How This Guy Makes His Entire Year's Revenue in Black Friday WEEK

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Nov 27, 2024

In this discussion, Jonathan Courtney, Co-Founder and CEO of AJ&Smart, dives into the art of crafting successful Black Friday campaigns. He reveals unique strategies like using store credits instead of traditional discounts, innovative product bundling, and the 'Premium Play' approach used by luxury brands. Jonathan showcases successful case studies, including Endel's renewal strategy and Apple’s tactics. Plus, he shares startup ideas for creating a Black Friday agency and emphasizes the importance of early planning and creative marketing to maximize sales.

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INSIGHT

Black Friday Opportunity

Many businesses don't participate in or understand Black Friday sales strategies.
Companies can significantly increase revenue during Black Friday with the right approach.

ANECDOTE

AJ&Smart's Black Friday Success

Jonathan Courtney shares AJ&Smart's experience with Black Friday sales.
Despite a challenging year with questionable decisions, Black Friday and summer sales compensated for losses.

ANECDOTE

Endel's Renewal Strategy

Endel, a soundscape app, offers 50% off renewals during Black Friday.
They also leverage a mini landing page within the app and bonus gifts like a well-designed bag.

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Join me as I chat with Jonathan Courtney, Co-Founder and CEO of AJ&Smart, as we dive deep into Black Friday Campaign strategy. Jonathan shares his strategies and frameworks for leveraging Black Friday regardless of what type of business you run.

Episode Timestamps
00:00 - Intro
01:15 - The Importance of Black Friday for Businesses
04:21 - Types of Black Friday Sales
05:01 - Case Study: Endel's Renewal Strategy
08:49 - Comparing Strategies: MagicMind and AG1
12:48 - Apple's Unique Approach to Black Friday
14:25 - Creative E-commerce Strategies
20:12 - Bundling Products for Black Friday
22:51 - Startup Idea 1: Black Friday Agency
27:55 - Gamifying Promo Codes
29:59 - Our Black Friday Buys
31:41 - Live Streaming as a Sales Strategy

1) The Store Credit Hack
Instead of basic "20% off" - tell customers they have $21.63 in store credit expiring soon

Why it works:
• Feels like "their money"
• Specific numbers boost authenticity
• Creates urgency

2) The Premium Play
How luxury brands do Black Friday:
• No discounts
• Give gift cards with purchase
• Example: Apple gives $200 credit
Keeps brand prestige while driving sales

3) The Bundle Builder
Four Sigmatic's genius approach:
• Interactive bundle builder
• Unlocks bigger discounts at $59/$99
• Shows real-time savings
• Makes shopping fun
Steal this for your store

4) The Bonus Stack
MagicMind's approach:
• Start with core discount
• Add digital product access
• Include physical gifts
• Stack more bonuses as week progresses

Psychology: Value over Discount

5) The Subscription Push
SaaS playbook:
• Offer renewal discounts
• Add exclusive bonuses
• Example: Endel does 50% off + premium gifts
• Works for any subscription business

6) The QVC Strategy
Modern twist:
• Run 12-hour livestream sales
• Show limited quantities
• Create FOMO
• Add exclusive bundles
• Perfect for influencer brands

7) The Campaign Timeline
Smart businesses:
• Plan 6 months ahead
• Start ads 3 days before
• Build waiting lists
• Layer in bonuses
• Peak on Friday

8) The Profit Reality
Truth bomb:
• Could make 1-2 months revenue in 1 week
• Some brands make yearly revenue
• Even "bad" years saved by Black Friday
• Ignoring it = leaving millions on table

Remember: Black Friday isn't just a discount day.
It's a strategic revenue event that can make your entire year.
Don't flub it

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND JONATHAN ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jicecream
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-courtney-4510644b/
AJ&Smart: https://ajsmart.com/