10 Proven SMS Plays to Win BFCM
From Send to Sell-Out: +141% Sales in 90 Minutes
From Send to Sell-Out: +141% Sales in 90 Minutes
Black Friday is noisy. Your customers’ inboxes are war zones. If you want to win, you need to get in their hand, not their inbox. These 10 proven SMS plays are based on real e-commerce wins and can help you cut through the chaos, drive revenue, and delight customers. Which one will you choose?
The Flash Sale Frenzy
What it is: Targeted SMS blasts that announce limited-time flash sales.
Why it works: Creates urgency and immediate traffic spikes.
How to run it:
Announce the deal with a clear end time.
Use bold language like “Today Only.”
Include a direct product or collection link.
The VIP First Pick
What it is:
Early access SMS offers for your most loyal customers.
Why it works: Builds loyalty and drives early sales. minutes.
How to run it:
Segment VIP customers by purchase history.
Send early access codes the day before the public sale.
Frame it as an exclusive invite.
The Last-Chance Countdown
What it is: Final-hour SMS reminders.
Why it works: Urgency drives last-minute purchases. Proof: 16% click-through rate on timed offers.
How to run it:
Send 2–3 hours before sale ends.
Use countdown timers.
Highlight fast shipping or limited stock.
The Bundle Builder
What it is:
Suggest related products to increase basket size. Why it works: Boosts average order value.
How to run it:
Recommend complementary products.
Offer bundle discounts.
Include product images in MMS.
The Early Morning Rush
What it is:
Morning SMS drops to capture shoppers early.
Why it works: Reaches customers before inbox clutter builds.
How to run it:
Schedule sends between 7–9 AM.
Tease limited quantities.
Use upbeat, energetic copy.
The Geo-Targeted Drop
What it is: Location-specific offers.
Why it works: Drives local foot traffic and targeted sales.
How to run it:
Segment by location data.
Personalise offers based on region.
Highlight nearby store pickup.
The Loyalty Lift
What it is: Reactivation campaigns for past customers.
Why it works: Brings high-value customers back fast.
How to run it:
Target customers inactive for 3+ months.
Use personalised “We miss you” messages.
Offer a special BFCM discount.
The Instant Restock Alert
What it is: Notify customers when bestsellers return.
Why it works: Prevents lost sales from stockouts.
How to run it:
Keep product waitlists.
Send alerts immediately.
Highlight “limited quantity.”
The Midnight Madness
What it is: Final push SMS before sale ends at midnight.
Why it works: Captures procrastinators.
How to run it:
Send 1–2 hours before sale ends.
Add “Don’t miss out” urgency.
Pair with high-impact product imagery.
Infamous Swim: 329% more first-time customers. 63% more returning buyers. 141% more sales.
See how one brand boosted Black Friday revenue by with SMS and discover how you can do the same
See what SMS can do for you this Black Friday
Don’t wait until November to plan. Your fastest, most profitable BFCM starts now.
Keep learning
