The Kudosity SMS Marketing playbook for Black Friday
Your 6‑week SMS campaign strategy for Black Friday & Cyber Monday success.
)
Why SMS? Why Now?
Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM) are the biggest sales moments of the year, and competition is fierce.
Fastest Reach
98% open rates vs ~20% for email.
Cuts through the noise
Billions of emails flood inboxes during BFCM; SMS is direct, immediate.
Higher ROI
Brands using SMS for BFCM campaigns see up to 30% uplift in conversions when paired with email/social.
Kudosity advantage
Built-in link tracking, direct connections, global deliverability, 24/7, 365 helpdesk, and compliance.
Your 6-week plan to maximise BFCM sales
Prepare & plan
Lay the foundation for scale and compliance
Prepare and segment your CRM data
Upload customer list — auto-cleans duplicates and formats
Lease an Alphanumeric Sender ID or a Dedicated Virtual Number
Set up your landing page with UTM tracking (i.e. utm_source=sms)
Use our Track link service instead of other shorteners to avoid blocking
Save SMS templates with [tracked-links]
Include opt instructions, i.e. “Opt-out reply STOP” or [unsub-reply-link]
Test unsubscribes are being added correctly to the “Global Opt-Out List”
Your CRM should be your single source of truth. Use CRM filters to remove unsubscribes and opt-outs, keeping data clean and reducing compliance risk. Alternatively, add them to the Global Opt-out list, which is automatically applied to every send.
Awareness
Build anticipation before BFCM hype peaks
Goal: Visibility & early signups
Checklist:
Test delivery windows (mid-morning/evening often best)
Use an Alphanumeric Sender ID to boost recognition and cut through
Run a small send, then scale
Example SMS (Teaser)
Hi [Firstname],
Our BIGGEST Black Friday is coming. Want VIP early access?
SIGN UP > [tracked-link]
Opt-out
[unsub-reply-link]
Test MMS with a product image or countdown timer; it's more visual and memorable.
Consideration
Turn interest into intent
Goal: Build trust and segment high-intent subscribers
Checklist:
A/B test CTAs (“Shop Now” vs “Unlock Early Access”)
Tag clickers as high-intent → create priority audiences
Segment Members vs Non-Members
Example SMS (VIP Invite):
Hi [Firstname],
You’re on our exclusive VIP list. Early Black Friday deals drop tomorrow. Don’t miss it!
SIGN UP > [tracked-link]
Opt-out
[unsub-reply-link]
Avoid using third-party link shorteners like Bit.ly as these are sometimes blocked by carriers (e.g. United States). Our Tracked link service includes a shortener, ensuring your messages are delivered.
Want to see the Kudosity BFCM SMS playbook in action?
Check out how Infamous Swim boosts Black Friday sales by 141% with SMS marketing
)
)
Intent
Act fast when shoppers are weighing options
Goal: Remove hesitation
Checklist:
Create time-limited codes for each member
Use custom fields to personalise these for each recipient
Example SMS (Cart Reminder):
Hi [Firstname],
Your Black Friday cart is waiting. Check out now before stock’s gone!
SHOP NOW > [tracked-link]
Opt-out
[unsub-reply-link]
Purchase
Seal the deal at peak urgency.
Goal: Maximise conversions.
Checklist:
Spread sends if using the same list across channels
Avoid message fatigue
Sync SMS with emails & socials (same urgency)
Monitor your Link Hits vs website sales
Example SMS (Offer Launch)
Hi [Firstname],
Black Friday is here. 30% off sitewide. Ends midnight.
SHOP NOW > [tracked-link]
Opt-out
[unsub-reply-link]
Example SMS (Reminder)
Hi [Firstname],
We're selling out fast!
It's our biggest Black Friday ever!
DON’T MISS OUT > [tracked-link]
Opt-out
[unsub-reply-link]
Example SMS (Final Hours)
Hi [Firstname],
Final hours: Black Friday ends at midnight. No extensions.
SHOP QUICKLY > [tracked-link]
Opt-out
[unsub-reply-link]
Post-purchase
Turn one-off sales into loyal customers
Goal: Loyalty & retention
Checklist:
Send thank-you + review requests
Cross-sell based on purchase behavior
Use insights to prep Christmas/Boxing Day campaigns
Example SMS (Feedback Survey)
Hi [Firstname],
Thanks for shopping with us during BFCM! Got a few minutes? We’d love your feedback.
Share your thoughts: [tracked-link]
Opt-out
[unsub-reply-link]
Example SMS (Upsell/Cross-sell):
Hi [First name],
Your order’s confirmed 
Unlock 15% off accessories just for you 
[tracked-link]
Opt-out reply STOP
See what SMS can do for your business this Black Friday
Don’t wait until November to plan. Your fastest, most profitable BFCM starts now.
)
Resources
Learn how other businesses are using channels like RCS Business Messaging and WhatsApp Business to better engage and convert.
)
)
)
)
)