevant products. This engages customers year-round, not just at Christmas.

27. What worked and what didn’t?

Reflecting on BFCM helps plan future holidays. Decisions and repercussions must be tracked. This enables you to assess prior performance and prepare for future Black Fridays. During Black Friday and the holiday season, use Shopify to track your store’s KPIs. Assessing each year’s achievement and setting strategy might be difficult without a detailed examination.

Conclusion:

Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM) are times for amazing deals. Your store must be prepared to meet the demands of these holidays. Consider offering personal help, easy returns, and a mobile-friendly website. Use Shopify reports and heat maps to understand user behavior. 

Make seasonal customers year-round by using social media and email retargeting. Lastly, reflect on what worked and what didn’t to prepare for future Black Fridays. With the right attitude and preparation, you can make sure your BFCM is successful!

Good luck with your next BFCM!