🚀 Our #BFCM Playbook Is Here

Decoding the secrets for holiday success

🚀 Start thinking Holidays: our BFCM '24 playbook is here! Plus we decode the latest trend reports and share Snap’s secrets to their recent success.

Read on ⤵️

From the Founders: The Time To Plan For BFCM Is Now

Black Friday Cyber Monday (BFCM) is no longer just a sales event—it's a make-or-break moment for DTC brands, and truthfully slapping a "30% OFF" banner on your homepage won't cut it anymore.

That's why we've crafted the ultimate BFCM playbook for 2024. It's not just about discounts; it's about creating experiences that turn shoppers into lifelong fans.

Our updated playbook dives deep into:

  • Mobile optimization secrets that can make or break your BFCM

  • AI-powered ad strategies that put your message in front of the right eyes

  • UGC and personalization tactics that build trust and boost conversions

  • Data-driven insights to optimize every stage of the customer journey

We've distilled years of experience and millions in ad spend into actionable strategies that work for our clients, now we’re sharing them with you.

From inventory planning to post-BFCM retention, we've got you covered.

In today's digital landscape, it's not enough to just drive traffic; you need to create seamless, personalized experiences that turn one-time shoppers into lifelong customers.

Ready to make this your biggest BFCM yet? Don't wait—the brands that win big start planning now.

Niket Shah
Co-Founder of Acceler8 Labs.

💡 Spotlight: Snapchat Emerges as the Dark Horse of Digital Advertising

While TikTok and Meta dominate headlines, Snapchat has been quietly revolutionizing its ad platform—and marketers are taking notice. Here's why Snap is becoming the unexpected MVP in the digital advertising game:

SMB Surge and Revenue Boom

Snapchat reported an astounding 85% increase in SMB advertisers year-over-year, driving significant revenue growth in the first half of 2024. This surge isn't just a fluke; it's the result of strategic improvements to Snap's ad ecosystem.

Simplified Ad Creation: Less Friction, More Action

Snapchat's recent overhaul of its Ads Manager is a game-changer. By streamlining campaign objectives from eleven to five categories, Snap has made it easier than ever for brands to launch effective campaigns. This user-friendly approach is paying off, especially for SMBs new to the platform.

Performance That Speaks Volumes

The numbers don't lie:

  • 69% reduction in cost-per-lead

  • 62% increase in lead form submission rates

  • Up to 45% boost in impressions with "First Lens Unlimited"

AR: The Secret Weapon

Snapchat's AR offerings aren't just fun—they're driving real results. Campaigns incorporating AR see 1.6x higher Ad Awareness Lift compared to video ads alone, and 5x more active attention compared to industry peers.

AI-Powered Innovation

Snap is leveraging AI to democratize ad creation. From AI-generated ad copy to easier AR Lens creation, these tools are leveling the playing field for businesses of all sizes.

🚀 The Acceler8 Take

"Snapchat's evolution from a messaging app to a serious advertising contender is impressive," says Uzair Chutani, Co-Founder of Acceler8 Labs.

"For brands looking to reach younger audiences and leverage cutting-edge ad tech, Snap is becoming an essential part of the media mix."

As we approach BFCM and the holiday season, consider adding Snapchat to your advertising arsenal. With its improved tools, growing user base, and innovative features, it might just be the dark horse that propels your campaigns to new heights.

Want to learn how to leverage Snapchat for your brand? Let's talk.

🔍 Insider Info: Decoding TapCart’s BFCM Trend Report

Black Friday Cyber Monday (BFCM) is the online shopping Super Bowl, and as we gear up for BFCM 2024, new trends are emerging that could make or break your holiday season.

We've dissected the latest TapCart BFCM report to bring you the most important insights that matter for DTC and ecommerce brands.

📱 Mobile Apps Are the New Battleground 

Forget desktop browsing—81% of consumers plan to use mobile shopping apps during BFCM. That's a 13% jump from last year. If you're not investing in a mobile-first strategy, you're leaving money on the table.

Pro Tip: Consider launching an app before BFCM. It's not just about sales; it's about creating a VIP experience that keeps customers coming back long after the holidays.

🐣 The Early Bird Gets the Sale

Almost 60% of shoppers start their holiday shopping in October or November. This isn't just about being prepared—it's about capturing wallet share before budgets run dry.

Strategy Shift: Start your BFCM campaigns earlier, but don't blow your entire budget upfront. Use early campaigns to build your email and SMS lists for more targeted promotions later.

🔥 Gen Z: The Impulse Buying Paradox 

Here's a twist: Gen Z is both the most likely to make impulse purchases and the most likely to feel stressed about holiday shopping. This presents a unique opportunity for brands who can nail the right balance of urgency and value.

Tactic to Try: Use push notifications strategically. 52% of Gen Z is motivated by push notifications, more than any other marketing channel.

🤝 The Personalization Imperative

One-size-fits-all campaigns are out. Shoppers across all demographics are demanding personalized experiences, from tailored product recommendations to custom BFCM bundles.

Take Action: Leverage your customer data to create segmented campaigns that speak directly to different buyer personas.

🔝 The Rise of "Above-the-Funnel" Marketing 

Traditional conversion funnels are evolving. Smart brands are tapping into marketplaces and dropshipping to expand their reach and legitimize their brand before BFCM hits.

Next Steps: Explore partnerships with established marketplaces to broaden your audience and create multiple touchpoints for discovery.

🔑 The key takeaway?

BFCM 2024 is shaping up to be a mobile-first, personalization-driven event that starts earlier and demands more strategic planning than ever before. Brands that can adapt to these trends will not just survive the holiday rush—they'll thrive well into 2025.

Want to dive deeper?

Check out the full BFCM trend report and stay tuned for more insights from Acceler8 Labs as we approach the holiday season!

Weekly Roundup: Major News in Digital Advertising and E-Commerce

Here are the key stories you need to know from this week’s digital marketing news!

Comedy News GIF by CBS

Gif by cbs on Giphy

🤝 Reddit Enhances Agency Partnerships: Reddit updates its Agency Partner Program, signalling a more serious commitment to advertising. Is Reddit finally getting serious about ads?

📺 AI's Growing Presence in Advertising: From the Super Bowl to the Olympics, AI companies are ramping up ad spending, underscoring the technology's staying power. AI is here to stay

🔗 Threads Adds New Features: Despite playing catch-up with X, Threads introduces new tools for creators and businesses, closing the gap. Threads' new features

📧 Optimizing Email for Year-End Sales: As BFCM approaches, learn how to maximize your email marketing for a strong end to 2024. Gear up your email campaigns

⚖️ FTC Bans Fake Reviews: The Federal Trade Commission announces a final rule banning fake reviews and testimonials, aiming to enhance transparency and trust online. FTC's new rule

That’s a wrap for this week’s edition of Ad Insider!

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