Boost Your Shopify Sales with Black Friday Trends
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Black Friday 2020: The Impact of the Pandemic
- Black Friday Trends for 2021
- 3.1 Extended Sales Duration
- 3.2 Accelerated Checkout
- 3.3 Importance of Live Chat
- 3.4 Cross-Border Selling
- 3.5 Support for Independent Businesses
- 3.6 Alternative Fulfillment Options
- Top Converting Marketing Strategies
- Getting Ready for Black Friday 2021
- Conclusion
Introduction
Black Friday 2020: The Impact of the Pandemic
Black Friday Trends for 2021
Extended Sales Duration
Accelerated Checkout
Importance of Live Chat
Cross-Border Selling
Support for Independent Businesses
Alternative Fulfillment Options
Top Converting Marketing Strategies
Email Marketing
Getting Ready for Black Friday 2021
Conclusion
Black Friday 2020: The Impact of the Pandemic
Last year's Black Friday was unlike any other. The COVID-19 pandemic forced shoppers to abandon the traditional in-store experience and resort to online shopping. This shift resulted in record-breaking sales, with Shopify alone raking in a staggering $5.1 billion. Now, as the world slowly returns to normalcy, it's crucial to examine which trends will continue to shape the Black Friday shopping landscape.
Black Friday Trends for 2021
Extended Sales Duration
Black Friday is no longer just a weekend event; it has become an entire season. Supply chain disruptions and shipping delays have been prevalent in 2021, prompting businesses to extend their promotions and campaigns well into December. Last year, this strategy led to a remarkable 76% increase in sales. As long as this trend remains lucrative, Black Friday will continue to expand its reach.
Accelerated Checkout
One of the emerging trends in online shopping is the demand for faster checkout experiences. Shoppers desire a seamless process that allows them to fill their carts, rather than filling out lengthy forms. Features like Shopify's Shop Pay have made speedy payments a new standard. Shop Pay remembers customers' preferred details and encrypts all information for enhanced security. This has resulted in an impressive four percent increase in checkout speed, with an average order to checkout rate 1.72 times higher than regular methods. To capitalize on this trend, businesses that rely on impulse purchases must ensure their checkout process is slick and hassle-free.
Importance of Live Chat
In today's world, customers crave personal interaction, even in the realm of online shopping. Live chat apps have become indispensable for businesses and buyers alike. Responsiveness is key to securing sales, whether it's through social media platforms or SMS. Research shows that if you respond to a shopper's chat within five minutes, you are 70% more likely to make a sale. For Shopify users, Gorgeous is a great all-in-one chat app that comes highly recommended.
Cross-Border Selling
As modern commerce continues to evolve, cross-border selling has become a cornerstone of success. Independent businesses, heavily impacted by the pandemic, face the choice between thriving or succumbing to dominant retail powers. Fortunately, consumers chose to support small businesses during Black Friday and Cyber Monday last year. More than 44 million shoppers globally purchased from independent and direct-to-consumer brands powered by Shopify, representing a 50% jump from 2019. This trend of supporting independent businesses is one that we hope continues for years to come.
Support for Independent Businesses
Alternative fulfillment options have gained significant traction, as customers yearn for autonomy in their purchases. Curbside pickup and local delivery, once essential lifelines for local retailers, continue to play a vital role during the Black Friday season. Shoppers want to support local businesses and shop safely from the comfort of their homes, all while avoiding shipping costs and delays. Furthermore, customers who choose local delivery or pickup have been found to check out with a 25% higher cart size. Offering click-and-collect services provides people with the flexibility to obtain their purchases when they need them.
Top Converting Marketing Strategies
While many aspects of commerce have changed over the years, the tried and tested marketing strategies remain steadfast. Email marketing, in particular, retains its position as the most profitable tool in an online retailer's arsenal. If you're looking for an email marketing app, we highly recommend SmarterMail.
Getting Ready for Black Friday 2021
With the anticipation of Black Friday 2021, it's essential to take advantage of these trends and tailor your campaigns accordingly. Not every trend may be relevant to your store, so understanding your target audience and their desires is crucial. Plan your promotions, optimize your checkout process, implement live chat support, and explore alternative fulfillment options. Combine these strategies with effective email marketing to guarantee a successful Black Friday season.
Conclusion
As Black Friday approaches, it's imperative for businesses to adapt to changing consumer preferences. The impact of the pandemic has transformed the shopping landscape, making Black Friday more than just a one-day event. By embracing extended sales durations, accelerating checkout experiences, prioritizing live chat support, and supporting local businesses, retailers can maximize their revenue during Black Friday. Additionally, leveraging top converting marketing strategies, such as email marketing, will further enhance success. Prepare your business for Black Friday 2021, keeping in mind the trends that resonate with your audience, and set yourself up for a profitable holiday season.
Highlights:
- Black Friday has evolved into a seasonal event, extending beyond just a weekend.
- Accelerated checkout experiences are in high demand, with Shop Pay leading the way.
- Live chat support significantly increases the likelihood of securing sales.
- Supporting independent businesses and offering alternative fulfillment options are crucial for success.
- Email marketing remains the most profitable strategy for online retailers.
FAQ
Q: How long will Black Friday sales last this year?
A: Many businesses are expected to continue their Black Friday sales well into December, resulting in an extended sales duration.
Q: Which app is recommended for live chat support on Shopify?
A: Gorgeous is a highly recommended all-in-one chat app for Shopify users.
Q: Are alternative fulfillment options, like curbside pickup and local delivery, popular during Black Friday?
A: Yes, alternative fulfillment options have gained significant popularity, as shoppers want to support local businesses and avoid shipping costs and delays.
Q: What is the most profitable marketing strategy for Black Friday?
A: Email marketing remains the most profitable tool for online retailers during the Black Friday season. SmarterMail is a recommended email marketing app.
Q: How can businesses prepare for Black Friday 2021?
A: Businesses can prepare for Black Friday 2021 by embracing extended sales durations, optimizing their checkout process, implementing live chat support, exploring alternative fulfillment options, and leveraging email marketing strategies.
