You send your customer messages that make their phone ping non-stop on Black Friday, but how many of those texts actually make them want to buy something?
Proper black Friday SMS marketing is an overlooked factor in black friday marketing. It’s not just about sending messages; it’s about sending the right message at the right time.
Even if customers have joined your text list, it doesn’t mean they’ll rush to buy. The real results come from messages that are clear, well-timed, and relevant, not spammy reminders.
Smart brands plan their Black Friday text messages ahead of time, focusing on personalization, timing, and value; you should do so too.
In this article, you’ll learn what Black Friday SMS marketing really means, why it matters for your business, and how to do it right. You’ll also see real text message examples you can adapt for your next campaign, all designed to boost engagement without annoying your audience.
Last year, mobile sales made up more than half of online shopping revenue during Black Friday. That means your customers are already on their phones, waiting for the right offer to land in their inbox.
Let’s break down how to plan, write, and send Black Friday SMS campaigns that actually drive clicks, sales, and repeat customers.
What’s Inside:
Why SMS Marketing Works Best During Black Friday
Black Friday SMS marketing works because text messages get seen and acted on faster than emails or ads, leading to higher engagement and conversion rates.
When everyone’s inbox is overflowing with Black Friday promotions, SMS cuts through the noise. People check their phones within minutes, which means your message lands exactly when they’re ready to buy. Unlike social media or email, texts feel more personal and immediate; the kind of connection shoppers respond to during high-stakes sales seasons.
Studies show that shoppers who receive text offers are more likely to buy compared to those who only get email promotions or other marketing methods. That’s because SMS creates a direct, one-on-one moment with your customer. The timing feels natural, the message feels personal, and the offer feels exclusive.
For example, a quick “Flash Deal! 30% off ends in 3 hours – tap to claim” grabs attention and drives instant action. It’s simple, short, and relevant – the three pillars of high-performing Black Friday text messages.
So, if your Black Friday marketing strategy still leans mostly on email or social ads, it’s time to rethink your mix. Pairing your promotions with targeted Black Friday SMS campaigns, with the right texting tool like Trutext not only boosts conversions but also builds loyalty by showing up where your customers already are – on their phones.
What’s Changed for SMS in 2025
More people are texting with brands than ever before. About 84% of consumers now say they want texts from businesses. That’s a big shift from a few years ago when SMS was seen as intrusive. Now, it’s expected. Especially during sales like Black Friday, customers want quick, personal updates right on their phones.
Gen Z plays a big part in this change. They check texts almost instantly and prefer short, straight-to-the-point messages (Clever Type). So, if your Black Friday SMS marketing feels human and useful, not pushy, it’s more likely to convert.
For small businesses, this is great news. You don’t need a huge team or budget to make SMS work. With tools like TruText, you can schedule your Black Friday text messages, automate replies, and stay compliant with opt-in and opt-out rules – all in one place. That means less stress for you and a smoother experience for your customers.
What to Know Before Sending Your Black Friday SMS Campaign
Before you launch your Black Friday SMS campaign, double-check the basics: registration, compliance, tone, and timing to make sure your texts reach the right people the right way.
Even if you’ve sent campaigns before, Black Friday weekends move fast. A simple mistake like sending from an unverified number or skipping an opt-out line can block delivery or hurt trust. Use this quick checklist to get it right the first time.
Verify Your Number and Registration
Make sure your sending number is verified and registered with your SMS platform or carrier. It prevents delivery delays and keeps your Black Friday SMS marketing messages from being flagged as spam.
Double-Check Opt-In and Opt-Out Compliance
Only text people who have opted in and always include an easy opt-out line like “Reply STOP to unsubscribe.” It’s simple, compliant, and builds trust. Learn more about opt in and out SMS rules here.
Segment Your Audience
Not every offer fits every shopper. Separate VIPs, new customers, and inactive buyers. Tailored Black Friday text messages perform better and keep unsubscribe rates low.
Test Your Message First
Send a test text to yourself or a teammate. Check the link, spacing, and delivery timing before sending to your list. Small fixes can save big embarrassment.
Set the Right SMS Tone
Keep it friendly and natural. Avoid using all caps or too many emojis. Make sure' your message s tone matches your brand’s personality. If you still struggle with this, read this to see some helpful tone indicators you can use.
Use MMS Wisely (If Available)
Images and GIFs can boost engagement, but they should load fast and fit your offer. A product image or countdown timer works best for Black Friday marketing. Learn more about MMS messaging and how to effectively use it to boost your sales results.
Check Your SMS Credit Balance Before Sending
Running out of credits halfway through a campaign can pause delivery.For high-volume weekends like Black Friday or Cyber Monday, load extra credits early to ensure every message goes out on time.
Optimize Send Time
Most shoppers respond to texts sent between 10 AM – 1 PM or early evening. Avoid late-night messages unless your audience is global.
Track Results and Replies
Monitor delivery rates, click-throughs, and customer replies. Insights from your Black Friday SMS campaign help you plan even better for the next one.
11 SMS Marketing Ideas to Boost Black Friday Sales
Stage 1: Pre–Black Friday Campaigns (Build Excitement)
Before the sales begin, your goal is to create anticipation and get your audience ready to buy. This stage is about warming up your subscribers, rewarding loyal customers, and growing your SMS list so you can reach more people when the deals drop. Every message should make your audience feel like something big is coming and they don’t want to miss it.
A. Exclusive Early-Bird SMS Alerts
Early access messages make loyal customers feel special. They build buzz and increase engagement before the main sale.Send early access links or promo codes to your VIP or repeat customer list. Some examples are:
VIPs only: Your Black Friday starts now! 🎉 Shop 24 hours before everyone else.
You’ve earned it – early access is live! Tap to unlock exclusive Black Friday deals.
Psst… You’re on the list! Black Friday deals drop early for our insiders.Your early access window closes in 3 hours. Don’t miss your head start!
B. Keyword Opt-In Promo
Opt-in promos grow your SMS list before the big sale. The keyword feels interactive and simple, making it easy for new customers, subscribers or social media followers to join. Promote a keyword like “BLACKFRIDAY” on social media, your homepage, or checkout page to collect subscribers legally. Here are some templates you can use:
Want exclusive Black Friday deals? Text BLACKFRIDAY to 12345 to join our VIP list.
Deals drop soon! Text BLACKFRIDAY to get early alerts straight to your phone.
Join our VIP list, text BLACKFRIDAY to 12345 and be the first to know!
Limited spots! Text BLACKFRIDAY now for early access offers.
C. Countdown SMS Reminders
Countdowns build urgency and anticipation. It keeps your entire subscriber list alert and waiting for your deals to go live. Start sending reminders 3–5 days before Black Friday with short, time-based messages. You can try these templates:
3 days to go until our biggest sale of the year 🔥 Get ready!
24 hours left! Your early-bird shopping spree starts soon.
Black Friday starts in 6 hours. Don’t sleep on these deals!
D. Sneak Peek Product Reveal
Giving subscribers a preview of upcoming deals builds curiosity. It makes them feel special and encourages them to stay tuned. Share product teasers or “text-only” offers a few days before the sale. Send these templates to your loyal and engaged customers:
👀 Sneak peek! Your favorite items are going on sale, details coming soon.
Subscribers only: Preview our Black Friday lineup before it’s public.
Want a secret deal? Text back ‘YES’ for your exclusive Black Friday preview.
Your exclusive first look is here. See what’s dropping this Friday!
Stage 2: Black Friday Campaigns (Maximize Sales)
Now that the sale is live, it’s time to focus on driving action fast. During this stage, every message should push urgency and exclusivity. The goal is to turn interest into sales, recover abandoned carts, and keep your brand top of mind throughout the rush. Short, clear, and time-sensitive messages work best here.
E. Flash Sale or Limited-Time Offer
Flash sales drive instant action. Time-sensitive language pushes shoppers to buy before they miss out. Send short, urgent texts with clear time limits or stock warnings. Some examples are:
Flash Sale: 30% off ends in 3 hours! Shop now before it’s gone.
Last 50 items left. Grab yours before midnight!
Hurry! Your deal expires in 2 hours. Don’t miss out.
Final call! Black Friday prices end tonight.
F. Personalized SMS Offers Based on Purchase History
Personalization makes customers feel seen. Tailoring offers based on what they bought before increases conversion. Categorize customers (e.g., returning vs new) and send custom discounts or recommendations. You can use these templates:
Welcome back! Enjoy 30% off your favorite picks just for returning shoppers.
New here? Take 20% off your first Black Friday order.
You loved our sneakers – now get 25% off your next pair today only.
Repeat buyers get extra 10% off! Use the code VIPBF.
G. Abandoned Cart SMS Reminder
YCart reminders recover lost sales. Adding a small incentive like free shipping can nudge shoppers to complete their purchase. Set automatic SMS reminders within a few hours of cart abandonment. Template examples are:
You left something behind 👀 Complete your order now and enjoy 10% off.
Still thinking it’s over? Your cart’s waiting, free shipping if you checkout today!
Your Black Friday picks are almost gone! Complete your purchase before midnight.
Clock’s ticking! Your cart expires in 1 hour – don’t miss your deal.
H. SMS + Email Combo Campaign
Combining email visuals with SMS reminders reinforces your message across channels. SMS keeps your offers top of mind. Send an email with visuals first, then follow up with an SMS reminding them to check it. Try these templates:
Your Black Friday offer just hit your inbox – check it before it’s gone!
Email sent ✅ Tap to see your exclusive Black Friday code.
Open your email! A special deal is waiting for you there 👇
We sent you something special, check your inbox now!
Stage 3: Post–Black Friday & Cyber Monday (Keep Momentum)
After the rush of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, don’t go silent. This stage is about keeping your brand in your customers’ minds and turning one-time shoppers into long-term buyers. Use this time to show appreciation, re-engage inactive users, and create more opportunities for repeat purchases.
I. Post-Purchase Upsell for Cyber Monday
Encourage repeat purchases by offering a “thanks + bonus deal” on Cyber Monday for recent buyers. It shows gratitude and motivates them to shop again while they’re still in buying mode. Target recent Black Friday customers. They’re more likely to purchase again. Here are some templates you can make use of:
Thanks for shopping with us! 🎉 Enjoy 20% off everything this Cyber Monday, just for you.
You scored big on Black Friday. Here’s another deal: Extra 15% off today only!
Appreciate your order! Treat yourself to one more item. Cyber Monday bonus: 25% off.
J. SMS-Driven Referral Program
Reward existing customers who refer friends with discounts or store credits. It builds loyalty and expands your audience through trusted recommendations.
If you don’t know how to ask loyal, satisfied customers to refer to their families and loved ones, here’s an article to guide you. But if you already know how to go about it but need help putting words together, here are some templates you can use:
Love your purchase? Share it! Refer a friend and get 25% off your next order.
Your friends deserve great deals too! Earn 10% credit for every friend who shops.
Refer. Reward. Repeat. Send your code to a friend and enjoy store credit on us!
K. Re-Engagement Text for Inactive or Cold Customers
Use friendly reminders or small discounts to win back customers who haven’t purchased in a while. A warm tone and exclusive offer can rekindle interest. These templates can help:
We miss you! 💛 Here’s 20% off to welcome you back. Use code: WEMISSYOU.
Hey, it’s been a while! How about 15% off your next order? Shop now before it expires.
Long time, no see! Get back in the groove – 25% off today only.
How TruText Makes Black Friday SMS Simple
Running a Black Friday campaign doesn’t have to be stressful. TruText makes it simple to plan, send, and track your messages all in one place. Whether you’re a small business or a fast-growing brand, it helps you reach customers faster with less work.
You can schedule your entire Black Friday SMS marketing calendar in advance, from early-bird alerts to Cyber Monday follow-ups. That means no last-minute rush or missed timing.
TruText also automates your campaigns with triggers like “abandoned cart” or “new subscriber.” Once set up, your texts go out at the perfect moment, even while you’re asleep.
With keyword-based triggers such as “BLACKFRIDAY”, you can grow your SMS list effortlessly. When customers text the keyword, they instantly join your list and receive an exclusive deal without any manual setup.
Plus, you’ll get ready-to-use templates for every stage of your campaign, including countdowns, flash sales, and thank-yous. Personalize them in seconds and start sending right away.
The best part is that TruText is affordable for every business size. You don’t need a huge budget to create professional, high-performing campaigns that convert. Business owners already using it are having good results and you can join them too. Start building your Black Friday messages today. Try TruText free for 14 days.
FAQs About Black Friday SMS Marketing
How many SMS messages should I send during Black Friday week?
Send 3 to 5 Black Friday SMS messages during the week. Start with early-bird alerts, send your main promo on Friday, and close with a Cyber Monday reminder. Spacing messages this way keeps engagement high without overwhelming subscribers.
Can I use images or multimedia in my Black Friday texts (MMS)?
Yes. MMS makes your Black Friday text messages more engaging with product photos or banners. Keep files small and include a short caption with a clear CTA. Use visuals to highlight deals without replacing your core text offer.
When should I start texting about Black Friday?
Start your Black Friday SMS marketing two weeks before the sale. Send teasers early, main offers during the event, and follow-ups through Cyber Monday. This builds excitement and keeps your brand top of mind.
Do I need opt-out text on every message?
Yes. Always add “Reply STOP to unsubscribe” in every Black Friday marketing message. It’s required by TCPA and builds trust with subscribers. Including it also helps prevent carrier filtering and improves deliverability.
What words should I avoid which can trigger carrier filters?
Avoid spammy words like “FREE!!!, ” “CASH, ” or “WIN BIG. ” They can block or delay your Black Friday SMS delivery. Use natural urgency phrases like “ends soon” or “limited offer” to stay compliant and engaging.
