Black Friday-Cyber Monday weekend is about a month away, and if last year was any indication, this year’s sales should be huge for ecommerce. Black Friday saw $8.9B in sales in 2021; it was outperformed only by Cyber Monday’s $10.7B.
A whopping 75% of online traffic came from mobile devices, and over 56% of all sales sold on Cyber Monday were through a mobile device. Retailers that ignore SMS to reach these customers do so at their peril.
We put together this short guide to help you with your SMS mobile strategy, to help you capture customers and increase sales this holiday season.
Build Your Opt-In Phone List
If you haven’t been collecting phone numbers, it’s not too late. Update sign up forms on site with promotional offers to customers who enter their phone number and agree to receive SMS updates.
As Black Friday gets closer, you can offer early access Black Friday deals to customers who leave their phone number with you.
Start SMS Messaging Early in the Game…
A lot of retailers wait until the sale is about to start before sending out their first SMS. Unfortunately for them, that could be a costly mistake. By the time Black Friday rolls around, a lot of customers have already decided what they want.
Instead, send a preview SMS the week before Black Friday, with a link to sneak peek of upcoming sales. This message works on a few levels. First, it helps build excitement for the sale. Equally as important, though, it makes your customers feel like they are getting an exclusive deal.
…But Don’t Overdo It
There’s a fine line between connecting with customers and annoying them with repeated SMS messages. After you’ve sent out your first message a week ahead, hold off until Thanksgiving before letting your customers know that Black Friday is almost here.
When Black Friday rolls around, have a compelling offer to send to your customers. Use your customer management software (CRM), to personalize your message so customers receive offers for the types of products you already know they love.
After sending out your message on Black Friday, hold off and don’t send any more messages until Cyber Monday. Your customers will appreciate the break. And while we’re scheduling your text messages, make it for 10 AM local time. No one wants to be woken up in the middle of the night by an incoming text.
Best Practices
When sending out your messages, here are a few best practices to follow.
- Include your store name so customers recognize you when they receive the message
- Personalize messages with customer’s name and, if possible, offers that are relevant to them
- Consider adding pictures, especially if you are reaching customers over WhatsApp or Viber
- Only send messages to customers who have opted into your list
- Include an opt out or unsubscribe link
Getting Started
With Black Friday just ahead, you don’t have any time to waste. MessageWhiz’s team of messaging professionals can help you get started today.
Contact us if you have any questions!
