The holiday season is the Super Bowl for marketers and sales teams, and every brand hopes to score big. From Black Friday to the New Year’s countdown, it's a relentless slew of email blasts and social media ads.
And let's face it, that meticulously crafted email of yours? It’s likely to get buried under an avalanche of "20% off, act now!" and "Last chance to grab this deal!" messages.
However, an SMS marketing strategy is the most effective way to cut through the noise and deliver your message straight into the customer’s pocket – literally.
Even still, a garden-variety text blast won't set you apart from other brands also leveraging this powerful marketing tool. You'll need unique and high-impact SMS campaigns tailored to charm the seasonal shopper to truly stand out.
To help, we’ve curated a list of 13 game-changing text message marketing ideas designed to capture attention and convert those seasonal browsers into bona fide buyers.
Benefits of SMS Marketing for the Holidays
SMS marketing is the ultimate way to elevate your campaign efforts. While SMS marketing has myriad benefits, three in particular stand out.
Mobile-First Shopping Experience
The days when phones were just a medium for calls and texts are long gone.
We now live in a mobile-first world, with smartphones serving as pocket-sized portals to the digital economy. From scrolling through social media feeds to searching the web, these gadgets are a one-stop shop for connection. As such, 65.7% of global e-commerce sales now happen on mobile devices. Furthermore, 63% of organic search engine visits come from these hand-held shopping carts.
Simply put, mobile messaging meets people where they are and where they shop.
Sky-High Open Rates
Texting is the next frontier in digital marketing. SMS open rates remain at a staggering 98%, and people are 4.5 times more likely to reply to SMS marketing communications than email. Those numbers may as well be wrapped up in gift paper and thrown under a tree.
When you send an SMS, you're not just tossing a message into the digital abyss and hoping it sticks. You're delivering it directly to someone's most personal device, where it will be seen—and likely acted upon. In the fast-paced arena of holiday sales, where every second counts, these sky-high open rates can be the difference between a season to remember and one to forget.
Real-Time Engagement
Similarly, in the high-stakes world of holiday sales, timing is everything.
Unlike email marketing messages or social media posts that can be easily missed during the endless scroll, SMS messages create a sense of urgency that's tough to ignore. This is crucial during the holiday season when flash sales and limited-time offers play an essential role in any campaign.
Sending a text means you're not just connecting—you're engaging the customer in real time. Whether it's a last-minute holiday promotion or an exclusive sneak peek, your message is more likely to gain immediate traction, which can give you a competitive edge.
13 Creative Holiday SMS Marketing Campaign Ideas
So, what are some clever ways to leverage this powerful marketing tool? For starters, try any combination of the following holiday SMS campaign ideas.
- Special Offers/Promos
- Early-Bird Deals
- Flash Sales
- Upsells
- Cross-Sells
- Coordinate with Email Efforts
- Seasonal Releases
- “12 Days of Giveaways” Campaign
- Countdown to the Holidays
- Text-to-Win
- Personalized Gift Recommendations
- Charity Campaigns
- Abandoned Cart Recovery
Special Offers/Promos
Nothing grabs attention like an exclusive deal. Use SMS to send special holiday coupons or promo codes. It's like gifting your customers a little holiday cheer—and driving sales simultaneously.
Exclusive Holiday Deal! Use code HOLIDAY20 for 20% OFF your entire purchase! Shop now at [Website]. Limited time offer, don't miss out!
Early-Bird Deals
Why wait for Black Friday? An Early-Bird Special text sent to your customers can give them a reason to shop with you—before the holiday rush kicks in and their budget is already spent. Dare we say, a Black Thursday sale?
Hi {Name}, Beat the holiday rush! Get a head start on your shopping with our early-bird specials. Shop today and save big before the holiday frenzy begins!
Flash Sales
The ticking clock creates urgency. Use SMS to announce flash sales that last for a limited time, compelling customers to act fast and grab that deal. For these, ensure your promo works in-person and online, allowing customers to act however they can.
Hurry! Flash Sale Alert! Get {Product} at an unbelievable price! Shop now in-store or online before it's gone. Limited quantities available!
Upsells
Already made a sale? Fantastic. Now, send a targeted SMS offering a related premium product discount code. It's an easy way to increase the value of a single customer.
Hi {Name}, you've got great taste! Upgrade your purchase with our premium {Related Product} at 30% OFF! Make this holiday season extra special.
Cross-Sells
Like upsells, cross-selling through text messages can boost your sales by linking related items. Did a customer buy a Christmas sweater? Offer them matching gloves via SMS.
Complete your holiday look! Buy any sweater and get 15% OFF on gloves. Shop now!
Coordinate with Email Efforts
Double your impact by aligning your email and text campaigns. A quick text could serve as a teaser for a more detailed email to follow.
Sneak peek! Check your inbox for an exclusive holiday email coming your way. Get ready for amazing deals and surprises!
Seasonal Releases
New holiday product line? Let your customers be the first to know via SMS. Build excitement and anticipation for what's new and shiny.
Exciting News! Our brand-new holiday collection has arrived. Be the first to discover the latest trends. Shop now at {Link}!
"12 Days of Giveaways" Campaign
Consider building a reward campaign for your loyal customers to keep engagement high, each day featuring a different prize or exclusive deal.
On the 1st day of Christmas, {Your Brand} gave to me ... Stay tuned for daily giveaways and surprises starting tomorrow!
Countdown to the Holidays
Just like those chocolate calendars, but better. A text countdown to the holidays can build daily anticipation and excitement. Each day's text could unveil a new mini-offer, tip or fun fact, transforming the holidays into a month-long marketing event.
Countdown to Christmas! Day 1: Enjoy 10% OFF all holiday decor today. Check back daily for new offers and festive fun!
Text-to-Win
Gamify your SMS marketing with a text-to-win contest. It's a fun and engaging way to give customers a reason to stay connected.
Ready for some fun? Text WIN to {Number} for a chance to win amazing prizes this holiday season. Good luck!
Personalized Gift Recommendations
Give or receive—the choice is yours. Send SMS messages with curated gift recommendations based on past purchases or user behavior.
Stuck for gift ideas? Let us help! Based on your past purchases, here are personalized gift suggestions just for you. Shop now! {Link}
Charity Campaigns
Tap into the spirit of giving. Use SMS to encourage customers to donate to a charity near and dear to your brand’s heart, perhaps offering a small incentive for their generosity.
Spread holiday cheer! Join us in giving back this season. Text DONATE to {Number}, and we'll donate $5 to {Charity}. Together, we can make a difference.
Abandoned Cart Recovery Reminders
Don't let indecision hamper sales. A well-timed cart abandonment reminder can nudge customers to complete their purchase, recovering potentially lost revenue.
Oops, did you forget something? Your cart is waiting! Complete your purchase now and enjoy free shipping on us. {Link}
Building and Running Your Holiday SMS Campaign with Texting Base
In a season snowed in by advertising noise, SMS campaigns offer the clarity and focus you need to reach your customers effectively.
With Texting Base, you're already on your way to holiday success. Our streamlined platform effortlessly combines automation with user-friendliness, enabling you to engage your audience through SMS and MMS without missing a beat. Regardless of your industry or audience, we equip you with the tools to build genuine relationships thanks to seamless integrations and personalized multimedia messaging.
If you’re ready to elevate your holiday SMS strategy, sign up today for free.
