Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM) SMS Marketing: Templates, Ideas, and Best Practices
15 October 2024
Philip Portman
Record-breaking global sales of $200.4 Million in 2023 during the five-day holiday season from Thanksgiving Day to Cyber Monday! Yes, you read it right! It is also predicted that this year, this number will reach around $240.8 billion during BFCM, up 8.4% from 2023.
Wondering what this BFCM mean?
Read on.
BFCM mean Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It is the biggest shopping weekend of the year in the US. That’s why it is the perfect time to make the most of your SMS to increase sales.
However, you are not the only one who wants to cash in big during this holiday season.
Your competitors will also try their best to snatch customers from you!
However, don’t get panic.
In this blog, we have curated the perfect Black Friday sale template, especially for BFCM SMS marketing. Customize them as per your needs, send them to your B2B and B2C customers, and get ready to watch the magic unfold.
However, let’s first start with the reason to consider SMS marketing for BFCM.
What are BFCM Marketing Strategies?
BFCM marketing strategies are all about creating excitement and driving more sales. You can think about running limited-time offers, special deals, and offer irresistible discounts that your audience cannot ignore. You can create buzz through SMS campaigns, email campaigns, and social media teasers. Through SMS, you can send instant notifications regarding flash sales.
Also, don’t ignore the power of retargeting ads, which will help you bring back potential customers who show interest. Create tailored offers and promote them via SMS. Ensure that your opt-in and opt-out process for your SMS subscriber list is simple and offers a user-friendly experience. In short, your goal should be to make your brand the one that customers think of first when deals drop.
Why Consider SMS Marketing for BFCM?
SMS is cost-effective and offers a strong ROI, higher click-through and open rate, and immediate reach. This is for businesses who want to maximize their Black Friday marketing.
Here are a few aspects that make SMS marketing a perfect marketing strategy to drive more sales.
| Aspect | SMS Marketing |
| Open Rate | Up to 98% |
| SMS Delivery | Instant |
| Click-Through Rate | 19% to 30% |
| Reach | Immediate to customers who have opted-in |
| Cost | Low as compared to other marketing channels like social media ads, email marketing, etc. |
| Engagement | High, Direct, and Personal |
| Customer Experience | Personalized and direct |
| Best Use Cases | Flash sales, tailored offers, reminders, BOGO, Bundle deals, etc. |
| Spam Issues | Low. If you remain compliant with regulations like TCPA and 10DLC. |
| Opt-in Requirement | Customers’ consent is a must. |
If you are still not convinced, check these SMS marketing statistics that show how effective SMS marketing is.
How to Build an SMS Subscriber List Before BFCM
Building an SMS subscriber list before BFCM is imperative to maximize sales. You can do it by using SMS sign-up forms, website pop-up forms, running keyword campaigns, automated SMS marketing platforms like Textdrip, using multiple channels to promote your SMS campaigns, and communicating your offer clearly by following TCPA and 10DLC regulations.
Besides, you can build excitement through sneak peeks of your deals, run countdown timers in your SMS, and use a spin-to-win wheel to encourage customers to sign up for your SMS subscriber list. If you have a physical store, use a QR code; it will make sign-up easy. You can even ask your customers for their phone numbers when they visit your store or make a valuable exchange like you can give them eBooks when they give you their phone numbers.
You can easily attract and engage new subscribers with your brand by running Email-to-SMS and drip campaigns.
Keep the opt-in and opt-out process simple to build trust and remain compliant with SMS marketing regulations.
BFCM is the biggest shopping event of the year, so you should aim to start the Black Friday/ Cyber Monday campaign at least two to three months before BFCM.
BFCM SMS Templates & Examples
You can motivate your customers to act quickly through the right offers, which will drive more sales and engagement. Here are different Black Friday and Cyber Monday marketing ideas, Black Friday sale templates, and examples to craft and promote BFCM SMS campaigns. We have covered examples related to different industries such as Salon & Spas, restaurants, E-commerce & retail, Insurance, Hotel & Hospitality, Real Estate, Car Dealerships, and Travel Agencies etc. Let’s divided into three categories.
Countdown to Savings - Pre-BFCM Sale
1) Teaser Messages
Do you want to create hype and curiosity among your existing and potential customers for your upcoming sales? You can run BFCM anticipation and teaser SMS campaigns so that your brand remains at the top of your customers’ minds. Here are a few templates that you can use to share super exciting BFCM sales with your customers.
SMS Templates & Examples
Here, we have covered SMS templates that you can use to target your B2B and B2C customers.
Hey [customer name], get your holiday glow with 20% OFF all skincare essentials during our Black Friday & Cyber Monday sale! Hurry, offer ends soon! Shop now: [Link]. Reply STOP to opt out.
[customer name], get ready for the exciting news. BFCM deals are coming, and this time, they are BIG! Get massive discounts on all orders on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Hurry up! Stay tuned for more details. Reply STOP to opt out.
Hi [customer name], are you hungry for deals? Our BFCM deals are cooking up! Get ready to enjoy special discounts on your favourite dishes. Check out here: [Link]
Excited to share with all our property investors! This BFCM, we have got irresistible deals on our prime properties with unbeatable prices & financing options! Revert ‘PRODEALS’ to learn more about the offer before it drops!
Shhh.. our biggest BFCM travel deals launch soon – hotels, flights, and sightseeing packages are at unbelievable prices! Start planning your holiday adventure, and stay tuned!
Shop Till You Drop - During BFCM Sale
1) VIP Deals
When you give special discounts and offers to your customers, it means a lot to them. The reason behind it is simple: they feel valued and appreciated. You can use the following templates to retain your customers this Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Hey [customer name], thank you for your support! You are our VIP customer. Get 50% off on all dine-in meals & cocktails this weekend. Show this SMS to redeem. Limited tables – Book yours now! [restaurant name].
BFCM Health Check Special for VIP customers. Get 25% off on annual health check-ups this Friday and Monday! Stay healthy! Call at [phone number] or visit [Link] to book - [Healthcare provider name].
Black Friday VIP Alert!: Get 15% off on our Business Protection Insurance Plan for all VIP customers. Call us at [phone number] to secure your business at a fraction of the cost with a personalized quote! – [Insurance company name].
2) Last-chance Reminder SMS
Do you want your customers to act fast before your sales end? You can use the following templates to attract your customers in the final hours of BFCM.
Hey, [customer name], time is almost up. Our BFCM sale ends in 2 hours. Get up to 80% off on [product]. Don’t miss this chance! Check our website [Link] to shop now!
Final call! Our BFCM exclusive deals for corporate travel packages end tonight! Secure premium rates for your clients with [Your Agency Name]. Call us at [phone number] before midnight!
Don’t miss out on our BFCM deals! Get up to 50% off on our premium hospitality supplies! Act fast before the offer ends. Contact us at [phone number] to place your order!
3) BFCM D-day Messages
[customer name], BFCM sale starts now! Enjoy up to 80% off on all electronic products. Limited-time deals. Shop now! – [website link].
Our BFCM sale is live. Partner with us and enjoy exclusive bulk booking discounts for this holiday season. Boost your business with premium hotel stays at unbeatable prices. Call us at[phone number] for more details.
Cyber Monday Deal at [car dealership name]! Unlock up to $1500 off selected models and get complimentary maintenance packages. Offer valid for TODAY ONLY. Click here to book your test drive - [Link].
4) Abandon Cart Reminders
During Black Friday and Cyber Monday, shoppers jump from one website to another to find the best deals. That’s why if you want to win back abandoned carts, encourage your customers to complete purchases by sending abandon cart reminders.
Hey, [customer name], looks like you left some great deals in your cart! Complete your purchase now and get 25% off with code BFCM25. Hurry, the offer ends soon! – [Link].
Don’t miss out, [Customer's Name]! Your items are almost gone, and our Black Friday sale ends soon! Come back and grab them at a special discount! [link].
BFCM Aftermath - Post BFCM-Sale
1) Sales Extension
Give your customers a second chance to shop this Black Friday and Cyber Monday by extending your sale. Use this SMS template and share this good news with your customers.
Hey [customer name], we have a secret to share it with you. We have extended our BFCM sale till next Friday. Enjoy 25% off your next meal until Friday. Use code EXTEND20 to order online or dine-in. See you soon!.
Did you miss out on our BFCM deals? Don’t worry! You still have time. We have extended our BFCM sale to all our partners. Enjoy a wholesale discount of up to 50% until next Sunday. Contact us at [phone number] for more details.
2) Appreciation Message
You can even set up an automated thank you message and send it to your customers whenever they purchase during the BFCM sale. It will make them feel that you appreciate their support. You can customize the below SMS template to fit your industry and target audience.
Hi [First Name]! Thank you for supporting a cleaner future! As a token of appreciation this BFCM, enjoy [XX]% OFF on solar panels, inverters, and energy solutions. Use code [DISCOUNT CODE]
Hi [First Name]! Thank you for being with us! As a token of appreciation, enjoy [XX]% OFF this BFCM with code [DISCOUNT CODE]. Hurry, deals end soon!
3) Feedback Request Message
Collecting customer feedback regarding your product/service will help you improve your brand reputation and quality. Besides, it will help increase trust and loyalty. You can ask for customers’ feedback using the following template.
Hey, [name]! Did you enjoy [product name], which you bought during our BFCM sale? Click here [link], rate us, and share your reviews. Your feedback matters to us.
[customer name], we appreciate your loyalty and trust. We are eager to know what you think about our products/services. Please share your feedback with us on [website link].
What are the Best Practices and Steps to Success for Sending SMS Messages During BFCM?
Here are a few tips and best practices to remember when sending SMS messages during BFCM.
Start your BFCM campaign early because BFCM is the year’s biggest shopping event. Therefore, competition for people’s attention and wallet will be tough. However, starting early can help you stand out from the crowd. You will miss the opportunity if you are late to this game.
Build a solid foundation for BFCM SMS marketing campaigns by getting SMS marketing consent from customers and collecting their phone numbers.
You should set your BFCM strategy goals and ensure it aligns with your SMS marketing campaigns. Make sure your segmentation and personalization strategies perfectly align with your target audience. Analyze your BFCM campaigns’ previous year’s performance to know which strategies worked best. Measure engagement rates and do A/B testing to see what resonates with your target audience.
Personalize your BFCM SMS marketing by segmenting your target audience properly. As per the research, 63% of US marketers believe that personalization offers increased conversion rates. As you have started collecting phone numbers early, you can easily send tailored SMS before, during, and after BFCM sales. You can segment your audience like VIP customers, engaged subscribers, previous BFCM buyers, local customers, etc.
Send messages only when you have something meaningful to offer. Follow all TCPA and 10DLC rules and send SMSs to those who have given you explicit consent. You need to develop a strategic SMS sending schedule and follow it properly. The best practice is to send an SMS once or twice a week. Divide your campaigns throughout the day so your customers will not bombarded with too many messages during peak sending hours. Besides, you can combine SMS with other marketing channels like social media or email to get the desired results.
Conclusion
In summary, SMS marketing is a powerful tool for Black Friday and Cyber Monday that offers direct and immediate access to your audience during the most competitive shopping event of the year. It prompts quick action, creates urgency, and offers tailored deals to your customers, making it a well-rounded Black Friday SMS marketing strategy. Still, there is a time to set up a successful SMS campaign before BFCM.
If you have not geared up yet, don’t worry! With an automated SMS marketing platform like Textdrip, you can craft compelling BFCM SMS campaigns easily, improve customer engagement and drive conversions. To learn more about its features, book a demo or sign up for the free trial and experience what difference it brings to your SMS campaign.
FAQ's
| How early should I start my BFCM marketing through SMS? |
You Don't need to wait until the last minute to hype up your Black Friday Cyber Monday deals. Start sending teaser messages and early-bird promotions at least 2-3 weeks before Black Friday. This way, you'll build anticipation and make sure your customers are ready to pounce when the big day arrives.
| Can I use automated drip campaigns for BFCM SMS marketing? |
Yes, Drip campaigns are perfect for building momentum. Start with teasers, send reminders before the sale, and follow up with post-purchase messages to promote upsells or future deals.
| What are the best days and times to send BFCM SMS marketing messages? |
For Black Friday, send early on Thanksgiving night or early morning on Friday. For Cyber Monday, aim for Sunday evening reminders and Monday morning alerts to catch customers before peak hours.
| What type of offers work best for Black Friday SMS marketing? |
You can Offer such as “Buy 1, Get 1 Free,” percentage discounts, free shipping, and limited-time bundles perform well. Early-bird discounts and VIP access messages also encourage quicker conversions.
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