For millions of consumers across the MENA region, Black Friday signals the beginning of the holiday shopping season. Retailers, however, know that the real magic begins much earlier.
Black Friday has become one of the largest shopping events in the region, and it’s not just about slashing prices; it’s a highly competitive time when every retailer is looking to capture the attention and spending of eager shoppers.
In a market where competition is fierce and customers are spoilt for choice, how can you stand out? The answer: Discounts. But as any savvy marketer will tell you, it’s not enough to simply offer a basic discount. You need to be strategic to cut through the noise.
Why Discount Codes Are Critical for Black Friday Campaigns in MENA
During Black Friday, consumers in MENA are on the hunt for the best deals. Whether shopping for themselves or gifting for others, price becomes a decisive factor. However, it’s not just about offering discounts; it’s about offering strategic discounts that motivate customers to make a purchase.
Discount codes play a crucial role in this competitive space for several reasons:
- Increased Buyer Intent
Black Friday creates a sense of urgency among shoppers who are keen to make the most of these limited-time offers. Discount codes often serve as the final nudge for shoppers ready to buy. - Creator Content Influence
In MENA, influencer marketing has proven to be highly effective in driving sales. Creators build desire for products months in advance, and Black Friday provides the perfect opportunity for this anticipation to convert into purchases. By sharing exclusive discount codes, influencers can significantly impact their followers’ buying decisions. - Urgency and Scarcity
Consumers in MENA are well aware that Black Friday brings time-sensitive deals. Limited-time discount codes enhance this sense of urgency, encouraging quick action from shoppers eager not to miss out. - Data Collection
Discount codes allow for precise tracking of the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. By tracking which codes are used, brands can gather valuable insights on the performance of various marketing channels and strategies, aiding future campaigns.
Read Also: Selecting the Best Fit for Your Brand with Micro or Macro Influencers
How to Use Discount Codes When Working with Creators in MENA
Everyone will be offering discounts this Black Friday, so it’s not enough to simply hand out codes to influencers and hope for the best. Here are best practices for using discount codes effectively with creators in the MENA region:
- Make a List and Check It Twice
Identify influencers whose audience aligns with your brand’s target demographic. It’s essential to select partners whose values and reach match your brand’s message. With the MENA region’s diverse audience, this can help ensure that your campaign resonates with the right people. - Give Each Creator a Unique Code
Personalized codes allow for the tracking of individual creator performance. This not only builds exclusivity but also helps brands measure the success of each influencer’s efforts. Personalizing the codes, perhaps based on the creator’s name or brand, also makes followers feel special. - Authenticity Still Matters
Encourage influencers to integrate the codes naturally into their content. Consumers in MENA value authenticity, so it’s crucial that the promotional message matches the influencer’s typical style and voice. Cross-promoting influencer content on your brand’s social media can amplify the campaign’s reach. - Clear Communication is Key
Detailed communication is vital to avoid misunderstandings. Provide influencers with information on the product, the campaign’s specifics, and the discount details. Be sure to clarify any terms related to the offer, including the expiration dates of the codes. - Do the Math on Your Discounts
While offering enticing discounts is important, it’s equally crucial to ensure that they don’t eat too much into your margins. Calculate the impact of your discounts carefully, taking into account both the competitive landscape and your brand’s financial goals. - Timing is Everything
Strategically timing your influencer posts is essential. Coordinate with influencers to plan the release of content that builds anticipation, peaks during the key shopping days, and continues through to the last-minute rush. A well-timed post can maximize the chances of converting followers into buyers.
5 Ideas and Examples for Using Discount Codes on Black Friday in MENA
- Tiered Discounts
Offer increasing discounts based on the total amount spent. For example, purchases over AED 150 can get 10% off, while orders over AED 300 get 20% off. This strategy encourages customers to spend more, and can work particularly well in markets like the UAE, where customers often have higher disposable income. - Last-Minute Mystery Discounts
Create excitement by offering mystery discount codes. Shoppers won’t know the discount until they reach checkout. This builds anticipation and can boost conversion rates. For example, a beauty brand might tease a mystery discount with an influencer just hours before Black Friday, creating urgency. - Early Bird Specials
Reward early shoppers with exclusive discounts that only last for a limited time before Black Friday begins. Offering an early access code to loyal customers or email subscribers can help build buzz and secure sales before the main rush. - Gamify Your Discounts
Interactive quizzes or games on social media or your website can be a fun way to engage customers while offering discounts. For example, create a quiz to help users find their ideal product and reward them with a discount based on their results. - Happy Hour Promos
Offer limited-time discounts during off-peak hours to incentivize online shopping. This strategy could be particularly useful for brick-and-mortar retailers looking to drive traffic to their websites during periods when physical stores are typically quiet.
Key Takeaway: Black Friday is a Golden Opportunity for Brands in MENA
Black Friday is more than just a day of discounts—it’s an opportunity for brands to strengthen their relationships with customers and expand their reach. By using creative discount code strategies and partnering with influencers, brands can create compelling campaigns that not only drive sales but also boost brand awareness.
The key to standing out during Black Friday in the MENA region is to offer unique and personalized experiences that resonate with local audiences. Through thoughtful planning, strategic partnerships, and innovative promotional approaches, your brand can make a strong impact during this high-stakes shopping event.
Are you ready to elevate your influencer marketing strategy this Black Friday? Discover more helpful tips and resources to take your campaigns to the next level.
