The Social Media Push for Black Friday - Small Business Marketing Tools

How retail businesses are using social media to promote Black Friday deals

Last year, Black Friday attracted 247 million shoppers who spent nearly $60 billion dollars, according to the National Retail Federation. The numbers could be even higher this year and, to ensure that they have an ample share of the Black Friday booty, many retailers have been leveraging social media for the occasion.

From sales to special announcements to apps, the following retailers are making interesting use of social media.

Walmart

Wal-Mart has a massive social media presence, and the company plans to exploit it for its Black Friday sales, reports SocialBakers.com. To entice even more customers through its doors on Black Friday, the company is bolstering its TV advertising and website banner ads with tweets and status updates about the best deals on everything from electronics to toys.

Macy’s

Relying on more than an iconic parade this year, Macy’s has pulled out all the stops when it comes to marketing for Black Friday at Macy’s. For the first time in its long history, the retailer plans to be open Thanksgiving night. Customers will get a sneak preview of the company’s best deals through its much-followed Pinterest page, and the company has even created a mobile app to help shoppers. Shoppers who download the app through the company’s social media accounts or from the company’s main website can check out specials on their phones, and they can also use the app to organize their shopping experience.

Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Stores

In a recent tweet, the Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Stores announced that they would be offering 10 percent off all Black Friday liquor purchases over $50, reports the Washington Post. Unfortunately, this social media announcement made several bar and restaurant owners in the area upset, according to CBS 6 in Richmond. Although the Virginia ABC Stores can advertise their wares over social media channels, bar owners in the area can only advertise their specials inside. Because the ABC sales have been so successful, thanks to their social media backing, one has to wonder if pub owners will lobby for changes to the law so that they too can get in on the Black Friday social media excitement.

Amazon

Amazon uses its Facebook page to advertise all kinds of deals and giveaways and, in the past, the company was known to build excitement for Black Friday by hosting a countdown on its page. One of the advantages that Amazon has over other retailers is that the company has software in place that lets shoppers announce their purchases or wish lists to their entire social media network, reports NBC News.

Best Buy

According to InternetRetailer.com, Best Buy is one of the most effective companies when it comes to resolving clients’ complaints over social media channels, and now, the company is poised to use its social media accounts to push Black Friday sales. The company has already released its campaign called “A Better Way to Black Friday”, and the retailer is actively encouraging its almost 7 million Facebook followers to come out that day.

Watching social media tactics from the big retailers is a great way to get ideas for your own business – big or small. Think about how you can adapt these larger social media campaign strategies to fit your business and your budget and maximize sales opportunities with Black Friday (as well as Small Business Saturday which occurs on the Saturday after Black Friday).