Black Friday is coming: Why you can’t afford to skip SMS campaigns

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November is just around the corner and with it comes the biggest shopping frenzy of the year: Black Friday. Competition among e-shops and retail stores will be fierce. If you want customers to choose you, you need to be fast, visible, and personal. And that’s exactly what a well-designed SMS campaign can deliver.

Why marketing SMS are key during Black Friday

While email newsletters often get lost among hundreds of other offers and social media struggles with algorithms, SMS have an immediate impact.

  • 📈 Up to 98% open rate – most within three minutes after delivery.
  • ⚡ Instant reach – perfect for limited-time deals like “Offer ends in 3 hours!”
  • 💬 Direct line to your customer – no dependence on ad budgets or algorithms.

During Black Friday, seconds matter. Customers react to impulses and discounts at the exact moment they’re online. SMS marketing helps you reach them at the right time, with the right offer.

When and how to schedule your SMS campaigns

A successful fall campaign depends on good timing.

  • A week before Black Friday: Send the first teaser – “Get ready! Up to 70% off starts soon.”
  • The day before: Remind them you’re launching – “Tomorrow it begins. Exclusive for registered customers!”
  • During the event: Trigger impulse buying – “Offer ends in 2 hours – shop now!”
  • After it ends: Send a Last Call – “Missed Black Friday? Get 20% off today only!”

Be careful not to overdo frequency – 2 to 3 well-timed messages per week are enough.

How to write an SMS that sells

Your message must be short, clear, and action-driven. You have just 160 characters to make an impact.
Example of an effective SMS:

🖤 Black Friday is here! Up to 50% off everything – today only. Shop now 👉 [yourbrand.com]

Tips:

  • Use emojis for emphasis.
  • Include a shortened, trackable link.
  • Start with a strong call to action (“Shop now”, “Use today”).
  • Personalize your message if you have the customer’s name.

Inspiration from successful SMS campaigns

  • Fashion store: “Today only – Black Friday 40% off all jackets. Winter won’t wait! ❄️ Shop now 👉 [link]”
  • Electronics: “Black Friday mega sale! Save up to $200 on TVs. Valid until midnight! 👉 [link]”
  • Hair salon: “🖤 Black Friday only here – 30% off all services. Book by Sunday 👉 [link]”

Each of these messages is direct, clear, and most importantly time-limited – encouraging customers to act immediately.

Summary

Black Friday is the perfect opportunity to boost sales and reach your audience in a short time. Marketing SMS deliver instant reach, high open rates, and measurable results. With the right timing and message, one short text can become a major sales driver.

Try GoSMS and send messages that get read – rain or shine

Get access to an easy-to-use platform for bulk SMS, schedule campaigns ahead of time, and track results in real time.