If you've ever managed a website during Black Friday or Cyber Monday, you know it's not for the faint of heart. There's this strange, electric mix of excitement and panic that hits right before the first sale notification pings in.
You start wondering: Is the site fast enough? Are the promo codes working? Did I double-check the checkout flow?
Every brand goes through this. And the best way to keep your cool during the chaos is to prepare early and focus on the customer experience above all else.
First Impressions Start with Speed
Nothing kills excitement faster than a slow-loading page.
Compress your images, check your hosting plan, and run a quick audit with Google's PageSpeed Insights. A few small fixes can shave priceless seconds off load times.
Simplify Everything
When the adrenaline's running high and the deals are flying, shoppers want one thing: ease.
Don't make them create an account. Don't bury the shipping costs on the last screen. Don't ask unnecessary questions during the checkout process.
Every unnecessary step is a reason to abandon the cart. Keep it clean, direct, and obvious where to click next.
The Mobile Majority
The reality is more people will shop on their phones this year than ever before.
Your site shouldn't just look great, it needs to be functional on mobile too. Buttons should be easy to tap, the text should be readable, and pop-ups that cover the full page should be removed.
Test your checkout on your own phone. If you have a bad experience, so will your customers.
Anticipate the Chaos
Prepare for higher volume: upgrade hosting if needed, double-check your analytics, and make sure your customer service team can handle the influx of questions.
But remember to have fun with it! Try leaning in to the excitement by updating your homepage with festive touches like seasonal copy or a countdown to the big holiday sale.
The Afterglow
The weeks after Black Friday are golden for turning new buyers into repeat customers. You could take this time to send a thank-you note or ask for feedback.
You'll also want to spend some time looking over the numbers with your team. You're going to have to talk about what worked and what didn't. This data will help guide your next campaign!
Final Thought
The best BFCM prep is about creating a smooth, stress-free experience for your customers and yourself. When your website feels ready, your team feels confident, and your shoppers feel cared for, the season stops feeling overwhelming and starts feeling exciting!
Need a little help getting all set up? That's where The Fuse Digital steps in. Reach out to us today!