Offers… discounts… promotions…
Online stores in the MENA region and around the world are competing to increase White Friday sales in an attempt to make up for missed sales throughout the year.
It’s a common trend among consumers to delay their shopping plans until the start of the White Friday sales season. They do this to take advantage of the intense competition between stores and brands, secure the best deals, and save as much money as possible.
Given the massive scale of the season, the fierce competition, and the potential for higher sales, it’s clear that early preparation is key. By announcing your offers and discounts now, you can attract a larger customer base and significantly boost your sales.
Now, the question is:
Why Should You Promote Your White Friday Sales Early?
Because studies have shown that almost 70% of Emiratis and over 50% of Saudis make online purchases especially in the weeks before and during White Friday.
And simply, this is what the vast majority of stores and brands do. It’s not a waste of resources or marketing budget, but an attempt to stay at the forefront of the scene and reap the most benefits.
Let’s take a quick example of one Saudi store specializing in handmade sweets and pastries: Dyafat Rateel.
What they’re doing:
When you browse their online store, you’ll notice White Friday sales deals showcased everywhere, with unique and festive designs created just for this occasion. The free shipping offer is also prominently featured across the page, both in text and as part of the visuals. A special White Friday offer stands out at the top of the page, while a dedicated “Discounts” section is placed at the start of the main menu, highlighted with a unique color to catch attention.
4. Use Urgency to Drive Action
Tactics like “Special offer for one hour only” or “Limited stock available” create urgency and prompt hesitant customers to act quickly. The fear of missing out (FOMO) continues to be a powerful motivator. For instance, Sun & Sand Sports uses countdown clocks on its homepage, highlighting how much time remains before deals end. Even though many customers recognize this technique, it still drives sales by creating a sense of immediacy.
5. Keep Customers Anticipating New Offers
Flash sales, with steep discounts for limited times, are a proven method to build excitement. Advertise them in advance to encourage customers to visit your site at specific times, ensuring they don’t miss the deal. Jumia, for example, has seen tremendous success by running flash sales during peak seasons, drawing customers in with significant discounts and symbolic prices, sometimes as low as 1 SAR for high-value items. This creates a sense of urgency and keeps customers engaged with your store.
The Time to Increase White Friday Sales Is Now
When it comes to White Friday sales, a well-targeted, streamlined approach will set you apart in the rush. Here’s a quick checklist to make the most of the season without overcomplicating things:
- Choose One or Two Standout Strategies: Focus on one or two promotional ideas that align best with your brand. Combining a few well-executed ideas will have more impact than trying everything at once.
- Segment and Personalize: Group your customers by demographics or interests, and tailor your offers and messaging to match each segment. Targeted messaging resonates more, boosting conversion rates.
- Experiment and Adjust Quickly: Use data analytics to track performance in real-time. Make quick adjustments to keep your campaign fresh and relevant, optimizing results as you go.
- Keep an Eye on Competitors: Competitors may launch last-minute offers that could impact your strategy. Stay flexible, monitor the landscape, and pivot if necessary to maintain your edge.
- Prioritize Logistics and Customer Support: Ensure your team is ready for increased sales and inquiries. Have a solid logistics plan to avoid shipping delays, as customer satisfaction depends on smooth delivery.
- Retain Your New Customers: After White Friday, keep new customers engaged. Follow up with exclusive discounts, loyalty offers, or personalized emails to encourage repeat purchases and build long-term relationships.
- Partner with Reliable Shipping Providers: The right shipping partner, like OTO, can help you handle high volumes and ship fast with multiple carriers, ensuring customer satisfaction during peak demand.
As you prepare for this exciting season, remember that OTO is here to support your shipping and logistics needs. Log in to your OTO account today to explore new features and strategies designed specifically for your business. Let’s work together to make this White Friday your most successful one yet!
Good luck!