Every business, big or small, service-based or product-driven, feels pressure to offer the next best deal on Black Friday. For service-based small businesses, this can stir up frustration. After all, you aren’t selling gadgets or fashion items, so how do you capitalize on this massive shopping event? You know Black Friday can be an opportunity to reach more clients, but how do you create authentic promotions, support your mission, and make a real impact?
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when competitors slash prices left and right. If you’re a service-based business focused on kindness, joy, and wellness, the traditional “50% off everything” approach might not sit well with your values or business model. Don’t worry! You can craft Black Friday promotions that stay true to your mission and resonate deeply with your audience.
In this blog, we’ll show you how to create Black Friday promotions that make your life easier, attract more customers, and help you grow your business without losing sight of your meaningful work.
Why Black Friday Promotions Matter for Your Service-Based Business
Black Friday isn’t just for retail giants or product-based businesses. It’s a pivotal opportunity for service providers as well. Your clients are still in a shopping mindset, eager to find deals and ready to invest in services that will make their lives better, easier, or more joyful. A well-crafted promotion can introduce you to new customers, increase revenue, and foster lasting relationships.
Here’s why Black Friday promotions should matter to you:
- Increase Sales: When done right, Black Friday can give you a significant revenue boost, potentially making up for slower periods during the year.
- Reach New Audiences: People are on the hunt for deals, and if you offer the right value proposition, you can attract customers who may have never heard of you before.
- Showcase Your Impact: Black Friday doesn’t have to be about slashing prices; it can be an opportunity to highlight how your services make a difference in your clients’ lives.
Most importantly, you can design Black Friday promotions more about connection than competition.
5 Powerful Tips for Creating Black Friday Promotions That Stand Out
We’ve got you covered if you’re wondering how to approach Black Friday without compromising your business values. Here are five tips to help you create meaningful, impactful promotions that resonate with your customers.
1. Highlight Your Purpose
Instead of simply offering a discount, promote the why behind your business. For example, if you offer wellness coaching, create a “Wellness Jumpstart” package for Black Friday that combines a discounted first session with a free resource (e.g., an ebook or guide) to set clients up for success.
According to Forbes, brands that emphasize their promotion mission build customer trust and loyalty. Use Black Friday to remind your audience that your services aren’t just about transactions—they’re about transformation.
2. Bundle Your Services for Extra Value
Rather than cutting your prices dramatically, consider bundling your services together to offer added value. For instance, a wellness coach could offer a “Black Friday Wellness Boost,” where clients can book three sessions for the price of two, plus a personalized wellness plan. Bundling lets you maintain your pricing integrity while offering customers a special deal.
This promotion can also introduce clients to services they may not have tried otherwise. A massage therapist, for instance, could bundle massages with aromatherapy or guided meditation sessions, helping clients experience the full spectrum of your offerings.
3. Limited-Time Offers with a Purpose
Create urgency around your Black Friday promotions, but ensure they align with your purpose. Instead of a generic sale, position your offer around a holiday theme like “Joy and Wellness for the Holidays,” valid only through the weekend. Urgency encourages action, while purpose reminds customers of the value you’re delivering.
A study published in The Journal of Consumer Psychology highlights how limited-time offers increase customer purchase intent when paired with a brand’s authentic mission. For you, that means crafting a time-sensitive promotion grounded in the real difference your services make.
4. Offer a Giveback Promotion
Instead of focusing solely on revenue, why not use Black Friday to give back? You could donate a percentage of your earnings to a cause that aligns with your business values or offer a “Pay What You Can” service with a portion going to charity. For instance, a fitness instructor could offer discounted classes with a promise to donate 10% of each sale to a local nonprofit promoting mental health.
Customers are more likely to support brands that give back. According to a study by Cone Communications, 87% of consumers would purchase a product or service because a company advocated for a cause they cared about.
5. Leverage Email and Social Media
Your Black Friday promotion doesn’t need to be a surprise. Start building anticipation with your email list and social media followers weeks in advance. Share teasers about your upcoming offer, what they can expect, and why it’s different from the typical “doorbuster” sales they’re used to seeing.
Social proof—like testimonials, case studies, or customer stories—can be a powerful tool leading up to your Black Friday sale. Remind your audience of the success others have found using your services, and position your promotion as a limited-time opportunity to enjoy the same benefits.
The Biggest Myths About Black Friday Promotions for Service-Based Businesses
Let’s dispel a few myths holding you back from creating impactful Black Friday promotions.
Myth #1: Black Friday is Only for Product-Based Businesses
It’s easy to assume Black Friday is all about products, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. People are ready to invest in experiences and services that will improve their lives, whether marketing consultations, yoga classes, or personal development coaching.
Myth #2: You Have to Slash Your Prices
Offering the lowest price isn’t always the best strategy, especially for purpose-driven businesses. Instead of devaluing your services, focus on offering value-added packages or bonuses. Your clients will appreciate the extra attention and care that goes into crafting a promotion just for them.
Myth #3: Black Friday Cheapens Your Brand
Some business owners worry that running a Black Friday promotion will make them look like they’re chasing money. But if you frame your promotion around your mission—emphasizing the value and impact of your services—you can avoid this pitfall entirely.
Curious for more Marketing Myhts? Let’s debunk the top 10 marketing myths that have been misleading small business owners and hindering their growth.
Best Practices for Black Friday Promotions in the Service Industry
To ensure your Black Friday promotions hit the mark, follow these best practices:
- Start Early: Build anticipation and give your customers plenty of notice. Don’t wait until Thanksgiving to announce your sale.
- Stay True to Your Values: Create offers that align with your kindness, joy, or wellness mission. Clients will recognize the authenticity of your promotions.
- Add Urgency: Limited-time offers to encourage customers to act quickly. Just make sure the urgency feels natural and not overly pushy.
- Focus on Value: Rather than discounting your services, bundle them, add a bonus, or include a charitable aspect to make the promotion feel generous and meaningful.
Trends to Watch in Black Friday Promotions
- Sustainability: More businesses are using Black Friday to promote ethical or sustainable practices, which is a great fit for wellness or mission-driven service providers.
- Digital-Only Deals: As online shopping dominates, digital Black Friday deals—like online classes, virtual consultations, or downloadable content—are gaining popularity.
- Giving Back: Brands are increasingly weaving charity into their Black Friday efforts, which resonates with today’s socially conscious consumers.
Bonus: Create a Post-Black Friday Follow-Up Promotion
After Black Friday, don’t let the momentum die. Offer a follow-up promotion for clients who didn’t take advantage of the Black Friday deal—something like a “Cyber Monday Reset” for those looking to start fresh after the holiday rush. You could even create a series of holiday offers that keep people engaged through the end of the year.
Still curious for more promotion ideas? Get our Promotions That Wow BluePrint to captivate your audience with exciting, memorable moments throughout the year, leaving an indelible mark on your brand’s identity. You can also follow along with our How to Wow Your Customers video!
Don’t Miss Out on a Purposeful Black Friday
If you don’t take advantage of Black Friday, you might miss out on connecting with new clients who are actively seeking the solutions you provide. By creating promotions that highlight the impact of your services, you grow your business and spread kindness, joy, and wellness to more people.
Remember, your clients are looking for more than a bargain. They’re looking for services that will improve their lives, and Black Friday is the perfect opportunity to meet that need in a way that feels authentic to your brand.
Need more ideas for your holiday marketing strategy? Check out our blog on “Creating a Customer-Centric Marketing Strategy” to build on these Black Friday tips and prepare for year-round success.
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