As brands enter the fiercely competitive arena of Black Friday, a strategic edge can be make-or-break. With insights from leading CEOs and eCommerce Managers in the industry, this article uncovers transformative tactics to stand out.
From hyper-personalized email marketing campaigns to maintaining long-term trust through no discount strategies, discover eight innovative approaches. Unearth the secrets these experts use to not just survive, but thrive in the Black Friday frenzy.
- Hyper-Personalized Email Marketing Campaigns
- Limited-Edition Bundles with Free Gifts
- Less-Is-More Strategy for Exclusivity
- Exclusive, Time-Sensitive Flash Sales
- Surprise-And-Delight Campaign
- Leveraging User-Generated Content Videos
- Tiered Discounts Based on Purchase Time
- No Discount Strategy for Long-Term Trust
8 Creative Strategies to Make Your Brand Shine on Black Friday
Hyper-Personalized Email Marketing Campaigns
One unique tactic we use to differentiate us on Black Friday is our hyper-personalized email-marketing campaigns. By leveraging customer data and AI-powered algorithms, we’re able to craft highly tailored messages that resonate with individual customers and increase the likelihood of conversions. This personalized approach not only helps us stand out from the crowd but also strengthens our relationships with our clients.
Limited-Edition Bundles with Free Gifts
We drop limited-edition bundles and throw in free gifts for loyal customers with personalized discount codes, creating urgency and making our Black Friday deals feel exclusive.
John Frigo, eCommerce Manager, Best Price Nutrition
Less-Is-More Strategy for Exclusivity
My understanding of marketing suggests that emphasizing a “less-is-more” strategy would be a novel way to stand out on Black Friday. Offer a carefully chosen assortment of premium, limited-edition items or special discounts to customers rather than overwhelming them with a huge sale. This can generate a sense of urgency and exclusivity, making your brand more enticing to consumers who are hunting for something truly remarkable. Stressing the distinctive value proposition of your goods or services can also help set your business apart from the competition and draw in clients who are seeking more than just a good deal.
Faizan Khan, Public Relations and Content Marketing Specialist, Ubuy UK
Exclusive, Time-Sensitive Flash Sales
One unique tactic we use to stand out on Black Friday is creating exclusive, time-sensitive offers with a sense of urgency. We launch flash sales that last just a few hours, paired with countdown timers across our website and social media channels. This strategy drives immediate action from customers who don’t want to miss out, creating excitement and pushing us ahead of competitors offering more traditional, day-long deals.
Zeke Abraham, Vice President, Prime Line Packaging
Surprise-And-Delight Campaign
One unique tactic I use in our marketing strategy to differentiate our brand from competitors on Black Friday is to implement a “surprise-and-delight” campaign. Instead of solely focusing on discounts, we create a buzz by offering unexpected perks, such as exclusive freebies, limited-time offers, or personalized experiences for early customers.
For example, we might launch a campaign where the first 100 customers receive a mystery gift with their purchase, or we could provide a special discount code that only a select group of loyal customers can access. This not only enhances the shopping experience but also creates excitement and encourages social sharing as customers talk about their surprises.
By shifting the focus from just price competition to creating memorable experiences, we not only stand out in a crowded marketplace but also foster customer loyalty, making them more likely to return long after Black Friday is over.
Shreya Jha, Social Media Expert, Appy Pie
Leveraging User-Generated Content Videos
One unique tactic we are employing to differentiate our clients’ brands from competitors on Black Friday is leveraging user-generated content (UGC) videos. While most brands flood the market with polished, high-budget ads, we tap into the authenticity and relatability of UGC to cut through the noise.
UGC videos allow us to showcase real customers sharing their experiences, testimonials, and excitement about our clients’ products, creating a sense of trust and community that resonates deeply with potential buyers. This authenticity is particularly powerful on Black Friday, when consumers are bombarded with promotional content and are looking for genuine recommendations they can trust.
By strategically integrating these UGC videos into our clients’ Black Friday campaigns, we not only differentiate their brands from the competition but also drive higher engagement and conversions. People trust real voices, especially during high-stakes shopping events, and that trust translates directly into sales.
Taylor Walker, Co-Founder & CEO, Growth Spurt
Tiered Discounts Based on Purchase Time
What makes Black Friday a moneymaker for brands is the concept of “urgency.” Customers know that these deals are available for a limited time only, so if they don’t purchase immediately, they will miss out.
To steal early sales away from your competitors on Black Friday, take the concept of urgency to the next level. A tactic that works is tiered discounts based on time. For example, offering increased discounts for those who buy early, such as 50% off in the first hour, 40% off for the next three hours, and so on.
Because customers know they will get the best discounts from your website as early as possible, they will visit you before your competitors, giving you the advantage.
However, to successfully execute this strategy, you need to make your customers aware of any time-based discount scheme well in advance of Black Friday.
John Butterworth, Founder, Mint SEO
No Discount Strategy for Long-Term Trust
While everyone’s busy slashing prices on Black Friday like it’s a game of “Who can discount the most?” we take a different approach—we don’t discount at all. Sounds crazy, right? But here’s the thing: our product is already priced to deliver solid value every day of the year, so why change that?
Why it works for us:
- Building long-term trust: By not throwing out flash sales, we remind our customers that they’re already getting a great deal. This helps us stand out from the noise and builds trust—people know our prices aren’t inflated just to drop them later.
- Attracting the right audience: Instead of pulling in deal chasers who might never come back, we focus on customers who see the value in what we offer. These are the people who stick around long after the Black Friday madness is over.
- Brand confidence: Keeping our pricing consistent says we believe in our product. We don’t need gimmicks to prove its worth, and that confidence really resonates with our audience.
Thomas Moussafer, Co-Founder
Black Friday is no longer just about offering the biggest discounts—it’s about crafting a unique experience that resonates with your audience. By adopting these eight innovative tactics, you can rise above the noise and leave a lasting impression. Whether it’s through personalized outreach, strategic partnerships, or maintaining brand integrity with a no-discount strategy, these approaches will not only help you win Black Friday but also build stronger, long-term customer relationships.
As you prepare for the rush, remember: differentiation is key. The brands that take bold, creative steps to engage their audience will be the ones that emerge as true winners—not just on Black Friday, but throughout the entire year.
