Brands sent 68% more SMS on Black Friday than on Cyber Monday, resulting in a 57% increase in orders.
You know for a fact that Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Standing out in the crowded digital space is going to take more than generic SMS messages.
SMS marketing offers a direct and immediate way to reach your audience, ensuring your promotions are seen when it matters most.
With high open rates and instant delivery, SMS is a powerful tool for driving sales and engagement during this high-stakes event.
The many benefits of Black Friday SMS marketing
Although social media, direct messaging, and emails have become the staple channels of communication, SMS still holds its position as a channel to connect with customers on a more individual level.
Black Friday SMS marketing can do wonders to your bottom line by boosting customer engagement and improving conversion rates. Here are some of its assured benefits:
Instant delivery and high open rates
SMS messages are delivered almost instantly and boast open rates as high as 98%, far surpassing email and other digital channels. This immediacy ensures that your Black Friday offers reach customers at the right moment, increasing the likelihood of quick responses and conversions.
Personalization opportunities
From addressing customers by name to tailoring offers based on shopping behavior, SMS marketing offers you a higher degree of personalization. This personalized approach can create a stronger connection with your audience, making them more likely to engage with your Black Friday deals.
Additionally, personalized SMS marketing can significantly boost customer loyalty by making customers feel valued and understood.
Direct communication with customers
SMS provides a direct line of communication to your customers, cutting through the noise of crowded inboxes and social media feeds. This directness is particularly valuable during Black Friday, when timely and relevant Black Friday messages can make the difference between a sale and a missed opportunity.
Direct communication through SMS can also significantly improve customer retention by fostering a more personal and immediate connection with your audience.
Cost-effective marketing channel
Compared to traditional advertising, SMS marketing is relatively low-cost while offering a high return on investment. The ability to reach a large audience with minimal expense makes it an attractive option for businesses looking to maximize their Black Friday marketing budget.
SMS Marketing Vs. Social Media Marketing Vs. Email Marketing
We briefly mentioned earlier that SMS marketing stills holds value amidst social media and email marketing.
SMS marketing, social media marketing, and email marketing each have unique strengths and weaknesses.
Here’s a comparison to help you decide which combination of channels will best suit your strategy.
| Criteria | SMS Marketing | Social Media Marketing | Email Marketing |
| Open Rate | Very high (up to 98%) | Variable (depends on platform and engagement) | Moderate (20-30% on average) |
| Engagement | High, due to direct and personal nature | High potential, but requires ongoing interaction | Moderate, higher with personalized content |
| Delivery Speed | Instant delivery | Instant, but may get lost in feeds | Delivered instantly, but open times vary |
| Personalization | Highly personal, often includes the recipient’s name | Personalized ads and content targeting based on behavior | Personalization based on customer data and behavior |
| Cost | Low to moderate, depending on volume | Can be costly (ad spend) but organic is free | Low to moderate, depends on email list size |
| Reach | Limited to subscribers with consent | Broad, potential to go viral | Broad, but limited to email subscribers |
| Regulatory Compliance | Strict regulations (e.g., TCPA) | Moderate regulations, especially for ads | Strict regulations (e.g., CAN-SPAM) |
| Conversion Rate | High, particularly for time-sensitive offers | Moderate, requires strong content and targeting | Moderate, improved with good segmentation and offers |
| Best Use Case | Time-sensitive, high-impact promotions like flash sales | Building brand awareness, engaging with a wider audience | Nurturing leads, sending detailed offers and content |
Planning Your Black Friday SMS marketing Campaign
Planning your Black Friday SMS marketing campaign is not going to be an easy task. Neverthless, if you follow a process you can still end it on a success note.
Setting Clear Goals
Whether you’re aiming to drive sales, increase website traffic, or build brand awareness, having specific goals will guide your strategy and help measure success. Introducing a Black Friday pre-sale can create early shopping opportunities with exclusive discounts, setting the stage for significant savings and encouraging early purchases. Be it for Black Friday SMS marketing, or for any other holiday season marketing, it is necessary to set SMART goals as a precursor. Setting clear goals can also lead to higher customer satisfaction.
For example, if your primary goal is to boost sales, your SMS messages should focus on time-sensitive offers and strong CTAs.
If brand awareness is the target, you might prioritize messaging that encourages engagement and social sharing.
Audience Segmentation
Effective SMS campaigns are built on personalization, and that starts with audience segmentation. By dividing your audience into specific groups, you can tailor your messaging to resonate more with each segment. For instance:
- Loyal Customers: Reward them with exclusive early access or higher discounts.
- New Subscribers: Entice them with a welcome discount or first-purchase incentive.
- High-Value Shoppers: Offer personalized recommendations or premium deals to encourage repeat purchases.
Segmenting your target audience can improve the effectiveness of your SMS campaigns by ensuring that each message is relevant and engaging to the specific needs and interests of each group.
Crafting Compelling SMS Offers
Different types of offers can appeal to various segments of your audience. Put in some copywriting effort to craft the right SMS that will hook customers and reel them into making a purchase. Highlighting black friday sale items can be an effective way to attract attention to special offers and discounts.
Some of the strategies you can give a shot are:
- Percentage discounts
- Specific amount discounts
- BOGO (Buy One Get One)
- Exclusive early/VIP access
- Free shipping
- Limited-time offers
Let’s take a detailed look at these strategies and how you can leverage them.
Best SMS Marketing Strategies to Create Black Friday Text Messages
The right sale offer can motivate customers to act quickly, driving sales and engagement, especially during Black Friday sales. Here’s how to approach crafting offers for different types of promotions:
Discounts – Discounts are a classic and effective way to entice customers, especially during Black Friday. When crafting a discount offer, focus on making it substantial enough to stand out in the crowded market. Whether it’s a percentage off or a dollar amount discount, clearly communicate the value to the customer and include a sense of urgency to encourage quick action.
Flash Sales – Flash sales are short, time-limited promotions that create a sense of urgency and excitement. These offers work well in SMS marketing due to the immediacy of text messages. The key to a successful flash sale SMS offer is to emphasize the limited time frame and make the offer too good to pass up, such as a deep discount or an exclusive deal available only during the flash sale window.
Exclusive Access – Offering exclusive access to Black Friday deals can make your customers feel valued and appreciated. This type of offer works well for VIP customers or those who have subscribed to your SMS list specifically for early access. The messaging should highlight the exclusivity of the offer, making customers feel like they are getting a special advantage over others.
BOGO (Buy One, Get One) – BOGO offers are a popular choice for driving volume sales during Black Friday. These offers provide customers with a perceived higher value, as they’re getting an additional product for free or at a reduced price. When crafting a BOGO SMS offer, be clear about the terms and make it easy for customers to understand how they can take advantage of the deal.
Free Shipping – Free shipping is a powerful incentive that can reduce cart abandonment and encourage more customers to complete their purchases. This offer is particularly appealing during Black Friday when shoppers are looking to maximize their savings. In your SMS message, emphasize the convenience and cost savings that free shipping provides, and consider adding a minimum purchase requirement to boost average order value.
Bundle Deals – Bundle deals encourage customers to purchase multiple items by offering them at a discounted rate when bought together. This type of offer can increase the overall order value and help clear out inventory. Your SMS should clearly outline what’s included in the bundle and the savings customers will enjoy by choosing the bundle over individual items.
Loyalty Rewards – Loyalty rewards offer an excellent opportunity to acknowledge and reward your repeat customers. This could be in the form of extra discounts, bonus points, or exclusive gifts with purchase. The messaging should convey appreciation and make loyal customers feel like they are receiving a special perk for their continued support.
Gathering customer feedback can help refine your SMS marketing strategies by providing insights into what works and what doesn’t, allowing you to tailor your offers more effectively.
The art and science of crafting effective Black Friday SMS messages
Not just campaign planning, but copywriting also plays a crucial role in making your Black Friday SMS messages work. Consider following these best practices when writing your campaign messages.
Writing Attention-Grabbing Subject Lines
Subject lines are the first thing your audience will see, making them crucial in determining whether your message gets opened or ignored.
For SMS marketing, the subject line needs to be concise, yet powerful enough to capture attention immediately.
The best practices you must adhere to include:
- Keep It Short and Sweet: Aim for brevity, as you have limited characters. Focus on the key offer or benefit.
- Use Action-Oriented Language: Words like “Grab,” “Save,” “Unlock,” or “Exclusive” encourage immediate action.
- Highlight Urgency or Scarcity: Phrases like “Limited Time,” “Only Today,” or “Ending Soon” create a sense of urgency that can drive quicker responses.
- Personalize When Possible: Including the recipient’s name or referencing their previous shopping behavior can make your subject line more engaging.
Effective subject lines can significantly improve open rates, ensuring your message reaches a wider audience.
Example: “Hurry, [First Name]! 20% Off Just for You – Today Only!”
Message Length and Content
When crafting your SMS content, less is more. Given the character limit and the need to get straight to the point, your text message should be concise and focused on the essential details. Here’s why:
- Be Concise: SMS messages should be clear and to the point, as you only have about 160 characters. Avoid fluff and stick to the core message.
- Incorporate Urgency: Urgency drives action. Phrases like “Act Now,” “Limited Time,” or “Today Only” can encourage immediate engagement.
- Emphasize Exclusivity: Making customers feel special can increase their interest. Use phrases like “Exclusive Offer,” “Just for You,” or “VIP Access” to add value to your message.
Example: “Flash Sale! 🕒 50% off everything – today only. Shop now: <Link>
Using Personalization and Emojis
Personalization and emojis can add a layer of engagement and personality to your SMS messages, making them more relatable and impactful.
- Personalization Enhances Engagement: Tailoring your messages with the recipient’s name, past purchases, or browsing behavior can make them feel valued and more likely to engage. For instance, “Hi [First Name], your favorite items are on sale!”
- Appropriate Use of Emojis: Emojis can add a fun, visual element to your messages, but they should be used sparingly and appropriately. Emojis like 🎉 (celebration), 🚀 (urgency), or 🛍️ (shopping) can enhance your message without overwhelming it. However, ensure that they align with your brand’s tone and the message’s content.
Personalization and appropriate use of emojis can significantly enhance the customer experience by making messages feel more tailored and engaging.
Call to Action (CTA)
A strong, clear call to action is vital to the success of your SMS marketing campaign. The CTA directs your audience on what to do next and should be compelling enough to drive immediate action. Black Friday SMS templates are essential tools for creating compelling messages that effectively communicate deals and promotions during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales events.
- Crafting Clear and Compelling CTAs: Your CTA should be direct and easy to understand, leaving no ambiguity about the next step. Use action verbs and create a sense of urgency to encourage immediate action.
- Examples of Effective CTAs for Black Friday:
- “Shop Now” – Simple and direct, perfect for time-sensitive offers.
- “Claim Your Discount” – Creates a sense of ownership and urgency.
- “Unlock Your Offer” – Adds an element of exclusivity and intrigue.
- “Buy Now Before It’s Gone” – Combines urgency with scarcity, motivating quick decisions.
A strong CTA can significantly improve conversion rates by guiding customers towards completing a purchase or taking the desired action.
Example: “Don’t miss out! Claim a promo code for your 25% off today: Link
By focusing on these elements, you can craft SMS messages that not only capture attention but also drive the desired action, ensuring your Black Friday campaign is both effective and engaging.
If you’re looking for ready-to-use SMS messages for all occasions, here are 40 SMS templates you can use.
Black Friday SMS messages for all occasions
Now we have reached the most important part of this article. the one that is going to save hours worth of brainstorming and tedious copywritign effort.
Here are the Balck Fridat SMS message tempaltes that you can use for any occasion:
1. Exclusive Early Access Sale
- 🎉 You’re in! Get exclusive early access to our Black Friday deals now. Take advantage of our pre Black Friday sale to enjoy early discounts and exclusive offers. Shop before everyone else: < Link> #VIPAccess. Exclusive early access can significantly boost customer loyalty by making customers feel valued and appreciated.
- Early birds catch the best deals! 🕒 Use code EARLYBF for 20% off before the rush. Shop now: < Link>
- Black Friday starts NOW for our VIPs! 🛒 Hurry, grab your favorites before they’re gone: < Link>
- Shh…it’s a secret! 🤫 Early access to our Black Friday sale is live. Use code SECRETSALE: < Link>
- You’ve unlocked early access! 🚀 Shop our Black Friday deals before the crowd: < Link> Limited time only!
2. Last-Minute Reminders
- ⏰ Time’s almost up! Black Friday weekend ends tonight. Don’t miss out on huge savings: < Link>
- Final hours! ⚡ Shop our Black Friday deals before they’re gone. Hurry: < Link>
- Last chance to save big! 🛍️ Black Friday ends soon. Get your deals now: < Link>
- Tick-tock… 🕒 Last-minute Black Friday shopping? We’ve got you covered. Shop now: < Link>
- ⏳ Only a few hours left! Grab your Black Friday favorites before they’re gone: < Link>. Last-minute reminders can significantly improve conversion rates.
3. Cart Abandonment Reminder
- Hey < First Name>, you left something behind! 🛒 Complete your purchase now and enjoy 15% off with code SAVE15: < Link>. Cart abandonment reminders like this can significantly improve customer retention by encouraging customers to complete their purchases.
- Don’t miss out, < First Name>! Your Black Friday picks are still waiting. Complete your order: < Link>
- Your cart is calling! 📣 Grab your Black Friday deals before they’re gone. Finish checkout: < Link>
- We saved your cart! 🎁 Use code BFCM20 for 20% off and complete your order: < Link>
- Your Black Friday deals are waiting! 🛒 Finish your purchase before they sell out: < Link>
4. Flash Sale Notifications
- 🚨 Flash Sale Alert! 50% off for the next 2 hours only. Don’t miss out: < Link> Cyber Monday deals are just around the corner, so stay tuned for exclusive offers.
- Quick! ⏳ Flash sale is live for the next 3 hours. Grab 40% off sitewide: < Link>
- Surprise Flash Sale! 🎉 Shop now and get 30% off for the next hour: < Link>
- Limited-time flash sale! ⚡ 25% off everything, but only for the next 2 hours: < Link>
- Act fast! 🚀 Flash sale ends in 1 hour. Use code FLASH25 for 25% off: < Link>
5. Personalized Product Recommendations
- Hi < First Name>, we’ve handpicked these Black Friday deals just for you! 🛒 Check them out: < Link>
- Your favorites are on sale! 😍 Shop personalized Black Friday deals before they’re gone: < Link>
- Special Black Friday picks for you, < First Name>! 🎁 Don’t miss out on these deals: < Link>
- Looking for something specific? 👀 Check out our personalized Black Friday recommendations: < Link>. Personalized recommendations can significantly boost customer engagement.
- We know you’ll love these! 💖 Shop your personalized Black Friday deals now: < Link>
6. Bogo (Buy One Get One) Offers
- BOGO is here! 🛍️ Buy one, get one free on select items for Black Friday. Don’t forget to check out our Cyber Monday sales for even more amazing deals. Shop now: < Link> BOGO offers can significantly drive customer acquisition by attracting new shoppers looking for great deals.
- Black Friday BOGO! 🎉 Buy one, get one 50% off today only. Don’t miss out: < Link>
- Double the deals! 🤑 BOGO on your favorite products for Black Friday. Limited time: < Link>
- It’s BOGO time! 🛒 Buy one, get one free on everything. Shop Black Friday deals: < Link>
- BOGO Alert! 🚨 Buy one, get one 50% off for Black Friday. Shop before it’s gone: < Link>
7. Free Shipping Promotions
- Free Shipping Alert! 🚚 Enjoy free shipping on all Black Friday orders today only: < Link>
- Shop more, save more! 🛍️ Free shipping on all Black Friday orders over $50. Use code FREESHIP: < Link>
- Black Friday Special! 🎁 Free shipping on everything, no minimum required: < Link>
- Skip the lines, we’ll ship for free! 🚛 Black Friday free shipping on all orders: < Link>
- Order today and get free shipping! 🎉 Black Friday deals + free shipping: < Link>. Free shipping can significantly improve customer satisfaction by reducing overall costs and providing a better shopping experience.
8. Exclusive VIP Offers
- You’re a VIP, < First Name>! 🌟 Enjoy 25% off all Black Friday items. Use code VIP25: < Link> Exclusive VIP offers like this can significantly boost customer loyalty.
- VIP Alert! 🚀 Get early access to our best Black Friday deals with code VIPFIRST: < Link>
- Exclusive for VIPs! 🎁 30% off your entire Black Friday order. Shop now: < Link>
- VIP Black Friday sale just for you! ✨ Save big with code VIPSALE: < Link>
- As a VIP, you get the best deals first! 🎉 Use code VIPDEAL for 20% off Black Friday items: < Link>
Timing Your SMS Campaign
Timing is everything when it comes to SMS marketing, especially during Black Friday, when consumers are bombarded with promotions free gift, from all directions. Sending your messages at the right time can significantly impact their effectiveness. Timing your SMS campaign correctly can improve open rates.
Which are the best days and times to send black friday sms campaigns?
The days leading up to Black Friday, including the weekend before, are prime times for sending SMS messages. Early morning (8-10 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) tend to be the most effective, as people are more likely to check their phones during these times.
On Black Friday itself, consider sending reminders early in the day and then follow-ups in the late afternoon to capture any last-minute shoppers.
Do consider your audience time zones as well.
If your audience spans multiple time zones, it’s crucial to schedule your SMS messages accordingly. Sending a message at 8 AM Eastern Time might be too early for your West Coast audience.
Most SMS platforms allow you to segment your list by time zone, ensuring your messages are received at the optimal time for each group. This consideration can prevent your message from being ignored or worse, seen as intrusive.
Sign-up to our newsletter and receive a free Calendar with all the most important key eCommerce dates that you shouldn’t miss in 2024
Drip Campaigns and Follow-Ups
A single SMS message might not be enough to engage your audience fully, especially with the heightened competition during Black Friday. That’s where drip campaigns and follow-ups come into play.
Drip campaigns can significantly boost customer engagement by providing consistent and relevant communication over time.
Setting Up a Series of Messages Leading Up to Black Friday:
Drip campaigns involve sending a series of scheduled messages to build anticipation and keep your brand top-of-mind as Black Friday approaches. Start with a teaser message a week before the sale, hinting at the deals to come. Follow up with a more detailed message outlining the key offers a few days later, and finally, send a last-minute reminder on Black Friday morning. This strategy ensures consistent engagement without overwhelming your audience. Additionally, a well-executed series of messages can significantly improve customer retention by keeping your audience engaged and informed.
Example Drip Campaign:
- 7 Days Before Black Friday: “Get Ready! Exclusive Black Friday deals are coming soon. Stay tuned for a sneak peek!”
- 3 Days Before Black Friday: “Here’s your sneak peek: Up to 50% off sitewide starting Friday. Don’t miss out!”
- Black Friday Morning: “It’s time! Shop our Black Friday deals now and save big: [Link]”
- Late Afternoon on Black Friday: “Last chance! Black Friday deals end tonight. Grab yours before it’s too late: [Link]”
Follow-Ups:
Sending follow-up messages is key to maximizing conversions. If a customer has clicked on a link but hasn’t made a purchase, consider sending a follow-up reminder with a slightly sweeter deal, like an additional discount or free shipping offer.
Timing these follow-ups is critical—send them too soon, and they might be annoying; send them too late, and you could miss the opportunity altogether. A well-timed follow-up, perhaps in the late afternoon or evening on Black Friday, can turn an undecided shopper into a buyer.
By carefully planning the timing of your SMS campaigns and incorporating strategic drip and follow-up messages, you can increase the likelihood that your Black Friday promotions will stand out and drive the desired results. Follow-up messages can significantly improve conversion rates by keeping potential customers engaged and encouraging them to complete their purchases.
Compliance and Best Practices in Black Friday SMS marketing
Compliance is a cornerstone of any SMS marketing strategy, especially during major shopping events like Black Friday. Failing to adhere to legal guidelines can result in hefty fines and damage to your brand’s reputation.
Moreover, compliance with regulations can significantly improve customer satisfaction by ensuring that customers feel respected and valued.
Understanding SMS Marketing Regulations
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) in the United States is the primary regulation governing SMS marketing. It mandates that businesses must obtain explicit consent from individuals before sending them SMS messages.
This consent must be clear, voluntary, and specific to the type of communication being sent.
Additionally, messages must include a clear opt-out mechanism, allowing recipients to easily stop receiving messages. Violations of the TCPA can result in significant penalties, including fines of up to $1,500 per message.
Other regions may have similar regulations, such as the GDPR in the European Union, which also requires explicit consent and provides individuals with rights over their personal data.
Adhering to these SMS marketing regulations can build customer trust by ensuring transparency and respecting consumer preferences.
A note on obtaining proper consent from customers
Obtaining proper consent isn’t just about compliance—it’s about respecting your customers’ preferences and building trust. Consent must be explicit, meaning customers must knowingly opt-in to receive SMS messages from your brand.
This can be done through a signup form on your website, an in-store registration, or any other method where the customer is fully informed about what they’re agreeing to. Using pre-checked boxes or assuming consent from other forms of communication (like email) is not compliant and could lead to legal trouble.
Proper consent also ensures that your messages are welcomed and reduces the likelihood of complaints or opt-outs. Obtaining proper consent can significantly build customer trust, as it shows that you value their choices and privacy.
Managing Opt-Ins/Opt-Outs
Managing opt-ins and opt-outs effectively is key to maintaining a healthy, engaged SMS subscriber list and ensuring a positive user experience. Building a robust list of SMS subscribers is crucial for effective SMS marketing campaigns, especially around events like Black Friday. Managing opt-ins/opt-outs effectively can significantly enhance the customer experience by ensuring that communications are relevant and welcomed.
Follow these best Practices for Managing Opt-Ins and Opt-Outs:
Opt-Ins
When a customer opts in to receive SMS messages, it’s important to immediately confirm their subscription with a welcome message that outlines what they can expect, such as the frequency of messages and the type of content you’ll be sending.
Opt-Outs
Providing a simple and easy opt-out mechanism is both a legal requirement and a best practice. A typical method involves allowing users to reply with a keyword like “STOP” to unsubscribe.
It’s important to acknowledge their opt-out request with a confirmation message, and ensure their number is removed from your list promptly to avoid any further communications, which could lead to compliance violations and customer frustration.
By understanding and implementing these compliance practices, you not only protect your business from potential legal risks but also foster a trusting relationship with your audience, leading to better engagement and more successful SMS marketing campaigns.
Wrapping up: Black Friday SMS marketing
SMS marketing is a powerful tool for Black Friday, offering direct and immediate access to your audience during one of the most competitive shopping events of the year. Its ability to create urgency, deliver personalized offers, and drive quick actions makes it an essential component of any comprehensive Black Friday marketing strategy.
To launch a successful campaign, remember to plan your timing carefully, craft concise and compelling messages, and stay compliant with regulations. By focusing on these key elements, you can maximize engagement, boost sales, and make the most of the Black Friday shopping frenzy.
Now that you know how to go about your BFCM SMS marketing, it’s time to create your own campaign! Black Friday SMS marketing can significantly boost customer engagement and conversion rates.
With SmartrMail, it’s easy to set up an SMS campaign for Black Friday (or any other event for that matter) and also combine it with your email marketing strategy.
If you’re already a SmartrMail user, you can learn how to do this right here. Otherwise, you can install SmartrMail for free right here.
All the best this Black Friday!
