Why it’s never too early to prepare your SMS campaigns for Black Friday


It’s that time of year again, it’s time to review your SMS campaigns for Black Friday. One of the UK’s biggest and most lucrative periods of the year for retailers – the sales phenomenon that sends everyone into a complete purchasing frenzy. 

Every year Black Friday sales increase, and incentives to purchase get bigger and better in the quest to win more market share. Campaigns are starting earlier every year – and with most businesses reaching out via SMS, can you afford not to shout about your promotions this year? 

Every year customers are ready, waiting, and on the hunt for the best Black Friday deals, they are actively searching for offers – they want to hear from you.

Whether they are on the lookout for some personal treats, and why not!? Or thinking ahead and looking to buy some Christmas presents, November is the perfect time to be sending out messages to your customers.

Our top tips for SMS campaigns for Black Friday:

On the flip side, it’s never too late to start making some noise about your Black Friday offers. With a 98% open rate on average, SMS could be your biggest ally as we head into peak season.  If you’re thinking about doubling up in a last-minute SMS campaign for Black Friday, check out our top tips for boosting your AOV (Average order value) and enhancing customer engagement. 

Get the timing right 

The timing of your SMS messages is really important, so think about the days you are going to send your SMS messages on and also the time. Many retailers are now running their Black Friday deals throughout November,  so it makes sense to send an SMS campaign at the start of your Black Friday offer, the Monday of Black Friday week, and also on Black Friday itself.

Target inactive customers 

Pay more attention to the one-time purchase or infrequent purchase group with a campaign that shows off a new product range, and shares a limited-time discount code. Or group your customers by age and  send them insights into what their peers have been buying. Don’t forget to include links to similar products. 

Personalise your SMS sends

As consumers we all want to be known as something more than just a number in a database. So a great place to start is by analysing your existing customer data and categorising your SMS campaigns for Black Friday by sets of common behaviours, purchase activity, and/or demographics. 

To execute this you’ll need to segment your customer data and then personalise your SMS copy to suit each campaign audience. 

When done effectively, this strategy will benefit you in the short term, as it will work to boost engagement/conversion rates, and in the long-term by improving how customers view your brand over time. Often it’s the small gestures and personal touches that mean the most when building relationships. 

Making the most of features like SMS Web Pages

We all know that SMS is the most powerful marketing tool out there, but wouldn’t it be great if you could add some beautiful images, catchy headlines, splashes of colour and call to action buttons but still get the same amazing open rates of SMS?

With SMS Web Pages, you can send bespoke mobile landing pages to your customers, filled with images, graphics, and details on your offers. It works as an effective way to entice your customers with your products. 

If you would like to ask any questions about how you can make the most out of Black Friday, or you would like to know more about SMS Web Pages, then please do not hesitate to get in touch. Sign up for your free SMS marketing account here.