Last Minute Checklist: Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Last-Minute BFCM Tips

Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM) are among the busiest days of the year for retail and eCommerce, with competition and opportunity at their peak. Preparing for Black Friday and Cyber Monday early, or even at the last minute, can be the difference between hitting your goals and getting lost in the noise.

This guide breaks down what it takes to build a Black Friday strategy and nail a Cyber Monday plan, tackling critical questions like, "How do you get ready for BFCM?" and "What's the best way to prepare a store for Black Friday and Cyber Monday?" Find out if your store is ready to seize the moment, or if there's still work to be done.

The Importance of Early Prep for BFCM

Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM) are pivotal events for brands of every size. In 2024, online Black Friday sales alone hit a record $10.8 billion in the United States, marking a 10.2% increase from 2023. Cyber Monday followed with $13.3 billion, up 7.3% from the previous year. Together, Cyber Week generated $41.1 billion in online sales.

Big players are moving earlier each year, with some launching deals as early as October. In 2024, nearly two-thirds of consumers started shopping before Black Friday, making extended promotional periods more critical than ever. Brands who wait, risk getting left behind.

An early Black Friday strategy helps you avoid costly last-minute fixes and gives you time for audience targeting, campaign testing, and creative planning across all channels. Prepare now to capture your share of the season's profits.

Optimizing Inventory and Stock Management for BFCM

A solid Black Friday strategy starts with a thorough inventory audit and smart replenishment practices to avoid stockouts. Stockouts lead to lost sales and can damage your brand's reputation. This is particularly important, considering that 96% of customers are no longer interested in doing business with stores after bad experiences. There are plenty of options out there, so you need to do the work to stand out.

Tips for Inventory Management:

• Use historical data: Forecast which products will be in high demand by analyzing past sales trends. Identify items that flew off the shelves during previous BFCM events, allowing you to adjust stock levels accordingly.

• Tools: For Shopify, use Shopify Analytics and third-party apps like Klaviyo. For BigCommerce, utilize BigCommerce Analytics and integrate Google Analytics for deeper insights.

• Implement real-time inventory management: A system that provides up-to-date stock levels helps you react quickly to shifts in consumer demand.

• Tools: For Shopify, try Stocky to assist, and for BigCommerce, NetSuite can give you an extra boost.

• Prepare for replenishment: As sales surge, be ready to restock inventory on the fly. Consider working with suppliers who can deliver stock on short notice.

By following these strategies, you can maintain momentum throughout the BFCM season, keeping customers satisfied and profits strong. Prioritize your inventory management now, and you'll set yourself up for success when the sales flood in.

Fine-Tuning Your Website for BFCM Success

Optimizing your website for the expected influx of traffic is a key part of BFCM prep. A well-prepared site can mean the difference between capturing sales and losing customers.

Website Optimization Checklist:

• Check site speed: Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to evaluate and improve your loading times. Aim for a loading time under three seconds to keep customers engaged.

• Test mobile responsiveness: With 69% of Black Friday 2024 purchases made on mobile devices globally, your site needs to work well on all devices. Use BrowserStack or Responsive Design Checker to see how your site performs on various screen sizes.

• Audit forms and checkout processes: Verify that all forms are functioning smoothly. Conduct a thorough test of your checkout process, making sure it's easy to navigate without any glitches.

• Test payment methods: Confirm all payment options work correctly. Use PayPal or similar tools to test payment processing without real transactions.

Addressing these areas will prepare your website for a smooth BFCM experience, keeping your customers happy and ready to shop.

Last-Minute Black Friday and Cyber Monday Prep Tips

If you haven't prepped early for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, don't worry. There are still important last-minute actions you can take to get ready. Focus on these steps to maximize your success:

• Check and update discount codes and promotional offers: Make sure everything is clear and functional to attract customers.

• Audit your site for broken links and mobile responsiveness: Shoppers will be on their phones, and a smooth experience is necessary for conversions.

• Set up your abandoned cart emails: These reminders can recover lost sales and prompt customers to complete their purchases.

Taking these actions can impact your BFCM success, so don't overlook them. By acting now, you can solidify your readiness. Better late than never! Plus, once you've got these elements in place you can broaden your efforts and play catch-up.

Keep reading for our full readiness checklist.

Last-Minute Marketing & Advertising Tips for BFCM

Last-minute marketing actions can help maximize your impact. Focus on these recommendations to sharpen your strategy:

• Segment Audiences for Personalized Campaigns: Use your email and SMS lists to create targeted segments based on past purchases and browsing behavior. For a crash course, head to our blog right here.

• Increase Visibility with Last-Minute PPC Campaigns: Allocate budget for pay-per-click advertising to capture immediate interest. Target keywords related to your BFCM offers. A well-timed PPC campaign can place your products front and center for shoppers seeking deals.

• Use Influencer Marketing: Reach out to influencers in your niche for last-minute promotions. In 2024, influencer marketing converted shoppers 10 times more than social media overall. A quick shoutout or post can drive traffic and build credibility. Focus on influencers who connect authentically with their followers.

• Utilize Social Media Updates: Update your social media channels with posts about your Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. Use eye-catching graphics and clear calls to action to encourage shares and engagement.

• AI-Powered Personalization: In 2024, retailers using AI tools like chatbots and shopping assistants saw conversion rates increase by up to 15%. Consider implementing AI-powered customer service to help shoppers find products and answer questions in real time.

For more marketing inspiration, be sure to check out our blog on 2025 online marketing trends.

Your Readiness Score

Are you wondering what you should be asking yourself before the BFCM season begins? We’ve got you covered. Each question is worth one point. Add them up and see where you stand:

BFCM Readiness Checklist

Question	Y/N
1. Have you created a merchandising strategy for your BFCM promotions?
2. Are your core and evergreen products in stock and ready for sale?
3. Have you set up a contingency plan for items that go out of stock?
4. Have you introduced new products this quarter to attract customers?
5. Are you targeting returning customers with exclusive deals?
6. Have you tested your email marketing automation for BFCM?
7. Is your website optimized for mobile devices?
8. Have you checked your closest competitors' strategies?
9. Are you using countdown clocks or limited-time offers to drive urgency?
10. Have you streamlined your checkout process for speed and efficiency?
11. Are you offering flexible payment options to increase conversions?
12. Have you prepared marketing materials for all channels (email, social)?
13. Are you ready to provide real-time tracking information to customers?
14. Have you evaluated your shipping options and delivery dates?
15. Is your return policy clear and customer-friendly?

Scoring

• 0-5 Points: Your BFCM strategy needs significant attention. Start preparing immediately.

• 6-10 Points: You're on the right track, but there are gaps to fill before the rush.

• 11-15 Points: You're well-prepared for BFCM. Keep up the good work and execute your plan!

Conclusion

How did you score on the BFCM readiness checklist? If you found yourself needing support, don't hesitate to reach out to our team at Arctic Leaf for assistance.

Preparing for Black Friday and Cyber Monday is crucial, whether you're planning ahead or making last-minute adjustments. Every moment counts as you strive to stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Start your BFCM prep immediately, regardless of your current status. Let's make certain your store is set to capture attention and maximize sales this holiday season. Your success starts now!

Start your BFCM prep immediately, regardless of your current status. Let’s ensure your store is set to capture attention and maximize sales this holiday season. Your success starts now!