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12 holiday SMS marketing ideas you’ll want to check twice
With so many companies competing for your customers’ attention during this festive time of year, it may be challenging to reach your audience. The best approach is to create an integrated experience that combines email, SMS, and social media.
We’ve made a list of proven SMS campaign ideas to help retail and eCommerce businesses stand out from the crowd.
1. Encourage customers to visit you in-store
Incentivise customers to visit you in-store with a special promotion, like:
- Offer your first 100 visitors the chance to win a gift.
- Spend over $75 online or in-store and get a bonus gift.
- Bring in a text voucher for a special surprise offer.
Everyone loves a gift or free access to limited-supply items. Use this desire to your advantage to attract shoppers.
2. Target a new audience
Get in the spirit this festive season with a jolly competition! Text-to-win competitions make it easy for customers to text your business to get entered to win a prize.
3. And reward your loyal customers
Reward your most loyal customers this festive season with a little something extra. Surprise them with a gift, early access to a deal, or exclusive products. It will help you keep them for years to come.
Build customer loyalty by giving them extra rewards when they invite their friends and family to shop with you too. You can send them a text message that contains a unique gift code for them to use and share. They’ll be thrilled with your thoughtfulness, and you’ll get more business without more effort.
4. Customise your marketing text messages
Customers appreciate their holiday shopping experience being easy and personalised. Show them your appreciation by curating special gift collections tailored just for them.
Send customised marketing text messages to your customers by segmenting them by preferences, past purchases, or behaviours. That way, your SMS marketing campaigns will be as relevant as possible. Since 90% of text messages get read in under two minutes, it will also have higher customer engagement.
Once the holiday gift-giving season is over, run a similar campaign to promote items customers might like to purchase for themselves.
TOP TIP: When writing your holiday messages, enable short trackable links to reduce characters and save money.
5. Keep your customers in-the-loop
Wondering if their gifts will arrive in time for Christmas can create worry during an already busy time. Set their minds at ease by keeping them informed with automated text reminders on order confirmations and shipping status.
Encouraging customers to subscribe to text reminders is also a great way to boost your SMS subscriber base.
6. Treat your customers to a deal
Because the holidays can get expensive, 72% of shoppers hope to start shopping earlier this season to take advantage of sales. That means your holiday campaign won’t be complete without a special offer.
Treat your customers to multiple opportunities to save by offering special holiday coupons, discounts, and exclusive offers delivered right to their mobile phones via SMS.
7. Support a good cause
Customers like to support businesses that give back. Let them know your company cares and give them the opportunity to support a good cause. Offer to donate a percentage of their purchase to a charity of their choice or let them know how they can give back in other ways.
8. Offer increased value to your customers
Instead of overwhelming customers with a series of repetitive, impersonal marketing messages, create helpful and engaging experiences. Foster long-lasting relationships beyond the purchase by sending tailored messages.
For example, if a customer is buying a gift for their child, serve up post-holiday content on how to take care of their new toy. Or, if a giftee has received a skincare package, include a sign-up option in the shipment that allows them to receive skincare tips delivered to their phone.
9. Try something new with holiday-themed products
Creating a holiday-themed product or service can prove bountiful for your business. There are plenty of ways to deliver more holiday cheer to your customers, from holiday workshops to limited-edition PJs.
TOP TIP: If you’re keen to try new things in the new year, grab our 5 tips to refine your text messaging.
10. Branch out to your other channels
Diversify your marketing strategy by connecting with your customers across different channels. Stay front of mind and increase their shopping experience by reaching out when it suits them best.
An abandoned cart SMS reminder, an e-mail newsletter tailored to their preferences or an online loyalty program with special offers are all options to try. Some ecommerce platforms allow you to integrate automations into one workflow, such as the MessageMedia: SMS Marketing app.
11. Open your doors to customers
If you have the resources to do something more lavish this season, create a virtual or in-store holiday party experience and invite your most loyal and ideal prospective customers to join you.
Use an SMS service to send invitations to your in-person or virtual holiday event. You can enable two-way messaging and event integrations to create instant text-in RSVP confirmations.
12. Celebrate alongside your customers
Create a joyful experience for your customers while they shop in your store. You can even invite customers to bring their kids or pets to take a photo with Santa.
For those businesses without a storefront, find creative ways to create memorable experiences. Offer to send personalised e-greeting cards for your customers or create fun filters to use on social media.
More tips and tricks
There are endless opportunities to get creative this festive season. Text messaging for your business can support any ideas that you might have.
With 98% open rates and 8x the response rate of email, SMS has the best chance of cutting through the noise and reaching your customers this festive season.
