How SMS Marketing Can Elevate Your Holiday Marketing Campaigns 2024
05 November 2024
TJ Gaushas
Ummm.. they have started making their wishlists, checking them thrice…. No! We are not talking about Santa and his Elves here. We are talking about your potential customers!
The holiday season is almost here! Customers are beginning their planning for holiday gifts, parties, and much more! All this means more spending. As per the study, last year, holiday spending in the US reached $964.4 billion. And you are still thinking, "It's too early!" "The fall season has just started!" "We still have many months to go!" Right? However, you are mistaken. In the digital advertising world, it is never too early to start your holiday marketing campaigns.
Although everyone is stressing over what to wear at Halloween parties right now, for the brands, it is the right time to think about what will drive sales this holiday season! From Black Friday and Cyber Monday to the New Year, brands can score big if they choose the right SMS marketing strategy.
Why SMS marketing over other communication channels?
The simple answer to this is – customers prefer it!
SMS marketing offers unique benefits over other communication channels like:
- High open rates
- Immediate delivery and reach
- Widespread accessibility
- High ROI
- Higher engagement levels
- Easy to integrate with other marketing channels
- Easily trackable and measurable.
Research shows almost 63% of customers switch to businesses that communicate via SMS.
Let's face it: although you have crafted an appealing email, it will more likely get buried under "25% OFF, Buy Now!" and "Offer Ending In 24 Hours!" SMS. With the right SMS marketing strategy and holiday marketing ideas, businesses can cut through the noise and deliver messages straight to the customers' pockets! However, your holiday marketing campaigns should be unique and tailored to appeal to seasonal shoppers and stand out from other brands.
This blog has curated a list of high-impact holiday marketing ideas that will capture your potential customers' attention and convert your seasonal browsers into loyal customers.
However, before diving deep into these ideas, let us first briefly understand why SMS marketing is perfect for holiday campaigns in 2024.
Benefits Of SMS Marketing for Holiday Campaigns
SMS marketing can effectively uplift your campaign's efforts. There are various benefits of SMS marketing. However, there are a few that truly stand out. A mobile-first shopping experience secures the first position in it. Gone are the days when mobile phones were just a medium of calls.
Today, we live in the mobile-first era, and customers prefer this pocket-sized portal for shopping. As per the research, almost 65.7% of global e-commerce sales occur on mobile phones, and 63% of organic traffic comes from these hand-held shopping carts. In short, SMS meets people where they are where they prefer to shop. Don't you think it is the perfect reason to start running your holiday marketing campaigns now?
With a 98% open rate and 45% response rate, people are 4.5 times more likely to reply to SMS marketing communication than email. When you send an SMS, it will be delivered directly to your potential customer's phone, which will be more likely to be seen and they will act upon.
During the holiday season, timing is everything. Social media posts or emails have more chances to be missed because of endless scrolling. However, SMS creates a sense of urgency, which is tough to ignore. Businesses can run flash sales, limited-time offers, last-minute holiday promotions, or exclusive sneak peek holiday marketing campaigns to grab immediate attention.
What are Some Creative Holiday Marketing Ideas Using SMS
Here are some creative holiday marketing ideas using SMS that you can use to drive more sales and increase your business ROI this holiday season.
1) Halloween - Give Discounts and Offers to Help Customers Save
You can create thrilling offers and creative campaigns for this spooky holiday. This kind of tailored discount strategy helps businesses increase their average order purchases. Here are some SMS marketing ideas that you can use.
B2B SMS for E-commerce & Retail
BOO! FLASH SALE ALERT: Up to 20% Off on bulk orders for spooky-themed merchandise. The offer ends at midnight! Use code: BOO20 [Link].
This SMS creates urgency and targets businesses that focus on bulk purchases by giving them discounts to stock up for Halloween promotions.
B2C SMS for Restaurant & Bar
Scary Good Deal! Win a $50 Dinner Voucher! Show off your Halloween costume and tag us. Plus, get 15% off your bill tonight! [Link].
This message encourages customer engagement with the contest and drives foot traffic with the fun giveaway with the immediate discount incentive.
2) Thanksgiving - Emotionally Connect With Your Customers
It is not necessary for each of your messages to push your customers to the checkout. Sometimes, you can send non-promotional messages to connect emotionally with your customers, and Thanksgiving Day is the perfect opportunity. Tell them how they have helped you grow through this simple Thanksgiving message. You can give them discounts to appreciate their trust in your brand.
For example,
Hey [Name]! Thanks for being our loyal customers! Due to your and other loyal customers, we have been able to donate [$amount] to the [cause name]. Click here to read more - [Link].
B2B and B2C brands can send the following type of message to emotionally connect with the customers.
B2B SMS for Travel Agency
Grateful Hearts, Adventure Starts! Happy Thanksgiving! We appreciate your trust in us for your clients’ journeys. Celebrate this holiday season - Book early and enjoy 20% off group travel packages! Let's plan your next adventure together!.
Sending this message to express gratitude and offering them incentives helps strengthen relationships and encourages repeat bookings.
B2C SMS for Car Dealership
Happy Thanksgiving, [Name]! We are grateful for wonderful clients like you! Get $500 off any car purchase this weekend. Visit us and drive home with an exciting deal. The offer ends on Sunday!.
This SMS combines a personalized thank you with a limited-time discount that creates urgency and attracts potential buyers during the holiday weekend.
3) Black Friday - Maximize Your Business By Creating Urgency & Preparing Your Audience
Black Friday is the biggest shopping day of the year. Businesses can use SMS marketing in the right way to maximize it. By giving customers discounts on bulk orders or creating urgency, you can prepare them for upcoming sales/deals and encourage them to take immediate action.
B2B SMS for Salons and Spas
Catch the savings wave this Black Friday! Get 25% off bulk orders of beauty products. Stock up now and save big. Limited-time offer. Shop here: [Link].
This SMS offers a bulk discount, creates urgency, and encourages salons to take advantage of cost-saving opportunities.
B2C SMS for Real Estate
Get, Set, Save! Black Friday Extravaganza! Secure your dream home with zero closing costs – this weekend only. Book your visit: [Link].
By eliminating closing costs, you can lower financial barriers, which will instantly appeal to potential home buyers during the high-traffic Black Friday weekend.
4) Small Business Saturday - Encourage Partnership & Support Local Businesses
Want to support and celebrate local businesses? Small Business Saturday is the perfect opportunity for outreach, driving foot traffic, and online engagement. Businesses can encourage customers to buy from their brands through exclusive offers, event announcements, or networking invites and boost their sales.
B2B SMS for Healthcare
Keep it local, keep it vibrant! Partner with us this Small Business Saturday! Get an exclusive 20% discount on bulk medical supplies. Let's grow together! Visit: [Link].
This SMS will work as you offer an exclusive deal to encourage collaboration and business growth.
B2C SMS for Solar
Support local & spark the joy! Celebrate Small Business Saturday with 25% off on all solar products! Invest in sustainable energy today to save big. The offer ends soon! [Link].
This SMS appeals to eco-conscious customers with a clear savings message and urgency. The SMS includes special discounts that will push customers toward sustainability.
5) Cyber Monday - Keep The Excitement Alive Through Irresistible Offers
Cyber Monday is all about exclusive deals and offers. So, keep the excitement alive by sending limited-time offers and irresistible offers.
B2B SMS for Insurance
Click, Save, Repeat - Cyber Monday Bonanza! Secure premium coverage for your clients with the 15% discount on our business insurance plans. Offer valid for TODAY ONLY! Click here to grab it: [Link].
This message creates urgency by emphasizing today only and encouraging businesses to act quickly to save big.
B2C SMS for Media & Advertising
Cyber Monday Madness! Your Clicks, Your Deals! Grab 25% off our media packages! Boost your brand visibility today. The offer lasts 24 Hours! Shop Now:[Link].
The urgency and discount attract businesses that want to improve their marketing efforts during the crucial sales period.
6) Christmas Eve - Not Sure What to Buy? Push Gift Cards Over SMS
Many shoppers are unsure about what to buy for their clients and do last-minute shopping for their loved ones/clients. Here are some creative ideas that you can use to attract potential customers and drive more sales during the holiday season.
Last-minute shopper? Get the gift card now and let your loved one choose! Visit today. We are open till midnight for your convenience! [Link].
This message is perfect for creating urgency and also offers flexibility. You can include some emojis in this SMS to add a festive touch and make it more engaging.
For the B2B customers, you can send this type of message.
Twinkling Lights, Warm Hearts! Need last-minute Christmas gift ideas for your clients? Check out our top picks. Shop now and get the same-day delivery! [Link].
This SMS encourages prompt action and offers solutions for businesses looking to impress their clients.
Still looking for the perfect gift? Treat your loved ones for a festive stay! Book now and enjoy 15% off. Limited time only! [Link].
Sending this SMS creates urgency for last-minute holiday travellers while offering them a special deal that encourages immediate bookings.
7) Christmas Day - Keep the Shopping Momentum Going
Want to express appreciation and keep the shopping momentum going? Christmas Day is the perfect one for it. Some creative SMS marketing ideas for Christmas are personalized thank-you messages, post-Christmas sales announcements, etc.
B2B SMS for eCommerce
Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas, [Name]! Thank you for being our valued partner! Enjoy 20% off your next order. Use code THANKYOU20 – valid till New Year’s Eve! [Link].
This SMS expresses gratitude, offers timely discounts, creates a sense of partnership, and encourages continued business engagement.
B2C SMS for Resturant
This the season to be jolly [Name]! Merry Christmas! Thank you for being our valued guest! Enjoy 15% Off your next meal with us! Use code XMAS15. We are eager to serve you again.
This SMS shows appreciation and encourages repeat visits by taking advantage of a festive discount to attract customers back to the restaurant.
8) New Year, New Dreams, New Opportunities
New Year is all about new opportunities, resolutions, and unforgettable adventures. You can create excitement by sending countdown messages, new year promotions, loyalty rewards, exclusive discounts, or event reminders and build relationships with your potential customers. Here are a few holiday marketing ideas that you can use to maximize your marketing efforts.
B2B SMS for Real Estate
Happy New Year! Let’s kickstart 2025 with new opportunities. Schedule a meeting this month to discuss how we can help you improve your property listings. Call now at [number].
This SMS encourages professional engagement right at the beginning of the year, which is an excellent opportunity for business growth and partnership.
B2C SMS for Travel and Tourism
Cheers to the New Year, [Name]! Book your 2025 gateway with us and get 20% off your first trip. Start the year with unforgettable adventures!
This SMS is perfect to tap into the excitement of new beginnings while offering discounts that inspire customers to book their travel early. It also creates a sense of urgency.
Challenges to Look Out for in Holiday SMS Marketing
You will face many challenges in holiday SMS marketing as a business owner. We have listed them along with solutions.
When you send too many messages, it will annoy your customers, and it lead to opt-outs. Therefore, keep your frequency balanced and send the messages according to potential customers’ timezone . You can alternatively use email or social media channels to promote your holiday marketing campaign.
Another challenge is customers' busy schedules during the festive season. Customers remain occupied with shopping, travelling, or parties during the holiday season. Therefore, there is a high chance of your message being ignored. You can send them time-sensitive alerts, early notifications, and follow-up messages along with reminders like "Don't miss out! Our Black Friday Sale Ends in 24 Hours! Use Code – LASTCALL."
Send messages at the right time because sending them at the wrong time can lead to poor engagement. Consider your target audience's timezone and use automated SMS scheduling tools to send messages according to segmented groups' time zones, locations, and preferences.
For example, suppose you are running a clothing store and have customers of different timezones, and you want to send them promotional messages regarding a flash sale; you can segment groups based on their locations and send them messages.
Group 1- New York Customers
Group 2- Los Angeles Customers
Craft a message like this .
FLASH SALE ALERT! Enjoy 15% off everything today! Click here to shop [Link]. Use code SALE15. Limited time offer!
You can use an automated SMS marketing tool like Textdrip to send the message at the right time for each group.
For example, you can send messages to New York people at 11 AM EST and Los Angeles people at 11 AM PST.
Also, when you run limited-time offers or flash sales, there is a high chance that you will get overwhelmed by responses. Therefore, ensure you have a proper customer support team that can efficiently handle increasing inquiries.
Sending a high volume of messages can trigger spam filters, or you may face non-compliance penalties. Therefore, ensure you follow TCPA, 10DLC, and HIPAA guidelines, avoid spammy language, offer clear ways to opt in/opt-out, and focus on trust-building.
Lastly, customers' phones usually start flooding with promotional messages during the holiday season, so your messages might get lost. Therefore, create exclusive offers such as VIP deals and early access promotions and use personalized messaging to stand out.
How Can You Build a Winning Holiday SMS Campaign With Textdrip?
Textdrip helps you manage, automate, and personalize your holiday marketing campaigns. How? It is power-packed with impressive features like contact segmentation, scheduling, two-way texting, bulk texting, personalization, quick response, and much more. So you can make data-driven, informed decisions to enhance your holiday marketing efforts. You can send personalized messages according to shopping behaviour, preferences, location, etc. The platform lets you schedule and automate messages to ensure they go out at the right time. It lets you analyze your campaign performance, and based on it, you can refine your strategy.
Signing Off
In a nutshell, in the noisy advertising season, SMS campaigns provide clarity and focus businesses require to reach their customers effectively. By creating engaging, time-sensitive, and personalized holiday marketing campaigns, businesses can connect with their customers, drive sales, and build loyalty. So, if you also want to make your holiday campaign unforgettable, use these holiday marketing ideas and our automated SMS marketing platform - Textdrip and watch how your holiday marketing thrives! Still thinking? Take a free trial or book a demo to get started today and increase ROI.
FAQ's
| How can I ensure my SMS marketing campaign stands out during the holiday season? |
You can ensure your campaign stands out by focusing on personalization, creativity, and urgency. Use festive language and visuals, tailor messages to individual customer preferences, and create exclusive offers that drive immediate action.
| What is the best time to send SMS marketing messages during the holiday season? |
The best times to send SMS marketing messages during the holiday season are:
- October: Launch seasonal promotions to capture early bird shoppers, aligning with fall and Halloween themes.
- Early November: Educate subscribers with gift guides and product information to help them build their shopping lists.
- Mid- to Late-November: Start sending Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM) deals as early as the Sunday or Monday before Thanksgiving. Tease upcoming sales and maintain engagement through the holiday weekend.
| Can SMS marketing be used for post-holiday engagement? |
Yes, After the holiday rush, SMS marketing can maintain customer engagement through follow-up messages, thanking them for their purchases, offering loyalty rewards, or promoting clearance sales. These strategies keep your brand top of mind and encourage repeat business.
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