The holiday season is approaching for Amazon sellers, and it’s time to start preparing. Among all the shopping events, Black Friday and Cyber Monday stand out as opportunities for Amazon sellers. With the continued growth of online shopping, especially on Amazon, having a solid Black Friday marketing strategy is essential. This blog will talk about maximising Black Friday and Cyber Monday in 2023.
When is Black Friday 2023?
Black Friday is set to occur on November 24, 2023, the day after Thanksgiving. Cyber Monday follows shortly after on November 27, 2023. While many retailers begin their Black Friday promotions in the week leading up to these dates, customers still expect significant discounts on the actual days. It’s a prime opportunity for Amazon sellers to shine.
Take these steps to prepare for the 2023 Black Friday.
Here are seven essential steps to help you prepare for the 2023 holiday season:
1. Review FBA Capacity Limits
Determine your FBA capacity limits for each storage type (e.g., standard-size, oversize, apparel). Your capacity limits dictate the amount of inventory you can send to Amazon’s warehouses. Access this information in Seller Central under Inventory > FBA Dashboard.
If subject to capacity limits, explore third-party logistics companies (3PLs) as early as possible. <SCREENSHOT >
2. Order Sufficient Inventory
Collaborate with your suppliers to ensure you have enough lead time for production and delivery. Begin this process 7-9 weeks before the sales event. Amazon recommends having your FBA inventory arrive before October 26 for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
3. Meet Shipping Deadlines
To remain in stock during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, keep to these crucial shipping dates:
- Prime Fall Deal Event: September 12
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday: October 26
- Christmas: December 1
4. Optimise Product Listings
Enhance your product listings to attract more customers. Focus on keyword and text optimisation and visual and photo optimisation.
- Keyword Optimisation: Incorporate relevant, high-volume keywords into your listings to improve organic search visibility. Utilise tools like Helium 10 and Merchant Words for keyword research.
- Image Optimisation: High-quality product images and lifestyle photos are vital for engaging customers. Consider adding infographics and text to your images to convey information effectively.
- Video: Take advantage of Amazon’s allowance for video content in listings. Create a 30-to 60-second video to showcase your product further.
5. Optimise PPC Campaigns
Fine-tune your Pay-Per-Click (PPC) campaigns for better conversion rates. Remove keywords with high spending and low conversion rates. Ensure your ads run consistently before, during, and after Black Friday and Cyber Monday to capture peak shopping traffic.
6. Plan Promotions
Offer discounts or deals to attract shoppers during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Amazon provides various deal types, including 7-day deals and Lightning Deals. Schedule these promotions in advance to secure your preferred dates.
7. Monitor Sales and Performance
Stay vigilant during the holiday season. Continuously assess your product performance and adjust your listings, PPC campaigns, and inventory levels. Be prepared to replenish stock if it’s selling faster than anticipated, or adjust your PPC bids for optimal results.
Keep an eye on your overall account health and address any issues promptly.
The 2023 holiday season promises to be busier than ever, with Black Friday and Cyber Monday at the forefront. By following these steps and being proactive in your preparations, your Amazon FBA business will be well-equipped to thrive during these peak shopping events. If you have questions, please schedule a call with us.
