TL;DR:

Best all-around SEO & PPC tools: Semrush (from $117.33/mo) and Ahrefs (from $129/mo)
Budget-friendly SEO tool: LowFruits (from $25 credits or $249/year)
Market research & domain insights: Similarweb (from $125/mo)
PPC campaign research: iSpionage (free plan, paid from $59/mo)
Social media analysis: Sprout Social ($199/mo) and Rival IQ ($239/mo)
Content & backlinks: BuzzSumo (from $199/mo) and Majestic (from $49.99/mo)
Free or low-cost options: MozBar (free), Social Blade (free, paid from $3.99/mo)

As a content marketer, I’m always looking for competitor analysis tools that will give my company a leg up. I spend hours on competitive research each week, using a variety of software.

Through my experience, I’ve identified some of the best tools available to help businesses analyze their competition and optimize their marketing strategies.

In this blog post, I’ll share my top picks for competitor analysis tools to help you make an informed choice for your business.

Competitor Analysis Tools Comparison Table (2026)

SEO & Web Traffic Competitor Analysis Tools

1. Semrush

Semrush is arguably the best SEO competitor analysis tool on the market, and for good reason. You can use it to find potential competitors, spy on marketing strategies, and improve your own search performance.

In my job as an SEO content writer, I use Semrush every week to:

• Monitor the traffic of competitor pages
• Discover which keywords are driving traffic to competitors
• Find which competitors rank in search and have featured snippets for top keywords

To conduct this competitive research, I simply enter the competitor page’s URL or my keyword. It’s that easy to get started. And those are just the features I use as a writer. Other members of our marketing team take advantage of even more of Semrush’s advanced functionality.

Semrush Features

Here are Semrush’s top features for competitive research:

• Competitor traffic analysis
• Competitor keyword analysis
• Keyword gap tool (discover which keywords you’re missing out on)
• Organic research tool that shows your organic competitors
• Advertiser research to monitor competitors pay-per-click (PPC) campains

Additionally, Semrush lets you monitor and optimize your own site with features like Site Audit, Backlink Analytics, and the On Page SEO Checker.

Best for: In-depth SEO research on competitor keywords, traffic, content gaps, and more.

Is Semrush Free? Semrush does offer a free plan. It includes several several useful features but with fairly low daily limits

Premium Pricing: Starts at $117.33/month

2. LowFruits

Need a less expensive alternative to Semrush? Aptly named, LowFruits helps you find the low-hanging fruits your competitors aren’t taking advantage of. It does this by analyzing SERPs (search engine result pages).

In other words, you can discover keyword variations that your competition is performing poorly for. Then, you can create optimized content to outrank them for those keywords and drive more traffic to your site.

LowFruits is another tool that I use regularly. I’ll enter a single keyword to find keyword variations to target, as well as a list of top competitors for that keyword. I’ve also imported lists of keywords to get the information on entire batches of keywords at once.

LowFruits Features

• Rank Tracker: Track keyword search rankings for competitor sites
• Keyword Finder: Discover low-competition keyword variations
• Domain Explorer: See which competitors have weak Domain Authority
• SERP Extractions: Enter competitor domains to extract the keywords they have SERP rankings for.

Best for: Competitor keyword research on a budget

Is LowFruits Free? No, there is no free version.

Pricing: Starts at $25 for 2,000 credits or $249/year

Note: LowFruits has 2 pricing structures:

1. Pay as you go (starting at $25): Purchase credits to run Keyword Finder and SERP Extraction reports. Pricing starts at $25 for 2,000 credits
2. Subscription (starting at $249/year): Access all of LowFruits’ features. The Standard plan is $249 per year and gives you 3,000 credits per month. The Premium plan is $749 per year with 10,000 credits per month.

3. Ahrefs

Ahrefs is an all-in-one SEO toolset that focuses heavily on competitor research. It offers very similar functionality to Semrush at a comparable price point.

I personally prefer Semrush due to the amount of data it provides and its breadth of tools. However, Ahref and Semrush are both leaders in their field, with each having its strengths and weaknesses. For instance, Ahrefs has the world’s largest index of live backlinks, and it’s refreshed every 15-30 minutes. That’s a powerful feature for marketers focused on link-building.

Ahrefs Features

• Site Explorer: Analyze traffic, keywords, and backlinks for any competitor URL
• Keyword Explorer: Discover new keywords and see which sites rank for them
• Content Explorer: Find content ideas by analyzing the top-performing content in your niche
• Rank Tracker: Track search rankings for your competitors, your own site, or specific keywords
• Site Audit: Monitor and optimize your own site

Best for: Comprehensive competitor analysis with a heavy focus on backlinks.

Is Ahrefs Free? No, there is no free plan. However, verified website owners can access some data using Ahrefs’ free Webmaster Tools.

Premium Pricing: Start at $129/month. Limited Starter plan available for $29/month.

4. Similarweb

SimilarWeb is a versatile tool that lets you research where your competitors’ traffic comes from.

Important note: Similarweb analyzes traffic primarily at the domain level, so it’s not the best tool for in-depth content marketing or blog post research. You can see the top landing pages for a competitor site, but you can’t get full data on specific page URLs like you can with Semrush or Ahrefs.

Even so, I was impressed by the amount of information at my fingertips during my testing.

I simply entered a domain URL and had access to that site’s organic and paid traffic, their top referring websites, and important audience information such as geography, demographics, and other sites the audience has visited.

Similarweb Features

• Traffic analysis: Explore any website’s traffic data
• Organic search analysis: Find your competitors’ top SEO keywords and landing pages
• Paid search analysis: See the performance of any site’s paid search ads
• Referral information: Research a site’s incoming and outgoing referral traffic

Best for: Getting insights into the strategies of high-profile competitors

Is Similarweb Free? No, there’s no free plan, but there is a 7-day free trial.

Premium Pricing: Starts at $125/month

5. iSpionage

iSpionage is a popular competitive analysis tool that focuses on PPC research and also provides SEO data. Their software gives you an inside look at your competitors’ marketing strategies.

In my testing, I entered a domain URL and was immediately able to view trending PPC keywords, monthly advertising budgets, and more. iSpionage also helps you find the best keywords for your own SEO and PPC campaigns.

iSpionage Features

• PPC Summary: See an overview of a competitor’s PPC performance, including average ad position, budget, and monthly clicks
• PPC Keywords: Explore top PPC keywords for both Google and Bing/Yahoo
• Organic Keywords: See competitors’ top keywords, their SERP ranking, and the pages that rank for them
• Ads analysis: Review a site’s individual ads and their performance
• Landing Page analysis: Discover competitors’ top landing pages and see screenshots of those pages

Best for: PPC campaign research

Is iSpionage Free? iSpionage offers a free plan with limited functionality.

Premium Pricing: Starts at $59/month

Social Media Competitor Research Software

6. Sprout Social

Sprout Social is a social media management solution that lets you schedule and monitor your social media posts. It connects to all major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, and Pinterest.

Additionally, you can view competitive analysis reports to monitor the social media activity of your competitors.

I signed up for Sprout Social and connected it to a Facebook Page that I manage. In addition to in-depth data on my own Page, I was able to see competitor comparison charts and an overview of recent posts by competitors.

Sprout Social Features

• Competitor performance for Facebook, Instagram, and X
• In-depth competitor data, including audience size, audience growth, engagement metrics, and post count
• Competitor post feed that lets you see the recent posts from your competition
• Complete social media management to schedule posts and monitor your own social media performance

Best for: Comprehensive social media management with competitor insights.

Is Sprout Social Free? No, there isn’t a free version, but they do offer a 30-day free trial.

Premium Pricing: Starts at $199/ month

7. Rival IQ

Rival IQ is a dedicated social media competitive research tool, and it’s extremely easy to get started. I signed up for an account and was immediately prompted to enter my URL and the URLs of 3 competitors. For my testing, I entered websites for popular outdoor brands, and Rival IQ automatically accessed the public data from their social channels.

Within seconds, I navigated to the Competitive Audit section and accessed in-depth comparative data.

Depending on which plan you choose, you can track between 10 and 40 companies. Plus, you can connect Rival IQ directly to your social channels to track all your private social insights in a single dashboard.

Rival IQ Features

• Competitive benchmarking through social media data
• Custom Landscapes that let you create different groupings of companies to compare
• Custom Dashboards to track cross-channel or channel-specific data
• Social content analysis for hashtags, topics, and more

Best for: Experienced social media managers who want a dedicated competitor research tool

Is Rival IQ Free? No, there isn’t a free version, but they offer a 14-day free trial. You can also access limited reports and benchmarking data under Free Tools on their website.

Premium Pricing: Starts at $239/month

8. Phlanx

Phlanx is an influencer marketing platform that helps you discover and connect with social media influencers. It also includes competitor tracking for Instagram, YouTube, X, and Twitch.

As an influencer platform, Phlanx focuses mostly on engagement. I tried out their competitor tracking and found charts comparing engagement levels for various brands:

Additionally, their Engagement Calculators allow you to vet potential collaborators or keep an eye on rival brands.

Phlanx Features

• Competitor engagement tracking for several social platforms (Facebook not included)
• Engagement calculators for all major social platforms
• Influencer Directory to find the right social accounts to partner with
• Collaborations board to post collaboration requests and browse requests from other brands

Best for: Marketers seeking out influencer opportunities

Is Phlanx Free? No, there isn’t a free plan. Phlanx does offer a 30-day free trial, but you have to enter your credit card to access it.

Premium Pricing: Starts at $39/month

9. Social Blade

Are the above social competitor analysis tools out of your budget? Social Blade may be the right choice for you, as its free tool offers tons of competitor data.

The site’s search box suggests simply entering a username, but I had the best results by entering the full URL for a social media profile.

For instance, I entered a URL for a YouTube channel and got an in-depth chart full of useful metrics:

The free version does include a lot of ads. If you find them frustrating, you can opt for one of Social Blade’s very reasonable paid plans.

Social Blade Features

• Competitor tracking for YouTube, Twitch, Instagram, and X
• Detailed statistics to track daily performance
• Future projections that predict growth over the next 5 years
• Premium data charts & favorite slots for premium members

Best for: Social marketers on a tight budget

Is Social Blade Free? Yes, you can access Social Blade’s basic charts for free.

Premium Pricing: Starts at $3.99/month

Content-Based Competitor Research Software

10. Owletter (for Email Marketing)

Email marketing has the highest ROI (return on investment) of any digital marketing strategy. With Owletter, you can easily monitor your competitors’ email campaigns, so you can optimize your own.

I signed up for Owletter and found it very easy to set up email campaign tracking. I simply entered the name and website URL for each brand I wanted to track. Owletter then gave me a unique email address to use to sign up for that brand’s email newsletter.

Note: Some websites’ signup forms may block Owletter email addresses. One website gave me an error message that the address could not be verified.

Once I signed up for those newsletters, Owletter created a single inbox where I could view all of my competitor’s email campaigns:

I could sort the emails by website or topic tag, or I could search for specific subject line keywords.

Most importantly, Owletter stores and analyzes these emails to create summaries for each brand you monitor. Over time, these summaries will show your competitor’s email frequency, the days and times they send emails, common subject line words, spam score, and more.

Owletter Features

• Email inbox to monitor competitor email campaigns
• Email analysis that provides an overview of your competitors’ email marketing strategy
• Scheduled email reports with a summary of email activity from monitored sites
• Email alerts for specific websites or subject line keywords

Best for: Email marketers

Is Owletter Free? There’s no free plan, but you can sign up for a 14-day free trial

Premium Pricing: Starts at $19/month

11. Buzzsumo (for Content Marketing)

Buzzsumo is a comprehensive content marketing research tool. It lets you discover content that is trending in your industry, so you can optimize your own content strategy.

For example, I tried out Buzzsumo’s Content Analyzer tool. I entered a URL and got a list of the site’s most engaging content.

I could see the number of shares and engagement on social media for each post, a list of backlinks, and more. The Evergreen score shows which content continued to get engagement after 30 days. This helps you learn how to create content with lasting impact.

Keep in mind that this example is just one use for this extremely robust software. Buzzsumo’s functionality is broad, and you can get in-depth content data on any topic, brand, or URL.

Buzzsumo Features

• Content analyzer: See the most engaging content from competitors or on specific topics
• Competitor alerts: Get a notification whenever a competitor is mentioned online
• Content idea generator: Enter a topic keyword to get suggestions for engaging posts
• Trending feeds: Set up content feeds for different topics

Best for: Marketers wanting to optimize their brands’ content

Is Buzzsumo Free? There’s no free version, but you can sign up for a 7-day free trial.

Premium Pricing: Starts at $199/month

More Competitive Research Tools

There are countless software options for competitive analysis. I’ve reviewed my top 11, but here are a few more to consider:

12. Majestic: Discover your competitors’ backlinks

13. Serpstat: Analyze your competitor websites SEO and PPC data

14. SpyFu: Download competitors’ SEO and PPC keywords

15. MozBar: See instant metrics on any page or SERP with this Chrome browser extension

16. Talkwalker by Hootsuite: Track social media and consumer data to keep an eye on the competition

17. Brandwatch: Conduct social media market research to benchmark your brand against competitors

Understanding Your Competitors = Better Marketing for Your Brand

There you have it! This list of competitor research tools has everything you need to perfect your marketing campaigns.

Use your competitors’ success to increase your web traffic, and then use OptinMonster to turn those visitors into quality leads. OptinMonster can help you nurture website visitors through your sales funnel by:

• Encouraging visitors to sign up for your email list with a lead magnet
• Offering enticing discounts to exiting visitors
• Showing product and content recommendations based on visitor behavior
• Precisely targeting your popups to just the right people at just the right time

Sign up for OptinMonster today and launch a comprehensive lead-generation campaign in minutes. That way, you’ll be ready to convert all the visitors you’ll gain through your competitive research.

Frequently Asked Questions

This eCommerce holiday calendar covers the entirety of 2026, so you can plan all 12 months of promotions. For each holiday, I’m sharing marketing tips to help your eCommerce store make more sales throughout the year.

January 2026 Marketing Calendar

January 1: New Year’s Day

New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the calendar year and the end of the holiday shopping season. On the eCommerce calendar, it’s the time to promote resolution-related products.

• Products to Promote: Fitness gear, planners, healthy cooking items, and self-improvement books.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Promote New Year’s resolution-themed products.
  • Social Media: Ask followers to share their resolutions, especially those related to your company’s niche.
  • Website Popups: Offer discounts on products that help achieve new goals.

OptinMonster has several New Year-themed templates. The one below is a full-screen spin-to-win campaign:

You can add a Coupon Wheel like this one to any OptinMonster campaign.

January 4: National Spaghetti Day

National Spaghetti Day celebrates the beloved pasta dish enjoyed by many around the world. Like so many food-themed holidays, it’s a great opportunity to have some fun with your eCommerce marketing.

• Products to Promote: Pasta, kitchen gadgets, and cookbooks.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Share spaghetti recipes and promote related products.
  • Social Media: Ask followers to share their favorite spaghetti recipes or their favorite Italian restaurants.
  • Website Popups: Highlight discounts on pasta and kitchen tools. Offer a family spaghetti recipe or guide to homemade pasta as a lead magnet.

January 10: National Cut Your Energy Day

This day encourages people to reduce their energy consumption and be more environmentally conscious.

• Products to Promote: Energy-efficient appliances and eco-friendly products.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Offer tips on cutting energy usage and promote sustainable products.
  • Social Media: Share infographics on energy-saving tips.
  • Website Popups: Promote sales on energy-efficient items.

January 12: National Hot Tea Day

National Hot Tea Day celebrates the warmth and comfort of drinking hot tea.

• Products to Promote: Teas, kettles, teapots, tea sets, serving platters, and tasty treats that go well with tea.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Share tea party recipes and special tea blends.
  • Social Media: Host a tea-themed giveaway or a virtual tea party.
  • Website Popups: Offer discounts on tea sets and accessories.

January 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

This federal holiday honors the civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and his contributions to equality and justice.

• Products to Promote: Books, educational materials, products from Black-owned businesses, and charity-related items.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Share content about MLK’s legacy and your brand’s commitment to diversity and equity.
  • Social Media: Highlight community service events.
  • Website Popups: Promote Black-owned businesses and donations to relevant charities.

January 21: National Pie Day

National Pie Day is dedicated to celebrating the love of pies, from sweet to savory.

• Products to Promote: Baking supplies, pie ingredients, kitchenware, and cookbooks.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Share pie recipes and baking tips.
  • Social Media: Do a bracketed poll tournament to determine the best type of pie.
  • Website Popups: Offer discounts on pie-related products or a pie-baking guide as a lead magnet.

January 26: Australia Day

Australia Day marks the arrival of the First Fleet at Port Jackson in New South Wales in 1788 and is celebrated with parades and barbecues.

• Products to Promote: Australian-made items, outdoor gear, and BBQ supplies.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Share Australia Day-themed products.
  • Social Media: Highlight Australian culture and products.
  • Website Popups: Offer sales on BBQ supplies and outdoor gear.

January 29: Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, marks the beginning of the lunar new year and is celebrated with family gatherings, feasts, and fireworks.

• Products to Promote: Festive decorations, traditional foods, and gifts.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Share Chinese New Year traditions and special promotions.
  • Social Media: Post content about the zodiac animal of the year.
  • Website Popups: Offer discounts on festive items and gifts.

February 2026 Marketing Calendar

Month of February: Black History Month

Black History Month celebrates the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history.

• Products to Promote: Books by Black authors, products by Black-owned businesses, and educational materials.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Highlight Black-owned businesses and promote related products.
  • Social Media: Share stories and achievements of notable Black figures.
  • Website Popups: Offer discounts on products related to Black history and culture.

February 2: Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day is a quirky tradition where a groundhog predicts the weather for the upcoming weeks based on whether it sees its shadow. Have to sets of marketing campaigns ready: one for an early spring and one for 6 more weeks of winter.

• Products to Promote: Winter or spring clothing, seasonal decorations, and novelty items.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Promote winter sales or spring previews based on the groundhog’s prediction.
  • Social Media: Share fun facts and history about Groundhog Day.
  • Website Popups: Offer flash sales tied to the groundhog’s forecast.

February 7: National Wear Red Day

National Wear Red Day raises awareness about heart disease in women by encouraging people to wear red.

• Products to Promote: Red clothing, heart health-related products, and fitness gear.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Promote red apparel and highlight heart health tips. Offer matching donations to the American Heart Association.
  • Social Media: Share stories and tips on heart health awareness.
  • Website Popups: Offer discounts on red items and health products, and encourage donations.

February 9: National Pizza Day

National Pizza Day celebrates everyone’s favorite cheesy dish with various deals and promotions.

• Products to Promote: Pizza-making kits, kitchen gadgets, and pizza-themed merchandise.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Share pizza recipes and promote related products.
  • Social Media: Post polls on favorite pizza toppings or on New York-style vs Chicago deep dish.
  • Website Popups: Offer discounts on pizza-related items or a pizza recipe ebook as a lead magnet.

February 14: Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love and romance, often marked by giving gifts like chocolates, flowers, and jewelry.

• Products to Promote: Chocolates, flowers, jewelry, and romantic gifts.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Promote special Valentine’s Day gifts and offers.
  • Social Media: Share romantic stories and gift ideas.
  • Website Popups: Offer exclusive Valentine’s Day deals and bundles.

February 17: President’s Day

President’s Day honors past and present U.S. presidents and is often celebrated with sales and discounts.

• Products to Promote: Patriotic merchandise, home goods, electronics.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Promote President’s Day sales and highlight patriotic products.
  • Social Media: Share historical facts about U.S. presidents.
  • Website Popups: Offer sitewide discounts for President’s Day.

February 17: Random Acts of Kindness Day

Random Acts of Kindness Day encourages people to spread kindness through small, thoughtful gestures.

• Products to Promote: Greeting cards, small gifts, and charitable donations.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Encourage customers to perform acts of kindness and share related products.
  • Social Media: Promote a kindness challenge or giveaway.
  • Website Popups: Offer discounts on products that can be given as gifts.

February 25: Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is celebrated with parades, parties, and festive masks.

• Products to Promote: Costumes, masks, party supplies, decorations.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Promote Mardi Gras-themed products and party supplies.
  • Social Media: Share Mardi Gras history and celebration ideas.
  • Website Popups: Offer discounts on festive items and decorations.

February 28: Ramadan Begins*

*Ramadan is expected to begin the evening of February 28, 2026, but exact dates can vary.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. It’s a time of spiritual growth and increased charitable giving.

• Products to Promote: Prayer mats, Islamic books, dates (fruit), and Ramadan decorations.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Share Ramadan recipes, gift guides, and special offers on relevant products. Educate customers about the significance of Ramadan.
  • Social Media: Post daily Ramadan tips, share iftar (fast-breaking meal) recipes, and host a charity drive.
  • Website Popups: Offer Ramadan-themed bundles and promote suhoor (pre-dawn meal) essentials.

March 2026 Marketing Calendar

Month of March: Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month honors the contributions and achievements of women throughout history.

• Products to Promote: Books by female authors and products by women artists and women-owned businesses.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Highlight products from women-owned businesses.
  • Social Media: Share stories of inspirational women.
  • Website Popups: Offer discounts on women-focused products.

March 8: International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day celebrates women’s achievements and promotes gender equality.

• Products to Promote: Empowerment-themed products, beauty and wellness items, and women’s accessories.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Feature special promotions on women’s products.
  • Social Media: Share user-generated content celebrating women.
  • Website Popups: Offer exclusive deals for International Women’s Day.

March 14: Holi

Holi is a Hindu festival marking the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. Known as the Festival of Colors, it involves joyous celebrations where people throw vibrant colored powders, dance, and feast together.

• Products to Promote: Color powders, white clothing, festive snacks, and sweets.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Send out festive offers that celebrate the arrival of Spring.
  • Social Media: Share vibrant images and videos of Holi celebrations, or run a photo contest for the best Holi moments.
  • Website Popups: Offer discounts on Holi essentials and promote limited-time festive bundles.

You can get started with your Holi marketing with this OptinMonster template:

March 17: St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day honors the patron saint of Ireland with festivities, parades, and wearing green.

• Products to Promote: Green clothing, Irish-themed products, beer, beer accessories, and party supplies.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Send out themed discount codes.
  • Social Media: Post green apparel items and photos of festivities.
  • Website Popups: Promote limited-time offers on themed products.

March 20: First Day of Spring/Spring Equinox

After the long winter, people are ready to celebrate the arrival of spring. This is the time in your eCommerce calendar to shift to your warm-weather items.

• Products to Promote: Gardening supplies, spring fashion, warm-weather clothing, and outdoor decor.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Announce new spring collections.
  • Social Media: Share tips for spring cleaning and gardening.
  • Website Popups: Offer spring sales and promotions.

March 20: International Day of Happiness

The International Day of Happiness promotes the importance of happiness and well-being.

• Products to Promote: Wellness products, inspirational books, cozy apparel, games, or other fun or relaxing items.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Share happiness tips and promote wellness products.
  • Social Media: Encourage followers to share what makes them happy.
  • Website Popups: Offer discounts on products that promote happiness.

March 29: Eid al-Fitr Begins*

*Eid al-Fitr is expected to begin the evening of March 29, 2026, but the exact dates may vary.

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated with prayers, family gatherings, feasts, and acts of charity.

• Products to Promote: Eid gifts, festive clothing, home decor, and gourmet foods.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Send Eid greetings and highlight special Eid collections and last-minute gift ideas.
  • Social Media: Share Eid celebration photos from around the world and run an Eid outfit contest.
  • Website Popups: Offer exclusive Eid discounts and promote express shipping for last-minute shoppers.

March 29: Earth Hour

Earth Hour encourages turning off non-essential lights for one hour to raise awareness about climate change.

• Products to Promote: Eco-friendly products, energy-saving devices, and reusable items.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Promote eco-friendly product lines.
  • Social Media: Share energy-saving tips and Earth Hour facts.
  • Website Popups: Offer discounts on sustainable products.

April 2026 Marketing Calendar

Month of April: National Poetry Month

National Poetry Month celebrates poetry and its impact on culture and society.

• Products to Promote: Poetry books, writing journals, and literary-themed merchandise.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Feature a daily poem and related products.
  • Social Media: Host a poetry contest and share user submissions.
  • Website Popups: Offer discounts on literary products.

April 1: April Fool’s Day

April Fool’s Day is a day for practical jokes and playful pranks. Online businesses can even post and send their own prank messages, but make sure your joke is light-hearted and not deceptive.

• Products to Promote: Gag gifts, prank kits, and novelty items.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Send a playful email with prank product suggestions.
  • Social Media: Share funny prank ideas and user-generated content.
  • Website Popups: Offer special deals on novelty items.

April 10: National Sibling’s Day

National Sibling’s Day honors the bond shared by sisters and brothers. It’s also a chance to have fun with the teasing nature of many sibling relationships.

• Products to Promote: Personalized gifts, matching apparel, photo frames, and games.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Feature gift ideas and photos of team members with their siblings.
  • Social Media: Encourage followers to tag siblings and share funny stories.
  • Website Popups: Offer discounts on personalized sibling gifts.

April 11: National Pet Day

National Pet Day celebrates pets and promotes pet adoption.

• Products to Promote: Pet supplies, pet toys, personalized pet products.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Highlight special offers on pet products.
  • Social Media: Share pet adoption stories and user-generated pet photos.
  • Website Popups: Offer exclusive deals for pet owners.

April 20: Easter

Easter is a Christian holiday that represents renewal and resurrection. Families often gather for meals, and children enjoy gifts from the Easter Bunny.

• Products to Promote: Easter decorations, chocolates, children’s toys, and pastel spring clothing.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Send an Easter-themed newsletter with a gift guide. Don’t be afraid to use plenty of egg and bunny puns.
  • Social Media: Highlight gifts that are perfect for an Easter basket, as well as spring dresses and accessories.
  • Website Popups: Promote Easter sales and limited-time offers.

April 22: Earth Day

Earth Day focuses on environmental protection and sustainability. It’s often marked with outdoor events and educational programs.

• Products to Promote: Eco-friendly products, reusable items, and gardening tools.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Highlight eco-friendly products and sustainable practices.
  • Social Media: Share tips on reducing environmental impact.
  • Website Popups: Offer discounts on sustainable products.

April 23: Administrative Professionals Day

Administrative Professionals Day recognizes the contributions of administrative staff. Bosses and coworkers often give gifts to show their thanks.

• Products to Promote: Personalized gifts, flowers, gift cards, and other common gift items.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Promote gift ideas for administrative professionals.
  • Social Media: Share stories about your company’s outstanding administrative staff.
  • Website Popups: Offer special deals on popular gifts.

April 25: Arbor Day

Arbor Day encourages planting and caring for trees.

• Products to Promote: Gardening tools, tree saplings, eco-friendly products. Run a promotion that your company will plant a tree for every purchase over a certain amount.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Send a newsletter promoting tree planting and related products. Share your company’s tree-planting efforts
  • Social Media: Share tree-planting tips and environmental benefits. Post photos of your staff planting trees.
  • Website Popups: Offer discounts on gardening supplies.

May 2026 Marketing Calendar

Month of May: AANHPI Heritage Month

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month celebrates the contributions and culture of AANHPI communities.

• Products to Promote: Books, art, cuisine-related items, and products by AANHPI-owned businesses.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Highlight products from AANHPI creators and discuss the importance of the month’s observance.
  • Social Media: Share stories and contributions of AANHPI individuals.
  • Website Popups: Offer discounts on.

May 4: Star Wars Day

Star Wars Day, celebrated with the phrase “May the 4th be with you,” is a day for Star Wars fans to celebrate the franchise.

• Products to Promote: Star Wars merchandise, costumes, and collectibles.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Feature a Star Wars-themed product line.
  • Social Media: Host a Star Wars trivia contest or giveaway.
  • Website Popups: Offer special discounts on Star Wars products.

May 5: Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla. In Mexico, it’s a regional holiday rather than one celebrated nationally. In the US and some other countries, the holiday celebrates Mexican culture and cuisine.

• Products to Promote: Mexican cuisine, cultural decorations, and festive attire.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Share recipes and promote Mexican food products.
  • Social Media: Highlight Cinco de Mayo events and traditions.
  • Website Popups: Offer discounts on cooking supplies, festive decorations, and attire.

May 6: National Teacher Day

Like World Teachers Day in October, National Teacher Day also recognizes the dedication and contributions of teachers.

• Products to Promote: Teacher appreciation gifts, books, and educational supplies.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Promote special discounts for teachers.
  • Social Media: Share stories and shoutouts to teachers.
  • Website Popups: Offer deals on teacher-related gifts and supplies.

May 11: Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a celebration honoring mothers and motherhood.

• Products to Promote: Flowers, jewelry, personalized gifts, spa products.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Send gift guides for Mother’s Day.
  • Social Media: Host a Mother’s Day photo contest.
  • Website Popups: Offer special Mother’s Day discounts.

You can easily promote your Mother’s Day promotions with OptinMonster:

May 12: International Nurses Day

International Nurses Day celebrates the contributions of nurses around the world.

• Products to Promote: Healthcare-themed gifts, wellness products, and appreciation items.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Highlight special deals for nurses, and encourage people to give gifts to nurses in their lives.
  • Social Media: Share stories of inspiring nurses.
  • Website Popups: Offer exclusive discounts for healthcare professionals.

May 15: Global Accessibility Awareness Day

Global Accessibility Awareness Day focuses on digital access and inclusion for people with disabilities.

• Products to Promote: Accessibility tools, inclusive tech products, and adaptive devices.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Promote accessibility features of your products.
  • Social Media: Share tips on creating inclusive content.
  • Website Popups: Highlight accessible product discounts.

May 25: National Wine Day

National Wine Day is a celebration of wine and winemaking.

• Products to Promote: Wines, wine accessories, and gourmet food pairings.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Send a newsletter featuring popular wines and pairings.
  • Social Media: Host a virtual wine-tasting event.
  • Website Popups: Offer discounts on wine and related products.

May 26: Memorial Day

Memorial Day honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.

• Products to Promote: Patriotic merchandise, outdoor gear, and barbecue supplies.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Highlight Memorial Day sales and special offers.
  • Social Media: Share tributes to fallen soldiers.
  • Website Popups: Promote holiday weekend deals with themed popups

June 2026 Marketing Calendar

Month of June: Pride Month

Pride Month celebrates the LGBTQ+ community, honoring the 1969 Stonewall Riots and promoting equality and acceptance.

• Products to Promote: Rainbow-themed merchandise, LGBTQ+ books, Pride flags, and products by LGBTQ+-owned companies.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Share stories and support for the LGBTQ+ community.
  • Social Media: Highlight pride events and special promotions.
  • Website Popups: Offer exclusive discounts on Pride merchandise.

June 6: Eid al-Adha Begins*

*Eid al-Adha is expected to begin the evening of June 6, but exact dates may vary.

Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is an Islamic holiday marked by a multi-day celebration.

• Products to Promote: Formal clothing, home decor, kitchenware for large gatherings, and charitable donation options.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Promote Eid al-Adha gift guides and highlight products perfect for family gatherings.
  • Social Media: Share the story and significance of Eid al-Adha, and encourage followers to share their celebration plans.
  • Website Popups: Offer special discounts on festive attire and home goods, or promote a charitable giving campaign.

June 6: National Donut Day

National Donut Day honors the Salvation Army volunteers who served donuts to soldiers during WWI. It’s also a great excuse to eat some donuts!

• Products to Promote: Donuts, baking supplies, and kitchen gadgets.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Send a special offer for National Donut Day, and share the story of the holiday’s origin.
  • Social Media: Ask followers to share their favorite donut flavor.
  • Website Popups: Offer a discount on baking supplies and donuts, or use a donut-making guide as a lead magnet.

June 15: Father’s Day

Father’s Day celebrates fatherhood and the influence of fathers in society.

• Products to Promote: Tools, gadgets, sports equipment, and personalized gifts.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Send gift guides for Father’s Day.
  • Social Media: Share stories and photos of dads.
  • Website Popups: Offer special Father’s Day discounts.

OptinMonster includes an attractive Father’s Day template. Here, you see that template in our drag-and-drop builder which lets you easily edit the template with just a few clicks.

June 19: Juneteenth

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865. Long celebration by many African Americans, it became a federal holiday in 2021.

• Products to Promote: Educational books and products by Black artists and Black-owned businesses.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Highlight Juneteenth sales and educational resources.
  • Social Media: Share the history and significance of Juneteenth.
  • Website Popups: Offer site-wide discounts and highlight products by Black-owned businesses.

June 21: Summer Solstice/First Day of Summer

The Summer Solstice marks the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer.

• Products to Promote: Summer clothing, outdoor gear, and travel accessories.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Promote summer sales and new arrivals.
  • Social Media: Share summer tips and activities.
  • Website Popups: Offer discounts on summer essentials.

June 21: International Yoga Day

International Yoga Day celebrates the physical and spiritual benefits of yoga.

• Products to Promote: Yoga mats, apparel, and accessories.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Highlight yoga products and discuss the benefits of yoga.
  • Social Media: Share yoga tutorials and challenges.
  • Website Popups: Offer special discounts on yoga gear.

June 27: National Sunglasses Day

National Sunglasses Day promotes the importance of wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.

• Products to Promote: Sunglasses, eyewear accessories, summer apparel.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Feature a sale on sunglasses and share information on eye health.
  • Social Media: Run a sunglasses selfie contest.
  • Website Popups: Offer a limited-time discount on all eyewear.

July 2026 Marketing Calendar

Month of July: Disability Pride Month

Disability Pride Month celebrates the diversity, achievements, and contributions of individuals with disabilities.

• Products to Promote: Accessibility aids, inclusive fashion, and educational resources.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Share stories and highlight inclusive products.
  • Social Media: Promote awareness and inclusivity campaigns.
  • Website Popups: Offer discounts on accessibility products.

July 4: Independence Day (US)

Independence Day commemorates the Declaration of Independence in 1776, marking the birth of the United States.

• Products to Promote: Patriotic decor, BBQ supplies, and summer apparel.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Send out holiday promotions and cookout guides.
  • Social Media: Run a patriotic-themed photo contest.
  • Website Popups: Offer exclusive Independence Day sales.

July 7: World Chocolate Day

World Chocolate Day celebrates the deliciousness of chocolate in all its forms. If you need an excuse to enjoy some chocolate, here’s your chance!

• Products to Promote: Chocolates, baking supplies, chocolate-themed gifts.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Feature special offers on chocolate products.
  • Social Media: Share chocolate recipes and fun facts.
  • Website Popups: Offer limited-time discounts on chocolate-related items.

July 20: National Ice Cream Day

National Ice Cream Day is a day to indulge in and celebrate ice cream.

• Products to Promote: Ice cream makers, gourmet ice creams, toppings.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Highlight ice cream products and exclusive deals.
  • Social Media: Host an ice cream flavor contest.
  • Website Popups: Offer discounts on ice cream-related products.

July 27: Parent’s Day

Parent’s Day honors the role of parents in bringing up their children and supporting their families.

• Products to Promote: Family photo frames, personalized gifts, and home decor.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Send out a gift guide for Parent’s Day.
  • Social Media: Share stories and photos of parents.
  • Website Popups: Offer special Parent’s Day discounts.

July 30: International Day of Friendship

International Day of Friendship, like Friendship Day in August, celebrates the bonds of friendship between individuals and communities.

• Products to Promote: Personalized products, books about friendship, and thoughtful gift items.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Promote friendship-themed gifts and offers.
  • Social Media: Share stories and photos celebrating friendship.
  • Website Popups: Offer discounts on popular gift items.

August 2026 Marketing Calenda

Month of August: Back to School

In the United States, many schools start their fall semesters in August. This earlier start time is especially common in Southern states. If you have a local or regional business in these states, remember to time your back-to-school marketing appropriately. If you have a national or international customer base, use geotargeting and lead segmentation to target your back-to-school promotions to the right people at the right time.

• Products to Promote: School supplies, backpacks, clothing, electronics, and dorm essentials.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Send segmented emails with school essentials and special offers for students and parents.
  • Social Media: Share back-to-school tips, product highlights, and user-generated content of school preparations.
  • Website: Offer discount codes for back-to-school items and bundle deals.

August 1: International Beer Day

International Beer Day is celebrated worldwide to enjoy and celebrate beer. It’s a day for beer lovers to try new brews, visit local pubs, and share a drink with friends.

• Products to Promote: Beers, brewing kits, barware, coolers, and other beer accessories
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Promote special beer selections and have some fun with brewing trivia.
  • Social Media: Host a virtual beer-tasting event or share fun facts about beer.
  • Website popups: Offer a limited-time discount on beer-related products.

August 2: Ice Cream Sandwich Day

Ice Cream Sandwich Day is dedicated to celebrating one of the most beloved summer treats, the ice cream sandwich. This day is perfect for indulging in and promoting these nostalgic frozen treats.

• Products to Promote: Ice cream, ice cream makers, cookies, and picnic/outdoor accessories
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Highlight a variety of ice cream sandwiches and recipes.
  • Social Media: Run a contest for the best homemade ice cream sandwich.
  • Website popups: Feature a popup with a special offer on ice cream or picnic products.

August 3: Friendship Day

Friendship Day is a day to celebrate friendships and show appreciation to friends. It’s a time for people to connect, share memories, and exchange gifts.

• Products to Promote: Gifts, personalized items, and greeting cards. If you have a referral program, you can offer an extra incentive for referring a friend.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Send gift ideas and special offers for friends, and focus on the special role that friendship plays in our lives. Keep a casual tone, and thank your subscribers for being a friend and supporter of your company.
  • Social Media: Encourage followers to share stories and pictures of their friends.
  • Website Popups: Offer a discount on gift items, promote your refer-a-friend program, or give a Friends & Family coupon code.

August 9: National Book Lovers Day

National Book Lovers Day is dedicated to those who love reading and books. This holiday is obviously great for publishers, authors, and booksellers. But a wide variety of eCommerce stores can also use it by focusing on the cozy factor of curling up with a good book.

• Products to Promote: Books, ebooks, e-readers, ebook subscriptions, coffee, tea, mugs, blankets, and loungewear
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Highlight a product bundle a relaxing night of reading.
  • Social Media: Share book recommendations from your staff, reading challenges, and polls about favorite books and authors.
  • Website Popups: Promote a limited-time discount on any of the products above. Also, consider offering a free ebook or short story PDF as a lead magnet.

With OptinMonster, you can have an ebook popup running on your site in minutes. Just start with our eBook Download template, and use our easy drag-and-drop builder to customize it for your ebook. A high-value, relevant lead magnet is one of the best ways to grow your email list.

August 19: World Photography Day

World Photography Day celebrates the art and science of photography. It’s a day for photographers to showcase their work and for enthusiasts to appreciate the beauty of captured moments.

• Products to Promote: Cameras, photography accessories, frames, photo printing services, and photography classes.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Showcase popular cameras and accessories with special offers. Include beautiful photographs throughout your email.
  • Social Media: Run a photography contest and showcase user-generated content. Even if you don’t sell camera equipment, you can ask for creative photos of your products in use.
  • Website Popups: Provide a discount code for photography equipment. Offer a lead magnet of a free photography guide or discount on a photography course.

August 26: National Dog Day

National Dog Day celebrates all dogs and encourages adoption. It’s a day to recognize the joy and companionship that dogs bring into our lives.

• Products to Promote: Pet supplies, dog food, and pet toys. Don’t sell these? You can donate a percentage of the day’s proceeds to an animal rescue organization.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Promote special deals on dog products or highlight your company’s commitment to animal welfare.
  • Social Media: Share heartwarming stories of dog adoptions, post photos of staff members’ dogs, or ask followers to share photos of their dogs.
  • Website Popups: Offer a discount on pet supplies or promote your animal rescue donations.

August 26: Women’s Equality Day

Women’s Equality Day commemorates the certification of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. It’s a day to celebrate women’s achievements and promote gender equality.

• Products to Promote: Products by women-owned companies, women’s gifts, and books related to women’s issues.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Highlight products that promote women’s empowerment.
  • Social Media: Share stories and quotes from inspiring women.
  • Website Popups: Offer discounts on women’s products to celebrate equality.

September 2026 Marketing Calendar

Month of September: Back to School (continued)

The back-to-school season continues into September as students and parents finalize their preparations for the new school year. This time is crucial for last-minute purchases and deals.

• Products to Promote: School supplies, clothing, electronics, and dorm essentials.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Highlight back-to-school sales and special offers for students and parents.
  • Social Media: Share back-to-school tips and showcase product highlights.
  • Website Popups: Offer discount codes for back-to-school items and bundle deals.

September 1: Labor Day

Labor Day is a national holiday in the United States that honors the contributions of workers. It’s traditionally celebrated with barbecues, parades, and sales events and marks the end of summer.

• Products to Promote: Outdoor equipment, grills, picnic supplies, and apparel. Customers look for good deals for Labor Day, so consider sitewide discounts.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Promote Labor Day sales and special discounts.
  • Social Media: Share posts celebrating workers and highlight sale items.
  • Website Popups: Feature a limited-time Labor Day sale with exclusive offers.

September 7: Grandparents Day

Grandparents Day is a time to honor grandparents and the role they play in families. It’s a day for giving gifts and spending quality time with them.

• Products to Promote: Gifts, personalized items, photo albums, and books.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Send gift ideas and special offers for grandparents. Include photos of grandparents with their families. You can even add photos of employees’ grandparents.
  • Social Media: Encourage followers to share stories and photos of their grandparents.
  • Website Popups: Offer discounts on personalized gifts for grandparents.

September 12: National Video Game Day

National Video Game Day celebrates the enjoyment and culture of video gaming. It’s a great opportunity to offer special deals to gamers and discuss games.

• Products to Promote: Video games, consoles, gaming accessories, and merchandise related to popular games.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Highlight popular video games and special deals on gaming gear.
  • Social Media: Host a gaming challenge, post polls about favorite games and consoles, share gaming tips and tricks, or live stream a gaming session on Twitch.
  • Website Popups: Provide a discount code for gaming products. Use Page-Level Targeting to create “You might also like” popups related to the games visitors are browsing.

September 20-October 5: Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is a famous Bavarian festival known for its beer, food, and festivities. It typically runs from late September to the first weekend in October.

• Products to Promote: German-themed merchandise, and German-made products, beer, and brewing kits.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Promote Oktoberfest-themed products and beer selections. Since the festival lasts over 2 weeks, you can plan “Beeer of the Day” campaigns for email, social media, and your website.
  • Social Media: Share fun facts about Oktoberfest and German culture. Post photos from Oktoberfest events.
  • Website Popups: Offer a limited-time discount on Oktoberfest products.

September 22: First Day of Fall/Fall Equinox

The Fall Equinox marks the beginning of autumn. After the heat of the summer, customers are excited to prepare for cool, crisp weather and fall festivities.

• Products to Promote: Fall clothing, home decor, seasonal foods, and candles.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Highlight fall collections and seasonal promotions.
  • Social Media: Share fall-themed content and engage with followers about their favorite fall activities.
  • Website Popups: Offer discounts on fall products to celebrate the new season.

September 29: National Coffee Day

National Coffee Day celebrates the beloved beverage and is a great opportunity for promotions related to coffee.

• Products to Promote: Coffee, coffee makers, mugs, and coffee accessories.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Promote special deals on coffee and related products.
  • Social Media: Share coffee recipes and fun facts, and host a coffee giveaway.
  • Website Popups: Feature a limited-time offer on coffee products.

October 2026 Marketing Calendar

October 5: World Teachers’ Day

World Teachers’ Day recognizes the crucial role teachers play in education and development. It’s a day to honor and appreciate educators worldwide.

• Products to Promote: Educational materials, gift cards, stationery, books, and self-care gifts.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Highlight special deals on teacher appreciation gifts. Promote any discounts that you offer for teachers.
  • Social Media: Share stories about impactful teachers and promote giveaways.
  • Website Popups: Offer a discount code for teacher-related products.

October 7: National Taco Day

National Taco Day is a celebration of the beloved taco, a staple in Mexican cuisine. Tacos are an increasingly popular comfort food, so National Taco Day offers a fun way to connect with customers. In 2024, this holiday was changed from October 4 to the first Tuesday in October.

• Products to Promote: Taco kits, cooking utensils, Mexican cuisine ingredients, margarita ingredients, and themed apparel.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Send out taco recipes and special offers on taco-related products. Highlight the different types of tacos that originated from varying regions of Mexico.
  • Social Media: Host a taco photo contest and share recipes.
  • Website Popups: Offer discounts on taco kits and related cooking items.

October 10: World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day aims to raise awareness about mental health issues and promote mental well-being.

• Products to Promote: Self-care items, books on mental health, and spa services.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Share tips on mental well-being and promote relevant products. Give an insider look at how your company prioritizes the mental health of your team members.
  • Social Media: Post about mental health awareness and invite followers to share their mental health journeys.
  • Website Popups: Feature special offers on self-care and wellness products.

October 13: Indigenous People’s Day

Indigenous People’s Day celebrates and honors the culture, history, and contributions of indigenous communities.

• Products to Promote: Indigenous art, cultural books, handmade crafts, and products by Indigenous-owned companies.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Promote products made by indigenous artists and highlight their stories.
  • Social Media: Share educational content about indigenous cultures.
  • Website Popups: Offer discounts on indigenous-made products, art, and books..

October 18: Sweetest Day

On Sweetest Day, businesses encourage customers to give candy and desserts, either as a romantic gesture or an act of kindness.

• Products to Promote: Sweets, chocolates, flowers, and greeting cards.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Highlight gift bundles and special offers on sweets and treats. Include recipes for special desserts.
  • Social Media: Promote a giveaway for a gift basket of special treats.
  • Website Popups: Feature limited-time discounts on Sweetest Day gifts.

October 20: Diwali

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains worldwide. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

• Products to Promote: Candles, lanterns, festive decorations, sweets, jewelry, and other Diwali gifts.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Highlight Diwali gift ideas and offer special discounts. Showcase photos of Diwali light displays and share details about the origins and significance of the holiday.
  • Social Media: Share Diwali stories and recipes, and host a photo contest.
  • Website Popups: Offer a site-wide coupon code in celebration.

October 31: Halloween

Halloween’s popularity has skyrocketed in recent years. In fact, the National Retail Federation estimates that Halloween spending reached $12.2 billion in 2023. With so many dollars at stake, don’t wait until the last minute to start your Halloween promotions. Many eCommerce retailers begin promoting their spooky products as early as July and August.

• Products to Promote: Costumes, decorations, candy, and themed party supplies.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Promote Halloween sales and costume ideas. If you don’t offer these products, you can still create Halloween-themed emails with subject lines like “Scary-Good Savings”
  • Social Media: Host a costume contest and share decorating tips.
  • Website Popups: Offer special deals on Halloween products or a sitewide discount.

OptinMonster offers multiple premade templates for Halloween, including this one:

You can add a Countdown Timer to any OptinMonster campaign. In this popup, the timer can count down to Halloween, creating a sense of urgency to order in time.

November 2026 Marketing Calendar

November 1-2: Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead

Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday that honors deceased loved ones with vibrant altars, marigolds, and festive gatherings. It’s a time of celebration and remembrance.

• Products to Promote: Decorative items, sugar skulls, traditional Mexican crafts, and candles.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Share the history and significance of Dia de los Muertos with special offers on related products.
  • Social Media: Post educational content and host a giveaway featuring festive items.
  • Website Popups: Offer discounts on decorations and traditional crafts.

November 11: Veterans Day

Veterans Day honors military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. It’s a day of remembrance and appreciation for their service.

• Products to Promote: Patriotic items, flags, military-themed gifts, and apparel. Highlight any military discounts that you offer.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Send out a thank-you message to veterans with exclusive offers.
  • Social Media: Share stories of veterans and promote discounts for military personnel.
  • Website Popups: Offer special deals for veterans and their families.

November 13: World Kindness Day

World Kindness Day encourages acts of kindness and the spirit of giving. It’s a day to promote good deeds and positive actions.

• Products to Promote: Inspirational books, wellness products, charity items, simple “thinking of you” gifts, and products that support charitable causes.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Encourage customers to perform acts of kindness and offer discounts on related products. Use this holiday to highlight your company’s charitable giving, and include a link to donate to a cause of your choice.
  • Social Media: Share stories of kindness and create a hashtag campaign.
  • Website Popups: Promote charitable products and offer discounts for those who donate.

November 15: America Recycles Day

America Recycles Day promotes recycling and encourages people to buy recycled products. It’s a day dedicated to environmental awareness.

• Products to Promote: Recycled goods, eco-friendly products, and reusable items.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Highlight your eco-friendly product range and offer discounts.
  • Social Media: Share recycling tips and host a giveaway of sustainable products.
  • Website Popups: Offer special deals on eco-friendly products, or simply use your popup to link to your sustainable collection.

November 18: National Entrepreneur’s Day

National Entrepreneur’s Day celebrates entrepreneurs and their contributions to innovation and economic growth. It’s a day to support and inspire business owners, and it’s an especially good marketing opportunity for B2B (business-to-business) companies.

• Products to Promote: Business books, B2B software and products, productivity tools, and tech gadgets.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Promote products that help entrepreneurs with special discounts. Tell the story of your own company’s founding.
  • Social Media: Share success stories of entrepreneurs and host a live Q&A.
  • Website Popups: Offer exclusive deals and downloadable business guides as lead magnets.

November 27: Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a traditional American holiday where families gather to give thanks and enjoy a feast. It’s celebrated with meals, parades, and football games. It also kicks off the winter holiday season.

• Products to Promote: Cooking supplies, home décor, and fall apparel.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Send out Thanksgiving recipes and special offers on cooking supplies.
  • Social Media: Share customer photos of Thanksgiving celebrations and host a contest.
  • Website Popups: Offer discounts on Thanksgiving essentials.

November 28: Black Friday

Black Friday is the biggest shopping day of the year, known for massive sales and discounts. Be sure to start planning your Black Friday deals and marketing well in advance, so this important weekend doesn’t sneak up on you.

• Products to Promote: Popular electronics, fashion, home goods, and virtually anything.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Send out early bird specials and exclusive discounts. Offer previews of Black Friday deals to subscribers.
  • Social Media: Create countdowns to your biggest deals and share sneak peeks.
  • Website Popups: Promote time-sensitive deals and flash sales. Use countdown timers to build anticipation.

OptinMonster has a ton of Black Friday campaign templates to save you time:

November 29: Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday encourages consumers to shop at local and small businesses. If you’re a small business, this day is your time to shine! Even if you’re a bit larger, you can promote any products made by small businesses.

• Products to Promote: Locally-made products, unique gifts, and specialty items.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Highlight small business products and offer special promotions.
  • Social Media: Share stories of local businesses and create a support-local hashtag campaign.
  • Website Popups: Offer discounts for purchases from small business partners.

December 2026 Marketing Calendar

December 1: Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday is the eCommerce equivalent of Black Friday, with major online retailers offering significant discounts. It’s one of the biggest online shopping days of the year.

• Products to Promote: Electronics, fashion, home goods, toys, and any other products.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Send early access deals and exclusive online discounts.
  • Social Media: Run countdowns and live updates on deals.
  • Website Popups: Offer time-limited flash sales and exclusive online-only offers.

In addition to traditional popups, OptinMonster offers templates for floating bars, slide-in boxes, and full-screen mats. For example, we have this floating bar template for Cyber Monday, which can float at the top or bottom of your webpage:

December 2: Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement that encourages people to give back to their communities through donations, volunteering, and acts of kindness.

• Products to Promote: Charity-related items, matching donations, and percentage-of-purchase donations.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Promote charitable partnerships and donation-matching campaigns.
  • Social Media: Share stories of giving and encourage followers to participate.
  • Website Popups: Highlight donation options and promote matching gift programs.

December 4: National Cookie Day

National Cookie Day celebrates the joy of baking and eating cookies, and it’s perfectly timed for the holiday baking season.

• Products to Promote: Baking supplies, cookie gift boxes, and kitchen gadgets.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Share cookie recipes and offer discounts on baking products.
  • Social Media: Host a cookie recipe contest and share user-generated content.
  • Website Popups: In addition to special deals, you can offer a downloadable PDF of cookie recipes as a lead magnet.

December 14-22: Hanukkah

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

• Products to Promote: Menorahs, candles, traditional foods, and gifts.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Share Hanukkah stories and offer special discounts on holiday items.
  • Social Media: Post Hanukkah-themed content and engage with followers.
  • Website Popups: Highlight Hanukkah promotions and limited-time offers.

December 19: National Ugly Sweater Day

National Ugly Sweater Day is a tongue-in-cheek holiday where people wear their most outrageous holiday sweaters. Many families, friends groups, and workplaces host ugly Christmas sweater parties during the holiday season.

• Products to Promote: Ugly sweaters, not-ugly sweaters, holiday apparel, novelty gifts.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Promote sweater collections and special offers. Include a photo of your team wearing crazy sweaters.
  • Social Media: Host an ugly sweater photo contest and share entries.
  • Website Popups: Offer discounts on sweaters and holiday attire.

December 21: Winter Solstice/First Day of Winter

The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. Because it has the shortest amount of daylight, it also means each following day will be a little longer. That’s good news for people who struggle with Seasonal affective disorder. The Winter Solstice is also the official beginning of winter.

• Products to Promote: Winter clothing, home décor, wellness products, and last-minute holiday gifts.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Highlight winter-themed products and special solstice sales. Share any express-shipping options that will allow arrival before Christmas Day.
  • Social Media: Share winter tips and product features.
  • Website Popups: Promote winter sales and limited-time offers.

December 24: Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is celebrated with family gatherings, festive meals, and last-minute holiday preparations. It’s a night full of anticipation and joy.

• Products to Promote: If you have physical stores that are open, promote last-minute, in-person shopping. If not, take a break for the day!
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Send last-minute gift guides.
  • Social Media: Share holiday stories and festive countdowns.
  • Website Popups: Promote last-minute in-store deals.

December 25: Christmas Day

Christmas Day is about family and celebration, not shopping. Any marketing that you send out should be focused on wishing your customers a wonderful holiday.

• Products to Promote: It’s best not to promote products on Christmas Day.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Send a holiday greeting and thank customers for supporting your business. You can include links to post-Christmas sales, but they shouldn’t be the main focus of your email.
  • Social Media: Share season’s greetings and customer photos.
  • Website Popups: Transition to post-Christmas sales.

December 26-Januay 1: Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration honoring African heritage in African-American culture. It involves activities such as lighting the kinara, feasts, and gift-giving.

• Products to Promote: Kinara sets, African-made gifts, and educational books.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Educate customers about Kwanzaa and offer themed products.
  • Social Media: Share Kwanzaa traditions and product highlights.
  • Website Popups: Promote Kwanzaa deals and educational content.

December 26: Boxing Day

Boxing Day is celebrated the day after Christmas, traditionally with shopping, sporting events, and family gatherings. It’s a major shopping holiday in many countries.

• Products to Promote: Post-Christmas sales, electronics, and fashion.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Announce Boxing Day sales and exclusive discounts.
  • Social Media: Share sale highlights and engage with customers.
  • Website Popups: Promote Boxing Day deals and clearance events.

December 31: New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is celebrated with parties, fireworks, and countdowns to the new year. It’s a time for reflection and new beginnings.

• Products to Promote: Party supplies, festive décor, and resolution-related items.
• Marketing Ideas:
  • Email: Send New Year’s Eve party ideas and special offers. You can also send a year-in-review email about company milestones.
  • Social Media: Host a New Year’s countdown and share festive content.
  • Website Popups: Offer discounts on party supplies and New Year essentials.

Show Your Best Holiday Offers to the Right Website Visitors

I hope this 2026 eCommerce calendar helps you plan your marketing strategy for the next year! Want more tips for eCommerce marketing? Check out these resources:

• eCommerce Email Marketing: Email Types, Examples, & Tips
• The Ultimate eCommerce Optimization Guide: 13 Steps to Instantly Boost Revenue
• How to Create a Fail-Proof Digital Marketing Plan in 5 Steps

Do you want to make website popups like you’ve seen throughout this list? With OptinMonster, you can create a popup, floating bar, or other onsite campaign in minutes. Then, in just a few clicks, you can precisely target those campaigns to the right people at just the right time.

Get Started With OptinMonster Today!

TL;DR:

What is Scarcity Marketing?
Scarcity marketing leverages FOMO (fear of missing out) by creating urgency through limited availability or time-sensitive offers. It increases perceived value and drives immediate purchasing decisions.

Key Tactics:
Limited Supply – Low stock alerts, exclusive collections, limited quantities
Time Pressure – Countdown timers, flash sales, deadline-driven offers
Exclusivity – VIP access, invite-only sign-ups, special editions

Why It Works:
Research shows 69% of millennials experience FOMO, and 60% make impulsive purchases because of it. Scarcity increases demand, boosts perceived value, and drives fast action.

Top Examples Include:
Countdown Timers (Cracku increased conversions 300%)
Low Stock Alerts (“Only 2 left in stock”)
Invite-Only Access (Clubhouse’s explosive growth)
Flash Sales (Amazon Lightning Deals, Best Buy 48-hour sales)
Limited Editions (Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” campaign)
Exclusive Content (Netflix’s “Only On Netflix”)
Waitlists (Float, HappySales creating exclusivity)
Cart Abandonment Emails with time-limited discounts
Social Proof + Scarcity (iHerb showing “13 sold in 24 hours”)
Important Note: Use scarcity ethically—false scarcity can backfire and damage trust.

Bottom Line: Scarcity marketing, when done authentically, creates urgency that converts browsers into buyers by making products feel more valuable and time-sensitive.

Have you ever seen a countdown timer on a sale or an “Only a few left!” message on a product page? That’s an example of scarcity marketing in action.

Scarcity marketing works because it increases the perceived value of a product. When something feels rare or exclusive, we tend to want it more. This can lead to higher sales and a competitive edge for businesses that use it effectively.

In this article, I’ll share 34 scarcity examples to help you boost conversions and increase revenue. These are real-life examples of businesses that have scarcity marketing strategies, so you can get ideas for your own marketing efforts.

• What Is Scarcity Marketing?
• 34 Scarcity Marketing Examples

What Is Scarcity Marketing?

Scarcity marketing is a strategy that leverages the fear of missing out (FOMO) by creating a sense of urgency through limited availability or time-sensitive offers. It’s a powerful technique for increasing perceived value and driving immediate action.

Here’s how it works:

• Limited Supply: This could involve limited quantities of a product, exclusive collections, or limited-time offers.
• Time Pressure: Countdown timers, flash sales, and “only a few left” notifications create a sense of urgency and encourage people to buy before it’s too late.
• Exclusivity: Making a product or service feel exclusive can make it more desirable. This could involve VIP access, limited edition releases, or high-end products.

By using these tactics, scarcity marketing aims to:

• Increase Demand: When something feels scarce, people are more likely to want it, leading to higher sales.
• Boost Perceived Value: Limited availability suggests a product is more valuable or desirable, making people more willing to pay a premium.
• Drive Action: The fear of missing out encourages people to make a purchase decision quickly before the opportunity disappears.

Scarcity marketing can be a powerful tool, but it’s important to use it ethically. If done wrong, it can come across as manipulative or inauthentic.

Let’s take a look at 34 examples of scarcity marketing.

Scarcity Marketing Examples

We have curated these scarcity examples from real-life brands that have used the scarcity principle in their online campaigns. The examples offer several ideas on how to apply the scarcity principle in your marketing.

1. Cracku: Urgency Through Countdown Timers
2. Wildist: 50% Discount for 2 Days
3. Tinder: Fear of Missing Out
4. Booking.com: Book Before It’s Too Late
5. Chemical Guys: Beat the Clock Sale
6. Bud Light: Limited Edition Pack
7. JACK1T: Only 2 Pieces in Stock
8. Clubhouse: Invite-Only Sign-Ups
9. Amazon Prime: Discount While Supplies Last
10. Bed Bath & Beyond: Top Deals Are Scarce
11. BookMyShow: Seats Filing Fast
12. Netflix: Only On Netflix
13. Tesla Apparrel: Notify When Available
14. MasterClass: BOGO Meets Limited-Time Offer
15. Coke: Share a Coke
16. Airbnb: Rare Find
17. Float: Request Access
18. Moto Z: Limited Time Offer
19. HappySales: Join the Waitlist
20. Nokia: Black Friday With a Twist
21. Amazon: Today’s Lightning Deals
22. Ninety9: Happy Hour Deals
23. Best Buy: Flash Sale
24. iHerb: 13 Sold in 24 Hours
25. Fleet Feet: Clearance Sale
26. Thread Up: End-of-Year Sale
27. Pulp & Press: Abandoned Cart Email
28. Asos: Black Friday Deal
29. Catalina Crunch: Early Access SMS Marketing
30. Jeffree Star: A Different Take on Scarcity
31. G Fuel: Giveaways Worth $10,000
32. Eightvape: Christmas Holiday Offer
33. Udemy: Sale Ends Today
34. Growth Marketing: Last Chance to Register

1. Cracku: Urgency Through Countdown Timers

Countdown timers are the best scarcity examples in marketing. Cracku, an online student coaching portal, used OptinMonster to create countdown timers on its website.

They combined it with a limited-time offer and increased conversions by 300%.

2. Wildist: 50% Discount for 2 Days

Wildist offers people to sign up for its workshops at half price, but only for 2 days.

Notice the testimonials from past customers on the top-right of the page. Social proof earns you trust and improves website conversions by 34%.

Pro-Tip: Check out this list of social proof notification apps you can use to add credibility to your site! We recommend TrustPulse. It’s the best social proof notification tool out there.

3. Tinder: Fear of Missing Out

Tinder uses a push notification for its mobile app users to improve product adoption. They notify inactive users that their profiles won’t be visible to possible matches if they don’t start using the app.

The clever use of scarcity triggers fear of missing out (FOMO) in buyers. Research suggests that about 69% of millennials experience FOMO, and 60% make impulsive purchases because of it.

In other words, FOMO works wonders in convincing people to take action.

Pro-tip: Want to create push notifications like Tinder’s? Take a look at PushEngage. It’s the world’s best push notification software that’s easy to install and set up.

4. Booking.com: Book Before It’s Too Late

Scarcity examples are more common in marketplaces with fluctuating supply and demand of goods and services. For instance, the travel and hospitality industry.

Booking.com is a master at scarcity marketing. Take a look at how they imply that this deal on a hotel won’t be available for very long.

5. Chemical Guys: Beat the Clock Sale

Car detailing company Chemical Guys creates urgency for website visitors with multiple limited-time offers.

The sooner buyers book a service, the more discounts they get.

6. Bud Light: Limited Edition Pack

Bud Light collaborated with the Philadelphia Eagles to launch a special edition commemorative beer pack to celebrate the team’s Super Bowl victory.

The beverage company produced 20,418 packs to honor the victory date: 02/04/2018. Special edition marketing also allows brands to sell products at higher prices. Fans don’t mind buying limited quantities of special merchandise at a premium.

7. JACK1T: Only 2 Pieces in Stock

JACK1T lets you know when they are running low on a particular item. This is a good scarcity example that highlights how creating urgency in marketing can improve conversions.

8. Clubhouse: Invite-Only Sign-Ups

Remember when Clubhouse was a rage? One of the reasons it became so popular in such a short time was because it created an illusion of exclusivity.

Only people who had an invite from existing Clubhouse members could join the social audio platform. This drove a huge demand for Clubhouse sign-ups.

Clubhouse had another level of scarcity baked into its platform. Initially, it was available only in iOS. A year later after its launch, it was launched on the Android platform.

Although the craze for the platform has died down, it remains a shining example of how to use a sense of scarcity and exclusivity to increase sign-ups.

9. Amazon Prime: Discount While Supplies Last

Amazon Prime Now has a weekly ad with a time-sensitive discount.

For more examples like these, read our post on how to use discount codes to increase conversions.

10. Bed Bath & Beyond: Top Deals Are Scarce

Bed Bath & Beyond uses a unique promo offer for each product category in its website’s Top Deals section. All deals have footer text to create urgency in buyers:

• Limited time
• Valid thru 2/2
• While supplies last

This is to let the buyers know they’ll get the most value for their money if they buy sooner.

11. BookMyShow: Seats Filing Fast

India’s largest online movie and events booking platform BookMyShow uses a popup to convert movie lovers to buy its most expensive tickets.

Let’s see how it works.

The most expensive seats have better reclining, extra leg room, and the best view of the screen. The booking page suggests that people might lose out on the premium experience if they don’t act fast.

They also use ember color text for the fast-selling seats. This is an example of demand-induced scarcity. What color you choose for CTA buttons can impact conversions.

12. Netflix: Only On Netflix

Netflix knows that movie lovers will go to any extent to watch their favorite movies and shows. It buys the copyright of high-demand content like Kill Boksoon and Money Heist.

It even has an entire genre called Only On Netflix for non-subscribers to browse. Netflix drives new subscriptions by making high-demand content available only on its platform.

13. Tesla Apparrel: Notify When Available

Tesla has an eCommerce shop that sells vehicle accessories, battery chargers, and apparel. The website has a functionality for buyers to receive an email notification for out-of-stock items.

This is a genius scarcity marketing example on many levels.

• First, it implies that out-of-stock products are scarce resources. People are more likely to opt in for notifications if they think it’s going to fly off the shelves.
• Second, it’s also a lead generation technique. Buyers who optin for a notification will also start getting marketing emails from Tesla for other products in the future.

Pro-tip: Want to target and convert website visitors based on their past interactions? Use OptinMonster’s Onsite Retargeting®. It lets you optimize campaigns for returning visitors and boost your eCommerce sales.

14. MasterClass: BOGO Meets Limited-Time Offer

Buy one get one (BOGO) is a great way to convert customers and increase your average order value.

In this scarcity example, MasterClass offers 2 memberships for the cost of 1. It combines the discount with a holiday offer that’s ending soon.

Product bundling like this gets buyers to convert faster because they get a 2x return on investment (ROI) on their purchase.

15. Coke: Share a Coke

The world-famous beverage company Coca-Cola’s Share a Coke campaign was a hit when it came out. The campaign allowed customers to buy Coke bottles with the names of their friends and family members.

The campaign sold 1.25 million drinks in the U.S. and improved sales by 11% in a year.

Coke ran the campaign at the expense of replacing its brand name from the bottles. It’s a classic example of scarcity advertising coupled with emotional intelligence.

Depending on where you live, you can still order personalized Coke bottles from their website. Notice not 1 but 2 website notification bars on the website.

The company sure knows how to create multiple sale opportunities on a website!

16. Airbnb: Rare Find

Airbnb makes its customers feel lucky to find properties that aren’t sold out. It’s the company’s way to highlight resource scarcity for their premium property listings.

17. Float: Request Access

Float asks new users to request access to the app instead of handing out free signups. This means their platform isn’t easy for everyone to sign up for.

The message is clear: you might not be allowed if you don’t fit the bill. The scarcity of access makes it immediately appealing.

18. Moto Z: Limited Time Offer

Moto Z offers its customers a scarce opportunity to buy its new smartphone for only $200.

Limited-time offers convert like crazy.

An online clothing company ran an experiment offering one of its products with and without a limited-time next-day shipping offer. The one with the relative scarcity offer increased sales by 226%.

19. HappySales: Join the Waitlist

HappySales is a business-to-business (B2B) sales technology software that’s yet to launch. Its website allows users to join the private beta. When you click the CTA button, it takes you to a sign-up form.

But instead of asking users to sign up for free, Happysales encourages joining privately. This implies that they don’t entertain everyone. It’s an exclusive circle of users.

20. Nokia: Black Friday With a Twist

Nokia sent this marketing email to its customers a few years back. Instead of offering instant discounts or pre-orders, Nokia made it easy for customers to create a personalized wishlist.

This is among the best Black Friday-related scarcity examples.

21. Amazon: Today’s Lightning Deals

Amazon’s “Lightning Deals” are offered daily for only a few hours.

22. Ninety9: Happy Hour Deals

Protea Hotel in Kampala uses happy hour discounts to drive traffic to its retro bar. You can get amazing discounts on a limited variety of drinks, but only between 5-7 pm.

23. Best Buy: Flash Sale

Best Buy’s flash sale offers multiple scarcity examples rolled into one.

The sale is live only for 48 hours. The website notification bar lets users know the exact time and date when the sale will start and end. This heightens the sense of scarcity.

Best Buy also reminds buyers of the limited availability of products. And that they won’t accept rainchecks.

24. iHerb: 13 Sold in 24 Hours

iHerb’s website has multiple cues to convert visitor traffic. It uses a notification bar to offer a 20% discount, While also reminding buyers that the offer ends on a specific date.

Further down, iHerb lets people see the number of products other buyers have bought in the last 24 hours. If you don’t act on time, the product might run out of stock.

The limited availability of resources is one of the causes of scarcity.

Pro-tip: Are your customers dropping off of your website due to out-of-stock products? Read our guide on how to win more sales with out-of-stock pages.

25. Fleet Feet: Clearance Sale

A lot of online retailers use clearance sales to sell surplus products at reduced prices. Online apparel stores especially have clearance sales because they are closing down or need to clear old stocks to make room for new product inventory.

In any case, a clearance sale implies that the discounted offering is going to run for a short time. Here, Fleet Feet has an entire product category called Clearance with discounted products.

26. Thread Up: End-of-Year Sale

End-of-year sales are similar to clearance sale campaigns. Thread Up, a second-hand apparel store, combines its year-end sale with multiple other promotions.

The copy on the website offers a discount code and free shipping. It also reminds customers about the sale ending date and time to trigger buyers’ scarcity mindset.

27. Pulp & Press: Abandoned Cart Email

Pulp & Press sends buyers a limited-time discount on their orders to reduce cart abandonment. This is a great way to create artificial scarcity and convert lost opportunities into sales.

28. Asos: Black Friday Deal

Asos offers a Black Friday discount code. It follows its promotion by reminding people to stay safe and be ahead of the surge.

This is among the best scarcity examples that explicitly communicate the limited resources and time.

29. Catalina Crunch: Early Access SMS Marketing

Catalina Crunch offers users early access to its Black Friday deals. When visitors click on the signup button, the website asks them to enter their phone number.

These kinds of optin campaigns are trade-offs between what buyers want and what sellers can offer.

30. Jeffree Star: A Different Take on Scarcity

Jeffree Star has a different take on creating scarcity.

Instead of creating scarcity with limited-time offers or discounts, they do it with delivery times.

Jeffree Star uses a website alert banner to let customers know that orders after 12/19 will be delivered after Christmas. This means the earlier people place their orders, the earlier they will receive them.

Nice way to evoke scarcity!

31. G Fuel: Giveaways Worth $10,000

G Fuel runs a giveaway contest on its website for visitors to enter a chance to win 1 grand prize. Or, they can enter to win 10 runner-up incentives.

Either way, G Fuel’s scarcity example is not based on time. It’s built on the probability of winning by participating in the sweepstakes and answering a simple question.

Pro-tip: Do you want an easy way to run giveaways in WordPress? Get RafflePress. RafflePress is the best plugin that lets you run successful giveaways in WooCommerce.

32. Eightvape: Christmas Holiday Offer

Eightvape displays a banner on its website hero section, offering customers tempting Christmas offers for a limited period.

The website also uses a Yes/No campaign to convert visitors into leads. Yes/No campaigns offer people a no-brainer choice: to choose an easy option or skip it for an opportunity cost.

33. Udemy: Sale Ends Today

Udemy has a one-day flash sale for visitors to enroll in one of its online courses. The website also offers a discount code and has a notification bar with a countdown timer.

34. Growth Marketing: Last Chance to Register

Growth Marketing’s email uses an image of a clock to suggest the need to act fast and create urgency. The CTA adds to the sense of scarcity further.

These CTAs work well both on your site and in your email marketing copy. Read our guide to creating the perfect call to action for more tips to improve conversions.

Time Is Running Out: Use These Scarcity Marketing Examples Now

See what we did there? Scarcity can be a great incentive for buyers to act sooner. Take inspiration from the examples in this post to apply in marketing your business.

If you want more tips to help you sell more fast, here are some helpful resources:

• What Is Upselling? 15 Upselling Tips & Examples to Boost Revenue
• How to Increase Sales With Social Media: 9 Expert Tips
• Average Order Value: Guide to AOV + 8 Proven Strategies

If you’re new to marketing, you may also want to check out our comprehensive lead generation guide. Lead generation is the starting point for most things in marketing.

If you’re already running lead generation campaigns on your website, get started with OptinMonster. OptinMonster is the #1 lead generation tool that helps you build marketing campaigns to capture leads through popups, floating bars, sidebar optins, and more.

The beauty of affiliate marketing? You can earn passive income 24/7. While you’re sleeping, your content continues working for you, generating clicks and conversions.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about affiliate marketing, from understanding the core mechanics to implementing proven strategies that drive real revenue.

If you’re already a seasoned pro, feel free to jump straight to our section on How to Start Affiliate Marketing and Make Money.

What Is Affiliate Marketing?

Affiliate marketing is a performance-based strategy where companies partner with independent marketers—called affiliates—to promote their products or services.

When someone clicks an affiliate’s unique tracking link and makes a purchase (or completes a specific action), the affiliate earns a commission.

It’s a win-win model: businesses get more exposure with minimal upfront costs, and affiliates get a chance to earn income by recommending products they trust.

It’s classic advertising in a less intrusive way. Rather than promoting a product on your website with visual advertisements like this:

You embed the product link in your content like this:

In the image above, the affiliate partner is Bluehost, which offers website self-hosting services. In fact, the link in the previous sentence is actually an affiliate link. If you were to click that link and make a purchase from Bluehost, our company would receive a commission.

Does that mean you can create a website, toss in a bunch of affiliate links, and watch the affiliate commissions roll in? Not quite, but I’ll get to that.

For now, you need to know the basics of how affiliate marketing works:

1. You recommend a product or service to your followers through your website, blog, or email list.
2. Your followers purchase the product or service using your affiliate link.
3. You get paid a commission for the sales made using your affiliate link.

Let’s break down this process into more detail to make sure you know exactly how to make a successful affiliate marketing strategy.

P.S. There has been a growing concern: Is affiliate marketing legit?

Yes, affiliate marketing is a legitimate form of online marketing. The success of programs like Amazon’s affiliate marketing program, Amazon Associates, is a strong testimony to its legitimacy. As one of the world’s largest and most reputable companies, Amazon effectively utilizes affiliate marketing to promote its extensive range of products and services.

How Does Affiliate Marketing Work

The 4 Key Players

To understand how affiliate marketing works, it’s important first to understand the several essential components of the affiliate marketing system.

1. Merchants

A merchant might also be called a brand, seller, creator, retailer, or vendor. They create the product or service that needs promotion. They can be an individual, a large corporation, or anything in between. For merchants, affiliate marketing is both low-cost and low risk.  They usually only pay when the affiliate when a sale is made.

2. Affiliate

Affiliates, or marketers promote the merchant’s products and attempt to persuade potential customers to buy them. They’re often publishers or content creators. Through these partnerships, marketers receive payment for successfully promoting the merchant’s products.

3. Consumers

The people who click the affiliate links and ultimately purchase the product. The affiliate receives a commission based on the sale.

4. Affiliate Marketing Programs

Affiliate networks, or affiliate marketing programs, are intermediaries between the affiliate and the merchant. They offer a database of products for affiliates to promote. The affiliate network connects a merchant with affiliate marketers. They also generate unique, trackable links for each product or service.

For instance, Amazon Affiliate Marketing Program is the largest affiliate network for promoting consumer products. You can use the Amazon Associates program to create a custom affiliate link for any item sold on their platform. You likely see Amazon affiliate links regularly on various blogs and social media pages.

In short, affiliate marketers use affiliate networks to find products they can promote and to get unique affiliate links for those products. The marketer then includes that link in their website’s content. Consumers read this content and click the affiliate links. The network keeps track of all those clicks, plus any sales made through the link. Then, the merchant pays a commission to the marketer based on the number of clicks and sales.

How Affiliates Get Paid (Commission Models) + 2025 earnings data

Affiliates can get paid in various ways, depending on the program. Some common payment structures include:

• Pay per sale (PPS): In this model, the affiliate receives a commission for every sale they generate for the merchant. This is the most common payment method used in affiliate marketing.
• Pay per click (PPC): The affiliate earns a commission each time a user clicks on their affiliate link, regardless of whether they purchase.
• Pay per lead (PPL): The affiliate gets paid when a referred user fills out a form, signs up for a trial, or takes any other action the merchant considers a lead.
• Revenue sharing: The affiliate receives a percentage of the revenue generated by the sale rather than a flat fee per sale.
• Cost per action (CPA): The affiliate is paid when a specific action is taken by the consumer, such as filling out a form, subscribing to a service, or downloading software.
• Tiered commission: Affiliates receive a higher commission rate once they reach a certain level of sales or referrals.

Check out this article for more affiliate marketing tips to earn more income through affiliate marketing.

Types of Affiliate Marketing Strategies (Unattached/Related/Involved)

Not all affiliate marketers operate the same way. In fact, your level of connection to the product can significantly impact your credibility and your conversion rate.

Pat Flynn, a well-known affiliate marketer, categorized affiliate strategies into three types: Unattached, Related, and Involved. Understanding these can help you choose the right approach for your audience and goals.

In More Detail:

1. Unattached Affiliate Marketing

You’re promoting a product without any personal connection or content relevance. It’s often used with pay-per-click ads or cold traffic. It requires less effort upfront, but it’s harder to build long-term trust or authority.

2. Related Affiliate Marketing

You know the niche, even if you haven’t personally used the product. Influencers and bloggers often promote relevant tools or services they haven’t tested. It’s more authentic than unattached, but there’s still a trust gap if the product fails to deliver.

3. Involved Affiliate Marketing

You’ve used the product, love it, and are recommending it based on real experience. This is where affiliate marketing shines. People trust your recommendations, and you’re more likely to see repeat commissions from loyal readers.

Further reading: How Pat Flynn Categorized Affiliate Marketing

How to Start Affiliate Marketing

Step 1: Choose Your Niche

Before you build anything, you need to pick your lane. Your niche determines which products you’ll promote, what content you’ll create, and ultimately, how much you’ll earn.

The best niches combine three things:

• Your genuine interest or expertise (you’ll be creating a lot of content)
• Proven buyer demand (people actively spending money)
• Available affiliate programs (merchants willing to pay commissions)

Based on current market data, these verticals offer the highest earning potential:

Education & Online Learning – Booming with a 30.15% CAGR, offering high-ticket recurring commissions up to $1,700 per referral

Travel – Average earnings of $13,847/month with 5-10%+ commissions on luxury bookings

Beauty & Skincare – Strong mobile traffic (62% of purchases) and seasonal content opportunities

SaaS & Software – Recurring revenue models with 20-70% lifetime commissions

Health & Fitness – Particularly fitness tech, with strong performance on visual platforms

Retail continues to dominate overall affiliate marketing spend at 48% of total affiliate-driven sales.

Pro Tip: Don’t just chase money. If you pick a niche solely for the commissions but have zero interest in the topic, you’ll burn out before you see results. Choose something you can talk about authentically for years, not months.

Step 2: Build Your Platform

To make money with affiliate marketing, you need a platform where you can share content and drive traffic to your affiliate links.

Option A: Build a Website or Blog (Recommended)

A website gives you the most control, credibility, and long-term earning potential. While you can use social media (we’ll get to that), a website is your home base.

Why WordPress?

When it comes to building your website, you have tons of options. But I highly recommend using WordPress.

With WordPress, anyone can quickly build a professional-looking website in minutes, even if you don’t know how to code. WordPress has more tools to help their sites perform at a higher level than other website builders. That means more functionality across your site and a better user experience (UX) for your visitors.

What you need to get started:

• Domain name ($10-15/year)
• Web hosting ($3-10/month)
• WordPress (free)
• Basic theme (free or $50-100)

Total startup cost: Under $100 for your first year.

Helpful Resources:

• How to start a WordPress blog
• How to make a website with WordPress (step-by-step guide)

Option B: Social Media Platforms

You don’t absolutely need a website to start. Influencers successfully use affiliate links on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and other social platforms.

However, having a website builds long-term credibility, gives you more control over content, and improves your chances of ranking in search results and AI Overviews. Social platforms can change their algorithms or policies overnight. Your website? That’s yours.

Pro Strategy: Use both. Build a website as your hub, then use social media to drive traffic to it.

Step 3: Join Affiliate Networks and Choose Products

Once your platform is built, you need to find products worth promoting. That’s where affiliate networks come in.

Affiliate networks are businesses that connect merchants and affiliate marketers so both can earn more money. They provide a database of products, generate unique tracking links, handle commission payments, and track your performance.

One of the benefits of these affiliate marketing services is they typically provide more sales data on the different promotional products. You can then use that data to increase your affiliate marketing profits and make data-driven decisions.

Top Affiliate Networks Comparison

Not all affiliate networks are created equal. Each has its strengths, ideal niches, and unique features that can make or break your affiliate strategy.

Quick Recommendations by Experience Level

If you’re just starting out: Begin with Amazon Associates and ShareASale. Both offer easy approval and massive product selection.

If you’re in B2B/SaaS: PartnerStack is non-negotiable. The recurring commissions transform your income model.

If you have established traffic: Apply to CJ Affiliate and Rakuten for premium brand partnerships and higher payouts.

If you’re international: Awin and Admitad offer better global coverage and multi-currency support.

If you promote digital products: ClickBank’s 50-75% commissions can’t be beaten, but vet products carefully.

Network Spotlight: Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates remains the world’s largest affiliate program and is the perfect starting point for beginners in 2026.

Commission Rates by Category:

• Luxury Beauty: 10%
• Digital Music, Physical Music, Handmade: 5%
• Amazon Devices, Fashion, Jewelry, Watches: 4%
• Home, Kitchen, Automotive: 3%
• Electronics, Video Games: 2-3%
• Amazon Fresh, Groceries: 1%

The catch? Amazon’s 24-hour cookie window is short compared to other networks. But here’s the good news: you earn commissions on the entire shopping cart, not just the linked product. If someone clicks your link for a $20 book, then adds a $500 TV to their cart and checks out within 24 hours, you get commission on both.

Pro Tip: Amazon works best when you focus on review content that drives immediate purchases. The short cookie window means you need to catch buyers when they’re ready to click “Add to Cart.”

How to Choose Products Within Networks

Once you join a network, you’ll see thousands of products. Don’t promote everything. Instead:

1. Choose products that fit your niche and relate to your content. If you run a fitness blog, promote workout equipment, supplements, and activewear—not random kitchen gadgets.
2. Prioritize products you’ve actually used. Your recommendations carry more weight when you can speak from experience. Authenticity converts better than generic promotion.
3. Check the numbers. Look for products with:
   • Higher commission rates
   • Good cookie duration (30+ days is ideal)
   • Strong merchant reputation
   • Positive reviews from other affiliates

Pro Strategy: Don’t limit yourself to one network. Most successful affiliates use 3-5 networks simultaneously to access the best products across all niches, compare commission rates for similar products, diversify income streams, and avoid being dependent on a single network’s policies.

Step 4: Create High-Converting Content

Here’s the truth: building enough traffic to generate significant income takes time and effort.

Many beginners publish random content and insert affiliate links within the article. That strategy may or may not work, but if you genuinely want to boost your affiliate revenue, you must ensure your published content reaches your target audience.

Understanding Your Target Audience

Your target audience is someone who wants to buy a product but is wondering whether or not the product is worth it. They’re searching for product reviews, lists, and ratings to help them make their choice. Sometimes, the user may need help knowing which product will fulfill their needs.

As an affiliate marketer, it’s your job to help users discover the right product for their needs. By producing high-quality content, you can help them make a purchasing decision, and then you can navigate them to the product website to complete the purchase.

Target Investigational Intent Keywords

This is critical. Your articles should target investigational intent keywords. These are the Google search terms that your target audience uses to research the product they’re interested in.

Examples of investigational keywords:

• “Best running shoes for flat feet”
• “Bluehost vs SiteGround comparison”
• “Is NordVPN worth it?”
• “Top email marketing software for small business”
• “Peloton bike review”

Notice the pattern? These aren’t just informational (“what is email marketing”) or transactional (“buy Peloton”). They’re research queries from people who are close to making a purchase decision.

Types of Content That Convert

Product Reviews: In-depth, honest reviews of specific products. Include pros, cons, pricing, and who it’s best for.

Comparison Posts: “Product A vs Product B” posts help readers decide between popular options.

Best Of Lists: “Top 10 [Product Category] for [Specific Use Case]” posts capture broad search traffic.

How-To Guides: “How to [Achieve Goal] Using [Product]” positions products as solutions.

Resource Pages: Curated lists of tools and products you actually use in your business.

The goal is to create content that ranks for investigational keywords and positions affiliate links where users are most likely to convert.

Step 5: Place Affiliate Links Strategically

Creating great content is half the battle. The other half is placing your affiliate links where they’ll actually get clicked.

How you insert your affiliate links will depend on the specific article you’re writing.

Strategic Placement Rules

For single product reviews: Don’t add 5 different affiliate links scattered randomly. Instead, your entire post should focus on driving traffic to that 1 product’s affiliate link. Place the link:

• In the introduction (after you establish credibility)
• After each major pro/con section
• In a clear call-to-action at the end

For “Top 10” or comparison posts: Include affiliate links for each list item. This increases your chances of making more sales since readers have different preferences.

For how-to guides: Place links naturally where the product solves the problem you’re explaining.

Link Placement Best Practices

Only link where appropriate. Don’t add an affiliate link if it doesn’t fit your content. Irrelevant links will negatively impact the user experience (UX) and cost you more lost sales in the long run.

Add links as early as possible. If you’re showcasing many products in 1 article, add your affiliate products at the top of the list. Most people won’t take the time to read an entire article. You want to make sure they see your affiliate links early on.

Get more out of your site’s space. You can use floating bars, inline banners, and sidebar widgets to promote your affiliate products. These enhance the impact of your content and lead to more sales over time.

Use an Affiliate Link Management Plugin

Here’s a nightmare scenario: You have 200 affiliate links spread across 50 blog posts. One of your affiliate partners changes their tracking link structure. Now you need to manually find and update every single link.

Fortunately, this is one nightmare that can be avoided with an affiliate management plugin. One of the best options on the market is Pretty Links.

What Pretty Links Does:

Pretty Links is an affiliate marketing management plugin that lets you keep track of your affiliate links. It’s easy to set up and super user-friendly, even for beginners.

Key features:

• Centralized link management: Update one link, and it changes everywhere on your site
• Link cloaking: Turn ugly affiliate links into clean, branded URLs (yoursite.com/recommends/bluehost instead of affiliate.com?id=12345&ref=xyz)
• Click tracking: See which links get the most clicks so you can optimize
• Auto-linking: Automatically turn keywords into affiliate links across your site

Whenever you need to update your old affiliate links from your partners, you’ll be able to accomplish it in minutes, not days.

Step 6: Optimize for Conversions

One of the biggest mistakes new affiliate marketers make is assuming they need 10x the traffic to get 10x the profit.

It doesn’t work that way, which is excellent news for you.

Let’s say you’re promoting a product that pays a $50 affiliate commission for every sale. Out of every 100 visitors who click your affiliate link, 2 of them buy the product. This gives you an affiliate conversion rate of 2%.

That means the CPC (cost per click) you earn is $1 per click.

CPC = Total affiliate revenue / total traffic you sent

If you send 2X more visitors to the affiliate product site, you could also double your affiliate revenue. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to drastically increase traffic to double your affiliate clicks.

Instead, you can boost your revenue with a conversion optimization campaign.

With conversion software like OptinMonster, you can increase your revenue by converting more of your existing traffic into affiliate customers. Without a doubt, this strategy is much easier than doubling your traffic.

How OptinMonster Boosts Affiliate Income

Strategy 1: Create Popup Campaigns That Promote Affiliate Products

Lightbox popups are one of the best ways to catch your user’s attention.

Creating a popup campaign is the easiest method to convert more of your visitors into affiliate customers.

OptinMonster provides over 700+ pre-built templates to help you make the right campaign for your affiliate product. We also offer many targeting rules and campaign triggers to ensure you’re showing the right message to the right people at the right time.

Real Results: This is the exact strategy Top 6 Digital used to increase their affiliate revenue by 30%.

The company had a webpage to help parents choose the right car seats for their children. When the reader tries to leave this page, a targeted campaign would appear on their screen promoting the top-rated car seat with an affiliate link.

This simple popup campaign was hugely successful. It grabbed the audience’s attention, and over 17% of users clicked the affiliate link. That’s a 30% increase in affiliate revenue without changing a single word of the original content.

Strategy 2: Display Campaigns When Users Are Most Likely to Buy

When it comes to popup campaigns, targeting is everything. Targeting lets you control who sees your popups, as well as when they see them.

Exit-Intent Technology

Studies show that the best time to show a popup is when a user is about to leave your site. With OptinMonster’s Exit-Intent technology, you can show a popup that promotes an affiliate offer when your users are about to leave.

Exit-Intent detects the exact moment a visitor is about to abandon your page and triggers a targeted campaign. This is your last chance to convert them, and it works incredibly well.

Page-Level Targeting

Our customers use Exit-Intent along with Page-Level Targeting and see massive results.

Page-level targeting allows you to create affiliate offers for specific pages on your site. So when a visitor is reading an article about the best hiking boots for winter, you can show them a campaign that highlights the EXACT affiliate product you’re promoting in that article.

Since the offer you promote in that campaign is highly targeted, it’s more likely to convert than a generic campaign.

Real Results:

The WordPress hosting company Flywheel used page-level targeting to increase engagement by 660%. They showed popups offering guides to increasing freelance revenue, but only on blog posts related to running a business.

Or take the fitness company Crossrope, for example. They grew their email list by over 900% by catching abandoning traffic with exit-intent popups.

The 80/20 Rule: Focus on Your Winners

This next optimization strategy comes from something called “the 80/20 rule.”

The 80/20 rule, in this case, suggests that 80% of your profits will come from 20% of your content. While it’s not an exact metric, the basic principle stands firm:

Identify your highest converting content. Make those posts the priority for your affiliate campaigns.

Once you know that a particular post or video is resonating with your audience, you can create a targeted campaign with OptinMonster to increase affiliate sales.

This is a much better plan of action than blindly making campaigns for every page on your site.

How do you get started?

Jump into your Google Analytics dashboard, identify the articles that bring in the most traffic, and then create targeted campaigns for those URLs.

Level Up with MonsterInsights

And if you really want to level up your game, you should consider getting MonsterInsights.

MonsterInsights is the world’s #1 Google Analytics (GA) plugin. Many marketers love the idea of gathering data from Google Analytics, but they get confused, annoyed, or intimidated by GA’s user interface.

Rather than letting all that valuable information go to waste each month, you can get the same data delivered straight to your WordPress dashboard. This data includes a review of your site’s top posts.

Once you’ve identified which posts bring the most traffic, you can optimize your content and conversion campaigns to generate more affiliate revenue.

This strategy will ensure that you’re always prioritizing your most profitable content. That means you can save time and increase revenue as efficiently as possible.

The takeaway: You’re not starting from scratch. Optimize content that already performs well to earn more with less effort.

Step 7: Leverage Email Marketing

No matter how you look at it, email marketing is still the best way to earn passive income. All of the other methods fall short in some way.

Search engine optimization (SEO) is great until Google changes its algorithm and your rankings tank. Paid ads can bring quick results, but only if you have the budget for a lot of trial and error. Paid ads also require constant care and attention to keep conversion rates high.

But your email list gives you a direct route to your target audience.

It’s full of people who are interested in your niche and have already engaged with your content. That means they’ll make an ideal audience for your affiliate marketing campaigns.

Unfortunately, many businesses struggle to grow their contact list to the point where monetization is possible.

How to Build Your Email List

OptinMonster is hands down the best way to generate leads for your affiliate email campaigns.

Similar to how you use conversion campaigns to send traffic to your affiliate links, you can also use them to grow your email list.

You can create targeted popups, floating bars, fullscreen welcome mats, and more to entice your website visitors to join your list.

Offer a Lead Magnet

Offer a lead magnet to convert even more visitors into subscribers. Lead magnets can be special offers, free ebooks or PDF guides, or coupon codes that users only receive by giving you their email address.

How to Monetize Your Email List

Once you’ve built an email list, you can send email campaigns with your affiliate links embedded in them.

Two primary strategies:

1. Drive traffic to high-converting posts: Use your email list to send subscribers to your best-performing articles with affiliate links
2. Include affiliate links directly in emails: Recommend products in your newsletters with contextual affiliate links

The power of email: Email gives you direct, repeat access to your audience. Use it to drive recurring affiliate traffic and boost passive income.

Real Success Stories

Here are just a few examples of businesses that grew their lists with OptinMonster and generated more affiliate revenue:

• How Adam Enfroy Got Over 11k Subscribers
• American Bird Conservancy Grew Their Lead Collection by 1000%
• AutoAnything Increased Daily Email Optins 2.5x

You can have similar results and make even more money with affiliate marketing.

Step 8: Track Performance and Optimize

You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Tracking your affiliate performance is essential for long-term success.

What to Track

Click-through rates (CTR): Which links get clicked most often?

Conversion rates: Which products actually generate sales?

Traffic sources: Where are your best visitors coming from?

Top-performing content: Which articles drive the most affiliate revenue?

Earnings per click (EPC): How much you earn per click on average across different products

Tools for Tracking

Pretty Links: Built-in click tracking shows you exactly which affiliate links perform best

Google Analytics: Track traffic sources, user behavior, and conversion paths

MonsterInsights: Simplified GA reporting right in your WordPress dashboard

Affiliate Network Dashboards: Each network provides detailed performance reports

The Optimization Loop

1. Identify winners: Find your top 20% of content that drives 80% of revenue
2. Double down: Create more content targeting similar keywords and topics
3. Update old content: Refresh underperforming posts with better affiliate link placement
4. Test and iterate: Try different CTAs, link placements, and conversion campaigns
5. Cut losers: Stop promoting products with low conversion rates

This continuous optimization process is what separates affiliate marketers making $500/month from those making $5,000/month or more.

Ready to Start?

You now have the complete roadmap to start affiliate marketing in 2026. The eight steps we’ve covered will take you from absolute beginner to generating your first affiliate commissions:

Choose your niche
Build your platform
Join affiliate networks
Create high-converting content
Place links strategically
Optimize for conversions
Build your email list
Track and optimize

The affiliate marketing industry reached $17 billion globally in 2025. There’s never been a better time to start building passive income through strategic partnerships.

FAQs

Email marketing is a great way to improve your revenue. You can use your email list to drive more traffic to your high-converting posts, or you can include your affiliate link in your emails. Either way, more people will see your affiliate links.

And, again, to grow your list, the best tool for the job is OptinMonster.

OptinMonster can help you capture more leads.  More leads mean a bigger subscriber and customer base, which means a higher revenue potential.

In fact, check out these success stories from some of the businesses that use OptinMonster with great success:

• How Adam Enfroy Got Over 11k Subscribers
• American Bird Conservancy Grew Their Lead Collection by 1000%
• AutoAnything Increased Daley Email Optins 2.5x

Get Started With OptinMonster Today!

These are just a few examples of people who grew their list with OptinMonster. You can have similar results and make even more money with online marketing.

I hope you found this article helpful. If so, you may be interested in reading the following posts:

• Affiliate Marketing Statistics All Marketers Must Know
• Best Tools for Affiliate Marketers
• How to Increase Affiliate Sales by 30% With 1 Simple Strategy
• Content Marketing Examples
• Sales Promotion Examples

Are you ready to start making more money with affiliate marketing? Sign up for your risk-free OptinMonster account today!

Digital products are where the real magic (and profit) is happening. No inventory. No shipping. Just pure, scalable value delivered instantly to your buyers.

From AI tools to niche templates, the digital marketplace is exploding with opportunities and if you pick the right product, you can build a passive income stream that keeps growing while you sleep.

In this post, I’ll break down 10 of the best digital products to sell in 2025, based on trends, demand, and real earning potential.

Let’s dive in.

Quick Look: 10 High-Demand Digital Products to Sell

What Are Digital Products?

Digital products are intangible items consumed or accessed digitally. Examples include ebooks, music, software, online courses, video games, apps, and movies. Unlike physical goods, they don’t require physical inventory and can be accessed anywhere via email, stream, or download.

Why Sell Digital Products?

There’s a reason digital products are exploding right now and it’s not just hype.

Digital products are the most scalable way to deliver value online.

No shipping. No inventory. No returns department. Just you, your knowledge, and a system that works while you sleep.

Here’s what makes digital products so powerful:

• Low cost, high margin. You build once, sell infinitely.
• No physical logistics. Delivery is instant and global.
• Built-in automation. Tools like WordPress + Stripe + OptinMonster can handle everything while you focus on growth.
• Endless versatility. From eBooks to memberships, templates to software, you’re only limited by your imagination.
• Real impact. You’re not just selling files, you’re helping people solve real problems.

This is why I often say: Digital products aren’t passive income. They’re leveraged impact.

10 Best Digital Products to Sell

What should you sell? That’s the million-dollar question. Literally.

Below, I’ve broken down 10 proven digital product ideas categorized, with examples, takeaways, and tips to help you pick the one that fits your strengths.

If you’re overwhelmed, don’t try to do everything. Start with ONE idea, test it, learn from it, and improve. That’s how we built every business at Awesome Motive — step by step.

1. Ebooks

Ebooks are still one of the simplest and most effective ways to turn your knowledge into a product. They require no physical inventory, minimal technical setup, and they scale infinitely. The key is not to write more, but to focus on writing usefully. Choose a specific problem or transformation your reader wants, and lay out a structured, no-fluff path to help them get there.

Creating one can be as straightforward as drafting your content in Google Docs, formatting it with a clean layout tool like Canva or Designrr, and exporting it as a PDF. For nonfiction topics, especially how-to or strategy-based content, structure is everything: intro, promise, principles, application, conclusion. Keep it tight, clear, and actionable.

Ebooks can be sold through your own site using Easy Digital Downloads or WooCommerce, or externally via platforms like Gumroad, Payhip, or Amazon KDP. Nathan Barry‘s “Authority” is a standout example. He didn’t just write a book; he launched a whole business around helping creators monetize their audience.

If you’ve been writing blog posts or long X (Twitter) threads that resonate, there’s a good chance your first ebook is already half-written. Package it with intention, and focus on solving one specific problem clearly.

2. Notion or Canva Templates

Templates sell speed. In a world full of distraction, people don’t want more tools, they want done-for-you systems they can use instantly. That’s why templates, especially on platforms like Notion and Canva, are so effective.

Start by looking at systems you already use. Maybe you’ve built a goal-tracking dashboard in Notion or designed a client proposal in Canva. That thing you made to help yourself? Someone else needs it too. Polish it, document how to use it, and turn it into a digital asset.

Thomas Frank, a productivity YouTuber, has done an excellent job turning Notion dashboards into a profitable business, especially by focusing on productivity and content planning. Similarly, countless solopreneurs have built Canva template packs for social media managers, coaches, and course creators.

Boss Project sells Canva template bundles for social media managers and small business owners, turning design shortcuts into consistent monthly revenue.

You can sell these templates directly on your own site or through digital marketplaces like Gumroad, Etsy, or even link them via a Notion-hosted landing page. The trick is to create for a clear use case—one role, one pain point, one shortcut.

3. Mini Courses

Mini courses are a perfect bridge between free content and high-ticket offers. The magic is in the focus. Instead of teaching everything, pick one result your audience wants and walk them through it in under two hours.

Start with outlining the transformation: what will someone be able to do after this course? Then break it into 3–5 modules, each with a lesson or two. You can record using tools like Loom or ScreenFlow—don’t worry about studio quality, just be clear and confident. Most people care more about results than production.

Platforms like Teachable, Podia, and ThriveCart Learn make it easy to host and sell mini courses. You can also drip them through an email automation if you’re looking for a leaner setup.

Creators like Ali Abdaal, a YouTuber and entrepreneur, have used this strategy well. His early study skills courses were short, valuable, and built trust before he ever launched anything bigger.

The key is to stay narrow. A mini course on “how to write a cold email that gets replies” will always beat a vague one on “everything you need to know about sales.”

4. AI Prompt Packs

As AI tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and Jasper become mainstream, the challenge isn’t access, it’s application. Most users don’t know what to ask to get great output. That’s where prompt packs come in.

If you’ve spent time crafting effective prompts in a specific niche, say, content creation, UX writing, or ecommerce ad copy—you’re sitting on something valuable. Organize your best prompts by category, write simple usage instructions, and bundle them into a downloadable PDF or Notion doc.

Platforms like PromptBase have emerged specifically for this kind of product, but you can also sell via Gumroad, Lemon Squeezy, or your own site. Focus on niche use cases. “100 ChatGPT prompts for B2B SaaS landing pages” is more compelling (and useful) than “random prompts for anyone.”

What makes prompt packs work isn’t the tech, it’s your ability to filter and guide. You’re selling clarity in a crowded space.

5. Printables

Printables might seem simple, but their power is in solving daily, repetitive needs—budget planners, meal trackers, wedding checklists, kids’ activity sheets. These don’t just save time; they give structure to chaos, which is why people love them.

You don’t need to be a designer. Tools like Canva make it easy to create beautifully formatted, print-ready PDFs. Just focus on usability: clean lines, clear instructions, and a defined goal. One problem, one sheet.

The Budget Mom built her entire business around printable budgeting templates, proving that practical tools can be both profitable and deeply impactful.

Etsy remains one of the best platforms for selling printables due to built-in traffic and purchase intent. You can also use platforms like SendOwl or WooCommerce if you want full control.

Keep in mind, the printable market favors niches. “Daily fitness planner for new moms” will outperform a generic “fitness tracker” every time.

6. Stock Photos, Presets, and Digital Art

Visual assets are the fuel for online content, and the demand only grows. Businesses, bloggers, social media creators, they all need high-quality visuals that save them time and elevate their message.

If you’re a photographer, designer, or digital artist, this is your lane. You’re not just selling images, you’re helping people tell better stories.

Start by focusing on a niche. “General stock photography” is too broad. But “minimalist flat lays for tech bloggers” or “wellness-themed Lightroom presets for lifestyle creators”, that’s specific and marketable.

Bundle your best assets into curated packs. Make them downloadable via platforms like Gumroad, Creative Market, or even direct through your WordPress site using Easy Digital Downloads.

What matters most is intentionality. Generic doesn’t sell, usefulness does. Create for someone, not everyone.

7. Software Tools or Plugins

Every piece of software Syed Balkhi (co-founder OptinMonster) helped build, whether it’s WPForms, MonsterInsights, or OptinMonster, started with one question: What’s the simplest tool we can build to solve a real problem?

That mindset is why software remains one of the highest-leverage digital products. It doesn’t need to be complex. Some of the most successful plugins out there do one thing well and charge for it.

If you’re a developer (or working with one), start by identifying a bottleneck your target user faces daily. Can you automate a manual task? Simplify an integration? Streamline a reporting process?

Once built, sell via your own site using tools like Freemius or WooCommerce. Offer tiered licenses or annual renewals. And don’t forget to invest in documentation and onboarding, software that’s confusing to use never wins.

People don’t pay for complexity. They pay for clarity. Build small, but useful.

8. Subscription Newsletters or Memberships

Recurring revenue isn’t just a financial model, it’s a trust model. When people pay you monthly for content, insight, or community, it means they’ve decided: This is valuable enough to keep around.

Subscription newsletters have exploded in popularity thanks to platforms like Substack and ConvertKit. If you have consistent ideas, niche expertise, or unique curation skills, this is one of the leanest ways to build a digital product business.

You don’t need thousands of subscribers. A focused newsletter that solves real problems for a few hundred readers can generate meaningful revenue, especially if you deliver actionable value consistently.

You can also take it a step further with private membership communities. Use platforms like Circle, Skool, or MemberPress to create gated content, host live calls, and build a real sense of belonging.

The magic of this model? It compounds. Every new post or member increases the value of what already exists.

9. Online Coaching

If you’ve ever had someone ask, “Can I pick your brain?”, coaching might be the product you didn’t know you had.

Online coaching is one of the fastest ways to monetize expertise. No complicated funnels. No fancy platforms. Just real-time help, delivered 1-on-1 or in small groups.

To get started, clarify who you help, what you help them with, and what the transformation looks like. Package it into a simple offer: 4 sessions, one result, one price.

Use Calendly or SavvyCal to book, Zoom or Meet to deliver, and Stripe or PayPal to collect payment. That’s enough to start.

What makes coaching powerful is accountability. People aren’t just paying for answers, they’re paying for guidance, for feedback, for someone in their corner who actually cares if they succeed.

Don’t overthink the tech. Focus on being the kind of coach you’d want to hire.

10. Webinars (Free or Paid)

A well-run webinar is more than a presentation, it’s a sales machine wrapped in value.

The best webinars teach something useful and offer a clear next step. That could be a course, a product, a service, or even just joining your list. When done right, they educate and convert at the same time.

Start with one core problem your audience faces. Break it down into three insights or frameworks. Teach those live (or record once), and end with an invitation to take action.

Tools like Zoom, WebinarJam, and Demio work great for hosting. If you’re just starting, even Loom + an email sequence can work.

Amy Porterfield and countless others have built entire businesses using a simple formula: free webinar → paid course. The reason it works? People buy from people who help them first.

Don’t pitch. Teach. Then invite.

Other Powerful Digital Products:

• Worksheets for teachers
• Music or sound effects
• Fonts and typefaces
• Mobile app templates
• Website themes
• Digital planners
• Audiobooks
• Research reports
• Copy-and-paste content kits
• Recipes and meal plans
• Swipe file libraries (e.g., email templates)

Tools Needed to Sell Digital Products

You can’t build a digital product business without the right tools. Here’s what I personally recommend:

• OptinMonster: to convert traffic into leads + buyers
• SeedProd: to build beautiful landing pages fast
• Easy Digital Downloads: to actually sell and deliver your digital product
• WPForms: to collect feedback and optimize
• AffiliateWP: to turn happy customers into referral partners

Final Thoughts: Start Simple, Stay Consistent

If you take one thing from this article, let it be this:

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to start.

Pick one product idea. Build a simple version. Share it with your audience. Learn. Improve. Repeat.

That’s how every successful digital product business I know was built, not from a fancy launch, but from real progress over time.

Remember: People will pay for results. If your digital product helps someone save time, avoid mistakes, or feel better — you’ve created real value.

Here’s to making that value scalable.

FAQs About Selling Digital Products

Not just that, in this email marketing resource, you will find Black Friday email subject lines, templates, and much more!

Let’s dive in!

• 14 Best Black Friday Email Examples
• Black Friday Email Subject Lines
• Black Friday Email Templates
• Best Time To Send Black Friday Email
• Best Practices for Black Friday Email Campaigns

14 Best Black Friday Email Examples

Here are 14 of the best Black Friday email examples for your inspiration.

1. Everlane: Values-Based Marketing

Our first pick is Everlane. With this campaign, the ethical fashion online store really leans into its brand identity as a socially responsible company. Instead of a regular Black Friday sale, the company promises to donate $15 to charity for every Black Friday order.

2. Pulp & Press: Time-Sensitive Abandoned Cart

We love how Pulp & Press customize their abandoned cart email for Cyber Monday:

• The headline and imagery fuel the customer’s desire for the product,
• the body of the email reminds customers about the limited-time conditional discount of 30% off an order over $100, and
• the automatically-applied promotion removes friction from the online shopping process.

3. Fitbit: More is More

This email from Fitbit combines many of the best Black Friday marketing ideas without looking cluttered, thanks to minimalist design. Check out all the Black Friday promotions:

• Free 2-day shipping on orders over $50
• Save up to $100 on specific products that are shown in the image
• Gift guide
• Free sport band and discount with purchase
• Shop now, pay later
• Money back guarantee
• Limited warranty

Having more than one call to action (CTA) or promotion on Black Friday emails is okay. Keep the design and copy simple, and let your products and deals speak for themselves.

4. Bottle Rocket Hot Sauce: Keep It Simple

Bottle Rocket Hot Sauce takes a risk with its super minimalist email that contains little more than a subject line and an ironic nod toward consumerism. There’s always a risk of being too weird on Black Friday and confusing or alienating customers. But if this wry humor aligns with the company’s existing brand messaging, their loyal customers will appreciate it.

5. OffCourt: Not Another Black Friday Email

OffCourt also uses an unconventional Black Friday email strategy: promising NOT to send a traditional Black Friday email. Instead of discounts, they promote their referral program, which can pay off year-round. This is a great way to avoid the rush of Black Friday while still getting your brand on customers’ radar for the holiday season.

6. MacPaw: The Gift for Someone Who Has Everything

MacPaw sells a suite of apps for Mac users, who are famously loyal to the Apple brand. This email appeals to the holiday spirit by suggesting users gift the software to other Mac enthusiasts. The email also mentions other related apps on sale.

7. Teachable: Straight to New Year’s Resolutions

Teachable’s business-building course software is available year-round, but their Black Friday deal allows customers to get a jump start on new year goals. The email features tiered discounts off everything they sell if you get an annual plan and brief explanations of each plan tier.

8. Catalina Crunch: Early Access SMS Marketing

We’re big fans of Catalina Crunch’s simple early bird campaign. With just a single invitation to sign up for text messages, the email helps the company build up multiple touchpoints for their Black Friday Cyber Monday (BFCM) campaigns. This can increase conversions across all channels.

9. Wildist: Sales Email Masterpiece

Wildist’s Black Friday email is practically a mini landing page sent directly to eager customers. The subject line and headline immediately inform customers that the sale is time-limited. It clearly states the special offers and even includes some compelling testimonials before a final reminder that the sale will be gone all too soon.

10. June Oven: Eye-Catching Email Design

The catchy subject line, “Smell that? June’s cooking up 15% off for Black Friday,” manages to be clever and clear at the same time. The email’s body starts with the product’s imagery, literally gift-wrapped for the customer. June Oven promotes their bundle discount and clearly shows the accessories included so that customers can picture themselves owning and using the product.

11. Tinker Watches: Product Launch Teaser

Tinker Watches builds hype for Black Friday with a new product launch. It’s also a very limited edition product, so the urgency continues to build. The email has multiple reminders to check out the website on Black Friday but is otherwise incredibly simple, with sparse copy and a shadowy image teasing the new product.

12. Hush Puppies: Gift Guide

Hush Puppies shows off their bestselling products by sharing a gift guide. Customers can find products based on who they’re buying for and the recipient’s style preferences. There’s also a discount code as an extra incentive.

13. Bose: Game of Chance

Bose adds an element of fun to their Black Friday email by including a scratch-and-win discount feature. Beyond a fun interactive element, the scratch-and-win takes advantage of the Zeigarnik effect. This refers to people’s tendency to continue through a series of actions once they take the first step. Customers who scratch off their discount are more likely to use it. Bose also presents some early offers that are available now as a way to create more urgency.

14. Casper: Forget Black Friday

From the subject line, “Snooze through the sales…” to the email copy mentioning shopping from bed, Casper makes it easy to imagine sleeping on one of their beds. The phone alarm mockup reminds customers about sales they might have missed last year, then assures them that Casper’s sale runs through Monday.

Hopefully, you found some inspiration from these Black Friday email examples. Let’s look at some of the best Black Friday email subject lines.

Black Friday Email Subject Lines

Here are Black Friday email subject line examples based on common themes and practices:

1. Urgency-Driven Subject Lines: “Black Friday deal ends tonight”, “OFFER ENDS TONIGHT”, “Final hours to save!”

2. Teasers and Pre-Black Friday Announcements: “Black Friday is almost here”, “Black Friday came early…”, “Ready for Black Friday?”

3. Discount and Deal Highlighting: “What’s Better Than 50% Off?”, “Say Goodbye to Shipping Fees this Black Friday”

4. Personalized Subject Lines: “Your Black Friday Treat Awaits ”

5. Countdowns and Time References: “T-7 days: Announce your deals”, “Just 1 Week Until Black Friday”

6. Exclusivity and Special Offers: “Exclusive Black Friday deals just for you”

7. Product or Category Specific: “All electronics 50% off this Black Friday!”

8. Interactive Elements: “Play to win: Black Friday special edition”

9. Humor and Playfulness: “Black Friday: Even our prices are on a diet!”

10. Feedback and Reviews: “Loved your Black Friday purchase? Tell us!”

Bonus content: 184 Best Email Subject Lines And Why They Work!

These categories can help guide the creation of compelling subject lines that resonate with different segments of an email list.

The key is understanding the audience and tailoring the messaging to what would appeal most to them.

Black Friday Email Templates

Here are a few templates to get you started:

1. Teaser Email (Sent a week or two before Black Friday)

Subject: Something BIG is Coming This Black Friday!

Hello [First Name],

The countdown has begun! Black Friday is just around the corner, and we have some exclusive deals you won’t want to miss.

Sneak Peek: [Insert a teaser image or hint about the sale]

Mark your calendar for [Date], and stay tuned for our biggest sale of the year!

Warm wishes, [Your Company Name]

2. Black Friday Announcement (Sent a day or two before Black Friday)

Subject: Black Friday Deals Revealed!

Dear [First Name],

The wait is over! Dive into our Black Friday deals before anyone else:

• [Product/Deal 1 with a brief description]
• [Product/Deal 2 with a brief description]
• … and many more!

Shop now and beat the rush!

See you online, [Your Company Name]

3. Day-Of Black Friday Email

Subject: TODAY ONLY: Black Friday Blowout Sale!

Hello [First Name],

Today’s the day! Our Black Friday sale is LIVE:

• Save up to [X%] on [specific product or category]
• Buy one, get one free on [specific product or category]
• First 100 shoppers get [a special gift or discount]

Don’t wait – these deals won’t last long!

Happy shopping, [Your Company Name]

4. Last Chance Email (Sent towards the end of Black Friday)

Subject: Final Hours: Black Friday Deals Ending Soon!

Hey [First Name],

Time’s almost up! Just a few hours left to grab our exclusive Black Friday deals:

• [Highlight a few top deals or products]

Take advantage of the savings of the year. Shop now!

Best, [Your Company Name]

5. Thank You Email (Sent after Black Friday)

Subject: Thank You for Making Our Black Friday Special!

Dear [First Name],

We wanted to say THANK YOU. Your support this Black Friday was incredible, and we’re grateful for customers like you.

Stay tuned for more exciting deals and updates in the coming weeks. Until then, happy shopping!

Warm regards, [Your Company Name]

Remember to personalize these templates to fit your brand’s voice and the specific deals you offer.

Including eye-catching visuals, clear calls-to-action, and ensuring mobile-friendliness can also enhance the effectiveness of your emails.

Now, look at some general copy and design tips to help you make your Black Friday email campaigns.

Best Time To Send Black Friday Email

Timing your Black Friday email campaigns maximizes engagement and conversions.

Here are some details on the best time to send Black Friday emails and how to schedule them for the best results:

1. Early Teasers (2-3 Weeks Before Black Friday)

• Start building anticipation early by sending teaser emails about the upcoming Black Friday sale. Mention exclusive deals, discounts, or special offers to excite your subscribers.
• These early emails can serve as a “save the date” announcement and should highlight the value customers will receive by participating in your Black Friday event.

2. Weekly Countdown Emails (1-2 Weeks Before Black Friday)

• Send weekly countdown emails to remind subscribers of the upcoming event as Black Friday approaches.
• Share sneak peeks of the products or deals they can expect to see on Black Friday.
• Include a clear call-to-action (CTA) that encourages subscribers to sign up for notifications or create wishlists.

Bonus content: How to Create the Perfect Call to Action

3. Daily Alerts (1 Week Before Black Friday)

• Increase the frequency of your emails as Black Friday gets closer. Send daily alerts with specific details on featured products, discounts, and any limited-time offers.
• Use compelling subject lines that create a sense of urgency to open the email.

4. Thanksgiving Day Email (Day Before Black Friday)

• Send a Thanksgiving Day email to express gratitude to your subscribers and remind them that your Black Friday deals are just hours away.
• Provide a preview of some of the best deals to entice customers to visit your website or store on Black Friday.

5. Black Friday Morning (Early Morning on Black Friday)

• Start your Black Friday with a bang by sending out an email early in the morning (before stores open or as online sales begin).
• Highlight the most attractive deals and promotions for the day.
• Include a strong CTA that encourages subscribers to start shopping immediately.

6. Late Morning and Afternoon Follow-Ups (Black Friday)

• Send follow-up emails later in the morning and afternoon to remind subscribers of ongoing deals and encourage them to continue shopping.
• Use subject lines that emphasize “last chance” or “ending soon” to create a sense of urgency.

7. Evening Recap (End of Black Friday)

• As Black Friday comes to a close, send a recap email summarizing the day’s highlights.
• Highlight any remaining deals or extended offers for those who may have missed earlier emails.

8. Weekend and Cyber Monday Emails (After Black Friday)

• Extend your Black Friday promotions through the weekend and into Cyber Monday.
• Send emails to remind subscribers of the continued savings and encourage them to make additional purchases.

Remember that the optimal timing for your Black Friday emails may vary depending on your target audience and industry. Analyze past email campaign data to identify trends in open and click-through rates.

Use this information to refine your email timing strategy for Black Friday and other key shopping events.

Best Practices for Black Friday Email Campaigns

1. Mobile Optimization: Ensuring Emails Look Great on All Devices

• Given the increasing use of smartphones for online shopping, ensuring that your Black Friday emails are mobile-responsive is critical.
• Use a responsive email design that adapts to different screen sizes so your emails look good on smartphones, tablets, and desktops.
• Test your emails on various devices and email clients to ensure they render correctly.

2. Segmenting Your Email List for Targeted Promotions

• Segment your email list based on customer demographics, past purchase behavior, and engagement history.
• Create tailored content and offers for each segment. For example, send different offers to loyal customers, new subscribers, or those who abandoned their carts in the past.
• Personalized recommendations and promotions are more likely to resonate with recipients.

3. A/B Testing: Refining Your Emails for Maximum Impact

• Conduct A/B tests on various elements of your email campaigns, such as subject lines, email content, images, CTAs, and send times.
• Use A/B testing to determine which email variations yield the best open, click-through, and conversion rates.
• Continuously refine your emails based on the insights gained from A/B tests.

4. Avoiding Common Pitfalls and Spam Filters

• Craft compelling subject lines that are clear and relevant to the content of your emails. Avoid using excessive capitalization, exclamation marks, or spammy phrases that can trigger spam filters.
• Ensure that your sender name and email address are recognizable to recipients. Using a reputable and consistent sender identity helps build trust.
• Include a clear and easy-to-find unsubscribe link in your emails to comply with anti-spam regulations and allow recipients to opt-out.

5. Post-Purchase Follow-Ups:

• After customers purchase on Black Friday, follow up with post-purchase emails, such as order confirmations, shipping notifications, and thank-you messages.
• Use these opportunities to upsell or cross-sell related products and encourage customers to leave reviews or referrals.

5. Monitoring and Analytics

• Continuously monitor the performance of your Black Friday email campaigns using analytics tools.
• Track key metrics like open rates, click-through rates, conversion rates, and revenue generated.
• Use the data to make real-time adjustments to your email strategy and identify areas for improvement.

By implementing these best practices, you can enhance the effectiveness of your Black Friday email campaigns, engage with your audience more effectively, and drive higher conversion rates during this critical shopping event.

In conclusion, crafting the perfect Black Friday email combines strategy, creativity, and timing.

As the holiday shopping season approaches, having the right tools in your arsenal is crucial to maximize conversions and boost sales. That’s where OptinMonster comes into play.

Recognized as one of the most powerful lead generation tools in the market, OptinMonster can help you create stunning email opt-in forms, segment your audience, and deliver targeted messages at just the right moments.

Just take a look at how these OptinMonster customers made out:

• How Podcast Insights Grew Conversions 1099% with Onsite Retargeting
• Win In Health increased revenue by 300%
• Woodside Communities made $294,435 in less than 2 months
• ClickBank University double sales

Don’t let this Black Friday pass you by without leveraging the full potential of your email campaigns. Elevate your email marketing game with OptinMonster and witness a significant uptick in your Black Friday conversions.

Ready to elevate your BFCM game? Get started with OptinMonster today!

More on Black Friday and Cyber Monday:

• 26 Black Friday Marketing Ideas That Actually Work
• Optimize Your Site For The Holiday Season
• Best Black Friday Marketing Tools
• Black Friday & Cyber Monday Marketing 2023: Week-by-Week Guide

TLDR: Black Friday Marketing Ideas

– Use urgency mechanics: hourly/daily deals + visible countdown timers.
– Stack value: conditional free shipping, tiered discounts, surprise checkout coupons.
– Raise AOV with upsell/cross-sell bundles and “build-your-own sale.”
– Publish gift guides and launch limited editions for shareability.
– Referrals & affiliates: add limited-time bonuses through Cyber Monday.
– Email first: early access + subscriber-only offers; strong subject lines + clear CTAs.
– Keep an evergreen Black Friday landing page live year-round to build the list early.
– Reward loyalty: double points during BFCM to drive repeat purchases.
– Add service value (personal shopping, gift wrap, local delivery) to protect margins.
– Prep audiences early; retarget site visitors, engagers, and cart abandoners.
– Create memorable, short content and test diverse ad formats; spend on warm audiences.

Every Black Friday marketing season, we at OptinMonster help over 1 million websites capitalize on the opportunity by enabling them to convert and monetize their website traffic.

In this article, I’ll share proven Black Friday marketing ideas that have effectively worked time and again for our customers to help you make the most of this important opportunity.

Feel free to jump to the tactic that interests you most or read through it all to see what inspires you. Let’s get started!

1. Hourly or Daily Deals

There’s no better way to build a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) than to limit availability. 

Hourly or daily deals are only applicable for a certain period, so customers are motivated to decide quickly. 

When you offer a variety of time-sensitive deals throughout the day or weekend, you also encourage shoppers to keep coming back to check your website for the latest bargain.

Consider offering free shipping on combined order value above a certain threshold to keep shipping costs from being an objection. You can use OptinMonster to add a countdown timer to any page to drive urgency.

Bonus content: Unlock the Power of FOMO: 17 Clever FOMO Marketing Examples

2. Bump Sale

A bump sale is when you start the price of a product or service low and increase the price after every purchase.

Most often, the starting price is quite below the suggested retail price. This can encourage more people to buy the product than would otherwise. Depending on the starting price and bump increments, you can earn significantly more based on the additional sales volume alone.

For example, you may have a product that usually retails for $100, and you typically expect to sell 20 of them, earning $2,000 in revenue. But imagine you run a bump sale and start the price at $5 with a bump of $1 for every purchase. Suddenly, you have 60 customers rushing to buy the product for a total revenue of $2,070. You’d earn more money and have three times as many customers who can bring in additional lifetime value. Plus, they’d all feel like they got a great bargain!

Bump sales are an excellent Black Friday marketing idea for testing market demand for new products or offers or as a once-a-year sales promotion for existing customers.

3. Mystery Savings Discount Wheel

A coupon spin wheel can add an element of chance to your Black Friday sale. 

Customers spin the wheel to see what kind of discount code or a free gift with a purchase they can get. 

They’ll also be motivated to use their discount immediately, just in case they don’t land on it again the next time they spin.

Bonus content: How to Create a Discount Wheel Popup (the Easy Way)

4. Gift Card Promotions

As the traditional start of the holiday season, Black Friday is a great way to highlight your products or services as gifts. 

Gift cards are the perfect Black Friday marketing idea for shoppers to give experiences like a massage or let their loved ones choose the products they want the most.

You can also use gift cards to even out seasonal fluctuations in sales like Nashville Pedal Tavern did. 

For Black Friday, you could discount a $100 gift card to just $75 while maintaining the usable value. You get the revenue immediately and can deliver the service or products later.

5. Free Shipping Based on Order Value

Unexpected shipping costs are one of the most common reasons for abandoned carts. 

However, offering free shipping on every order may not be financially possible. 

The solution is conditional free shipping. This means that orders above a certain value can ship for free, ultimately protecting your profit margins and helping prevent cart abandonment. 

Use an OptinMonster floating bar to advertise this deal prominently to put shoppers at ease.

The floating bar example above was used by Cosmetic Capital, and it helped them capture over 18,000 new leads. Read the full Cosmetic Capital case study here.

Bonus content: Abandoned Cart Recovery: 13 Ways To Maximize Revenue

6. Conditional Discounts

Like free shipping based on order value, conditional or tiered discounts add up based on how much is in the order. This rewards customers for spending more and can increase average order value.

For example, you could offer 10% off orders below $50, 25% off orders from $50-$100, and 40% off orders above $100.

Many shoppers perceive a higher discount amount as more valuable than spending less money, so they’ll add more to their order to get the higher discount tier.

7. Build Your Own Sale

Most buy-one-get-one (BOGO) sales involve buying multiples of the same product or same product category.

Some customers may not want that many of one item, but Black Friday is a chance to let shoppers build their own sale.

You can do this by offering a sitewide discount or a BOGO deal across many products and categories. You can also combine this Black Friday marketing strategy with conditional discounts and free shipping.

Bonus content: How to Add Buy One Get One Deals to WordPress (Step by Step)

8. Surprise Checkout Discount

Even determined shoppers can fall prey to sticker shock at the last minute when they reach the checkout page and realize they’re about to spend more than they intended. 

A surprise discount can help them push through that final hesitation. With OptinMonster, you can easily set a discount popup or discount spin wheel to appear on the checkout page only. 

If you’re using Shopify or WooCommerce, you can even set it to appear only when carts are above a certain value or contain specific items.

9. Upsell and Cross-sell Deals

You can increase your average order value by offering special deals on upsells or cross-sells.

Upselling is encouraging customers to buy a higher-priced version of what they’re already planning to purchase. Cross-selling is recommending products related to the original item.

An effective Black Friday marketing idea is offering free or discounted upgrades as an upsell or a special bundle Black Friday promo on related cross-sell items.

Bonus content: How To Upsell: 15 Upselling Tips & Examples To Boost Revenue

10. Gift Guides

Gift guides are curated collections of giftable products or services.

You can create guides for specific identities, like spouses, parents, or friends, or make recommendations for specific events like work parties and family reunions.

These are a great way to show off your products and provide a helpful resource for customers. You can publish these gift guides on your website, as a downloadable lead magnet, or in email newsletters throughout the season.

11. Sneak Peeks

If you want to build excitement, sometimes less can be more.

Put together a tantalizing teaser of what will be on sale and how it will benefit the customer.

This gives you at least two opportunities to reach out: first, you share the preview, and then the full unveiling.

You can share sneak peeks through email, social media marketing, website popups, and more.

12. Product Launches

Launching a new product or collection is another excellent Black Friday marketing idea.

You can launch a special holiday collection that’s only available for a limited time, with or without an early bird discount.

If you have a SaaS business, consider launching a new feature or upgrade on Black Friday with a discount for early adopters.

13. Referrals

Don’t forget to take care of your best existing customers during Black Friday. 

You can use Black Friday Cyber Monday (BFCM) as an opportunity to get more referral customers, who tend to cost less to acquire and spend more than non-referral shoppers. 

Put together a special Black Friday referral program that offers your loyal customers extra incentives for telling their friends about your brand.

Bonus content: Ultimate Guide to Referral Marketing for Beginners

14. Countdown Timers

Countdown timers are a simple way to keep your promotion in the minds of your customers.

You can set the timer to count down until your sale starts or ends, or both!

Some email service providers offer built-in countdown timers, or you can use a separate tool to generate the timer and insert the code into your emails.

On your website, it’s easy to use OptinMonster to add countdown timers to popups, floating bars, and slide-ins.

Bonus content: How to Create Scarcity With Countdown Timers in 5 EASY Steps

15. Affiliate Programs

If you have an affiliate program already running, use Black Friday as an opportunity to generate extra traffic and strengthen the relationship with your affiliates.

You can offer special bonus incentives for affiliate sales made between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, or longer.

Bonus content: What Is Affiliate Marketing? How To Get Started

16. Exclusive Email Offers

Building your email list will pay off long after Black Friday is over. You can tempt potential customers to join your list with exclusive offers sent only through email. Such Black Friday emails might include:

• Early access to sales
• Subscriber-only discounts
• Exclusive or early access to limited edition products
• Loyalty and rewards programs

Many email marketing campaigns will fill your customers’ inboxes, so make sure to pick email subject lines that stand out and include a clear call to action.

17. Evergreen Black Friday Landing Page

Just like you’re planning Black Friday marketing ahead of time, many customers start thinking about their Black Friday shopping strategies weeks or even months in advance. 

Set up a Black Friday landing page that is available year-round. You can use it to build your email list and tease your upcoming Black Friday deals during the off-season. Then, you can collect all your live Black Friday promotion ideas on one page for easier browsing.

18. Double Loyalty or Rewards Points

Repeat customers are the lifeblood of small businesses. So take good care of them during Black Friday and Cyber Monday!

Customers who are part of a loyalty or rewards program may be less motivated by discounts than new customers because they’ve already experienced your product or service and love it enough to join a loyalty program.

But they would probably love extra reward points on holiday purchases they were planning to make anyway. That way, they can treat themselves after the holiday rush is over.

19. Black Friday Collabs

In 2025, trust beats advertising and nothing builds it faster than real people showing your product in action. Turn your happiest customers into micro-creators by encouraging them to share short videos, unboxing clips, or deal-reaction posts using a branded hashtag.

Example: “Share your Black Friday haul with #MyBrandDeals for a chance to win your order free.”

Feature the best content on your homepage, in your follow-up emails, or across social ads during Cyber Week. Then, tie these UGC moments into your referral or loyalty programs so customers earn points or bonuses for creating content that sells for you.

20. Post-Purchase Retention Flow

Most brands slam the brakes after checkout and that’s where money gets left on the table. Your Black Friday buyers are your warmest December customers. The key is to build a simple post-purchase retargeting flow that keeps them in your ecosystem.

Start with a short “Thank-You + Next Step” email right after purchase. Then schedule follow-ups like:

• “Cyber Monday VIP” early-access deals
• Cross-sell or upgrade offers in early December
• “Loyalty double-points week” before the holidays

Example: “You scored 40% off this weekend — here’s 20% more if you grab your matching set before December 10.”

21. Multimodal Content Strategy

Black Friday in 2025 isn’t just about search or social, it’s about everywhere visibility. Google’s AI Overviews, TikTok search, Instagram carousels, and Pinterest boards all surface mixed media now. That means your best deals need to live in multiple formats, not just text.

Take your top three offers and repurpose them into:

• Short vertical videos (TikTok, Reels, YouTube Shorts)
• Carousel posts showing “before vs. after” value
• Pinterest pins linking to gift guides or sale bundles

Boost Black Friday Marketing with OptinMonster

In conclusion, Black Friday marketing represents more than just a shopping day; it’s a golden opportunity to genuinely connect with your audience and elevate your sales. 

The right Black Friday marketing ideas can distinguish your brand in a bustling marketplace, ensuring you attract, engage, and retain customers. This is where OptinMonster shines. 

As a leading lead generation tool, OptinMonster can be pivotal in implementing your Black Friday marketing strategy. 

Whether it’s 

• creating attention-grabbing pop-ups for early bird specials
• segmenting your audience for personalized offers
• retargeting visitors with exclusive deals

OptinMonster provides the tools you need to make your Black Friday campaigns more effective and efficient. 

By leveraging its robust features, you can ensure a seamless customer experience from the first click to the final purchase. So, as you gear up for the holiday season, consider integrating OptinMonster into your Black Friday marketing strategy.

It’s not just about driving traffic; it’s about converting that traffic into loyal customers. Partner with OptinMonster this season and watch your Black Friday marketing ideas come to life, driving unparalleled results.

Get started with OptinMonster today!

More on Black Friday and Cyber Monday:

• Black Friday Email: Best Examples, Top Subject Lines, and Key Takeaways
• Optimize Your Site For The Holiday Season
• Best Black Friday Marketing Tools
• Black Friday & Cyber Monday Marketing: Week-by-Week Guide

General Online Shopping Statistics

Key Statistics (2025)

• Global eCommerce sales are expected to reach $6.86 trillion in 2025, up from $6.3 trillion in 2024.
• Around 2.8 billion people worldwide will make at least one online purchase this year.
• Online sales now represent about 22% of total global retail, compared to 19% in 2022.
• The Asia-Pacific region continues to lead global online sales, with strong growth in emerging markets such as India and Indonesia.
• The average online order value increased by 7% year-over-year, reflecting stronger consumer confidence and broader product variety.

What These Numbers Tell Us
Online shopping is no longer a growth story; it has become a dominant force in global retail. The annual increases are smaller than in the early pandemic years, but the base is much larger. What we are seeing now is market maturity rather than market saturation. Consumers have integrated online shopping into their everyday habits, from groceries to high-ticket electronics.

The steady rise in the share of retail spent online shows how digital commerce has become the default mode of buying for many categories. While growth rates have slowed, the consistency indicates stability and resilience even in uncertain economies. Regions like Asia-Pacific and Latin America are driving much of the new demand, while North America and Europe are focusing on improving customer experience and retention.

Implications for Businesses
For brands and retailers, this shift means the focus must move beyond “being online” to “performing online.” Success in 2025 depends on conversion optimization, trust-building, and speed. Websites that load faster, offer seamless checkout, and demonstrate clear pricing transparency are capturing the bulk of this $6.86 trillion opportunity.

Summary: In 2025, over 2.77 billion people shop online globally, with eCommerce sales projected to exceed $6.86 trillion.

eCommerce Store Statistics

Key Statistics (2025)

• There are an estimated 26 to 30 million eCommerce stores worldwide, according to 2025 research from Red Stag Fulfillment and other global analyses.
• Fewer than one million online stores generate meaningful annual revenue, illustrating how competitive and fragmented the eCommerce landscape has become.
• Shopify powers over 4.8 million active stores, while WooCommerce and Wix eCommerce continue to dominate small-business adoption.
• About 22% of all new websites launched in 2024 included an eCommerce component such as a cart or checkout function, reflecting how store functionality has become a standard part of modern website builds.
• The average online retailer sells through three or more channels, combining their own site, marketplace listings, and social commerce platforms to reach more customers.

What These Numbers Tell Us
The global eCommerce ecosystem has reached a point of oversaturation. While the barriers to entry are lower than ever, the barriers to profitability are rising. Millions of new stores appear each year, but only a small percentage sustain consistent traffic or revenue. This uneven distribution mirrors the “winner-takes-most” reality of modern retail: top-performing brands attract the majority of customer attention and sales, while smaller stores struggle to differentiate themselves.

Platform diversity also signals a new reality. Sellers are no longer confined to a single storefront. Instead, they are spreading visibility across ecosystems, such as, their website for branding, Amazon for reach, and social channels for discovery. This omnichannel presence is now the default approach for retailers who want both control and scale.

Implications for Businesses
Competing in 2025 requires more than setting up an online store. Retailers must focus on brand positioning, niche targeting, and customer experience. The stores that thrive will be those that clearly define their audience, offer unique value, and integrate their marketing across multiple touchpoints. Technical optimization, trust signals, and personalized engagement are no longer optional; they are the minimum standards for staying competitive in a crowded digital marketplace.

Summary: There are over 28 million eCommerce stores worldwide in 2025, with Amazon, Walmart, and eBay leading the market by traffic and sales.

Mobile eCommerce Statistics

Key Statistics (2025)

• Mobile commerce is projected to account for 46% of all online sales in 2025, totaling roughly $3.2 trillion globally.
• About 70% of smartphone users who made a recent in-store purchase first used their device to research the product, according to Google’s Think with Google consumer behavior study.
• Mobile conversion rates remain lower than desktop, averaging 1.6% on mobile vs. 2.8% on desktop based on Statista’s global conversion benchmarks.
• About 52% of users say a bad mobile experience makes them less likely to engage with a brand.
• In the United States, mobile commerce is expected to make up 44% of e-commerce sales by 2025, according to VennApps’ compilation of 2025 mobile commerce data.

What These Numbers Tell Us
Mobile has become the default platform for online browsing and an increasingly important channel for conversions. Shoppers no longer distinguish between “mobile” and “desktop” experiences, they expect every site to be fast, intuitive, and personalized on any device. The fact that nearly half of all online sales now come from mobile shows how buyer behavior has fully shifted to convenience-first decision-making.

Despite this growth, the gap between browsing and buying remains significant. Lower conversion rates suggest that many mobile sites still struggle with usability issues: clunky menus, slow pages, and lengthy forms. The mobile shopper’s tolerance for friction is extremely low, and even minor frustrations often lead to abandonment.

Implications for Businesses
To capture mobile revenue, businesses must design for mobile intent rather than treating it as a smaller version of desktop. That means prioritizing fast load times, simplified navigation, larger tap targets, and express checkout options such as Apple Pay or Google Pay. Brands that invest in mobile-first optimization see stronger engagement, higher conversion rates, and better visibility in search results. In 2025, mobile performance is not just a technical concern, it is a competitive advantage.

Summary: Mobile commerce is expected to generate $2.51 trillion in 2025, with smartphones driving more than 60% of online purchases.

Online Shopping Cart Abandonment Statistics

Key Statistics (2025)

• The average global cart abandonment rate is 69.8%, meaning nearly seven in ten shoppers leave before completing their purchase.
• On mobile devices, the abandonment rate increases to approximately 85%, making mobile checkout the most common drop-off point in the purchase journey.
• The top reasons shoppers abandon carts include:
• Unexpected extra costs such as shipping or taxes (48%)
• Forced account creation (24%)
• Complicated or lengthy checkout processes (17%)
• Concerns about payment security (18%)
• Offering guest checkout can reduce abandonment by up to 35%, while displaying shipping costs early in the process can significantly lower drop-offs.

What These Numbers Tell Us
Cart abandonment continues to be one of the biggest revenue leaks in eCommerce. The data shows that most shoppers who add items to their carts have clear purchase intent, yet a combination of friction, surprise fees, and distrust leads them to exit before payment. This highlights a key truth: convenience and transparency matter more than persuasion at the final step of the buying process.

Mobile shoppers in particular are more likely to abandon their carts because of small usability issues that interrupt their flow. Every additional step or required field adds resistance, and even minor delays can disrupt the impulse to buy. These behavioral trends reveal that the challenge is rarely demand, it is the buying experience itself.

Implications for Businesses
Improving checkout flow is one of the fastest ways to increase conversion rates. Businesses should minimize the number of form fields, enable guest checkout, and show all costs upfront. Clear progress indicators and recognizable payment options can further reduce hesitation. Trust badges, SSL certification, and transparent refund policies also play a role in reinforcing security. In 2025, reducing cart abandonment is less about adding incentives and more about removing friction from the user journey.

Summary: The global cart abandonment rate remains high at 69.99%, with extra costs, account requirements, and slow shipping as top reasons.

Technology and AI in eCommerce Statistics

Key Statistics (2025)

• More than 40% of retailers are already using AI tools for personalization, pricing, and logistics, according to NVIDIA’s State of AI in Retail 2024 report.
• AI-powered product recommendations can increase average order value by 15–25%, as reported in Shopify’s insights on AI adoption in eCommerce.
• Nearly 63% of organizations using generative AI report revenue uplift within deployed business units, based on McKinsey’s State of AI 2024 report.
• Voice-assisted shopping still represents less than 10% of total online sales, though usage continues to grow in electronics and home categories.
• Retailers investing in predictive analytics have reported up to a 20% improvement in customer retention, according to McKinsey’s marketing analytics analysis.

What These Numbers Tell Us
AI is no longer an experimental technology in eCommerce; it has become part of everyday operations. Retailers are increasingly using machine learning to anticipate customer needs, optimize marketing campaigns, and manage inventory. The shift from reactive to predictive data use means that online stores are becoming more proactive in guiding customers toward what they are most likely to buy.

The data also shows that automation now extends beyond marketing into the customer experience itself. Chatbots, virtual assistants, and voice-enabled shopping are reshaping how people interact with online stores. Consumers have grown comfortable with personalized recommendations and fast, automated responses, as long as these tools feel natural and genuinely helpful.

Implications for Businesses
Retailers that strategically implement AI can gain measurable performance advantages. Personalization engines can increase conversion rates, reduce return rates, and improve repeat purchase behavior. However, automation should not come at the expense of authenticity. Overreliance on generic AI-generated messaging can erode brand trust. Businesses should aim for a hybrid model: automation for efficiency and human oversight for tone and empathy. In 2025, the best-performing eCommerce brands are those that blend intelligent technology with human understanding.

Summary: AI chatbots and voice assistants are becoming mainstream, with 47% of consumers open to using them for online purchases.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Statistics

Key Statistics (2025)

• Black Friday 2024 in the U.S. generated $10.8 billion in online sales, a ~10% increase from the year before.
• Cyber Monday 2024 recorded $13.3 billion in online spending, setting a new record for the largest single day of online sales in history.
• Mobile devices accounted for 57% of all Cyber Monday purchases, surpassing desktop for the first time, according to Adobe’s official Digital Economy Index data.
• Average discounts ranged from 25% to 30%, with electronics, apparel, and home goods leading all categories.
• Email and push notifications accounted for nearly half of all online orders during Cyber Week 2024, outperforming both social media and paid search in conversion rates, according to Salesforce’s Holiday Shopping Trends 2024 report.

What These Numbers Tell Us
Black Friday and Cyber Monday remain critical events for online retailers, but the nature of these shopping days has evolved. The data shows a clear shift toward mobile-first buying and longer promotional periods. Instead of a single day of high-intensity sales, many brands now spread offers over several weeks to manage logistics and capture early shoppers. This approach aligns with changing consumer behavior, as buyers are increasingly motivated by convenience and early access rather than deep last-minute discounts.

The dominance of mobile purchases and the growth of pre-sale engagement channels, such as email and social media, highlight a maturing audience that plans ahead. Shoppers no longer wait for a single discount window; they expect personalized offers throughout the season. This trend reduces the “rush” effect of Cyber Monday but increases total revenue spread over a longer timeframe.

Implications for Businesses
Retailers should treat BFCM as a campaign season rather than a single event. Building momentum through segmented email lists, early sign-up incentives, and mobile-first optimization can significantly boost performance. Inventory management and logistics preparation are equally crucial, as shoppers expect fast delivery even during peak demand. Finally, post-sale engagement such as loyalty offers and retargeting helps convert one-time deal seekers into repeat customers. The most successful brands in 2025 are those that treat BFCM not as a flash sale, but as a long-term customer acquisition opportunity.

Summary: Black Friday and Cyber Monday remain peak online shopping events, with over $8.9 billion in online spending and mobile driving 53% of sales.

Gen Z and Social Commerce Statistics

Key Statistics (2025)

• There are an estimated 60% of Gen Z shoppers discover products through TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube before visiting an online store, showing how discovery now starts on social platforms.
• About 37% of Gen Z consumers in the U.S. have made at least one direct purchase through a social media platform, a signal that social commerce is rapidly becoming mainstream.
• Global social commerce sales are projected to hit $1.2 trillion in 2025, reflecting explosive growth from earlier years.
• Live shopping adoption exceeds 40% in China, where influencer-led retail has become a dominant part of the eCommerce ecosystem.
• Nearly 70% of Gen Z shoppers trust creator or influencer recommendations more than brand advertisements, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in online marketing.

What These Numbers Tell Us
Gen Z has redefined how products are discovered, evaluated, and purchased. This generation treats social platforms not just as entertainment but as search engines and marketplaces. Product discovery often begins with video content, reviews, tutorials, or influencer mentions and leads directly to purchase decisions without traditional website browsing. The social feed has effectively replaced the storefront window.

Trust plays a crucial role in this model. Gen Z’s skepticism toward traditional advertising has accelerated the rise of creator-led marketing. The line between social interaction and commercial intent is now blurred; shopping happens in the same spaces where users connect with peers. For businesses, this behavior marks a shift from keyword-driven search marketing to community-driven brand discovery.

Implications for Businesses
Retailers targeting Gen Z must invest in authentic, platform-native content. Traditional ad formats are less effective than short-form videos, user-generated content, and influencer collaborations. Integrating direct shopping features on social channels, such as TikTok Shop or Instagram Checkout, reduces friction and increases impulse buying. Brands should also develop creator partnerships that prioritize transparency and relatability over polished promotion. In 2025, social commerce is not a side channel but it is a core part of the eCommerce funnel, especially for emerging audiences.

Summary: Gen Z will soon control 40% of all consumer spending, with 95% using smartphones and 85% discovering products via social media.

Payment and Checkout Statistics

Key Statistics (2025)

• Digital wallets now account for approximately 54% of all online payments worldwide, surpassing credit and debit cards as the most common payment method.
• Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services are used by about 20% of U.S. online shoppers, with higher adoption among millennials and Gen Z consumers.
• PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay remain the top three payment options globally, while regional wallets such as Alipay and Paytm continue to dominate in Asia.
• Retailers offering one-click checkout report an average 35% higher conversion rate than those using traditional multi-step processes.
• Sites that display security badges, SSL certificates, and transparent refund policies reduce checkout abandonment by up to 20%.

What These Numbers Tell Us
The way consumers pay online continues to evolve toward convenience, speed, and perceived security. Digital wallets have overtaken traditional cards because they minimize friction, particularly on mobile devices. BNPL adoption also reflects shifting consumer preferences: shoppers are increasingly seeking flexibility without relying on revolving credit. This trend highlights how payment options directly influence both trust and conversion rates.

The dominance of PayPal and mobile wallets underscores a growing expectation for instant, low-effort transactions. Shoppers are far less tolerant of lengthy forms or uncertain payment experiences. Security remains a deciding factor. Visible trust signals and reliable refund policies help convert hesitant buyers, especially on first-time purchases. In eCommerce, perceived safety is often as important as the actual transaction process.

Implications for Businesses
Retailers should prioritize offering multiple, modern payment options that match customer expectations. Integrating popular digital wallets and BNPL solutions can expand conversion potential, especially among younger demographics. Streamlined checkout flows and clear payment icons reinforce confidence and reduce drop-offs. As competition intensifies, the checkout experience has become a direct reflection of brand trust. In 2025, payment convenience and transparency are as essential as product quality in driving online sales.

Summary: Credit/debit cards and digital wallets dominate online payments in 2025, while buy-now-pay-later and crypto gain traction among younger shoppers.

Emerging eCommerce Trends

Key Statistics (2025)

• 68% of global consumers say they are more likely to buy from brands that use sustainable packaging or demonstrate environmentally conscious practices.
• The augmented reality (AR) shopping market is expected to grow by over 40% year-over-year, particularly in fashion, beauty, and home goods.
• Subscription commerce is projected to reach $38 billion globally in 2025, driven by categories such as personal care, pet products, and specialty foods.
• One in four shoppers now makes cross-border purchases, with Asia-Pacific and Europe leading international order volume.
• AI-driven personalization and product recommendations are estimated to influence over 50% of all online purchases, according to recent market studies.

What These Numbers Tell Us
The latest trends show a clear shift in consumer priorities: sustainability, personalization, and convenience are now defining factors in online shopping. The growing interest in eco-friendly products and packaging reflects a deeper cultural shift toward responsible consumption. Shoppers increasingly view environmental values as part of brand identity rather than a bonus feature.

At the same time, technological advancements like augmented reality are transforming how customers evaluate products before purchase. Virtual try-ons, 3D previews, and immersive product experiences reduce uncertainty and returns while increasing engagement. Subscription models also continue to expand as consumers embrace predictable, curated purchasing experiences that fit into their daily routines.

Implications for Businesses
Retailers should align their strategies with these evolving expectations. Highlighting sustainable sourcing, offering carbon-neutral shipping options, and communicating environmental impact transparently can strengthen trust and loyalty. Investing in AR features or interactive product displays enhances confidence and conversion rates, especially for categories that rely on visual detail. Subscription offerings can improve customer lifetime value and create predictable revenue streams.

In 2025, eCommerce success depends not only on convenience but also on alignment with consumer values. Brands that demonstrate authenticity, sustainability, and innovation are best positioned to earn long-term loyalty in an increasingly competitive market.

Improve Your Stores Shopping Experience with OptinMonster

All online stores rely heavily on generating leads via popups. OptinMonster is the most powerful conversion optimization tool and email popups creator in the world because:

• OptinMonster’s powerful drag-and-drop builder allows you to create visually stunning optin forms optimized for the highest conversion rates.
• You can choose from the perfect campaign type to display the most attention-grabbing offers to your visitors for maximum engagement.
• You can detect your visitors’ shopping behavior and use smart triggers to display the right campaign to the right person at the right time.
• It allows you to use precision targeting to create campaigns that generate more leads, attract more subscribers, and increase total retail sales.
• You can create campaigns that react and adapt in real-time so you can easily personalize, segment, and target for incredible conversions.
• You can get the stats that matter and the tools you need to take action and improve your lead-generation strategy.

Also checkout:

• Ecommerce Growth Statistics: Key Insights Every Business Should Know
• Shopify CRO: How To Make More Sales From Your Current Traffic
• Content Marketing Statistics: Everything You Need To Know
• 40+ Email Marketing Statistics You Need to Know
• 95+ Mind-Blowing Digital Marketing Statistics to Learn From
• Ultimate List of Blogging Statistics and Facts

Quick Answer: What is the Best WordPress Membership Plugin?

I recommend MemberPress as the best all-around WordPress membership plugin for most creators. It’s beginner-friendly, works with any theme, supports paid subscriptions, courses, and content gating, and integrates seamlessly with tools like Stripe, PayPal, and email marketing platforms.

A WordPress membership plugin is a fantastic tool to monetize your website.

These plugins convert your website into a membership platform and unlock huge potential for increasing revenue and subscribers.

I’ve had the opportunity to work with a variety of membership plugins. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and I’ve learned to match the right plugin to my client’s specific needs.

In this article, I share 5 of the best WordPress membership plugins based on my experiences with some of the most popular options.

If you are looking for the best membership plugin for WordPress, read on and pick the one that best suits your goals. 

Here are the 5 WordPress membership plugins I tested for this review. You can click any of the names below to jump directly to that section and see my full breakdown of each tool:

Summary of WordPress Membership Plugins

	Plugin	Best For	Key Features	Pros	Cons
	MemberPress	Complex membership sites, online courses, digital product stores	Multiple membership tiers, drip content, digital downloads, strong integrations	Comprehensive feature set, easy to use, excellent support	Can be overkill for simple sites, pricing can escalate
2	Paid Memberships Pro	Customizable membership sites, budget-conscious users	Flexibility, open-source, strong community	Highly customizable, cost-effective	Steeper learning curve, core features might be limited
3	WooCommerce Memberships	Online stores with product-based memberships	Integration with WooCommerce, product-based memberships	Seamless integration, leverages WooCommerce infrastructure	Limited to product-based memberships
4	LearnDash	Online courses, educational content	Drip content, quizzes, certificates, strong LMS features	Excellent for online courses, robust features	Can be overkill for simple membership sites, pricing can be steep
5	Restrict Content Pro	Small to medium-sized membership sites, content protection	Easy to use, affordable, focuses on core features	Simple setup, cost-effective	Limited features, not suitable for complex membership structures

Why Trust OptinMonster?

At OptinMonster, our team has over 15 years of experience with WordPress, lead generation, and online marketing. We actively use and test membership plugins on live websites to understand what truly works for real site owners, not just in theory.

Every plugin in this list has been installed, configured, and tested by our in-house experts to ensure accurate, unbiased recommendations for all types of membership sites.

Here are our favorite WordPress plugins to manage memberships on your website.

1. MemberPress

I first encountered MemberPress on a client project that required a robust membership solution with a focus on digital product delivery. The client was launching an online course platform and needed a plugin that could handle multiple membership tiers, drip content, and digital downloads seamlessly.

MemberPress impressed me right away with its intuitive interface and comprehensive feature set. Setting up membership levels, creating drip schedules, and integrating payment gateways was a breeze. The plugin’s ability to restrict content based on membership level is excellent, and the digital downloads feature is a real standout.

However, while MemberPress is undoubtedly powerful, its extensive feature set can sometimes feel overwhelming for simpler membership sites. For smaller projects or those with very specific needs, it might be overkill.

Features

• Integrations with Mailchimp, Constant Contact, GetResponse, Easy Affiliate, and more
• Unlimited members and memberships
• Content dripping functionality
• Content restriction rules, including access end dates
• Powerful learning management system (LMS) features for online courses
• Customizable checkout

Pros

• Comprehensive feature set
• Easy to use interface
• Strong support
• Excellent for digital product delivery
• Flexible membership tiers

Cons

• Can be overkill for simpler membership sites
• Pricing can escalate with add-ons

MemberPress Pricing

• Basic: $179.50 per year
• Plus: $299.50 per year
• Pro: $399.50 per year (includes 3 free months of OptinMonster and TrustPulse)

Best for: Online course platforms, digital product stores, and complex membership sites with multiple tiers and features.

Get started with MemberPress today!

2. Paid Memberships Pro

I’ve used Paid Memberships Pro (PMPro) on several personal projects and for clients who needed a highly customizable membership solution. It’s open-source nature and extensive add-on ecosystem make it a versatile choice.

I appreciate PMPro’s flexibility. It allows you to tailor the membership experience to your exact needs. Whether you’re building a simple members-only area or a complex subscription-based platform, PMPro can adapt.

That said, the initial setup can be more involved than with some other plugins, and the core functionality is less extensive out-of-the-box. You might need to invest time in configuring settings or purchasing add-ons to achieve your desired results.

Features

• Can show “sneak peeks” of content
• Pay per post or view
• Personalized member homepages
• Thorough admin dashboard
• Many payment methods and gateways

Pros

• Highly customizable
• Open-source
• Strong community and support
• Cost-effective
• Suitable for a wide range of membership sites

Cons

• Steeper learning curve
• Core features might be limited compared to some competitors

Pricing

• Free: $0
• Standard: $174 per year
• Plus: $299 per year
• Enterprise: $5,000+ per year

Best for: Developers, those with advanced customization needs, and budget-conscious users who don’t require a full-featured membership plugin.

Click here to get started with Paid Memberships Pro.

3. WooCommerce Memberships

As a WooCommerce expert, I naturally gravitated towards WooCommerce Memberships for clients who already had an online store. It’s a logical extension of the popular ecommerce platform.

The plugin works seamlessly with WooCommerce, allowing you to offer product-based memberships. This is ideal for businesses that sell physical or digital products and want to create additional revenue streams through exclusive member content.

However, if you don’t already use WooCommerce, the learning curve might be steeper, and the plugin’s focus on product-based memberships could limit its usefulness for other types of membership sites.

Features

• Integration with Constant Contact
• Member areas requiring invitations
• Content dripping
• Membership levels
• Easy communication with members

Pros

• Seamless integration with WooCommerce
• Ideal for product-based memberships
• Leveraging existing WooCommerce infrastructure
• Familiar interface for WooCommerce users

Cons

• Limited to product-based memberships
• Might not be suitable for non-ecommerce membership sites

Pricing

• $199 per year

Best for: Online stores looking to create membership tiers based on product purchases.

Click here to get started with WooCommerce Memberships.

4. LearnDash

I first came across LearnDash when a client approached me about building an online course platform with membership functionality. Initially, I was skeptical about using an LMS for membership, but I decided to give it a shot.

LearnDash blew me away with its focus on creating structured learning experiences. While it’s primarily an LMS, its membership features are solid. The ability to drip-feed content, create quizzes, and offer certificates within a membership framework is a unique selling point.

For complex membership sites with a strong educational component, LearnDash is a fantastic choice. However, if you’re primarily focused on content restriction and don’t need the full LMS functionality, there might be more streamlined options.

Pros

• Excellent for online courses and educational content
• Robust drip content and quiz features
• Strong community and support
• Versatile platform

Cons

• Can be overkill for simple membership sites
• Pricing can be steep for basic membership features

Features

• One-time payment or subscription courses
• Integration with popular payment gateways and marketing apps
• Course and group management
• Detailed reporting on enrollment, performance, and progress
• Robust LMS capacity

Pricing

• 1 Site: $199 per year
• 10 Sites: $399 per year
• Unlimited: $799 per year

Best for: Online course platforms, membership sites with a strong educational focus, and those who need advanced learning management tools.

Click here to get started with LearnDash.

5. Restrict Content Pro

Restrict Content Pro (RCP) is a plugin I’ve used on several small to medium-sized membership sites. Its simplicity is its greatest strength. If you need a straightforward way to protect content and manage subscriptions, RCP is a solid choice.

The plugin is easy to set up, and the interface is clean and intuitive. While it lacks some of the advanced features of other plugins, it excels at the core functionality of content restriction.

However, for complex membership sites with multiple tiers, drip content, or advanced features, RCP might fall short. It’s best suited for simpler membership models.

Features

• Unlimited number of membership levels
• Customer dashboard
• Stripe integration for free level, more payment options at paid levels
• Membership emails
• Autogenerated member pages

Pros

• Easy to use and set up
• Focuses on core membership features
• Affordable
• Good for smaller membership sites

Cons

• Limited features compared to other plugins
• Might not be suitable for complex membership structures

Pricing

• Basic: Free
• 1 Site: $99 per year
• 5 Sites: $149 per year
• Unlimited: $249 per year

Best for: Small to medium-sized membership sites with basic requirements, bloggers, and those on a tight budget.

Get started with Restrict Content Pro right here.

What Is the Best Membership Plugin for WordPress?

Through our testing and research, I determined that MemberPress is the best membership plugin for WordPress .

MemberPress is the most comprehensive option, and it’s the easiest to use. It has tons of features and excellent documentation and support.

That said, our favorite may not be the right one for you. That’s okay! The best membership plugin for you depends on your specific needs. Consider factors like the type of content you’ll be offering, the complexity of your membership structure, your budget, and your technical expertise when making your decision.

Do you want to learn more ways to increase revenue on your member website?

Take a look at our list of 30 Ways to Make Money With OptinMonster! In that article, you’ll learn how our powerful popup software can help you make the right offers to the right visitors.

If you want to start with OptinMonster today, check out our affordable pricing plans.

FAQ

If you’re not upselling to your customers, you’re missing out on a lot of revenue.

In Marketing Metrics, the authors say:

“The probability of selling to a new prospect is 5-20%. The probability of selling to an existing customer is 60-70%.”

Source: Groove

And since product recommendations can drive 10-30% of revenue, putting the right upsell offers in front of people at the right time is an important sales growth tactic.

But what is upselling and how to do it? In this article, we explain everything!

What Is Upselling?

Upselling is suggesting a better or more expensive version of a product or service to a customer who is already interested in buying. The goal of upselling is to increase the overall value of the sale and generate more revenue for the business while also providing additional benefits or features to the customer.

For example, a fast food restaurant might offer to upgrade a customer’s meal to a larger size or add on additional menu items.

Effective upselling involves identifying relevant and valuable opportunities for the customer and positioning the offer as a solution to their needs or preferences.

Difference Between Upselling and Cross Selling

Before we get started with our upselling tips and examples, it’s important to understand the difference between upselling vs. cross-selling. Both are tactics used to boost sales revenue, but they work slightly differently.

Cross-selling is suggesting other relevant products people can try. What is an example of cross-selling? When you buy a cell phone online, and the online store suggests screen protectors for that model, that’s cross-selling.

Upselling is persuading the customer to upgrade their product or buy a more expensive version of it. How do you upsell? Let’s stick with the cellphone example. If you’re about to buy the model with 32GB of storage space, the online store can suggest you get the one with 64GB or 128GB.

Here’s the great thing about upselling. It doesn’t just increase AOV; it also increases customer lifetime value. In other words, customers spend more while they remain customers. And that’s why it’s so important for your business.

How To Upsell: Effective Upselling Tips

More of a visual learner? No problem! Check out our top 5 upsell tips.

Otherwise, keep reading this in-depth guide!

1. Choose the RIGHT Upsell

When you look at eCommerce upsell examples, you’ll see there are several types you can offer.

The Version Upgrade

As we mentioned earlier, you can ask shoppers to get a different version of a product you’re offering. It can be bigger, stronger, faster, better – you get the idea.

Product Protection

Another favorite upsell, both online and offline, is the “protect your product” upsell, which asks you to extend your warranty so you effectively guard your product against something going wrong. For example, if you buy a phone, you can often get a screen replacement warranty.

Customization

You know those “customize your product” features you get on some sites? Well, that’s a series of upsells, because every customization you add increases the price.

Extended Service Period

Sometimes, instead of a physical product, you can upsell by offering better value for a longer contract. And you can also offer better deals for early renewals. This works well for SaaS products.

The Bundle

Bundling is a bit of a grey area because it’s both cross-selling and upselling, but if you package related items together and show that it’s better value, you can definitely increase your sales of all the items in the bundle.

2. Always Offer the Upsell

The more upsell opportunities you show customers, the more chances they have to take one. So offer your upsell everywhere it makes sense. Some typical locations for upsells include:

• On product pages, where you have multiple chances to show off product versions
• When people add items to the cart, as it’s a great time to show supplementary products or services that help them get more value from what they’re already planning to buy
• When the customer reaches a success milestone. For example, in Asana, when you’ve added a few tasks, you’ll get an email showing you how to manage tasks even better with their premium product.

3. But Don’t Be Pushy

Even though you want customers to see your upsells, you don’t want to annoy them. Show your upsell popup at the wrong time, and they may not buy anything at all. Show it at the right time, and you’ve got a much better chance of making a better sale.

Some online retailers handle this by placing the upsell information well below the product information, so only people who are really interested ever see it.

Another option is to show your upsell when people have made the decision to buy. For example, if you show it once they’ve added an item to the cart (but before they checkout) that can be a great time to get an additional sale.

There’s no point in showing your upsell when people have just landed on the page because that could annoy them enough to leave. Instead, use OptinMonster’s scroll trigger to wait till they’ve scrolled a certain distance so you know they’re interested.

Follow our instructions for creating your first campaign, then go to Display Rules » Who should see the campaign? Choose Visitors to a particular page and add the URL of the product or add to cart page.

Then, go to Display Rules – When should the campaign appear? and select After scrolling down ‘X’ amount. Set the percentage to around 70% so you’ll know it shows when people have seen most of the page.

4. Make Your Upsell Relevant

Relevance is key when deciding on your upsell. If someone’s buying a book on marketing, there’s no point in recommending a book on childcare (which is cross-selling anyway). Instead, you’ll recommend something else related to what they’re looking at, like an audio version of the book or another book by the same author.

When you’re upselling, you’ll have to sell the benefits of the upsell, and show why it’s important. This kind of customer education can help make the sale. For example, here’s how Amazon highlights the benefits of getting audiobook versions of purchased books:

5. Personalize Your Upsell Recommendations

Recommendations work better if they’re personal. Accenture’s latest research shows that 75% of consumers are more likely to buy if the retailer either:

• Knows their purchase history
• Recommends purchases based on that history
• Addresses them by name

You can do this in OptinMonster with our Smart Tags feature. That lets you take the information you already have from your email marketing, like the visitor’s name, and use it as part of a personalized campaign that appears when they visit your site.

And, of course, you’re not limited to the name. You can also vary onsite campaigns based on the products people have already viewed, as the example below shows:

Here’s how you implement Smart Tags with OptinMonster.

6. Get the Language Right

Language is an important part of all successful marketing, as we’ve seen before in our article on conversion-boosting power words. But it’s even more important to persuade your customers when you’re aiming for the upsell.

Some of the best upselling examples get this right by making visitors imagine how they could make use of the upgrade, or by triggering the fear of missing out (FOMO). This is psychologically proven to help make more sales.

For example, this page comparing Spotify plans shows everything you’d be missing if you took the free plan.

7. Use Urgency

As we’ve seen before using urgency can help increase the value of the upsell.

If your upsell is available for a limited time only, or there are limited quantities, you’ll want to highlight this in your marketing.

One way to do that is by using OptinMonster to create a sale timer for your website. Here’s how you do this:

Login to the OptinMonster dashboard and create a new campaign.

Choose a campaign type. We’ll use the Floating Bar, which sits neatly at the top or bottom of the screen.

Choose a theme. We’ll use the Countdown Timer.

Name your campaign and press Start Building.

In the Optin tab, go to Countdown Type, and select Static. This will show the same countdown for all visitors.

In the Countdown End Date/Time, put the date and time when you want your upsell offer to end.

Click Restart Countdown Preview to see what the countdown will look like.

Click on the floating bar text to edit it. Type in the details of your offer.

Set your Display Rules. We’ll use Based on visitor’s date and time. Select Is on or before, and put the end date for your offer. We’ll also use Is on or before to add a start date.

You can also change display rules to show the upsell offer to those on specific pages, such as the page with the product you’re offering the upsell for.

When you’re done, Save and Publish the campaign.

Here’s how you can create a countdown popup using a different template and theme.

8. Offer Free Shipping

Offering free shipping is proven to boost sales. Around 90% of customers say free shipping is their main incentive to shop more online.

So, how does this work with upsells? You can remind people how much more they have to spend to qualify for free shipping. That’s a big incentive to continue adding items to the cart, especially if they’re not too costly. We’ll discuss pricing your upsell later in this guide.

9. Provide Social Proof

Social proof lets people know that others like them found the product or service valuable. It’s something you see on the top online retail sites. For example, Amazon shows you:

• What people bought with the product you are buying
• What people also looked at
• The products they recommend to go with what you’re buying

All of these create valuable upsell opportunities.

Add in customer reviews for each item, and you’re priming customers to buy more.

10. Limit the Price Increase

Bitcatcha recommends that you don’t price your upsells too high. After all, it’s supposed to represent a quick win for your customers. They suggest that the price of the upsell shouldn’t be more than 40% more than the item they’re already looking at or buying.

Retail Doctor puts that figure even lower, suggesting that the upsell be no more than an additional 25%. The best advice? Test different options with your own customers till you find what works.

11. Use the Rule of Three

You’ll often hear marketers talk about the “rule of three”. It’s to do with the fact that people respond to patterns, and three seems to be a magic number.

In this case, we’re talking about using the rule of three in pricing. There are multiple studies to show that when there are three price levels, people often go for the middle one. You’ll also hear this called “price anchoring”.

Either way, an upsell can look more attractive if it’s one of at least three options available. See this in action on the MailChimp site.

Combine the rule of three with educating your customer about the value of the upsell (as mentioned earlier) and you’re primed to get an increase in AOV.

12. Offer Substitutes

What if your usual upsell item is out of stock? Don’t let that stop you from offering the upsell. The best upselling examples show that you always have an alternative.

For example, if your upsell for a particular phone is upgrading the memory from 64GB to 128GB, and you’re out of the upgrade, suggest 128GB phones in different models from the same manufacturer.

Or, you could simply suggest a phone with similar features where your upsell IS available.

13. Upsell After the Purchase

While many upsells are offered on product or pricing pages, these aren’t the only places to show off your upsell offer. In fact, you can offer an upsell even after customers have completed their purchase.

For example, when placing an order with Mixbook, you get a limited time to edit or upgrade your order before it ships.

And on sales pages, you’ll often see a deal for a limited time product that complements what you’re already buying.

14. Follow Up via Email

While we’re on the topic of post-purchase upsells, don’t forget about email. Email marketing is still one of the most effective ways to reach your customers, and there are a few upselling email examples that can help you make more sales.

For example, even if people don’t take the upsell when they purchase, you can still offer it again by email. And you can sweeten the deal by offering an additional discount on the upgraded product or service.

In the example below from Digital Marketer, the company offers two free gifts when you take the upsell.

You can also use email to offer upsells as part of your shopping cart abandonment emails. The average shopping cart abandonment rate, according to the Baymard Institute, is 69%. That’s a lot of money to leave on the table.

To target abandonment on the site, use OptinMonster’s Exit-Intent® Technology, and follow up with targeted abandonment emails.

15. Consider Downselling

Finally, if upselling isn’t doing the trick, consider downselling – offering a product that’s slightly reduced in price and features as a way to get your customer to become a customer.

Consider downselling if your customer:

• Only looks at items in a particular price range, using the sorting features on your site
• Has added an item to the cart, but returns to your site to look for cheaper versions
• Has abandoned an upsell in the cart and does not respond to abandonment emails

Downselling can help to build trust by offering options that suit your customers’ pocket and showing that you’re responsive to their needs. Examples include:

• Offering a more cost-effective version of a computer, like one with a less expensive power chip
• Creating a self-study version of a course that’s less expensive than the one with your personal input
• Popping up a coupon to give a discount when it looks like visitors are about to leave the page

This last one is easy to do with OptinMonster. Follow the steps create a popup coupon, and use page level targeting to display it on certain product pages. Then go to Display Rules » When should the campaign appear? and enable On Exit Intent® to make sure it displays before they leave the page.

The great thing about downsells is that once visitors become customers, you’ll have other opportunities for upsells later.

Upselling Examples for Inspiration

Want a few more examples of upselling in action? Check these out.

Grammarly has a neat button inviting logged in users to upgrade to premium, along with a page showing the benefits of upgrading. Note that it also has three package options, as we mentioned in tip #11.

Williams-Sonoma offers a discount for new customers, which encourages them to buy more.

AppSumo’s email shows existing customers the benefit of getting multiple deals in one by moving from a pay per deal to a monthly all in one model.

Dropbox uses an in-app banner to encourage the upgrade to the Business version.

Clicking on the button gives you the USP of the upgrade.

Amazon’s messaging includes letting you know when there’s a newer model or version of the item you’re looking at.

That’s it! With these upselling tips and examples, you’re primed to get the most from your upsell strategy.

If you enjoyed this post, you may also want to check out our tutorial on how to create a product recommendation popup the easy way.

Next, check out our tips on eCommerce email marketing and best practices for marketing automation. And follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more in-depth guides.

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