Post BFCM Retention Pt. 2

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In this newsletter you will find:

🎯 Post-BFCM Retention Mastery

🖥️ Comparing Microsoft Ads and Google Ads

🚀Ad of the Day

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🚀 Post-BFCM Retention Mastery: Loyalty Through Advocacy and Shared Values

Continuing from our previous edition, where we focused on locking in retention post-BFCM through advanced segmentation and personalization, this article dives into creating brand advocates and building emotional loyalty. Let’s explore how to leverage UGC, purposeful storytelling, and value-driven retargeting to turn one-time buyers into lifetime evangelists.

5️⃣ Leverage Data-Driven Social Advocacy

Retention doesn’t stop with repeat purchases—it extends to making your customers ambassadors.

• Micro-Influencer Activation: Identify new BFCM buyers with engaged social followings and send them personalized “VIP packages” with exclusive items to share.

• Referral Chains with Multipliers: Use tiered referral bonuses to incentivize ongoing referrals, not one-offs. Example: “Refer 3 friends this month, and we’ll send you our unreleased product for free.”

• UGC Power Plays: Launch UGC challenges exclusively for BFCM buyers, rewarding creativity with high-value prizes while amplifying your brand on social media.

6️⃣ Strategic Win-Back Loops Before They Churn

Don’t wait for customers to lapse—act before they disengage.

• Predictive Win-Backs: Use machine learning tools to predict the exact point a customer is likely to churn and send targeted offers before that happens.

• Event-Based Engagements: Tie re-engagement to cultural moments or brand milestones. Example: “It’s been 30 days since you joined us on BFCM—here’s a one-time offer to celebrate.”

• Layered Retargeting: Retarget dormant buyers with value-driven content before offering discounts. Educate, then incentivize.

7️⃣ Build Retention Through Shared Values, Not Just Discounts

Modern consumers care about more than just price—they’re loyal to brands that align with their identity.

• Story-Driven Campaigns: Create follow-up email sequences showcasing the story behind their BFCM purchase. Example: If you sold eco-friendly products, highlight the environmental impact of their order.

• Purpose-Led Retention Loops: Partner with a cause and give BFCM buyers the ability to vote on which initiatives their purchase supports, turning a sale into a mission.

• Community-Led Brand Growth: Launch small, invite-only focus groups for top customers and give them a voice in shaping new products or features.

Post-BFCM retention strategies require a shift from basic retention tactics to creating genuine advocacy and emotional loyalty. By focusing on UGC, value-driven retargeting, and purpose-led initiatives, you’re not just retaining customers—you’re building a community of advocates who’ll stick with your brand long-term.

Let this be the next step in turning your BFCM success into enduring growth.

🖥️ Comparing Microsoft Ads and Google Ads: When Should You Make the Switch?

Insights from SEL

Google Ads dominates the PPC, leaving little room for marketers to explore alternatives like Microsoft Ads. But for some industries and businesses, Microsoft Ads can provide a unique edge. Understanding the similarities and differences between the two platforms is key to deciding when and how to expand your ad strategy.

The Breakdown:

• Similarities That Ease TransitionMicrosoft Ads mirrors Google Ads in many ways, from interface design to campaign setup, making it easy for advertisers to switch. Shared principles like search behavior and keyword matching apply equally, ensuring a familiar workflow. Microsoft's integration allows seamless imports of Google Ads campaigns, including account structure, keywords, and feeds.
• Adjusting for Platform DifferencesWhile Microsoft’s ad system is similar, there are notable distinctions. Microsoft’s Broad Match targeting is less precise, leading many to use Phrase or Exact Match. CPCs are typically lower due to reduced competition, and advertisers often spend around 10% of their Google Ads budget. Additionally, unique targeting options like LinkedIn data make Microsoft particularly appealing for B2B campaigns.
• When to Test Microsoft AdsMicrosoft Ads works best in B2B verticals, industries with older or less tech-savvy audiences, and highly competitive markets where Google’s costs are prohibitive. Start testing once you’ve saturated your Google Ads potential or are looking to scale cost-effectively.

Microsoft Ads may not replace Google Ads but offers valuable opportunities for certain advertisers. With lower CPCs, seamless integration, and unique features like LinkedIn targeting, it’s worth exploring. Once you’ve mastered Google, Microsoft can be the next step in your PPC growth strategy.

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🚀AD OF THE DAY

What Works:

1. Relatable Visual: The dynamic image of a person interacting with stackable luggage is both practical and visually engaging, effectively showing off the product’s versatility and functionality.
2. Compelling Tagline: "Gift it once, get Away forever" cleverly reinforces the durability and timelessness of the luggage while tying it to a gift-worthy context.
3. Brand Recognition: The subtle yet clear branding ensures the focus stays on the product, while the name “Away” seamlessly ties into the tagline.
4. Color Palette: The vibrant luggage colors paired with a neutral outfit create a balanced and eye-catching composition that appeals to a broad audience.

What Can Be Better:

1. Call-to-Action: Adding a specific CTA like “Shop Now” or “Explore the Collection” would guide viewers toward taking action immediately.
2. Feature Highlight: Mentioning a unique selling point, such as lightweight materials, built-in chargers, or lifetime warranties, would further emphasize product value.

Broader Insights:

DTC brands can benefit from storytelling visuals like this that showcase practicality and personality. Pairing such creative with actionable CTAs and quick feature highlights bridges the gap between attention-grabbing and conversion-driving content.

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