Cyber Week is the Super Bowl of e-commerce. With customer attention at a premium and inboxes flooded, standing out requires more than just a big discount; it demands creativity, community, and clarity. Referral marketing campaigns that work during Black Friday and Cyber Monday don’t just chase sales; they tap into what makes people share. Below, we’re highlighting three brands that nailed it last year with referral-powered Cyber Week campaigns that didn’t just convert—they crushed.
1. Alo Yoga
Why we love it:
Alo Yoga’s Cyber Week creative stood out for its bold visuals and strategic pacing. Rather than running a static campaign, Alo refreshed their creative throughout the weekend to keep audiences engaged. The consistent use of vibrant color made every touchpoint pop, while the offer itself was crystal clear—front and center in every asset. Urgency was a key theme, with “limited time” messaging creating the nudge customers needed to act fast. This campaign shows how visual design, timing, and clarity can elevate a referral campaign during a crowded retail moment.
2. Trew Gear
Why we love it:
Trew Gear leaned into what makes Cyber Week exciting: the thrill of the deal. Their campaign ramped up with an escalating offer for a limited time, creating a compelling reason for customers to engage quickly… and to spread the word. The referral message itself was wrapped in good vibes, featuring friends having fun, which made the idea of sharing feel natural and joyful rather than transactional. They embedded the offer directly into the creative header, leaving no doubt about the value. The result was a feel-good, high-impact campaign that turned customers into advocates.
3. Kipling
Why we love it:
Kipling took a smart approach to reduce friction: no purchase was required to participate in their referral campaign. That lowered the barrier for sharing and opened the door to broader reach. The brand kept sharers motivated with a dollar-based reward that offered real value, even before BFCM hit. The real win, though, was how they used early access as a carrot—offering exclusive entry to upcoming sales. It played perfectly into Kipling’s brand equity and created a sense of insider privilege. This kind of anticipation-building is referral marketing at its best: it feels like a favor, not a transaction.
The best Cyber Week campaigns don’t just offer great deals, they make customers feel something. Whether it’s exclusivity, urgency, or joy, these brands understood how to use referral marketing not just to sell, but to build relationships. As you plan your own Black Friday or Cyber Monday campaigns, take a page from Alo, Trew, and Kipling: clarity matters, emotion drives sharing, and creativity cuts through the noise.
Interested in launching your own referral program? Speak with a Talkable representative today.
