Getting the absolute most out of BFCM is an art, honestly. Planning and prepping your deals, discounts, ads and funnels are usually poured over in detail, but there are some super common mistakes we see repeated year after year that can sometimes costs 1000s in lost revenue. So let’s fix them.
1. Overlooking Mobile Optimization
The Mistake: In the digital age, a significant portion of online shopping is done via mobile devices. Neglecting mobile optimization can lead to a frustrating user experience, potentially driving away customers.
The Fix: Ensure your website is mobile-friendly with responsive design, quick load times, and easy navigation. Test your site’s mobile performance regularly, especially before big sale events.
2. Ignoring Customer Segmentation
The Mistake: Treating all customers the same and sending generic marketing messages can lead to low engagement and conversion rates.
The Fix: Segment your customer base and tailor your marketing messages. Use data analytics to understand different customer preferences and behaviors, creating personalized campaigns for various segments.
3. Failing to Plan for Increased Traffic
The Mistake: Websites crashing or slowing down during peak traffic times can result in lost sales and damage to your brand’s reputation.
The Fix: Invest in scalable web hosting solutions and ensure your site can handle a surge in traffic. Regularly test your website’s load capacity in anticipation of high-traffic events.
4. Neglecting Retargeting Efforts
The Mistake: Not retargeting visitors who have shown interest but haven’t made a purchase is a missed opportunity.
The Fix: Implement retargeting strategies using cookies or pixel tracking. Create customized ads for these potential customers to remind them of their interest and entice them back to your site.
5. Inadequate Customer Support
The Mistake: Underestimating the volume of customer inquiries and complaints can lead to poor customer service experiences.
The Fix: Scale up your customer support team during these peak periods. Utilize chatbots for common queries and ensure easy access to human support for more complex issues.
6. Not Utilizing Social Media Effectively
The Mistake: Failing to engage actively with customers on social media platforms can result in missed opportunities for promotion and customer connection.
The Fix: Develop a robust social media strategy that includes regular updates, engaging content, and prompt responses to customer interactions. Utilize social media ads to target specific demographics.
7. Overlooking Email Marketing
The Mistake: Neglecting email marketing or sending non-segmented, spammy emails can lead to low open and click-through rates.
The Fix: Craft personalized and compelling email content. Segment your email list and send targeted offers and information. Make sure your emails are mobile-friendly and test different subject lines for effectiveness.
8. Disregarding Post-Sale Engagement
The Mistake: Focusing solely on making sales without a strategy for post-sale engagement can lead to one-time customers rather than loyal ones.
The Fix: Develop post-sale engagement strategies such as follow-up emails, requests for feedback, and exclusive offers for repeat customers.
The best ‘hack’ we’ve ever come across for BFCM is treating it like a nice little boost in our long-term strategy, that means making sure your infrastructure is sound, your follow-up plan is thorough, and your customer service is equipped enough to make sure any newbies want to become lifers.
