What’s the business case for Black Friday?

It’s that time of year when retailers and consumers alike brace themselves for the onslaught of discounts, deals, and sales that come at the end of November. With Black Friday closing in, of course, small businesses are forced to think about their own sales and offerings too.

Questions like: do I need to create a new offer? Should I be promoting my product or service? Do I need new sales funnels?, might be flooding your mind.

So, what are my thoughts as a marketing consultant, and someone who has been on both sides of Black Friday chaos?

Expand your business marketing efforts beyond social media

You can’t solely rely on social media to market and grow your business. You aren’t in control of the platforms and they can go away or change, at any time, for any reason, without any warning, and with zero recourse.

So, let's talk about some additional strategies you can implement into your business in an effort to diversify your marketing efforts beyond social media, your website, and/or email marketing. And as a bonus? You have greater control over how these initiatives work for your business.

Challenge the status quo with your business—in good faith

Hardly a day goes by where we don’t hear about a new change Elon Musk has made to the world of tech.

And while these changes are often framed (at least by Musk) as “advancements” to the industry, many critics (myself included) are wary of the impact of these – often seemingly abrupt and impulsive – changes.

Because while there’s no doubt Musk is challenging the status quo in all of the industries he has his hand in, my concern is that he’s doing it to build his ego, not for the benefit of society.

Prioritizing diversity of sourcing in your content

With recent news and emphasis in the media on diversity (and the sad lack thereof), systematic and systemic discrimination, and the need for companies to prioritize inclusivity in their business, you’ve likely been rethinking how your company is currently running, and what changes you need to make.

An area that’s often unfortunately overlooked, as business owners make their way through revisions to their hiring practices and procedures, putting guidelines in place to ensure the marketing media and copywriting they use are more inclusive and representative, and surveying current and past employees for feedback, is prioritizing the diversity of sourcing in your content.

Know your competition, but don’t try to become them

One of the foundational activities I love to do with my clients is to look at similar businesses or organizations to see what they're doing and whether it's effective.

The goal isn't to emulate them or even to get inspiration. It's about finding gaps in the marketplace that could be filled with my client’s business offerings or through communication and marketing differentiation.

Being different is GOOD. After all, if every company presents itself in the same way, what's the point? Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but it's not going to show how you're different. And your strength lies in what you do differently.

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