Black Friday tips for small businesses: How to make the most of the big day

Black Friday is more than just a shopping frenzy—it’s a golden opportunity for small businesses to shine, attract new customers, and boost sales. Whether you’re offering unbeatable deals or rewarding loyal customers, the key to success lies in careful planning and creative strategies. Here’s how you can make the most of the day, with a little help from tools like financial planning (and maybe even a small business loan!).

Here are some tips to help get your small business prepped for Black Friday.

Black Friday is the perfect time to introduce your business to a wider audience. Attracting new customers can be as simple as offering a discount or free gift for first-time shoppers—who doesn’t love a little extra incentive? Promoting your deals on social media and through email campaigns is another way to make sure people know what’s on offer. Build excitement with countdowns, teaser posts, and adverts that highlight your best deals. If you want to extend your reach, consider teaming up with local influencers or community groups who can help spread the word to an even bigger audience.

While bringing in new customers is important, don’t forget about those who already love your brand. Black Friday is a great time to show them some appreciation. Exclusive VIP offers or early access to sales can make loyal customers feel valued and special. If you don’t already have one, consider launching a loyalty programme to reward repeat purchases—it’s a gift that keeps on giving for both you and your customers. Another idea? Encourage your happy shoppers to refer friends by offering a bonus or discount for every successful referral. Word of mouth is still one of the most powerful marketing tools out there.

While slashing prices can help you clear stock and bring in buyers, over-discounting can quickly eat into your profits. Instead of across-the-board markdowns, focus on creating value. Bundles or “Buy One, Get One Free” deals are great ways to increase the size of each purchase. Flash sales, where certain deals are available for a limited time, can create excitement and urgency among shoppers. And don’t forget about the checkout experience—suggesting add-ons or offering a discount on their next purchase is an easy way to encourage repeat business while increasing your average basket size.

Black Friday can be a balancing act between offering irresistible discounts and maintaining healthy profit margins. That’s why it’s essential to plan your finances carefully. Before you set any offers live, factor in costs like marketing, extra staffing, and shipping to ensure you’re not cutting too deeply into your profits. If your business needs a financial boost to cover things like stock or advertising campaigns, a small business loan could be the support you need to pull it all together. Remember, smart financial planning can turn a good Black Friday into a great one.

With so many shoppers scrolling through their phones, having a well-prepared online shop is critical. Make sure your website is mobile-friendly and can handle an increase in traffic. A slow or crashing site is the quickest way to lose customers on Black Friday. Test the shopping experience from start to finish—ensure that links from your social media posts lead directly to product pages and that checkout is seamless. A little extra preparation here can go a long way in converting curious browsers into paying customers.

The end of Black Friday doesn’t have to mean the end of sales. Encourage your customers to share their purchases on social media to create free buzz for your business. Use this time to gather reviews and feedback—it’s valuable insight that can help you plan for next year. And don’t forget to follow up with your new customers. A simple thank-you email, paired with a discount for future purchases, can help turn one-time shoppers into loyal supporters.

This Black Friday, it’s time to show the world what your small business is made of! Need a business boost to tackle the holiday season? Apply now!