As of today, August 21, 2024, we are officially 100 days away from Black Friday. For marketers, that translates into only 65 workdays to plan, strategize, and execute a successful Q4 holiday campaign. If your affiliate program isn’t already set with a comprehensive plan, now is the time to act—because the clock is ticking.
Why Early Black Friday Preparation Is Crucial
The holiday shopping season, particularly Black Friday and Cyber Monday, is the most competitive time of the year. According to the 2024 Holiday Consumer Research report by Salsify, 27% of shoppers plan to begin buying holiday gifts as early as October and more than 50% of consumers plan to begin their holiday shopping before Thanksgiving. Additionally, Thanksgiving is November 28th this year, as late in the calendar as it can possibly be. This means that the holiday shopping season is shorter than last year by nearly a week, so brands need to have their affiliate strategies ready well in advance to capture early shoppers and maximize their seasonal revenue.
If you’re still in the planning stages, it’s not too late—but it will be soon. The sooner you finalize your strategy, the better positioned you’ll be to take advantage of the entire Q4 shopping season.
Key Dates to Remember
Aside from Black Friday and Cyber Monday, several other key shopping dates can significantly impact your holiday season revenue. Here are a few to keep in mind:
- Singles Day (November 11th): The world’s largest e-commerce shopping day, particularly in China, but growing in influence globally. Consider whether this day fits into your market strategy, especially if you have an international audience.
- Giving Tuesday (December 3rd): An opportunity to align with charitable causes, enhancing brand image and customer loyalty. Explore partnerships with organizations or consider promoting your own charity initiatives.
- Green Monday (December 9th): Typically the best sales day in December, driven by shoppers who feel the urgency to finish their holiday shopping.
- Free Shipping Day (December 14th): Promoting free shipping can be a crucial driver of conversions as the holiday deadline approaches.
The Importance of Flexibility and Adaptability
In today’s dynamic market environment, the ability to pivot quickly is essential. Whether it’s adjusting promotional offers, refreshing creative assets, or updating targeting strategies, flexibility is key to staying ahead of the competition.
If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to create template messaging for your affiliates. This will save you time and ensure that your partners have everything they need to promote your offers effectively.
Why You Should Act Now
With only 65 workdays remaining until Black Friday, the window for preparation is closing fast. Brands that delay their planning risk missing out on significant opportunities during the holiday season.
If your affiliate program isn’t ready, or if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the demands of Q4 planning, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. At Lab6 Media, we specialize in creating and executing high-impact affiliate strategies tailored to your unique business needs. Contact us today to ensure your brand is fully prepared for the holiday rush.
