Black Friday is the shopping extravaganza that turns mild-mannered shoppers into deal-hunting pros, and businesses into bustling hubs of frantic activity. What started as a post-Thanksgiving tradition in the U.S. has evolved into a global shopping phenomenon, with customers eagerly waiting for the best discounts of the year. In 2024 alone, shoppers spent $74.4 billion online globally (with $10.8 billion in the U.S.), setting a new record and proving that Black Friday keeps getting bigger every year.

The way people shop has shifted too. Instead of standing in lines, they’re scrolling TikTok Shop livestreams, relying on AI-driven recommendations to fill their carts, paying in flexible installments with Buy Now Pay Later, and leaning toward brands that highlight sustainable choices.

For ecommerce stores, that makes Black Friday a golden opportunity to not only boost sales and clear out inventory, but also to meet shoppers where they are right now. With customers primed for deals, all they need is the right nudge to hit “checkout.”

The clock might be ticking, but don’t sweat it. I’ve put together a list of creative, last-minute Black Friday promotion ideas that’ll help you capture those shoppers and keep the sales rolling. Ready to turn that last-minute panic into profit? 

Let’s dive in!

What Are the Best Black Friday Promotion Ideas to Try Right Now?

These promotion ideas are built for speed and impact, giving you straightforward ways to catch attention, move shoppers to checkout, and keep sales climbing through the rush.

1. Exclusive Early Access for Subscribers

Why not give your most loyal customers a head start on the Black Friday madness? Offering exclusive early access to your deals can do wonders for both your brand loyalty and your email subscriber list. Not only does this reward your current subscribers or loyalty program members, but it also creates a sense of exclusivity as they feel like they’re part of an inner circle.

Promote this early access in the days leading up to Black Friday through email, SMS, or even your mobile app to build anticipation. Make sure to highlight the fact that only subscribers get the privilege of shopping early, and consider tying in app-only perks or TikTok Shop exclusives. You might even throw in a few subscriber-only bundles to sweeten the deal.

In return, you’ll see a spike in sign-ups as customers rush to join your list for a chance at early savings. It’s a win-win: loyal customers feel appreciated, and you’re growing your audience at the same time!

2. Midnight Madness Sale

Start Black Friday with a head start by launching your hottest deals right at midnight. It’s perfect for capturing those night owls who can’t wait to get their hands on bargains, especially since so much Black Friday traffic now happens on mobile.

To make it work, start promoting the midnight sale days in advance. Use email, social media, and SMS notifications to remind your audience that your best deals drop as soon as the clock strikes twelve. Add a countdown timer to your website or app to build anticipation, and don’t forget to make your biggest discounts front and center.

The trick? Keep the excitement going by teasing livestream drops or surprise offers that roll out through the day. And make sure your site and app are equipped to handle the surge in traffic at midnight. There’s nothing worse than a deal that crashes before it even starts.

3. Doorbuster Deals

Everyone loves a good doorbuster, right? Offering limited quantities of high-demand products at a huge discount is a proven way to drive traffic fast. The key is urgency. Make it crystal clear that once these deals are gone, they’re gone.

To pull this off, highlight your doorbuster deals in your email campaigns, social posts, and site banners to build hype. Release teasers of what’s coming, and consider timed drops or app-exclusive notifications to keep shoppers refreshing for the next deal.

Just remember to time these deals strategically. Launch a few as the sale kicks off, then stagger more throughout the day to keep customers coming back. Layer in social proof, like showing how many people have already claimed the deal, to push the “must-have” vibe even further.

4. Bundle Black Friday with Small Business Saturday

Why limit the fun to just one day? Extending your promotions through Small Business Saturday keeps the momentum going and appeals to shoppers who value supporting independent brands. It’s also a chance to highlight your story, your team, and what makes your business different from the big-box retailers flooding inboxes that weekend.

To make this work, create special promotions that tie both days together like a weekend-long sale or an extra perk for customers who shop on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Use social media and email to emphasize your brand values, share behind-the-scenes content, and remind customers how their purchase supports a real, growing business.

This approach not only extends your sales period but also appeals to the community-minded shopper who’s looking for more than just a discount.

5. 24-Hour Micro-Drops

Instead of putting everything live at midnight and watching the hype fizzle by morning, spread your offers across the whole day. Micro-drops keep the energy high and give shoppers a reason to keep coming back. Each drop can be its own event, with a product reveal, a surprise bundle, or a timed discount that only lasts a couple of hours.

Announce the schedule ahead of time so people know when to tune in, but don’t reveal every detail, leave room for mystery. Use countdown banners on your site, push alerts in your app, and teaser posts on TikTok or Instagram to build anticipation. The shorter the window, the faster people act.

Micro-drops also help with pacing. Instead of a traffic surge that risks crashing your site, you get waves of activity spread throughout the day. And the fear of missing the next release keeps shoppers hooked, refreshing your page or app like they’re waiting on a sneaker drop.

6. Black Friday Countdown Emails

Build excitement and keep your audience engaged by sending a series of countdown emails in the days leading up to your Black Friday sale. It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to remind shoppers that the big day is approaching and get them primed to buy.

Start the countdown about a week in advance. Each email can include a teaser of the deals to come or a special "sneak peek" at your top offers. Make sure to highlight the number of days (or hours!) left until the sale begins to create a sense of urgency. Include enticing visuals and strong calls-to-action, like "Save the Date" or "Add to Calendar" buttons. 

Don’t stop at email. Mirror your countdown with SMS or push notifications to hit customers where they’re most active. Personalize where you can. For example, teasing discounts on categories they’ve browsed before. 

As launch day gets closer, ramp up the excitement with more details, and consider giving subscribers or SMS sign-ups early access to keep them feeling like insiders.

7. VIP Black Friday Events

Make your top customers feel like insiders. Hosting a VIP Black Friday event is a powerful way to reward loyal shoppers with perks that go beyond the standard sale. Think early access to your best deals, a higher discount tier, or exclusive bundles available only to VIPs.

Segment your most valuable customers (top spenders, repeat buyers, or long-time subscribers) and send them personal invitations to the event. Promote the exclusivity with private links, personalized emails, or even SMS alerts, and highlight the benefits they’ll get: early access, app-only drops, or a special livestream where deals go live first.

This approach builds a sense of privilege and keeps your most loyal customers excited to come back year after year.

8. Gift with Purchase

Everyone loves a little something extra, and offering a gift with purchase is still one of the easiest ways to add value to your Black Friday deals and encourage higher spending. The key is to pick a gift that feels special and ties naturally to your brand, whether that’s an accessory, a limited-edition item, exclusive digital content, or even a sustainable perk like eco-friendly packaging or carbon-offset credits.

Promote the gift in all your Black Friday marketing: emails, social posts, banners, and app notifications. Make it clear that it’s only available while supplies last or for a limited time during the sale to create urgency.

Set a minimum purchase requirement to qualify, and position the gift as something worth grabbing before it’s gone. That little bonus can be the deciding factor that gets shoppers to pick you over a competitor.

9. Offer Price Matching

Price-conscious shoppers are always looking for the best deal, and offering a price-matching policy during Black Friday can help ease their concerns. By assuring customers that you’ll match lower prices found elsewhere, you can build trust and reduce hesitation, keeping them from jumping to your competitors.

Clearly advertise your price-matching policy across your website, emails, and social media. Make the rules simple and transparent. Explain which items are eligible, if you’re matching a competitor’s listed price or offering instant store credit if your own price drops, and how customers can request a match. 

Make sure to highlight this feature during the lead-up to Black Friday to reinforce your commitment to providing the best deal. Just make sure you’re prepared to follow through if a customer finds a lower price elsewhere. 

The result: fewer abandoned carts and more trust in your brand.

10. AI Shopping Assistants in Chat

AI chat has gone from clunky bots to legit shopping companions. This year, you can put one to work on Black Friday as the guide that greets shoppers, points them to the right deals, and answers their questions on the spot.

Your assistant can suggest bundles based on what someone is browsing, remind them of a discount before they close the tab, or drop a secret code right into the chat. That mix of speed and personalization keeps people shopping instead of scrolling away.

Promote the assistant like it’s part of the event. Make the tone casual, keep the interface fun, and use it to spotlight limited-time offers before they disappear. An AI helper that feels human enough to trust can carry a big chunk of the sales load while your team focuses on everything else.

11. Black Friday Referral Program

Why not turn your loyal customers into your biggest advocates? A referral program during Black Friday is a smart way to reach new audiences while rewarding the people who already love your brand. Encourage shoppers to spread the word by offering instant perks for each successful referral. Think bonus store credit, free shipping upgrades, or a surprise gift that feels exclusive to the season.

To implement this, set up a simple system where customers get a unique code or link to share. For every successful referral, give them a meaningful reward they can use right away, rather than weeks later. Promote the program through emails, social media, and your app, and make sharing effortless with pre-filled messages or story-friendly links for TikTok and Instagram.

This kind of program grows your customer base at the exact moment people are ready to try new brands, while your loyal customers feel recognized for bringing others into the fold.

12. Create a Black Friday Landing Page

Make it simple for shoppers to find everything in one place by creating a dedicated landing page for your Black Friday offers. A well-designed page not only showcases your top deals but also helps your store show up in search results for Black Friday keywords, bringing in new traffic.

Highlight your best discounts, exclusive bundles, and any special perks like free shipping or limited-time bonuses. Use bold visuals, live countdown timers to emphasize urgency, and easy navigation so shoppers can jump straight to what they want. 

In 2025, personalization matters too. Consider tools that surface deals based on a visitor’s browsing or purchase history to make the page feel tailored.

Be sure the page is lightning-fast on mobile since most shoppers will be browsing on their phones, and connect it with social channels like TikTok Shop or Instagram so clicks from those platforms land on the right place. Promote your landing page in emails, ads, and posts to funnel all the traffic into one hub. 

With everything in one spot, it’s easier for shoppers to buy and easier for you to convert them.

13. Interactive Promotions

Make Black Friday shopping more engaging by adding interactive elements that turn deals into a game. Spin-to-win wheels, digital scratch cards, or even quick scavenger hunts can boost excitement and keep shoppers invested in the experience.

Set up a simple feature on your site or app, like a wheel with tiered discounts or a scratch card that reveals a surprise reward. Promote the game through email, social posts, or even TikTok and Instagram stories, encouraging customers to play for a chance at exclusive prizes.

For even more impact, connect rewards to cart size so spending more unlocks better prizes. Always keep the design mobile-friendly, since most shoppers will play on their phones. 

Interactive promotions add energy, keep customers engaged longer, and give them a reason to hit checkout with a bigger basket.

14. Cross-Sell and Upsell During Checkout

Black Friday is prime time to lift your order values by slipping in smart cross-sells and upsells during checkout. Suggest items that pair well with what’s already in the cart, or highlight an upgraded version at a Black Friday price that’s hard to pass up.

Use an automated tool that displays personalized recommendations based on the customer’s current cart. For example, if they’re buying a laptop, suggest a matching accessory like a protective case or an external hard drive. 

You can also upsell by offering premium versions of the products they’ve chosen, with a Black Friday discount attached. Make sure these suggestions are prominently displayed during checkout, and highlight the savings they’ll get by adding them now. It’s a simple way to increase the average order value without being too pushy.

15. Free Upgrades

A free upgrade can flip a casual shopper into a committed buyer. During Black Friday, upgrades feel like a reward for spending, whether that’s an extended warranty, a premium version of a product, or access to exclusive features.

Pick products where an upgrade feels meaningful but still works with your margins. A skincare brand could offer a deluxe-size version, while a tech brand might throw in a longer warranty or premium accessory. Even simple touches like eco-friendly packaging or digital add-ons can feel like a win.

Promote upgrades as a limited-time offer and make the extra value obvious at checkout and in your marketing. Tie them to certain cart totals or categories to nudge customers toward bigger baskets. 

The urgency of knowing the perk disappears after Black Friday pushes people to act faster and leaves them with a better impression of your brand.

16. Flash Cashback Offers

Flash cashback creates urgency and pushes shoppers to spend more in the moment. By giving money back during a tight window or at certain order values, you motivate quick decisions and bigger carts.

Set up limited-time offers that run for one or two hours. Give back a percentage of the purchase as instant store credit, app credit, or even direct cashback to the payment method. You can also surprise buyers with a bonus gift card to use later, which brings them back for another purchase.

Promote this heavily through social media, email, and push notifications to get customers excited and watch the clock. The key here is the short time frame. Customers will be more likely to make a quick decision to secure that bonus. Just make sure the cashback is meaningful enough to entice larger orders!

17. Implement Virtual Queues

If you’re expecting a surge of traffic on Black Friday, a virtual queue can protect your site and keep the shopping flow steady. Visitors get placed in line once traffic spikes, which keeps pages loading and checkout working.

While shoppers wait, keep them engaged with a live countdown, product highlights, or teasers of upcoming drops. You can also drop small perks, like discount codes or free shipping, to reward their patience. Some brands even add mini-games or live chat to make the wait feel interactive.

Be clear about estimated wait times and show their position in line. Most people will join from mobile, so make sure the queue runs smoothly there. A transparent, mobile-friendly queue prevents frustration and keeps customers excited instead of bailing.

18. Emphasize Stock Levels

Creating urgency is key during Black Friday, and one of the easiest ways to do that is by emphasizing stock levels on your product pages. Letting customers know when stock is running low can push them to make a quicker decision before the item sells out.

To implement this, display real-time stock counts for high-demand items on your website. Use phrases like “Only 5 left!” or “Low stock!” to create a sense of urgency. You can also include pop-ups or notifications that let customers know when an item is almost sold out. For added effect, tie these low-stock alerts to popular products or doorbuster deals to maximize conversions. 

If possible, incorporate social proof, like showing how many people are currently viewing or have purchased the item, to create FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). This tactic helps motivate hesitant shoppers to hit that checkout button faster.

19. Collaborate with Bloggers and Influencers

Partnering with bloggers and influencers can put your Black Friday offers in front of the right people fast. Influencers bring trust, and their content feels natural to followers who are already primed to buy from their recommendations.

Look for creators in your niche whose audience matches your target market. Work with them to produce content that feels real: unboxings, short reviews, livestream shopping sessions, or Reels that spotlight your deals. Hand them exclusive codes or links to share so followers feel like they’re unlocking something special.

This kind of collaboration expands your reach, funnels new shoppers into your store, and builds hype around your products during the peak shopping frenzy. Done right, influencer content drives traffic and sales in a way ads alone can’t.

20. Offer Buy Now, Pay Later Options

Big-ticket purchases feel lighter when shoppers can split payments, which makes BNPL a powerful Black Friday driver. The option to spread out costs pushes people toward higher order values and makes deals feel more affordable.

Partner with providers like Klarna, Afterpay, or Affirm and bake the option directly into your checkout. Show it clearly on product pages and in carts, so customers know before they click “buy” that they can pay in installments. Highlight zero-interest promos or limited-time offers from your BNPL partner to make the deal even sweeter.

During Black Friday, position BNPL as a way to grab the best discounts without the full upfront spend. Shoppers are more likely to commit when they can pay in smaller bites, which means more conversions and bigger baskets for you.

21. Mobile App Exclusive Deals

App-only deals are a strong way to drive downloads and keep customers engaged during Black Friday. Shoppers know the best perks live behind the app icon, and exclusivity gives them a reason to use it.

Promote your app in the lead-up to the sale through your website, email, and socials. Offer discounts, bundles, or early drops that can only be unlocked through the app. Sweeten it with loyalty rewards or app credits for repeat purchases to keep people coming back.

Once users are in, push notifications do the heavy lifting. Alert shoppers when new deals go live, send personalized recommendations based on their activity, and remind them when limited-time offers are about to expire. 

The result is a shopping experience that feels smoother, faster, and more rewarding while you build a customer base that sticks with your app long after Black Friday ends.

22. One-Click Checkout Everywhere

Black Friday shoppers move fast. They spot a deal, they want it, and if checkout slows them down, they bounce. That’s why one-click payment options are non-negotiable in 2025. Apple Pay, Shop Pay, Google Pay, and similar tools remove friction and let customers buy in seconds.

Make these options impossible to miss. Feature them on product pages, in the cart, and throughout your app. If you’re selling through social platforms, activate in-app checkout so buyers don’t have to leave TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube to complete the purchase.

The easier you make the checkout, the more impulse buys you capture. Every extra step is a chance for hesitation, so cut it out. A single tap to secure the deal keeps carts from being abandoned and drives up conversions when the pressure to act fast is highest.

23. Dynamic Pricing Strategies

Dynamic pricing keeps your store competitive and your sales moving. By adjusting prices in real time, you can respond to traffic, inventory levels, and competitor shifts, giving shoppers the best possible deal at the moment.

Use AI-powered pricing tools that automate changes based on rules you set. If a product is trending, prices can adjust up as stock runs low. If sales are slower, discounts can kick in to move items faster. Announce time-limited price drops with banners, countdown timers, or app notifications to push urgency and drive impulse buys.

Be transparent about changes so customers know when they’re grabbing a special price. Clear communication keeps excitement high while protecting trust. With smart pricing rules in place, you stay ahead of competitors and maximize every Black Friday opportunity.

24. Run a 'Mystery Deal' Promotion

Mystery deals tap into curiosity and keep shoppers guessing. The surprise factor makes the buying process more exciting and encourages customers to come back for another round.

Set up a mystery offer that unlocks only after purchase. Rewards can range from a free gift to a random discount on their next order, or even access to an exclusive product. Add tiered rewards so bigger carts unlock better surprises, which nudges people to spend more.

Promote the deal through email, social media, and your app as a Black Friday–only offer. Use countdowns or limited spots to keep urgency high, and consider gamified reveals like scratch cards or spin-to-unlock mechanics for extra engagement.

It’s a playful way to drive purchases while making the shopping experience more exciting!

25. Black Friday Gift Guides

Gift guides make shopping easier and help customers land the right pick without endless scrolling. Break them down into clear categories that reflect who people are shopping for (tech lovers, beauty fans, fitness enthusiasts, kids) or even values like eco-friendly gifts and trending creator collabs.

Design the guides to feel visual and easy to skim. Use photos, shoppable carousels, or even short videos to bring the products to life. Feature them prominently on your homepage, promote them in email campaigns, and share bite-sized versions on TikTok and Instagram for quick discovery.

Add perks like bundle pricing or exclusive discounts to make the guides feel even more useful. With a well-organized and mobile-friendly layout, gift guides smooth out the customer journey and turn browsing into buying.

26. Social Media Flash Giveaways

Flash giveaways keep energy high and pull more eyes to your brand in the middle of Black Friday chaos. They’re quick, time-sensitive contests that reward fast action and get followers interacting with your content.

Run several across the day with short entry windows, an hour or two at most. Promote them ahead of time and make entry simple, like liking a post, tagging a friend, or replying in a story. You can also ask for quick UGC, like posting a product photo or sharing a reel, to spread reach further.

Host them where people are most active: TikTok, Instagram Stories, or Reels. Prizes can range from gift cards to free products to exclusive discounts. Keep it transparent and deliver fast so participants know your giveaways are real. Done right, flash contests drive engagement, boost visibility, and funnel new customers into your store while keeping current ones hyped.

27. Targeted Black Friday Ads

Targeted ads cut through the noise and put your deals in front of the people most likely to click buy. Instead of throwing money at broad audiences, focus on shoppers who are already primed: your current customers, their lookalikes, or anyone who’s shown intent by browsing similar products.

Run campaigns on platforms where your audience actually scrolls. In 2025, that means TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and retail networks like Amazon Ads alongside staples like Google Ads and Meta. Use advanced targeting filters (location, interests, purchase behavior) to narrow your spend.

Retarget visitors who checked your site or abandoned carts with fresh creative that highlights urgency and limited-time pricing. Lean on AI-driven tools to spin out ad variations that adapt to different audiences in real time. With smart targeting and sharp creative, your ads land with people who are ready to shop and convert fast.

28. Charitable Giving

Black Friday doesn’t have to be all sales and no soul. Partnering with a cause and donating a portion of your sales shows shoppers their purchase has a bigger impact, and it attracts customers who want to buy from brands that stand for something.

Pick a cause that feels authentic to your brand: sustainability, local community projects, or an issue your audience deeply cares about. Promote the initiative everywhere: on-site banners, email campaigns, and social posts. Be clear about how much you’re donating and give updates so people see the real impact. A live tracker or progress bar can make the contribution feel tangible.

By tying sales to a cause, you create goodwill while boosting conversions. Customers walk away with their order and the feeling that they contributed to something meaningful, which strengthens loyalty long after Black Friday ends.

Conclusion

Black Friday is a golden opportunity to boost your ecommerce sales, but it can feel overwhelming when the clock is ticking. The good news? These last-minute strategies show you how to boost Black Friday sales, stand out from the competition and capture the attention of deal-hungry shoppers. 

From exclusive early access to engaging giveaways, each idea offers a creative way to maximize your sales and keep customers coming back for more.

Remember, the key to Black Friday success is urgency, engagement, and value. Whether you’re offering VIP perks, gamifying the shopping experience, or partnering with influencers, these tactics will help you drive traffic, increase conversions, and turn last-minute planning into profit. So, take a deep breath, implement the Black Friday promotion ideas that fit your brand better.

RIP Adam Smith, you would’ve loved Black Fridays!