SMS Text Messaging Tactics For Black Friday Success

Black Friday and the Holiday Season are upon us. Many brands use SMS text messaging to communicate offers and specials to their customers more than in previous years. Why more than ever this year, you ask? First, coronavirus restrictions have created the demand for more touchless options. But second, it’s mainly because of the attention people pay to text messaging. After all, the open rate for text messages is still north of 95% and typically occurs within minutes compared to email at less than 20%.

Below are a few ways we’re seeing clients use SMS text messaging for marketing purposes during Black Friday.

• Offers to Drive Walk-In Traffic: If you’re in a zone without COVID restrictions on retailers, you’re looking to get in-store traffic. Many large retailers like Payless Shoes and Old Navy are offering deep discounts up to 50% for people to come into their stores. For discount offers using SMS marketing, the range starts typically around 10% and can scale up to 50%. For Black Friday, many brands are getting aggressive with their offers and growing their mobile marketing with text messaging. And be sure to remind shoppers of your mask policy in your text messages.
• SMS Text Reminders: Brands like Pet Supermarket use SMS reminders to remind people not to forget their furry friends when shopping for Christmas gifts.
• Buy One, Get One Free: Family Dollar and other retailers use BOGO (Buy One, Get One) programs to drive more retail traffic.
• Curbside Pickup: Everyone is looking for touchless options. A great way to integrate two-way-texting is to confirm or schedule customer curbside pickups. Once they arrive, all the customer needs to do is text their parking spot. I did this at Home Depot a couple of weeks ago, and the experience was flawless.
• Customer Deliveries: Touchless deliveries of everything from pizza to household supplies is another popular option consumers are demanding. Follow Amazon’s, Domino’s, and DoorDash’s lead by sending a text to alert customers that the delivery is on the way and then that it’s at the door.
• Free Upgrades: MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas is offering Free Updates to an Executive Suite as part of their SMS campaign focused on Black Friday sales.
• Personalized Promo Codes: Nothing builds loyalty like personalized offers. Text messaging provides the ideal way to broadcast personalized promotions to your loyal customers cost-effectively.
• Links to Shop Online: While many retailers are focused on getting people into their retail stores, COVID has many consumers shopping from home this year. Macy’s begins their SMS campaign with special offers before Black Friday with links for home shoppers to click a link, accept the offer, and order immediately.
• Remind Customers of Giving Tuesday: Giving Tuesday has risen in popularity. This year, food banks and related charities need your help more than ever before. Consider giving a portion of your Black Friday sales to such non-profits, and remind your customers to set something aside after all their shopping is done.

SMS text messaging can be a strategic tool for brands with many clients growing their communication through an Opt-In audience, creating a sense of urgency and exclusivity. Subscribers want to feel like they are part of something special and rewarding, so make sure your SMS campaigns have your most loyal customers in mind! Contact us to learn how we can help you elevate your business with these tactics.