Think you’re too late to get ready for Black Friday and holiday marketing? You’re not. Even if the clock feels like it’s running out, you can still make key adjustments that dramatically improve your results. The truth is: 80% of your success will come from a handful of strategic fixes. Let’s look at five you can implement before November.
Refresh Your Holiday Marketing Email Subject Lines
Most small businesses reuse last year’s subject lines. Big mistake. Consumer psychology thrives on novelty. Use curiosity and urgency: “Last Chance” + “Only for You” style openers lift open rates significantly.
Read More: Email Marketing Best Practices
Polish Your Landing Pages
A slow, cluttered landing page kills conversions. Focus on clarity: one offer, one CTA, no distractions. Add social proof right near the CTA button. Data shows this simple tweak can boost holiday marketing conversions by 30%.
Read More: Landing Page Design Tips
Optimize Your Ad Creative For Your Holiday Marketing Campaigns
Your ad doesn’t need to be perfect—it needs to connect. Use contrast (color, humor, or bold claims) to break the scroll. Tie every ad to urgency (“Offer Ends Monday”) to trigger FOMO.
Read More: Ad Creative Tips
Add Scarcity + Urgency Copy
Scarcity works because people hate missing out. Countdown timers, “Only 10 left,” or “Sale ends at midnight” drive immediate action. Just keep it honest—false scarcity kills trust.
Retarget Your Warm Audience
People who already know you are your fastest buyers. Set up retargeting ads for website visitors and past email openers. Even a simple retargeting campaign can produce outsized results during BFCM.
Black Friday doesn’t have to overwhelm you. Focus on these five high-leverage fixes, and you’ll see measurable results even if you’re starting late. Want the full roadmap? Grab your free BFCM Strategy Guide today.
About the Author
Jenn MacQueen is the founder of MacQueen Solutions, helping entrepreneurs turn psychology and data into marketing strategies that actually work. With expertise in ads, funnels, and conversion copy, she guides small businesses to grow smarter, not just louder. Connect at macqueensolutions.ca.