Not exactly the three p strategy you were hoping for on this gorgeous Tuesday but I gotta give it to you real.

Tis the season for plotting offers. Planning BFCM offers and end of year promotions. And complaining that no one's biting. No one's buying...

But why? For starters...

📉 Economic & Political Fuqboy Energy is At An All Time High:

The economic rollercoaster is still a twisting. "No recession in sight for 2024" (according to U.S. Bank. BUT the finance bro's crystal ball shows a slowdown is coming (if not here already). Jobs report? A bit shaky. Even BofA's big boss is "betting" against a downturn. But people are saving more “just in case.” This election definitely isn't help... (I'm saving my coins and luggage space if/when it's time to move back in with my colonizers or colonized cousins)

What you can do: Focus on value proposition, multi-use use cases (aka 3-in-1 solutions). Highlight how your product or service provides long-term value or cost savings. Consider introducing budget-friendly options or flexible payment plans.

🎢 Inflation's Wild A$$ Ride: Remember when inflation was the party crasher we couldn't kick out? Well, it's finally showing signs of leaving the building. Morningstar's crystal ball sees inflation chilling at a cool 2.4% average in 2024, with even smoother sailing ahead. But hold your horses – this economic, Beyonce style rodeo ain't over yet.

The Fed's playing a game of "interest rate limbo," eyeing potential cuts by year's end. And let's not forget about home costs. SHEEESH!

What you can do: Be transparent about pricing. If you need to raise prices, explain why. Look for ways to optimize your operations to keep costs down. Consider bundle deals that offer more value for money. Rewards and memberships are HOT. Why cuz it rewards buyers not lurkers. People value the headspace, value the exclusiveness and value the deals. Buyers gonna buy but only if it feels special and necessary.

🥁 Shift in Consumer Priorities: Post-pandemic, there’s been a noticeable shift in spending patterns. McKinsey & Company’s consumer sentiment survey shows that consumers are prioritizing experiences over material goods, with travel and out-of-home entertainment seeing increased spending.

What you can do: If you’re in CPG or beauty, consider how your products enhance experiences. For professional services, think about how you can make your service more of an “experience.” Create content marketing that shows how your offering fits into this new lifestyle focus.

🥱 Digital x Decision Fatigue: After years of heavy insta shopping, there’s a trend towards in-person experiences. Why? Sure, a need for human contact but also online shopping decision fatigue. There's more choices than ever. But that's not always a good thing. Software Advice's survey of 5,500+ global shoppers screamed a resounding "SIDDAHN!" Overwhelmed by search tsunamis, filter failures, and review roulette, folks are over it. Even AI's big "take the wheel" promises are falling short.

What you can do: If you’re primarily online, consider pop-up shops or partnerships with physical retailers or indirect competitors. Ditch the influencer fluff too. Real talk from real customers is the new cronut. And for god's sake simplify, simplify, simplify: think less "War and Peace," more "Green Eggs and Ham" for your online experience.

And remember, challenges often present opportunities.

By leveraging these pitfalls (notice I said leverage, not panic. Very chill. Very indica. Very agile) and adapting your strategies, you can position your business to not just weather the storm, but to come out on top no matter the conditions.

It’s not about praying for consumers to open their wallets wider – it’s about making sure that when they do, your brand is thee ONE they’re reaching for.

So, plot those offers wisely, plan those promotions strategically, and instead of complaining… start campaigning for your customers’ hearts (and trust). Your Q4 success depends on it!

​

Christina Torres​
​Chief Creative Officer
​Run & Tell That - Copy. Content. Culture.
​w: www.runandtellthat.co e: christina@runandtellthat.co​