Ready, Set, Black Friday

Many of our customers are getting ready for another massive Black Friday and Cyber Monday and it’s not too late for you to get set for success.

If you’ve just emerged from a very long coma, Black Friday refers to the large discounts that retailers offer on everything from sporting goods and fashion, to the latest gadgets. Where once Boxing Day (26 December) was the main sales day, Black Friday (24 November) and Cyber Monday (27 November) have stolen the limelight. Starting in the US, the tradition spread around the world. 

In the US in 2022, more than $20 billion* was spent across the two days. In Australia more than $7 billion** (USD 4.5 billion) was spent in the same period. The shopping days are largely focussed on online shopping (although some brick & mortar stores participate), with promoted discount codes used during an ecommerce transaction.

Why SMS from the Modica Messaging Platform?

If SMS isn’t a key part of your communications channel - then it definitely should be. Here are some of the key benefits: 

• High Open Rates
  The majority of text messages are read within minutes of delivery. This ensures that your message is more likely to reach your target audience.
• Immediate Delivery
  Messages are typically delivered instantly, making them ideal for time-sensitive promotions, announcements or alerts.
• High Engagement
  People are accustomed to checking and responding to text messages. This can result in increased click-through rates and conversions.
• Cost-Effective
  SMS marketing is generally more cost-effective than many other marketing channels, such as direct mail or traditional advertising.
• Reach
  SMS allows you to reach a broad audience, including those who may not have access to the internet or email. It's a universal communication channel.
• Personalisation
  Address recipients by their name, make recommendations based on their past purchases, and tailor content to their preferences.
• High Conversion Rates
  Due to its immediacy and directness, SMS can result in higher conversion rates, particularly for time-limited offers or discounts.
• Opt-In Model
  SMS marketing typically requires customers to opt in, meaning that you're sending messages to people who are already interested in your brand or products.
• Segmentation
  Marketers can segment their subscriber lists based on various criteria, allowing for more targeted and relevant messaging to different customer groups.
• Track Results
  SMS campaigns can be tracked and measured, allowing marketers to gather data on open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates, enabling them to refine their strategies.
• Reliability
  SMS messages are known for their reliability and high delivery rates, with minimal risk of messages being filtered as spam.
• Integration
  SMS can be integrated with other marketing channels, such as email and social media to create a cohesive and effective multichannel strategy.

Black Friday SMS Tips

To turbocharge your Black Friday and Cyber Monday efforts, utilise some of these Modica Group SMS tactics: 

1. Early Bird Promotions
   Send out SMS messages to your subscribers a few days or even a week in advance, announcing exclusive early access to Black Friday deals. This can create a sense of anticipation and give your loyal customers first dibs on discounts.
2. Flash Sales Alerts
   Announce limited-time flash sales with SMS alerts. Use urgency in your messaging to encourage customers to act quickly to secure the deals.
3. Exclusive Coupons & Promo Codes
   Provide unique coupon codes or promo codes to your SMS subscribers, offering additional discounts or perks for Black Friday or Cyber Monday purchases.
4. Buy One, Get One Free Offers
   Inform customers about buy-one-get-one-free deals or bundled offers through SMS. This tactic can incentivise larger purchases.
5. Abandoned Cart Recovery
   Utilise SMS to remind customers about items left in their carts, and tempt them with discounts to complete their purchases.
6. Tiered Discounts
   Offer tiered discounts based on the purchase amount. For example, "Spend $50, get 10% off; Spend $100, get 20% off."
7. Loyalty Rewards
   Reward your loyal customers with special SMS-only loyalty discounts or rewards, showing your appreciation for their continued patronage.
8. Referral Programs
   Encourage customers to refer friends and family with SMS referral programs. Offer rewards or discounts to both the referrer and the referred.
9. Mobile-Only Contests & Giveaways
   Engage your SMS subscribers with exclusive contests and giveaways. For example, "Text to Win" or "Text to Get a Free Gift."
10. Interactive Texts
    Create interactive SMS campaigns that allow customers to respond with keywords to receive specific deals or information.
11. Cross-Channel Promotion
    Promote your Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals through other marketing channels (email, social media, radio ads) and include a call-to-action for customers to subscribe to your SMS alerts.
12. Personalised Messages
    Use customer data to personalise SMS messages, including the recipient's name and tailored product recommendations.
13. Reminders and Event Updates
    Send reminders about the start and end times of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, in-store activities, and online flash sales.
14. Shipping & Return Information
    Share shipping and return policies to instil confidence in customers regarding their purchases.
15. Post Event Follow-Up
    After Black Friday and Cyber Monday, follow up with SMS messages to thank customers for their purchases and perhaps offer a special post-sale discount to keep them engaged.
16. Customer Support
    Provide a dedicated SMS line for customer support inquiries during the period to assist customers promptly.
17. Compliance & Opt-Out
    Always respect SMS marketing regulations and make it easy for customers to opt out if they wish to stop receiving messages.

Timing is crucial for SMS campaigns, so schedule messages during peak shopping hours and avoid over-messaging to prevent customer fatigue. Additionally, make sure your SMS marketing is concise, engaging, and focused on delivering real value to your customers to make your Black Friday and Cyber Monday campaigns successful.

While SMS marketing from Modica Group offers many benefits,  it's essential to use this channel responsibly, respecting privacy and adhering to the relevant regulations in your country, to maintain a positive relationship with your audience.

To learn more about how SMS from Modica Group can boost your bottom line, speak with one of our experts today.

*Y!Sports

**NAB News