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Stressed About BFCM? Here’s Your Handmade Seller's Hail Mary to Save the Season

Quick, Impactful Tips to Tackle Black Friday/Cyber Monday Like a Pro

We’ve all been there. The countdown to Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM) is on, and if you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. In times of intense stress, sometimes all we can do is throw a Hail Mary—a last-minute, game-changing move that turns things around.


If BFCM has you sweating, I’ve got you covered with simple, high-impact strategies to help you breathe a little easier and make the most of this high-stakes sales event.


Ready to dive in and crush BFCM stress-free? Let’s go!


1. Focus on One Big Win

When time is tight, trying to do everything can leave you exhausted with little to show for it. Instead, prioritize one major tactic. Is there a best-selling product that always flies off the shelves? Or maybe you have a loyal group of customers who love to treat themselves during the holidays. Focus on promoting just one product, collection, or customer segment. This keeps your messaging clean, clear, and compelling—and it makes your to-do list way more manageable.


Hail Mary Tactic: Send out a quick email campaign or social media post highlighting a single product with a powerful call to action like “Limited Stock—Grab It Now!”


2. Embrace Simple, Effective Promotions

For handmade sellers, crafting elaborate BFCM deals can be more stressful than it’s worth. Instead, stick to simple, effective promotions that require minimal setup. Options like a site-wide percentage discount or free shipping can be highly attractive without creating a lot of extra work.


Hail Mary Tactic: Consider a ‘Buy One, Gift One’ offer for bestsellers. Customers love deals that feel generous, and this type of promotion can also increase your product’s reach, as customers receive one item for themselves and another to give away.


3. Tackle Emails Like a Pro

A well-timed email can be the perfect Hail Mary for your BFCM. Plan out two to three emails, focusing on urgency and simplicity. Don’t overthink it—just focus on showing off your products, highlighting key benefits, and keeping your CTAs clear.


Hail Mary Tactic: Schedule an “Almost Gone” email for Cyber Monday. This creates urgency for anyone on the fence and gives one last push before the sale ends. Add a personal touch by saying how grateful you are for your customers' support—this can set your brand apart.


4. Leverage Social Media for Quick Engagement

If you’re low on time, use social media for quick, authentic interactions. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses, showcase popular items, or go live to talk directly with your followers. Stories, quick posts, and real-time updates make shoppers feel connected and engaged, especially during the busy holiday season.


Hail Mary Tactic: Try a “flash sale” in your Instagram or Facebook Stories with a time-sensitive discount code. It doesn’t require much setup, but it creates excitement and urgency!


5. Lean on What’s Already Working

Now’s not the time to reinvent the wheel. Think about what’s worked well in the past and lean into it. Look back at previous promotions, top-performing products, or social media posts that resonated with your audience. Use what’s already been successful to guide your strategy.


Hail Mary Tactic: If you had a post that got a lot of engagement last year, consider repurposing it with fresh graphics or a slightly updated caption to save time and keep the magic going.


6. Keep Your Mindset in Check

BFCM can feel like a sprint, but don’t lose sight of the bigger picture. Stress can make everything seem urgent, but remember that your business is built on quality and passion, not just one big sale. Take a moment to breathe and refocus on what matters—your brand, your customers, and the value you bring to each sale.


Hail Mary Mindset Shift: Remind yourself that BFCM is just one part of your year. A single weekend doesn’t define your brand or your success, so aim for progress, not perfection. Each sale is a win!


7. Give Yourself Grace

Not every BFCM sale needs to go flawlessly, and it’s okay if you’re not hitting every goal you set. Give yourself permission to make mistakes, learn, and grow from them. Sometimes, the best ideas and growth come from those “Hail Mary” moments.


This BFCM, remember that you don’t need to do all the things. Focus on what’s manageable, lean into what works, and make it easy for your customers to say “yes!” You've got this—take a deep breath, throw your best Hail Mary, and watch those orders roll in.

 

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