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Navigating Black Friday: How Product and Service-Based Businesses Can Boost Holiday Sales

The Black Friday Opportunity for All Businesses

Black Friday isn’t just for big-box retailers anymore—it’s like the holiday season has opened its doors to everyone including product and service-based businesses. Whether you’re shipping products or offering top-notch services, this is your time to shine. It’s the perfect chance to engage customers, boost visibility, and end the year on a high note. 


The secret to making it all work? Smart preparation.


With the right strategies, businesses of all sizes can thrive. Service-based businesses no longer have to sit on the sidelines with popcorn, watching product-based companies rake in the dough—they can offer creative promotions and capture that Black Friday magic, too. Meanwhile, product-based businesses can strengthen their game by rolling out early offers and engaging customers with well-timed content.


Hi, I'm Brittany, a mom, mystery buff, bookworm, and DIY home decor enthusiast. I love nothing more than finding sustainable strategies to help your business grow into what you've dreamed of. If you're looking for support with your social media, email marketing to podcast, click here to learn how I can help.


And if your to-do list is already as long as your kid’s holiday wishlist, no worries. Our Done-For-You 90-Day Content Plan is here to save the day! It's designed to boost engagement, drive sales, and take the stress out of planning your social media content, so you can focus on what matters—growing your business.


Small business owner purchasing service-based businesses black friday promotion online

Table of Contents


Why Black Friday is No Longer Just for Retail Giants

The Shift in Black Friday Trends

Gone are the days when Black Friday was reserved for retail giants. Now, small but mighty businesses—whether selling products or services—are thriving during the holiday rush by tapping into consumer excitement and shifting expectations.


This shift has sparked creative promotions. Service providers are rolling out discounted consulting packages, digital courses, and limited-time memberships. Meanwhile, product-based businesses are bundling items into holiday-ready packages and adding perks like free shipping to close the deal.


Statistics show 80% of shoppers will focus on products, while 20-25% will allocate spending toward services. With growing demand for experiences, service providers are strategically capturing holiday buzz. Small businesses that blend innovative service deals with physical products are standing out more than ever.


The secret sauce? Planning ahead and aligning content with your offers to capture attention early. Get a head start with our 90-Day Momentum Plan and ensure your business is primed for growth when the holiday rush kicks off.


small business owner packaging product in box for Black Friday promotion


How Product-Based Businesses Can Make Black Friday Irresistible

Product-based businesses can turn the Black Friday buzz into serious revenue with offers that customers simply can’t resist. Here are a few tried-and-true strategies to grab attention and boost sales:


1) Discounts That Spark Impulse Buys:

Whether it’s a site-wide sale or category-specific markdowns, discounts encourage customers to act fast. They see a deal and—bam!—into the cart it goes.


2) Bundle It Up for Better Value:

Customers love a good deal, and bundling complementary items is the perfect way to deliver it. Think: matching scarf-and-glove sets or skincare kits—all at a price that feels like a steal.


3) Free Gifts with Purchase:

A bonus item with a minimum spend? Yes, please! Offering freebies like tote bags, candles, or exclusive merch sweetens the deal and nudges customers to hit that purchase threshold, especially if the merch is only available during the Black Friday sale.


Example: 

A boutique offers 30% off storewide and throws in a free tote bag for orders over $75. This kind of combo drives higher cart values and makes customers feel like they’re getting a little something extra for their money.


Just a heads-up: Pulling off this strategy takes some advance prep. You’ll need to plan ahead to source and stock these limited-time items so they’re ready to ship with your orders. Not sure where to start? 


Check out our blog, 3 Key Phases for Your Black Friday Social Media Strategy to Maximize Your Success for a timeline that will help you stay organized and ahead of schedule.


woman carrying shopping bags prompting Black Friday deals for businesses

Creative Ways for Service-Based Businesses to Shine on Black Friday

Service-based businesses don’t need to rely on discounts to win big during Black Friday. With some thoughtful promotions, you can stand out, resonate with holiday shoppers, and attract clients without lowering your prices. Here are three smart ways to make it happen:


1) Offer a Bonus Service or Resource

Give your audience an extra perk for booking with you during Black Friday weekend—without cutting into your bottom line. A bonus service or downloadable resource can enhance the perceived value of what you offer.


Example: A business coach sweetens the deal by including a free workbook with every consultation booked on Black Friday. It’s like giving clients a head start on their success journey.


2) Host an Accountability or Co-Working Call

Help your clients hit the ground running by offering an exclusive implementation session or accountability call. This ensures they immediately act on your service or course content, making them feel supported and motivated.


Example: A course creator invites participants to a post-Black Friday co-working session where they can implement lessons together and get real-time feedback from you while on the call.


3) Create an Exclusive VIP Package or Early Access

Bundle multiple services into a VIP package or offer early access to new programs. The exclusivity creates urgency, making clients feel like they’re getting something special before anyone else and it’s a great way to determine interest in future offerings before you spend time building them.


Example: A wellness coach offers a VIP bundle with personalized meal planning, coaching calls, and early access to an upcoming course. It’s the ultimate all-in-one holiday treat.


With creativity and value-driven incentives, you can capture attention and grow your business without the need to discount your services.


A group of small business owners co-working virtually and in-person as part of a Black Friday promotion


Collaboration Ideas: How Products and Services Can Join Forces for Black Friday

Black Friday doesn't have to just be about solo deals—teaming up with complementary businesses can be a game-changer for sales helping you standout from the promotional noise. By collaborating, product and service-based businesses can create joint promotions that expand reach, multiply value, and attract new customers. It’s like bringing together two great ingredients to make a recipe everyone loves.


Creative Joint Promotions

Think about it. A jewelry store could partner with a stylist to offer a bundle that includes a gorgeous piece of jewelry and a personalized styling session. Not only does this sweeten the deal for customers, but it also introduces each business to an entirely new audience they may not have reached otherwise.


Example: A boutique collaborates with a local photographer to offer a package deal: every holiday clothing purchase comes with a 30-minute photo session, perfect for holiday portraits.


The Benefits of Collaboration

Expand Your Audience - By partnering with a business that shares your target market, you can tap into each other’s customer base and increase your visibility. It’s like cross-pollinating, everybody wins with greater exposure and more engagement.


Offer Enhanced Value - Collaborative promotions give customers something they can’t find anywhere else, making your offer stand out. It’s not just about sales; it’s about creating unique, memorable experiences that boost satisfaction and loyalty.


Pro Tip: These joint promotions aren’t just for Black Friday—they can spark ongoing partnerships, creating a ripple effect for future campaigns.


3 women standing around a computer collaborating on a Black Friday strategy for small business

How To Create Excitement Before Black Friday

Creating excitement ahead of Black Friday can significantly impact your overall success. Engaging your audience early not only builds anticipation but also ensures they are primed to take action when your offers go live.


Social Media

Social media is perfect for hype—use countdowns, teaser posts, and polls to keep followers engaged. Share sneak peeks or “this-or-that” posts to spark curiosity. Add an Instagram countdown sticker to remind customers without extra effort.


Email Marketing

Email marketing takes engagement up a notch. Treat subscribers like VIPs by sending early-bird previews or exclusive access codes.


Example: A spa could offer its email list first dibs on a premium Black Friday package before anyone else, creating irresistible FOMO and a reason for social media followers to get on your email list ASAP!


Engage early, tease just enough, and make your audience feel special—because when the big day arrives, they'll be primed to click “buy.” For more strategies to build anticipation and maximize engagement, check out our blog on 3 Key Phases for Your Black Friday Social Media Strategy to Maximize Success. 


woman sitting on laptop sending email about Black Friday promotions

Overcoming Black Friday Fears


“What If My Offers Don’t Work?”

As Black Friday approaches, business owners often grapple with uncertainties that can hold them back from launching their campaigns. Here’s how to ease those concerns:


“What if I don’t have a big enough audience?”

It’s easy to feel like your audience size limits success, but quality matters more than quantity. Even small, engaged communities can generate high conversion rates if your offer aligns with their interests. Focus on building relationships—every sale counts toward long-term growth.


“What if my promotions aren’t appealing enough?”

Your offers don’t need to be flashy to be effective. The key is to deeply understand what your audience values and craft incentives that genuinely solve a need or spark excitement. Creative ideas often resonate more than steep discounts alone.


Remember, success takes time. Each promotion is a learning opportunity. If your initial offer doesn’t hit the mark, it’s part of refining your strategy. The real magic lies in persistence—keep testing, adjusting, and growing, one Black Friday at a time. And even if people don’t buy right away, they’re still becoming familiar with your brand and services. Each touchpoint builds awareness, planting seeds for future sales.



Ready, Set, Thrive this Black Friday!

As the holiday season approaches, Black Friday presents an incredible opportunity for growth—whether you offer products, services, or both. Success lies in careful preparation and ensuring your content strategy aligns with your promotions. 


The businesses that thrive aren’t just lucky—they plan ahead, engage their audience early, and make the most of this high-energy shopping season.


With the right mindset and approach, this Black Friday can become your most profitable yet!


Get Your Business Holiday-Ready!


Our Done-For-You 90-Day Content Plan is your secret weapon for a stress-free holiday. Designed to streamline your social media content planning, it will boost engagement and drive sales, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—growing your business and savoring the holiday cheer.

Let’s make this season your most successful yet!

90 day content plan for small businesses example in Asana

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Hi, I'm Brittany

Your st. Thomas based marketing Mentor 

I'm a mom, mystery buff, bookworm, and DIY home decor enthusiast. I help small business owners gain the tools and confidence to market their business with ease. If you want clarity to grow your business effortlessly, come learn more about my favorite social media tips, email marketing strategies, and podcasting insights. I provide the roadmap and confidence to take action, get results & make money!

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Hi, I'm Brittany

I'm a mom, mystery buff, bookworm, and DIY home decor enthusiast. I help small business owners gain the tools and confidence to market their business with ease.

 

If you want clarity to grow your business effortlessly, come learn more about my favorite social media tips, email marketing strategies, and podcasting insights. I provide the roadmap and confidence to take action, get results, and make money!

Your Marketing Mentor Based In St. Thomas, Ontario

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