Black Friday Cyber Monday (BFCM) is the moment when e-commerce brands showcase their prowess, aiming to conclude the year with remarkable sales. 

However, amidst fierce competition, an often overlooked marketing channel emerges as a game-changer – the power of handwritten notes in direct mail marketing. 

In this post, we explore different ways to leverage this personal touch during BFCM for enhanced customer engagement and conversion.

Why use handwritten notes during BFCM?

Handwritten notes for BFCM marketing in e-commerce add a personal touch, fostering customer connection and gratitude. They distinguish your brand and create a lasting impression, ultimately enhancing customer retention and the overall shopping experience - all while easily cutting through the digital noise by going offline. 

Using handwritten notes during Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM) for e-commerce can be a strategic move for several reasons:

1. Handwritten notes are rare

In the digital age, receiving a handwritten note from an online store is a rare and unexpected surprise. Most customer interactions in e-commerce are automated, so a personal touch like a handwritten note stands out and creates a memorable experience for customers.

2. They capture attention

Unlike email or other digital communications, physical letters sent via mail have a higher chance of being noticed and opened by customers. This can lead to a more direct and personal connection with your audience during the busy BFCM period when inboxes are flooded with promotional emails.

3. Add a positive touch

Handwritten notes can leave a lasting positive impression on customers. They convey a sense of care and thoughtfulness, which can enhance your brand's image. When customers associate your brand with a personal touch, they are more likely to remember and recommend it to others.

4. Automated handwritten notes are cost-effective

While genuine handwritten notes may be time-consuming and impractical for high-volume e-commerce operations, there are cost-effective solutions that use automation and technology to create the appearance of handwritten notes.

These solutions can help you scale the personal touch without breaking the bank, making it a feasible option for BFCM marketing when you have a large customer base to reach.

📚 Recommended read: Complete Guide to Using Handwritten Notes for E-commerce

How can you use handwritten notes during BFCM? 

Using handwritten notes for BFCM marketing can be a unique and effective strategy to engage with your customers, stand out from the digital noise, and drive sales. Here are some credible ways:

1. Promote BFCM discounts

Instead of relying solely on traditional mail or digital marketing channels, consider reaching out to your existing, repeat, and loyal customers with handwritten notes to promote your BFCM discounts.

In an era where inboxes are filled with promotional emails and social media ads, a handwritten note adds a personal touch that can help your message cut through the digital noise. These notes can express gratitude for their loyalty and introduce them to the upcoming discounts, creating a sense of anticipation.

2. Take preorders

Segmentation is key for BFCM marketing! 

You can use handwritten notes to target your loyal or high-value customers before the BFCM sale goes live. Invite them to place preorders with exclusive offers and benefits. This not only fosters a sense of exclusivity but also gives you an early boost in sales. 

Customers who receive such personalized invitations may feel appreciated and more inclined to participate.

3. Offer an exclusive deal

Handwritten notes can be employed to offer exclusive deals to a select group of customers. By reaching out with personalized, handwritten messages, you make them feel truly special and valued. 

Offering perks like free shipping, fast shipping, or other exclusive benefits can incentivize these customers to make purchases during BFCM. This strategy for BFCM marketing enhances customer loyalty and can even encourage word-of-mouth marketing.

4. Competitive deals

During BFCM, competition is fierce, and every brand is vying for attention. Sending handwritten notes with exclusive deals only to your repeat customers can give you a competitive edge. 

Since this information is not easily accessible to competitors, you can strategically position yourself in the market. This approach also reinforces the bond with your existing customers, making them less likely to explore other options.

5. Turn one-time buyers into repeat customers

BFCM is an ideal time to turn one-time buyers into loyal, repeat customers. After a customer makes a purchase, for BFCM marketing, send them a handwritten note expressing gratitude for their purchase and offering an exclusive discount for their next purchase. 

This encourages them to return to your store while the sale is still active, increasing their lifetime value and potentially leading to additional purchases. The personal touch of a handwritten note can make customers feel appreciated and more likely to engage with your brand.

6. Request product reviews and ratings

Handwritten notes can be a powerful tool for requesting product reviews and ratings from your BFCM customers. Personalized notes that express gratitude for their purchase and kindly ask for their feedback create a sense of connection and appreciation. 

When customers see your personalized request for reviews with handwritten notes, they are more likely to take the time to leave a review. These reviews and ratings serve as social proof, helping to build trust with potential buyers during the hectic BFCM sale period. 

Positive reviews and high ratings can instill confidence in hesitant shoppers, ultimately leading to more sales. Highlighting the importance of their reviews in the note can encourage them to share their experiences with others, amplifying your brand's credibility.

7. Encourage user-generated content

Handwritten notes can also be used to encourage customers to share their BFCM purchases on social media. By thanking them for their support and suggesting they share their excitement with their friends and followers, you tap into the power of user-generated content (UGC). 

When customers post about their BFCM hauls, it not only provides exposure for your brand but also serves as a peer endorsement. Others in their social circle are likely to be motivated to make their purchases when they see trusted acquaintances doing the same. This not only drives more sales during BFCM but also extends the marketing impact beyond the sale period.

8. Promote Your Loyalty Program

After the BFCM frenzy subsides, it's essential to keep your customers engaged and coming back for more. 

Handwritten notes can be used to promote your loyalty program as a way to maintain this connection. Express in the note how much you appreciate their support during BFCM and emphasize the benefits of joining your loyalty program, such as exclusive discounts and early access to sales. 

Remind them that by becoming a loyal customer, they'll continue to enjoy great deals and special perks, making it more likely for them to return for future purchases. Without this personalized outreach, customers may forget about your brand once the sale ends.

9. Request referrals 

Handwritten notes can also play a role in requesting referrals with a BFCM twist. Express your gratitude for their BFCM purchase and suggest that they refer friends and family who might have missed out on the fantastic deals. Offer an incentive like a special referral discount or a small gift as a token of appreciation. 

During BFCM, when customers are excited about their purchases, they're more likely to share their positive experiences and refer others. A handwritten note adds a personal touch to this request, making it more likely to resonate with your customers.

10. Cross-sell products 

Handwritten notes can be used strategically to cross-sell products even after the BFCM sale. 

Express your appreciation for their BFCM purchase and gently recommend complementary or related products that they might find appealing. For instance, if a customer bought a smartphone during BFCM, you could suggest accessories like phone cases, screen protectors, or chargers. 

The note should highlight how these additional items can enhance their BFCM purchase and make their overall experience even better. By doing this, you capitalize on the post-sale enthusiasm and maximize your revenue opportunities.

Ready to make eCommerce handwritten notes your competitive advantage? 

Start your Shopify BFCM marketing with IgnitePOST in no time!

IgnitePOST provides a range of services, including handwritten notes and custom cards crafted by our advanced robotic technology, featuring over 12 unique handwriting styles. Here are some of its standout features:

✅ Seamlessly integrates with existing CRM and marketing platforms

✅ Target shoppers based on their cart status, past purchases, and much more

✅ Real pen & ink handwritten notes (not printed fonts)

Ready to dive in? Book a demo or order a sample to embark on your BFCM marketing journey!

FAQs

How do I prepare for BFCM?

Prepare by stocking inventory, optimizing your website, planning promotions, and creating marketing campaigns in advance. Ensure customer support is ready for increased traffic.

How do you attract more customers on Black Friday? 

Offer enticing discounts, promote through email and social media, leverage paid advertising, and collaborate with influencers. Highlight limited-time deals to create urgency.

How to increase repeat sales during BFCM? 

Encourage repeat purchases with post-purchase offers, loyalty rewards, personalized recommendations, and excellent customer service. Keep customers engaged for future promotions and sales.