[Indie Dev Diary #8] November & December 2024 - Why Indies Love Black Friday

November and December were all about Black Friday. Discover why this shopping season is a goldmine for indie developers and how you can make the most of it.

Itemlist Got a Huge Revenue Boost from Black Friday 2024

Black Friday 2024 was a fantastic opportunity for Itemlist. Since the event falls at the end of November, its impact was also visible in December’s revenue figures.

• November Revenue: $2,156 (a significant jump from October’s $955)

• December Revenue: $1,795 (still far above October’s baseline)

If you look at Itemlist’s 2024 revenue graph, Black Friday truly stands out as a peak moment.

Why Indie Devs Love Black Friday

Black Friday season is the highlight of the year for many indie developers. During this period, consumers are primed to spend, and indie devs can seize the opportunity to boost their revenue significantly. Here’s why it’s so effective:

1. Massive Discounts Drive Sales: Shoppers expect big savings, and offering substantial discounts can convert many fence-sitters into buyers.

2. Free Marketing Opportunities: Listing your offer on Black Friday deal directories can generate a surge of impressions without additional advertising costs.

3. Budget-Friendly Growth: For indies with limited marketing budgets, Black Friday can be a game-changer.

How to prepare for Black Friday

Here are some tips to help you maximize your results during the Black Friday season:

1. Start Early: Begin preparations a few weeks in advance. Craft a compelling offer with a significant discount. For instance, I offered 50% off a lifetime PRO subscription. The bigger the discount, the higher your chances of attracting buyers.

2. Optimize Your Paywall: For mobile apps, ensure your paywall is visible immediately after onboarding. Don’t make users hunt for your special offer.

3. Extend Your Offer: Launch your deal at least a week before Black Friday and keep it running for a week afterward. Early birds and latecomers alike can take advantage of your promotion.

4. Leverage Deal Directories: Submit your deal to Black Friday directories. These platforms draw substantial traffic, giving your app free visibility. Here’s a list to get you started:

   • indiegoodies.com/blackfriday

   • app.indieappsales.com

   • github.com/danmindru/rare-big-deal

   • github.com/trungdq88/Awesome-Black-Friday-Cyber-Monday

   • github.com/mRs-/Black-Friday-Deals

   • github.com/twf-nikhila/Awesome-Black-Friday-Cyber-Monday-deals#apps

   • github.com/dqhieu/black-friday-deals

   • indie.deals

   • saasfridaydeals.com

   • draftss.com/black-friday-deals-software

   • realsaasdeals.com

   • deals.motyar.workers.dev

Don’t Miss Out on Black Friday 2025

Black Friday is an incredible opportunity for indie developers to grow their revenue, attract new users, and gain valuable exposure. The key is to plan ahead, offer an irresistible deal, and leverage free marketing tools like deal directories.

Action Step: Bookmark this blog post and set a calendar reminder for early November 2025. Don’t miss your chance to make the most of next year’s Black Friday season!