Black Friday is undeniably one of the busiest shopping days of the year. To stand out in the crowded digital landscape, you'll need more than just generic SMS messages.

SMS marketing provides a direct and timely method to connect with your audience, making sure your promotions get noticed when it counts.

With its high open rates and instant delivery, SMS is an effective tool for boosting sales and engagement during this critical shopping event.

The Many Benefits of Black Friday SMS Marketing

While channels like social media, direct messaging, and email have become communication staples, Black Friday messages via SMS remain a powerful tool for connecting with customers on a more personal level. Especially during Black Friday, SMS marketing can significantly impact your bottom line by increasing customer engagement and driving higher conversion rates.

Black Friday SMS campaigns are crucial for setting goals and understanding the optimal timing to target potential customers effectively. Aligning campaign objectives with broader marketing strategies and scheduling messages according to audience time zones can maximize engagement and avoid being intrusive.

Here’s why it’s worth considering:

Instant delivery and high open rates

One of the strongest advantages of SMS marketing is its immediacy. Text messages are delivered almost instantly and boast open rates of up to 98%, which is far higher than email or other digital channels. This ensures that your Black Friday offers land in front of your customers at just the right moment, encouraging quick responses and, ideally, faster conversions.

Strong personalization opportunities

SMS allows for a high degree of personalization, from greeting customers by name to offering deals based on their past purchases. This customized approach creates a stronger connection with your audience, making them more likely to interact with your Black Friday offers.

Additionally, personalization doesn’t just improve engagement—it builds customer loyalty. When people feel understood and valued, they’re more likely to return to your brand even after the Black Friday rush.

Direct communication with customers

With SMS, you bypass crowded inboxes and noisy social media feeds, delivering messages directly to your customers. This is particularly valuable during Black Friday, when competition for attention is fierce. A well-timed text message can be the difference between securing a sale or losing out to a competitor.

Implementing a Black Friday pre-sale strategy can further enhance early customer engagement. By using SMS to alert customers about exclusive early shopping opportunities with promotional discounts, you can drive early purchases before the actual Black Friday event.

Moreover, this direct communication fosters a more immediate and personal connection with your customers, helping to build trust and improve retention, even beyond the holiday season.

Cost-effective marketing channel

In comparison to traditional marketing avenues, SMS is cost-effective and provides a strong return on investment. It’s relatively inexpensive to send SMS campaigns, yet you can reach a large audience quickly. For businesses looking to maximize their Black Friday marketing budget, SMS offers an affordable way to drive significant results without overspending.

Pre-Holiday Set Up & List Growth

There are some tasks to be taken care of before the holiday season kicks in. These steps will help you build your SMS list and also execute effective SMS marketing campaigns.

The first step would be to enable SMS opt-in.

Enable SMS opt-in at checkout

Enabling SMS opt-in at checkout is a game-changer for your Black Friday SMS marketing strategy. By simply adding a checkbox or a field to your checkout page, you can invite customers to opt-in to receive SMS messages. 

This small addition can significantly grow your list of SMS subscribers, ensuring you have a ready audience eager to receive your Black Friday deals and promotions.

Imagine the power of having a direct line to your customers’ phones, especially during the high-stakes Black Friday weekend. With SMS messages boasting open rates of up to 98%, your promotions are almost guaranteed to be seen. 

Plus, customers who opt-in at checkout are already engaged and interested in your brand, making them more likely to respond positively to your Black Friday marketing messages.

Set up & convert 2x with direct-to-text

Direct-to-text is a powerful feature that can double your conversion rates. By setting up direct-to-text, you can send SMS messages directly to your customers’ phones, bypassing crowded email inboxes and social media feeds. This direct approach ensures your Black Friday SMS messages are seen and acted upon quickly.

Statistics show that SMS messages have a higher open rate compared to emails, and customers are more likely to take action when they receive a personalized message. 

By leveraging direct-to-text, you can send timely, relevant Black Friday promotions that drive immediate responses. Whether it’s a flash sale, a limited-time offer, or an exclusive deal, direct-to-text ensures your message gets the attention it deserves.

Showcase & sell with your welcome flow

A well-crafted welcome flow can set the stage for successful Black Friday SMS marketing. When new subscribers opt-in to receive SMS messages, they should immediately receive a series of automated welcome messages. This welcome flow is your opportunity to showcase your brand, highlight your best products, and offer exclusive deals.

By providing value right from the start, you build trust and loyalty with your new subscribers. Use this opportunity to introduce your brand story, share customer testimonials, and offer a special discount on their first purchase. 

This not only makes your subscribers feel valued but also increases the chances of converting them into loyal customers who are excited about your upcoming Black Friday sales.

Step-by-Step Plan for Launching a Successful Black Friday SMS Marketing Campaign

Planning a successful Black Friday SMS marketing campaign requires a well-structured approach to ensure your messages resonate with your audience and drive conversions. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan an effective Black Friday SMS campaign:

Set clear objectives

Before diving into your Black Friday SMS marketing campaign, it's crucial to define what you want to achieve. Are you looking to drive sales, enhance engagement, or boost foot traffic? Having clear goals helps shape your messaging and targeting efforts.

• Identify Campaign Goals: Establish whether your focus is on increasing sales, clearing out inventory, or re-engaging inactive customers.
• Define Key Metrics: Outline the key performance indicators (KPIs) you'll track, such as open rates, click-through rates (CTR), conversion rates, and return on investment (ROI). These will help measure your campaign's success.

Segment your audience

Not all customers are the same, so segmenting your audience can greatly improve the relevance of your SMS campaigns. By tailoring messages to different customer groups, you can boost engagement and conversions.

• Segment Based on Behavior: Create groups based on purchase history, browsing behavior, or demographic data. Personalize offers for each group to increase their relevance.
• VIP Customers: Reward your loyal customers with exclusive early-access Black Friday deals to show appreciation and boost sales.
• New Customers: Attract first-time buyers with introductory discounts or special offers that cater specifically to their interests.
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Craft compelling messages

The success of your SMS marketing largely depends on how well-crafted your messages are. Since SMS has character limits, every word matters. Focus on clarity, personalization, and a strong call to action.

• Short and Engaging Copy: Keep messages concise (160 characters or less), highlighting the offer and urgency.
• Use Personalization: Address customers by name and tailor offers based on their previous interactions with your brand.
• Create Urgency: Use phrases like “limited-time offer” or “last chance” to encourage immediate action.
• Include Clear CTAs: Guide your customers with straightforward calls to action like “Shop Now,” “Claim Offer,” or “Get 50% Off Today.”
• Black Friday SMS Templates: Utilize Black Friday SMS templates to craft well-structured messages that effectively communicate your deals and promotions during the peak shopping season.

Leverage automation

Automation tools can ensure your SMS messages reach the right customers at the right time, without requiring constant manual effort. Use automation to send targeted, time-sensitive messages during the Black Friday rush.

• Schedule SMS Blasts: Set upShowcase & Sell with Your Welcome Flow

A well-crafted welcome flow can set the stage for successful Black Friday SMS marketing. When new subscribers opt-in to receive SMS messages, they should immediately receive a series of automated welcome messages. This welcome flow is your opportunity to showcase your brand, highlight your best products, and offer exclusive deals.

By providing value right from the start, you build trust and loyalty with your new subscribers. Use this opportunity to introduce your brand story, share customer testimonials, and offer a special discount on their first purchase. 

This not only makes your subscribers feel valued but also increases the chances of converting them into loyal customers who are excited about your upcoming Black Friday sales.

Align with other marketing channels

Your SMS campaign should complement your other marketing efforts for a seamless customer experience. Align your SMS messages with your email campaigns and social media marketing to reinforce your Black Friday offers.

• Coordinate with Email Marketing: Follow up on email offers with SMS reminders to encourage customers to act quickly on exclusive deals.
• Integrate Social Media: Promote your SMS campaign on social platforms, encouraging followers to opt-in for exclusive deals.
• Cross-Promote: Direct customers from SMS to your website, mobile app, or physical store to create a cohesive shopping experience.

Comply with regulations

SMS marketing is subject to strict regulations, so ensuring compliance is essential to avoid fines or damaging customer trust. Make sure you're adhering to all necessary guidelines.

• Obtain Consent: Ensure all recipients have explicitly opted in to receive SMS messages, as per regulations like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).
• Include Opt-Out Options: Always offer a clear and easy way for customers to opt-out of receiving future messages to remain compliant.

Follow up after Black Friday

The customer relationship doesn’t end after Black Friday. Follow up with customers post-sale to express gratitude and offer additional incentives for upcoming events like Cyber Monday.

• Post-sale messages: Thank customers for their purchase and encourage them to take advantage of any upcoming Cyber Monday deals or loyalty programs.
• Gather feedback: Send a short survey asking customers to share their Black Friday shopping experience or leave a review, helping you improve future campaigns.
• Promote Cyber Monday sales: Highlight the urgency and excitement of Cyber Monday sales by offering exclusive deals and limited-time offers. Use enticing message templates to keep customers engaged and encourage them to return for more savings.

Building Anticipation for Black Friday Sales

Building anticipation for Black Friday sales is key to a successful SMS marketing campaign. Here are some strategies to create excitement and urgency among your subscribers:

• Send exclusive deals early: Reward your SMS subscribers with exclusive early access to Black Friday deals. This not only makes them feel special but also creates a sense of urgency as they get first dibs on the best offers.
• Create a sense of scarcity: Use language that emphasizes the limited availability of your deals. Phrases like “limited time offer” or “only a few hours left” can prompt quick action from your subscribers.
• Engage with emojis and visuals: Make your messages more engaging by incorporating emojis and visuals. A well-placed emoji can convey excitement and draw attention to your Black Friday promotions.
• Send reminders and follow-Ups: Keep your subscribers engaged by sending reminders and follow-up messages. A countdown to Black Friday or a reminder of an expiring deal can keep your audience interested and ready to shop.
• Offer early access: Give your SMS subscribers early access to your Black Friday deals. This not only builds anticipation but also rewards your most engaged customers with the best deals before anyone else.

By building anticipation and creating a sense of urgency, you can ensure your subscribers are excited and ready to take advantage of your Black Friday sales. This approach not only boosts engagement but also increases the likelihood of converting your subscribers into loyal customers.

Best SMS Marketing Strategies to Create Black Friday Text Messages

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The right promotional offer can prompt quick action from customers, significantly boosting sales and engagement, especially during Black Friday. Here's how to craft offers for different types of promotions:

Discounts

Discounts remain a tried-and-true method to attract customers, particularly during Black Friday. To stand out in a crowded market, ensure your discount is substantial and clearly communicated, whether it's a percentage off or a dollar amount. Adding urgency, such as a time limit, can further motivate customers to act quickly.

Flash sales

Flash sales, short-term promotions, create a heightened sense of urgency and excitement. Highlighting specific promotional offers, such as black friday sale items, can make these sales even more enticing. SMS marketing is ideal for flash sales due to its immediacy. To make your flash sale offer effective, highlight the limited availability and offer an irresistible deal—like a deep discount or an exclusive offer only available during the flash sale period.

Exclusive access

Granting exclusive access to Black Friday deals can make customers feel appreciated. This approach works especially well for VIPs or subscribers to your SMS list who expect early access. In your messaging, emphasize the exclusivity of the offer, making customers feel like they have an advantage over others.

Additionally, consider promoting a pre Black Friday sale to encourage early purchases. Offering early discounts and exclusive offers through SMS alerts and promotional codes can create urgency and entice customers to shop ahead of the main event.

BOGO (Buy One, Get One)

BOGO offers are a popular strategy for driving volume sales during Black Friday. These deals give customers more perceived value, as they receive an additional product for free or at a reduced price. When creating a BOGO SMS offer, clearly state the terms and make it easy for customers to understand how to benefit from the deal.

Free shipping

Free shipping is a powerful motivator that can reduce cart abandonment and encourage more completed purchases. This incentive is particularly appealing during Black Friday, as shoppers look to maximize savings. Highlight the convenience and cost savings of free shipping in your SMS, and consider adding a minimum purchase requirement to increase the average order value.

Bundle deals

Bundle deals offer a discount when customers purchase multiple items together, helping to increase the overall order value and clear out inventory. In your SMS, clearly outline what’s included in the bundle and how much customers will save by choosing the bundle over individual items.

Loyalty rewards

Loyalty rewards give you a chance to recognize and reward your repeat customers. This could include extra discounts, bonus points, or exclusive gifts with purchase. Your messaging should express appreciation and emphasize that loyal customers are receiving special perks as a thank-you for their continued support.

How to Write Effective Black Friday SMS Messages

1. Keep it short and clear

SMS messages have limited characters, so get straight to the point. Make sure your message is easy to understand and highlights the key offer immediately.

• Example: "Black Friday is here! Get 40% off storewide. Shop now: [Link]"

2. Create urgency

Incorporate time-sensitive language to prompt quick action. Use phrases like "limited-time offer," "ends tonight," or "only a few left."

• Example: "Flash Sale! 50% off for the next 2 hours. Hurry, shop now: [Link]"

3. Personalize the message

Address customers by name or personalize offers based on their shopping habits to create a stronger connection.

• Example: "Hi [Name], your favorite items are 30% off today! Don’t miss out: [Link]"

4. Use strong Call-to-Actions (CTAs)

Include a clear and direct CTA like "Shop Now," "Claim Offer," or "Get 50% Off Today" to guide customers toward your desired action.

• Example: "Exclusive Deal: Get 40% off today only. Shop now before it’s gone! [Link]"

5. Incorporate emojis (When appropriate)

Emojis can add a fun, festive touch to your message, helping it stand out and reflect the excitement of Black Friday.

• Example: "🎉 Black Friday Sale: 30% off everything! Shop now: [Link]"

6. Include a sense of exclusivity

Make your SMS recipients feel special by offering them exclusive access or deals that aren’t available to others.

• Example: "VIP Access: Shop our Black Friday sale 1 day early! Get 35% off: [Link]"

7. Highlight the Offer's Value

Ensure customers see the value in your promotion by clearly stating the discount or benefit upfront.

• Example: "Save $50 on your purchase today only! Shop now and save: [Link]"

8. Optimize for mobile-friendly links

Always include a short, clickable link that directs customers to a mobile-optimized landing page or product collection.

• Example: "Shop the Black Friday deals now: [Short Link]"

By focusing on clarity, urgency, personalization, and strong CTAs, your Black Friday SMS messages will effectively drive customer engagement and conversions.

60 Black Friday SMS Messages to Use for All Promotional Scenarios

Of course, writing Black Friday SMS messages from scratch is going to be a nerve-racking affair. 

Don;’t worry. We got you covered. Here are 60 Black Friday SMS messages that you can readily use for your SMS marketing campaigns. 

1. Exclusive Early Access Sale
2. Last-Minute Reminders
3. Cart Abandonment Reminder
4. Flash Sale Notifications
5. Personalized Product Recommendations
6. Bogo (Buy One Get One) Offers
7. Free Shipping Promotions
8. Exclusive VIP Offers

Exclusive early access sale

1. "You’re first in line! 🛒 Our Black Friday sale is live NOW. Shop before everyone else and get 30% off: [Link]"
2. "Early birds get the best deals! 🎉 Shop our Black Friday sale 24 hours before anyone else. Grab your favorites here: [Link]"
3. "Shh...VIP Early Access just for you! Get 40% off everything before it’s gone: [Link]"
4. "Exclusive Early Access: Beat the rush with 35% off Black Friday deals. Shop now: [Link]"
5. "You're invited! 🖤 Black Friday starts now for VIPs only. Enjoy early access and 25% off: [Link]"
6. "Get a head start on Black Friday! VIPs get 30% off sitewide, today only. Shop early: [Link]"
7. "First access, best deals! 🎯 Black Friday is live just for you. Don’t miss out—shop now: [Link]"
8. "Be first! 🏃‍♂️ Exclusive Early Access to our Black Friday sale. Save big now before the crowd: [Link]"

Last-minute reminders

9. "⏰ Last chance! Black Friday ends at midnight. Don’t miss out on 40% off everything. Shop now: [Link]"
10. "Final hours! ⚡ Only a few hours left to save big on Black Friday deals. Shop before it’s over: [Link]"
11. "It’s not too late! 🛒 Black Friday ends soon—get up to 50% off before midnight: [Link]"
12. "Hurry! ⏳ Your Black Friday savings disappear in a few hours. Claim your 30% off before it’s too late: [Link]"
13. "Clock’s ticking! 🕒 Last chance to grab Black Friday deals—shop now and save 40%: [Link]"
14. "Don’t miss out! 🚨 Last few hours of Black Friday. Get 35% off your order: [Link]"
15. "Final call! 🛍️ Your Black Friday savings are waiting. Shop now for 45% off before the sale ends: [Link]"
16. "Last-minute deals are here! 🎉 Hurry, Black Friday ends in [X] hours. Get 30% off while you can: [Link]"

Cart abandonment reminder

17. "Did you forget something? Your cart is still waiting. 🛒 Complete your purchase and get 10% off: [Link]"
18. "Still deciding? 🎁 Don’t let your favorites get away! Complete your Black Friday order now: [Link]"
19. "Your cart is about to expire! 🕒 Checkout now to get 15% off during our Black Friday sale: [Link]"
20. "Pssst…your cart misses you! 🛍️ Come back and finish your order with an extra 5% off: [Link]"
21. "You’re so close! 🚀 Finish your Black Friday purchase now and enjoy 20% off. Shop here: [Link]"
22. "Don’t let your items slip away! 🛒 Complete your Black Friday order before it’s too late: [Link]"
23. "Your cart is ready! 🎉 Checkout now and we’ll throw in free shipping for Black Friday: [Link]"
24. "Hey [Name], your Black Friday cart is still waiting. Grab it before your favorites sell out! [Link]"

Flash sale notifications

25. "Flash Sale Alert! ⚡ Get 50% off for the next 2 hours only. Shop now before it’s gone: [Link]"
26. "Hurry! 🕒 40% off everything for the next hour only! Don’t miss our exclusive Black Friday Flash Sale: [Link]"
27. "Act fast! 🚨 Our Black Friday Flash Sale is live—30% off for the next 4 hours. Shop now: [Link]"
28. "You won’t want to miss this! 🔥 Flash Sale on now—get 45% off until 8 PM. Shop quick: [Link]"
29. "Flash Sale Frenzy! 🏃‍♂️ 60% off for the next 3 hours only. Black Friday starts NOW: [Link]"
30. "Get it while it lasts! ⏳ Our 2-hour Flash Sale starts now—35% off sitewide: [Link]"
31. "Flash Sale! 🛒 Save 50% for the next 90 minutes only. Black Friday steals await: [Link]"
32. "Exclusive Flash Sale happening now! ⏰ Save big with 40% off, but hurry—it ends soon: [Link]"

Personalized product recommendations

33. "Hi [Name], we’ve handpicked these Black Friday deals just for you! Save 30% on your favorites: [Link]"
34. "Need some ideas? 🎯 Based on your shopping history, we think you’ll love these Black Friday deals: [Link]"
35. "Hey [Name], check out your personalized Black Friday picks! Get 25% off items we think you’ll love: [Link]"
36. "Your favorite brands are on sale! 🛍️ Shop now for 35% off during our Black Friday event: [Link]"
37. "Based on your preferences, here are some Black Friday offers tailored for you! Save 40% today: [Link]"
38. "Hi [Name], these Black Friday deals are calling your name! 🖤 Save 30% on the items we think you’ll love: [Link]"
39. "Special just for you, [Name]! ✨ Shop personalized Black Friday offers now and save 20%: [Link]"
40. "Your favorites are on sale! 💥 Enjoy 35% off during Black Friday on items you’ve been eyeing: [Link]"

BOGO (Buy One Get One) offers

41. "BOGO Bonanza! 🛒 Buy one, get one free on select Black Friday items. Shop now: [Link]"
42. "Black Friday BOGO is here! 🎉 Buy one, get one 50% off on your favorite products. Hurry: [Link]"
43. "BOGO Alert! 🎁 Buy one, get one free for a limited time during Black Friday. Don’t miss out: [Link]"
44. "Get double the value! 🛍️ Buy one, get one free this Black Friday. Shop our exclusive deals: [Link]"
45. "2 for 1! 🏷️ BOGO deals are live for Black Friday. Buy one, get one free on select items: [Link]"
46. "Buy one, get one 50% off today! 🎯 Black Friday BOGO deals are live. Shop now: [Link]"
47. "BOGO Black Friday! 🛒 Buy one, get one free on top products. Don’t miss this deal: [Link]"
48. "Double the fun! 🎉 Buy one, get one 50% off during our Black Friday BOGO event. Shop here: [Link]"

Free shipping promotions

49. "Black Friday Deal: FREE shipping on all orders today only! 🎉 Don’t miss out: [Link]"
50. "Your Black Friday deal just got sweeter—free shipping on every order! 🚚 Shop now: [Link]"
51. "Free shipping for Black Friday! 🛒 Place your order today and we’ll cover the shipping: [Link]"
52. "Spend $50, get free shipping! 🖤 Shop now to save and enjoy free delivery: [Link]"
53. "No shipping fees! 🎁 Get free shipping on your Black Friday order today. Shop here: [Link]"
54. "Limited-time Black Friday offer: Free shipping on all purchases! 🚚 Shop now: [Link]"
55. "Black Friday Bonus: Free shipping on every order, no minimum! 🎉 Shop here: [Link]"
56. "Order today and get free shipping! 🛍️ Don’t miss out on this Black Friday offer: [Link]"

Exclusive VIP pffers

57. "VIP Treatment! 🖤 Get early access to our Black Friday deals + 40% off, just for you: [Link]"
58. "Hey VIP, you’re special! 🎁 Enjoy 35% off our Black Friday sale before it opens to the public: [Link]"
59. "Exclusive VIP Access: 🏆 Shop Black Friday early and get 30% off. Don’t miss out: [Link]"
60. "For our VIPs only! 🖤 Black Friday early access starts now. Shop with 25% off: [Link]"

In Summary: Black Friday SMS Marketing

SMS marketing stands out as a highly effective tool for Black Friday, providing a direct and immediate way to reach your audience during one of the year's most competitive shopping periods. Its strength lies in its ability to generate urgency, offer personalized deals, and prompt quick actions, making it a crucial element of a well-rounded Black Friday marketing strategy.

For a successful campaign, ensure you plan your timing meticulously, create clear and engaging messages, and adhere to regulations. By focusing on these key aspects, you can enhance engagement, increase sales, and fully capitalize on the Black Friday shopping rush.

Now that you understand the essentials of Black Friday SMS marketing, it’s time to design your campaign! SMS marketing can greatly enhance customer engagement and drive conversions.

Now, Black Friday marketing requires not just SMS, but email as well. if you are looking to craft emails that will get opened and acted upon, check out this blog on Black Friday email subject lines.