Black Friday or Cyber Monday – Don't Make This Mistake

The first email I received this morning started out with:

Why would someone who knows about Internet marketing offer a gift card that expires on Black Friday instead of Cyber Monday?

Gee, I don’t know,” was my first thought, followed by, “it doesn’t sound too smart.” Then I read the next sentence:

You should know better.

That’s when I realized that he was asking me why I offered a gift card to my community that expired on Black Friday.

It started out innocently enough. I appreciate the people who make this blogging and social media thing worth the time and effort. My planned post was an excerpt from “Social Media 4 Direct Marketers.” Just before posting it, I decided to add this:

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thank you for being part of our community. Our gift to you is a $20 gift card that can be used on any of our playbooks (aka “shortcuts to success”. Simply enter THANX in the coupon code when you check out. (Expires on Black Friday, November 26, 2010.)

It seemed like a good idea at the time.

Since our guides range from $19 to $49, that was equivalent to 40% – 100% discount (as in Free!) Now? Not. So. Much. A conversation this weekend with marketing maven and ecommerce genius Amy Africa included her telling me that I forgot to look at the calendar. She was right, I wasn’t thinking clearly. But, it was done, so that was that.

Or so I thought. I’ve received four emails this morning admonishing me for not thinking. Each received a code so they could use the gift card. The THANX code has been reactivated and a new one has been created for anyone who wants to remind me to think before posting. They can use OOPS in the discount box and receive a $20 discount. This time it expires tomorrow so you have all of Cyber Monday.

To keep this from happening to you:

  • Plan your marketing campaigns in advance making sure that your schedule matches your community’s expectations.
  • If you have a brilliant idea as an add-on, take a minute to think it over. Or, better yet, ask someone you trust for marketing ideas (Your BFF might not be your best bet.)
  • When Amy Africa tells you something was a bad idea, be prepared for some fallout. She is always right.
  • Keep reading my blog. Apparently, I’ll make the mistakes so you don’t have to!

And, if you want to take advantage of the gift card, click here. to see our selection of guides. Don’t forget to use THANX or OOPS in to discount code box to activate your $20 gift card.

Have a great week!



31 Ways to Supercharge Your Email Marketing

How to Get More Customers, Sales, and Profits without Spending a Fortune


The guide is filled with actionable tips that increase sales, improve retention, and reduce costs. We are so confident they work we offer a 365 day money back guarantee.


Learn More




{ 2 comments… add one }

Leave a Comment

Real Time Web Analytics