Black Friday SMS Marketing: 14 High-Converting Campaign Ideas, Templates & Best Practices

Black Friday is chaos: in the best possible way. Every brand is shouting about flash sales, countdowns, and “last chance” offers. Standing out in that noise takes more than a catchy discount—it takes timing, connection, and the right communication channel. That’s where SMS marketing wins.

Unlike crowded inboxes or algorithm-driven feeds, texts land instantly where people actually look: their phones. With open rates over 90%, SMS is the fastest, most reliable way to deliver time-sensitive deals, last-minute updates, or exclusive early access. But here’s the thing—great SMS campaigns don’t just push sales. They build momentum, trust, and long-term loyalty beyond the Black Friday weekend.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM) together bring in billions in sales each year, making them the Super Bowl of retail. Yet the brands that really win aren’t the loudest, they’re the most personal. A simple, well-timed message reminding customers of their saved cart, an exclusive early-access text, or a limited VIP code can turn a discount into a loyal relationship.

This guide will walk you through how to do exactly that: from proven strategies and message templates to tips for running high-performing Black Friday SMS campaigns that boost sales and keep customers coming back.

Before you start: make sure your SMS campaigns comply with 10DLC or toll-free verification requirements in the U.S. and Canada. Instant texting is available in the UK and the USA, but always double-check carrier and MMS limits before you hit send.

Ready to make your Black Friday texts the ones your customers actually want to open? Let’s dive in.

Best Practices for Black Friday SMS Campaigns

Text message marketing shines brightest when it’s timely, relevant, and respectful. With Black Friday bringing a flood of promotions into everyone’s inbox, sloppy campaigns won’t cut it. To win clicks and sales, you need a well-planned strategy that blends personalization, compliance, and urgency. Here's how to do it right:

1. Start Early: Build Your SMS List Before BFCM

The success of your Black Friday campaign hinges on the size and quality of your subscriber list. Start growing it now—don’t wait until November. Use website pop-ups, checkout opt-ins, and social media teasers to invite sign-ups. Offer an incentive—early access to deals, VIP perks, or a special text-only discount—to get people on board. The goal is to create a list of engaged contacts who actually want to hear from you when Black Friday rolls around.

2. Get Clear Opt-Ins (and Stay Compliant)

Before you send a single promotional text, you need explicit permission. In the U.S., that means clear, written opt-in through a form, checkbox, or keyword-based sign-up. Make it obvious what people are agreeing to—and always include an opt-out option like “Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”

Stay aware of current regulations: U.S. businesses must register campaigns through 10DLC or toll-free verification, and the FCC’s April 2025 ruling requires opt-outs to apply across all platforms, not just SMS. International rules may vary, so if you're texting across borders, do your homework or consult legal counsel. For a full overview of federal requirements, the FCC’s official TCPA compliance guidelines outline what businesses must follow when sending promotional texts.”

To get the full breakdown, including TCPA rules, opt-in requirements, and registration steps, read our guide on SMS compliance and 10DLC rules.

3. Respect Timing (and Quiet Hours)

Your best offer won’t matter if you text someone at 3 a.m. Timing matters more than you think. Most countries, including the U.S., have specific quiet hours (typically 8 AM to 9 PM local time) when promotional texts are restricted. Even outside of those rules, it's smart to respect your audience’s schedule. Aim for mid-morning or early afternoon sends when attention is high. If you’re using automation, double-check time zone settings to avoid accidental late-night blasts.

4. Write Short, Clear, Benefit-Focused Messages

A text isn’t a tweet. You’ve got 160 characters—use them wisely. Focus your message on one clear benefit: what’s in it for the customer? Avoid filler, jargon, or overused buzzwords. Lead with value (“Take 30% off sitewide today only”) and follow with a direct CTA (“Tap to shop now”). Emojis can help catch the eye, but don’t overdo them. And watch your links—use branded or recognizable short links to avoid looking spammy.

5. Personalize Every Message

The more relevant your texts, the more likely they are to drive action. Use first names, reference past purchases, or tailor recommendations based on browsing behavior. Even small touches—like “Hey Sarah, your favorite hoodie is 25% off today!”—can dramatically improve engagement.

Set up Automated Journeys to trigger personalized texts when someone joins your list, abandons a cart, or completes a purchase. With the right SMS platform, these flows run quietly in the background while keeping your brand top of mind.

6. Segment Your Audience Thoughtfully

Not every customer wants the same thing. Segmenting your list by behavior, demographics, or purchase history lets you tailor your message—and avoid awkward mismatches. Don’t send first-order coupons to long-time VIPs. Don’t promote women’s boots to someone who just bought men’s sneakers.

Create segments like “First-Time Visitors,” “High-Spenders,” “Past Black Friday Shoppers,” or “Inactive 90 Days+” and customize your offers for each. This simple strategy boosts conversions without increasing send volume.

7. Create Urgency with Time-Limited Offers

Black Friday shoppers move fast. Your offer should too. SMS is the perfect channel to drive fast action—but you have to give people a reason to act now. Frame your offers with real deadlines: “Ends tonight,” “48-hour deal,” “Only 100 left.” This taps into FOMO (fear of missing out) and nudges customers toward quick decisions.

But don’t fake urgency—if your sale lasts all week, be honest. The trust you build matters more than a single conversion.

8. Use Drip Campaigns & Automations

Set it, forget it, and convert.
Black Friday is hectic enough—automated SMS workflows can take a lot off your plate. Set up drip campaigns to gradually build anticipation, send countdown reminders, and follow up post-purchase without lifting a finger. For example, schedule an early access teaser, a launch-day alert, and a “deal ending soon” nudge, all triggered at key moments. Use behavior-based automation too: if someone clicks but doesn’t buy, send a follow-up. If they purchase, upsell or thank them. Automation isn’t just efficient—it’s how you stay consistent when everything else is moving fast.

9. Make Deals Exclusive to Text Subscribers

If everyone gets the offer, it’s not special.
Black Friday is noisy. Reward your SMS list with early access, secret discounts, or subscriber-only bundles. Not only does this give people a reason to stay on your list, but it reinforces the value of your SMS channel. Tease it ahead of time: “Our VIPs get access 24 hours early.” Then deliver. When people know they’re getting something nobody else is, they open faster, click harder, and buy quicker.

10. Add Visuals (MMS) Where it Makes Sense

Text tells. Visuals sell.
An image of your holiday bundle or a limited-time countdown graphic can elevate a basic message into a high-converting one. Just don’t go overboard. Use MMS when it adds clarity or excitement—like showing before/after results, showcasing your bestsellers, or previewing limited-edition packaging. Keep file size under carrier limits (generally under 500KB) and always test for delivery across devices.

As messaging technology evolves, our guide on RCS vs. SMS: why choosing the right messaging technology matters will help you decide which channel to invest in.”SMS vs. MMS vs. RCS for business messaging.

11. Be Helpful—Not Just Promotional

People don’t need more noise. They need value.
Sure, Black Friday is about deals, but your texts shouldn’t just scream “SALE!” Give customers something useful. It could be a gift guide, store hours, delivery cutoff dates, or restock alerts. The brands that win long-term are the ones that educate, assist, and guide—not just discount. If a customer reads your message and feels more prepared (or less stressed), you’ve already won.

12. Send Strategic Reminders (Cart Abandonment, Last-Chance Texts)

Timing isn’t everything—but it’s close.
A perfectly timed reminder can recover abandoned carts or drive final-hour sales. Set up automated reminders when someone adds to cart but doesn’t check out, or send a last-call message before your biggest deal ends. Use urgency, but don’t overdo it. “Your cart is still waiting—checkout before midnight to get 20% off” works better than vague spammy nudges. And don’t forget timezone logic: send messages when your customers are awake and ready to act.

13. Test, Track, and Optimize

Don’t just hit send—watch what happens.
Every SMS you send is a chance to learn. Monitor open rates, click-throughs, opt-outs, and—most importantly—sales. A/B test different CTAs, timing, or personalization fields. Does “Shop Now” beat “Unlock My Deal”? Does urgency outperform exclusivity? The only way to know is to test, track, and tweak. Use that data to make every campaign sharper than the last.

14. Stay Legally Compliant with TCPA and 10DLC Rules

What works fast can go wrong fast if it’s not legal.
In the U.S., promotional texting is regulated by laws like the TCPA and carrier requirements like 10DLC. You must have clear written consent before sending any marketing texts. Always include opt-out instructions (e.g., “Reply STOP to unsubscribe”) and honor them immediately.
Starting April 11, 2025, the FCC ruled that consent revocation must apply across all communication channels. So if someone opts out via email or phone, you cannot legally keep texting them.
Use registered numbers, avoid shared short codes, and follow all local quiet hour laws. Being compliant doesn’t just protect you from fines—it builds trust.

14 Black Friday SMS Marketing Campaign Ideas

Ready to turn your text messages into real revenue this Black Friday? Here are 14 proven SMS campaign ideas to boost engagement, drive urgency, and keep customers coming back long after the sale ends.

1. Early Bird Access

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Reward your SMS subscribers with first access to deals before the public sale begins. It makes them feel like insiders—and boosts conversion rates before the rush.
Example: “Black Friday starts early (but only for you). Use code VIP40 for 40% off before midnight → [link]”

2. Classic Flash Sale

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Keep it fast and focused. Announce a one-day or 6-hour flash sale with a bold CTA and countdown-style urgency.
Example: “24 HOURS ONLY! 🖤 Get 40% off our best-sellers—plus free shipping. Don’t miss out → [link]”

3. Countdown Teasers

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Hype the sale days before it starts. Countdown messages help build anticipation and keep your brand top of mind.
Example: “⏰ 2 days left until our biggest sale of the year! Sign up for early access → [link]”

4. Extended Sale Reminder

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Not everyone buys on day one. Send a final-day reminder for those who missed your main offer.
Example: “One more day to save! Extended Black Friday deals end tonight at midnight. Shop now → [link]”

5. Drive In-Store Foot Traffic

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If you have a physical store, use SMS to announce local deals and giveaways. Create excitement and urgency for walk-ins.
Example: “Doors open 7AM tomorrow at our East Village store! First 50 shoppers get a free gift + 50% off two items.”

6. VIP-Only Text Offers

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Make subscribers feel special with text-exclusive discounts or bundles. It keeps your list active and loyal.
Example: “Hey [Name], you’re on our VIP list! Get 20% more off than everyone else. Use code TXT20 at checkout.”

7. Abandoned Cart Nudge

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Shoppers often fill carts and forget. A timely, friendly reminder can recover lost revenue.
Example: “Still thinking about that jacket? 👀 Complete your order now & enjoy 10% off before the deal ends → [link]”

For more examples, check out our guide on SMS campaigns that actually convert, including real abandoned-cart text templates.

8. Skip-the-Line Reservations

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Offer customers the option to reserve or prepay via text instead of fighting crowds in-store.
Example: “Skip the line! Text back your name + pickup time to reserve your Black Friday item at [Store].”

9. Mystery Deal Reveal

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Gamify your sale. Send a link where subscribers can “unlock” their discount—creating excitement and curiosity.
Example: “Your Black Friday mystery deal awaits 🎁 Tap to reveal your surprise offer → [link]”

10. Choose Your Deal (Interactive SMS)

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Let subscribers reply with a number to select their reward. This two-way campaign boosts engagement.
Example: “What’s your kind of deal? Reply 1️⃣ for 30% Off, 2️⃣ for Free Gift, 3️⃣ for Surprise Me.”

11. Gift Guide Conversations

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Help customers find the perfect present. Ask what they’re shopping for and reply with personalized options.
Example: “Need gift ideas? Text us ‘Tech,’ ‘Home,’ or ‘Fashion’ and we’ll send our top deals for each.”

12. Post-Purchase Thank You

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After they buy, send a quick thank-you text. It’s simple, sincere, and strengthens loyalty.
Example: “Thanks, Jamie! We appreciate your support 🖤 Enjoy your order—and keep an eye out for exclusive December offers.”

13. Upsell or Cross-Sell Offers

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Send a follow-up SMS with a relevant add-on to what they just bought. Keep it helpful, not pushy.
Example: “Love your new sneakers? 👟 Grab matching socks—20% off this weekend only → [link]”

14. Loyalty or Referral Program Invites

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Keep customers engaged beyond BFCM. Invite them to join your rewards or referral program with a direct sign-up link.
Example: “Earn rewards for every friend you refer! Give 20%, get 20%. Your code: HOLIDAY20 → [link]”

Black Friday success isn’t just about blasting promotions—it’s about building relationships that last. With Text My Main Number, you can automate these campaigns, personalize every message, and track results in real time.

7 Post-Holiday SMS Campaign Ideas to Keep the Momentum Going

Most marketers go all-in on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but then go quiet. Marketers send less than half the number of messages on the weekend between BFCM and Giving Tuesday… even though engagement remains steady. That’s a huge missed opportunity.

Here’s how to stay top of mind and turn one-time shoppers into repeat buyers.

1. Thank You Messages

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Send a sincere thank-you message while the purchase is still fresh in their mind. Make it personal—mention their first name or what they bought, if possible.
 

Example: “Thanks, Sarah! Your support means the world. Keep an eye out—we’ve got something special for our favorite customers coming soon.”

2. Upsell & Cross-Sell Offers

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Follow up with complementary items that add value to what they already bought. This works best when it feels thoughtful—not pushy.
 

Example: “Love your new air fryer? Here’s 20% off our best-selling recipe guide—only for recent buyers.”

3. Loyalty Program Invites

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Turn holiday shoppers into repeat buyers by inviting them to join your loyalty program. Highlight exclusive perks and make sign-up frictionless.
 

Example: “You’re officially eligible for our VIP rewards! Tap here to join and start earning points today.”

4. Referral Program Push

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Encourage them to spread the word with a referral code or simple link. Reward both the referrer and the new customer.

 Example: “Share the love: Give 20%, Get 20%. Send your friends this code: HOLIDAY20. You’ll both save!”

5. Exclusive Subscriber-Only Offers

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Give SMS subscribers access to a limited-time, post-holiday flash deal. FOMO drives clicks.
 

Example: “One last holiday treat 🎁 30% off just for our text insiders. Ends midnight: [shortlink]”

6. Feedback or Review Requests

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Ask for feedback on their recent order via SMS. Keep it short and rewarding (e.g. small coupon or loyalty points).
 

Example: “How did we do? Tap to rate your experience & get 10% off your next order: [link]”

7. Abandoned Cart Reminders (Post-Holiday Edition)

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Many people browse during BFCM but forget to check out. A reminder—paired with a final chance discount—can bring them back.
 

Example: “Still thinking about that [product]? Your cart’s waiting—and now it’s 10% off. Grab it before it’s gone: [link]”

Black Friday SMS Templates + Examples That Actually Convert

Need inspiration for your Black Friday text campaigns? These ready-to-use templates are designed to drive clicks, boost sales, and keep your brand voice front and center. Customize them with your offer, timing, and tone—and you’re ready to go.

1. Hype It Up Before Black Friday (Anticipation)

1. [Company]: Don’t miss out this Black Friday! Our biggest discounts of the year are coming soon. Browse bestsellers: [link]
   
   
2. Hey [Name] 👋 [Company]’s Black Friday sale is almost here. Get ready to score [X%] off sitewide → [link]
   
   
3. [Company]: Black Friday starts soon 🖤 Here’s your sneak peek at our top deals dropping this week: [link]
   
   
4. [Company]: BIG Black Friday deals land in [X] days. Want a preview? Tap here: [link]
   
   
5. [Name], our holiday deals are nearly live. Save up to [X%] on your favorites starting [date].
   
   
6. [Company]: Early birds win BIG this year. Want first access to our Black Friday deals? Tap to join the VIP list → [link]
   
   

2. Exclusive Early Access (VIP Text Subscribers)

7. [Company]: You’re getting early access 🖤 Take [X%] off everything before the sale goes public. Use code: [X] → [link]
   
   
8. Psst… [Name], you’ve unlocked exclusive early access to [Company]’s Black Friday event 🥳 [X%] off starts now: [link]
   
   
9. [Company]: VIP early access is LIVE! Use code [VIP25] to get 25% off sitewide today only → [link]
   
   
10. [Name], Black Friday starts early (for you only). Get [X%] off with code [X]. First come, first served → [link]
    
    
11. For your eyes only 👀 Early access to our Cyber Week sale is open. Save big now with code [X]: [link]
    
    

3. Pre-Sale Alerts

12. [Company]: Pre-Black Friday starts now! Get [product] for [X%] off before it sells out: [link]
    
    
13. Hey [Name]! The early deals are here 🛍️ Save [X%] during our Pre-Sale. Ends [date] → [link]
    
    
14. [Company]: Early sale alert! Use code [X] for [X%] off your order before the madness begins → [link]
    
    
15. You’re first in line! Shop our Pre-Black Friday Sale now and get [X] off [product] → [link]
    
    

4. Main Black Friday Deal Drops

16. [Company]: It’s here. The Black Friday sale you’ve waited for 🖤 [X%] off + free shipping with code [X] → [link]
    
    
17. [Name], the wait’s over. Take [X%] off all items—today only! 🎁 Shop now: [link]
    
    
18. 🖤 BLACK FRIDAY DEALS LIVE 🖤 Save [X%] storewide with code [X] until midnight → [link]
    
    
19. [Company]: Today only — [Product] now [$X]. Everything else? [X%] off too 🤯 Shop now → [link]
    
    
20. [Company]: Flash sale! Take [X%] off sitewide until [time]. Don’t blink → [link]
    
    
21. [Name], ready to save? 🛍️ Black Friday just dropped. Shop early to beat the rush → [link]
    
    

5. Abandoned Cart Nudges (During Sale)

22. Hey [Name], you left something in your cart 👀 Checkout now and get [X%] off before the deal ends → [link]
    
    
23. Reminder: Your cart is waiting—and your [X%] Black Friday discount expires tonight 🕛 → [link]
    
    
24. [Name], your items are still available, but not for long. Use code [X] to save [X%] now → [link]
    
    
25. Tick-tock! That Black Friday deal in your cart expires soon. Come back and finish checking out → [link]
    
    

6. Last-Chance Black Friday Push

26. LAST CALL ⚡ Your [X%] off Black Friday deal ends in [X] hours. Shop now → [link]
    
    
27. [Company]: Only a few hours left to save BIG. [X%] off ends at midnight. Use code [X]: [link]
    
    
28. [Name], this is it — Black Friday ends tonight 🖤 Final hours to take [X%] off everything → [link]
    
    
29. 3 hours left ⏰ Don’t miss our biggest sale of the year. [X%] off ends soon: [link]
    
    
30. Prices go up at midnight 😱 Last chance to score [product] at [$X]. Grab yours → [link]
    
    

7. Sale Extensions (Post-Sale Loyalty Push)

31. [Company]: Surprise! 🎉 We’re extending Black Friday for 24 more hours. Use code [X] to save [X%] → [link]
    
    
32. [Name], missed our Black Friday sale? No worries — extended through tomorrow. Use code [X] now: [link]
    
    
33. [Company]: Due to demand, we’re giving you one more shot. [X%] off sitewide ends tonight → [link]
    
    
34. You asked, we listened. One more day of Black Friday savings 🖤 Use [X] to claim yours → [link]
    
    

8. Thank-You + Cyber Monday Tease

35. Thanks for shopping with us this Black Friday, [Name]! 🖤 You’re the reason we do this.
    
    
36. [Company]: We appreciate your support. Here’s your receipt + tracking info → [link]
    
    
37. [Name], thanks for your order! Get ready… our Cyber Monday deals are even bigger → [link]
    
    
38. Thank you for being part of our best Black Friday yet 🙌 Get early Cyber Monday access here: [link]
    
    

9. Post-Purchase Feedback Requests

39. Hey [Name]! How was your Black Friday shopping experience at [Company]? Rate us 1–5 ⭐
    
    
40. Thanks for your order 🙌 Let us know how we did: [feedback link]
    
    
41. [Name], how are you liking [product]? We’d love a review → [link]
    
    
42. Quick question! On a scale of 0–10, how likely are you to recommend [Company]?
    
    

10. Cyber Monday Preview/Bridge

43. Black Friday’s over, but we’re just getting started 🚀 Cyber Monday deals drop in [X] hours → [link]
    
    
44. [Company]: Sneak peek 👀 Our Cyber Monday sale is even better than Black Friday. Get early access: [link]
    
    
45. Missed Black Friday? Don’t worry — Cyber Monday is coming. Sign up for early access → [link]

Power Your Black Friday—and Beyond—with Text My Main Number

TMMN makes it easy to run high-converting SMS campaigns before, during, and after Black Friday. Whether you're sending flash sale alerts, abandoned cart reminders, or loyalty perks, our platform combines SMS and VoIP into one simple dashboard, so you can text-enable your main business number, engage customers in real time, and track results effortlessly.

Start your 14-day free trial now and see how seamless SMS marketing can be.