Black Friday Cyber Monday (BFCM) is just around the corner, and if you’re running an online store, you know it’s the time to shine—or get lost in the crowd. That’s why we’re here with another installment of our BFCM blog series, aimed to help you get ready and make the most of this busy season!
With every store competing for attention, standing out isn’t just an option; it’s a necessity. But how do you ensure your eCommerce store is visible and unforgettable? The answer lies in a blend of superior customer experience, authentic brand presence, strategic campaigns, and ensuring your online store runs like a well-oiled machine. Here’s how you can make sure your eCommerce store is ready to take on BFCM 2024 and come out on top.
With BFCM approaching, don’t let your online store get lost in a sea of competition
The competition during BFCM is fierce, and with more eCommerce stores popping up daily, getting lost in the noise is a real risk. Shopify merchants reached a record $9.3B in sales over BFCM in 2023; that’s a 24% YoY increase, highlighting both the opportunity and challenge of standing out in this crowded space.
Be unique in your offerings:
Offering something exclusive during BFCM is crucial. For instance, Glossier’s BFCM 2023 strategy included customizable bundles of their popular Balm Dotcom Trio, which boosted sales and enhanced customer satisfaction by giving them control over their purchase.
Make sure your customer experience is top-tier
In the eCommerce world, customer experience is everything. During BFCM, the stakes are even higher. Your competitors are just a click away; if the customer experience on your online store falls short, shoppers will not hesitate to move on.
Be responsive:
Quick responses to customer inquiries can differentiate between a sale and a lost opportunity. During peak shopping times like BFCM, customers want their questions answered immediately. A study from DSers found that a responsive live chat support system, especially during BFCM, can significantly improve customer satisfaction and retention.
Personalize the experience:
Personalization isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a necessity. For example, product detail pages on Garage Clothing have AI-generated carousels displaying other “styles like this” and items “frequently bought together.” You can also “shop the look” and view even more items that “you may also like.”
Build a community around your brand
A loyal community can set your brand apart from the competition. Building a community doesn’t just mean gaining followers; it’s about creating a space where your customers feel connected to your brand and each other.
Leverage social media:
Social media is a powerful tool for building a community around your brand. For example, Giglio.com used pop-up forms effectively during BFCM to offer discounts, creating an immediate connection with visitors and converting them into long-term customers.
Be transparent and authentic
In the digital age, transparency and authenticity are non-negotiables. Consumers today can spot a disingenuous brand from a mile away and are not afraid to call it out on social media.
Show the real you:
Whether it’s sharing behind-the-scenes content or communicating openly with your customers, authenticity can build trust and loyalty. For example, a brand’s proactive transparency during BFCM regarding shipping delays due to high demand can turn potential complaints into praise.
Run seasonal campaigns, and be interactive
BFCM is the perfect time to run seasonal campaigns that captivate and convert. But how can you make your campaign stand out with every other store running discounts and deals?
Interactive campaigns:
Interactive campaigns like gamification can boost engagement. For instance, Ralph Lauren’s gamified shopping experience on Roblox during the 2023 holiday season was a massive success, keeping users engaged while shopping.
Keep your online store running smoothly
The last thing you want during BFCM is for your online store to crash. Downtime can lead to lost sales, frustrated customers, and a damaged reputation.
Optimize your website:
Make sure your website is optimized for high traffic. Shopify’s 2024 BFCM guide emphasizes the importance of rigorous testing and optimization to handle the surge in visitors during this busy shopping period.
Using third party backups is smart and secure
While Shopify and BigCommerce back up their platform, they can’t restore your individual store data (even for a fee). That’s why relying solely on them to protect your data can be risky. Third-party backup solutions like Rewind offer more comprehensive protection, giving you precise control over your data backups and ensuring your data is safe no matter what happens.
Why Rewind?
Rewind provides automatic daily backups, covering everything from product listings and customer data to theme files and metadata. If data is lost, it can be restored in minutes with just a few clicks.
It’s the safety net every eCommerce store needs, especially during high-stakes events like BFCM.
Get peace of mind with Rewind, you can focus on what matters most—running your business—without worrying about data loss. Whether it’s accidental deletions, third-party app errors, or even malicious attacks, Rewind has your back.
It’s your store’s time to shine!
Standing out during BFCM 2024 isn’t just about flashy discounts and big ad spends. It’s about creating an exceptional customer experience, building a loyal community, being transparent, and ensuring your online store is reliable and secure. By following these tips, you can make sure your eCommerce store doesn’t just survive the BFCM rush but thrives in 2024.
And remember, while you’re preparing for the biggest shopping event of the year, Rewind is here to protect your data and give you peace of mind so you can focus on what you do best—growing your business.
Missed the rest of our BFCM series?
We’ve got you (and your online store) covered! Read why data backups are your secret weapon for BFCM, and expert tips from our partner agency Riess Group.
Miriam Saslove">
