Having previously worked as a graphic designer in the retail sector for over 10 years, the very words 'Black Friday' can still make me giddy with nervous anticipation. The pressure to get everything 'just right' during this crucial shopping weekend is immense, and the graphic design is no exception. Appealing to the consumer to shop at your brand instead of your competitors is always important, but especially so on Black Friday weekend. Which is perhaps why retailers' offerings during the past few years have got bigger and bigger. The Black Friday Weekend offers now seem to start pouring in from the start of November. But does this work as a marketing strategy?

Online Shopping

I have do admit that I do a fair amount of my shopping online, so I do like to have a good mooch online at my fave stores Black Friday deals, and sometimes there are great bargains to be had. Usually this time of year I like to have a good look around for potential Christmas presents, but I do tend to hold off buying anything until Black Friday weekend arrives....just incase anything I want to buy comes down in price. More often than not, it doesn't! But I go ahead and purchase it anyway, but usually on the Black Friday weekend. And I usually add a few more sale items to that purchase too. So if my own shopping habits are anything to go by, it's no wonder retailers discount heavily on this weekend.

Black Friday Messaging

As a designer I love Black Friday! I love to see what unique designs retailers come up with to make their offer stand out from the crowd. The unique marketing messaging brands develop on the weeks leading up to Black Friday is always great to follow. The messages getting stronger as the main weekend draws nearer.

As a consumer, I guess I get a little fed up of seeing the same Black Friday, Black Friday, Black Friday messages in my inbox. But let's be honest, I will always open them to see what's on offer. And I will hold out until Black Friday Weekend to do the majority of my Christmas shopping. Because I don't want to miss out & I love a bargain! Who doesn't?

Shopping in 2020

Although shopping during the Black Friday weekend will largely be online I guess this year, due to current restrictions. I expect the offers will be even stronger with a bid to get people to start shopping again.

Keep It Local

Yes I love the convenience of online shopping, I do. With 2 toddlers and a business to run, I do wholly take advantage of shopping online. But I also support my local independent shops. I think it's more important than ever that these smaller businesses succeed during this time. As many of them are currently closed, why not see if you can support them by seeing if they are offering a local delivery service, or have started to sell products online themselves. Or maybe dedicate a portion of your Christmas budget to spending in your local shops once they re-open in December.

If you have a small business and are looking to get your shop online for 2021, or even before Christmas get in touch with us here at Lollipop Rocks. We offer a pay monthly websites with no contracts and no upfront fees. Think of us as a pay as you go website design service. We want to help small businesses get online fast and cheaply. Get in touch if you want to chat about your project.

And happy shopping this Black Friday!