WhatsApp is still a new frontier for many marketers – and unlocking its full potential starts with the right knowledge. That’s why we’ve put together a practical WhatsApp Black Friday Strategy to help you approach the channel with confidence. And you can use it for any other big seasonal sale – be it Cyber Monday, Christmas or Amazon Prime Day.
From understanding the platform to aligning your team and seizing time-sensitive opportunities, we’ll show you how to turn WhatsApp into a powerful part of your marketing mix.
Your 3-Step WhatsApp Black Friday Strategy
- Plan: Lay the groundwork for long-term success on WhatsApp
- Convert: Drive sales with high-impact Black Friday campaigns
- Retain: Re-engage customers and keep the momentum going after Black Friday
Each step aligns with key moments in the customer journey-helping you take the right actions before, during, and after Black Friday.
What The Black Friday Journey Looks Like On WhatsApp
See how your customers could engage with your brand on WhatsApp across each stage of Black Friday.
Top Tips For Your WhatsApp Black Friday Strategy
1. Plan (Pre-BLACK FRIDAY)
Validate Your Strategy with A/B Testing
Run tests on key elements-such as ad creatives and CTA buttons – to see what drives the highest engagement and conversions.
2. Convert (During BLACK FRIDAY)
Kick Off Early and Build FOMO
Give your VIPs, loyalty members, and WhatsApp subscribers early access to Black Friday deals. It drives early sales, rewards loyal customers, and builds momentum ahead of the big day.
3. Retain (Post-BLACK FRIDAY)
Drive Repeat Purchases with Post-Purchase Automation
Use automation to stay connected after the sale. Share user-generated content, product tips, and exclusive offers to reinforce product value and encourage repeat buying.
A Practical Checklist for Your Team
Use this checklist to stay on track with key actions before, during, and after Black Friday.
1. Plan: Pre-Black Friday Checklist
Traditional Opt-In Push Strategy
- Set clear goals for growing your WhatsApp subscriber base ahead of Black Friday
- Add multiple opt-in touchpoints (e.g., click-to-chat ads, popups, thank you pages, QR codes)
- Plan one-time campaigns to boost opt-ins-like refer-a-friend offers via your website, email, social channels, and more
Promote Teaser Opt-Ins For Black Friday
- Design event-specific creatives and opt-in experiences
- Launch your Black Friday teaser campaigns
- Monitor subscriber growth and optimize as needed
2. Convert: During BLACK FRIDAY checklist
Get Your Campaign Details Ready
- Choose featured products-focus on bestsellers and seasonal items
- Plan compelling offers (e.g. % discounts, BOGO, free shipping)
- Map out key dates and deadlines for each campaign activity
- Prepare messaging, templates, and visuals in advance
How to Build Your Black Friday Campaign
- Launch teaser campaigns to announce the upcoming Black Friday deals
- Schedule your main Black Friday campaign start dates
- Create targeted segments for reminder campaigns (e.g., opened but no click, clicked but no purchase)
- Activate automated flows such as post-purchase updates and abandoned cart reminders
Monitor and Support Your Campaign
- Check your Meta account quality rating before each send
- Track key metrics like engagement, conversions, and revenue
- Maintain efficient customer service to manage incoming inquiries smoothly
3. Retain: Post-Black Friday Checklist
Boost Loyalty with Automation
- Request customer feedback or product reviews to engage and gain insights
- Promote loyalty programs by inviting customers and highlighting benefits and rewards
- Encourage repeat purchases with tiered rewards for multiple buys
- Set up automated reminders for replenishment and post-purchase follow-ups
- Activate personalized upsell and cross-sell automations based on recent purchases
Keep Your Customers Engaged
- Begin planning holiday campaigns, including advent calendar surprises, last-day delivery offers, and New Year promotions
- Activate and monitor win-back automations to reengage inactive customers by offering special discounts or incentives
The WhatsApp Business Platform remains an untapped opportunity for many marketers – but with the right strategy, it can become one of your most powerful sales channels. This WhatsApp Black Friday strategy gives you a practical starting point, and it’s just as effective for other major sales events like Christmas or Prime Day. Ready to make WhatsApp work harder for your business? Speak to our experts and start unlocking its full potential.