Black Friday has become one of the biggest shopping events of the year, and it’s not just for big brands. Whether you’re selling products, running a local business or offering services online, getting prepared early can make all the difference.

Here’s how to get your business and website ready so you can make the most of the rush (and enjoy the rewards without the stress).

1. Plan your offers early

Start by mapping out what you want to offer and what makes sense for your business. It doesn’t have to be a massive discount - bundles, free shipping or added extras can work just as well.

The key is to focus on what your customers actually want. If you ran promotions last year, check what performed best. If not, ask your audience what they’d love to see.

2. Check your website is ready for action

Even if you’re not expecting a huge surge in traffic, it’s worth making sure your website’s in good shape. Check that:

• Pages load quickly (especially key product or service pages).
• Links, checkout buttons and forms all work properly.
• It looks great and works smoothly on mobile - that’s where most Black Friday shopping happens.

If anything feels slow or clunky, now’s the time to fix it rather than the night before.

3. Update your visuals and messaging

Your homepage, banners and social graphics are your 'digital shop window'. Give them a refresh with clear, on-brand messaging that highlights your offer.

You don’t have to go full “SALE” mode, just make it obvious that something special is happening. A clean, confident message usually lands better than a wall of flashing banners.

4. Build anticipation

Don’t wait until the morning of Black Friday to start talking about it. Use your social channels, email newsletters and website to tease what’s coming.

A countdown or early-access teaser can go a long way. Loyal customers especially love getting first dibs, it makes them feel valued.

5. Make it easy for people to buy

Keep your customer journey simple and stress-free. Make sure it’s clear how to buy, what’s included and how long delivery takes.

A few small tweaks can make a big difference - fewer checkout steps, visible contact details, and up-to-date FAQs all help customers feel confident in hitting that “buy” button.

6. Be ready to support your customers

Black Friday can get busy fast, so make sure someone’s on hand to answer questions. Whether it’s through live chat, social DMs or email, a quick and friendly response can turn a one-time shopper into a loyal customer.

7. Review and learn

When the dust settles, take a look at what worked and what didn’t. Which offers performed best? Where did traffic come from? What could be improved for next time?

Even a short review will help you plan better for the festive season and beyond.

In short: Black Friday doesn’t have to be chaotic. A bit of planning and a few smart tweaks now will help your business shine when it matters most - and set you up for success well into the new year.