How SMS Marketing Gives Underdog Businesses a Black Friday Advantage
It’s almost that time of year again: Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year. And because mega-chains and big box retailers usually dominate Black Friday, the smaller independently owned shops and boutiques could actually struggle during the buying frenzy. If you’re the owner of such a business, you’ve probably come to terms with the fact that you can’t offer the same deals or acres of shelf space. But you do have one tool that can attract shoppers this Friday: your opt-in SMS marketing solution.
Group SMS is a great way for smaller retailers and businesses to get a leg up on their national competitors. After all, one of the most popular reasons to patronize a smaller shop is the close, personal customer service. This Black Friday, commit yourself to using SMS to offer that same customer service experience when people really need it.
While the usual suspects dominate TV airwaves and newspaper ads, create a group SMS campaign to send deals and store information straight to your customers. Send links to unique products, advertise extended store hours, or even give special promo codes to value hunters. The best part of SMS marketing is that you’ll be reaching your customers directly without wasting time advertising to out-of-towners or people who aren’t your target audience. The big guys only wish they had that kind of control over their message!
Even if you’re not in the business of selling the hot toy for 2012, you may still have a big role to play in Black Friday festivities. From restaurants that offer a bite to eat for famished shoppers to bars that provide a chance to unwind from a long day, virtually every business can benefit from Black Friday-themed SMS marketing. Whatever your business, there are a few simple tips to keep in mind to get the most out of your group SMS campaigns.
- Keep it useful – Smaller businesses maintain the SMS advantage only if they put it to good use. Anticipate the average Black Friday customer’s needs and impress them by addressing them directly.
- Keep it festive – Despite the ominous nickname, Black Friday kicks off the season of peace on earth and good will toward man! This isn’t the time for the same old stuffy advertising language. Communicate with your customers in a more personal, conversational manner—the kind that made your small business an attractive spot in the first place.
- Keep it exclusive – This is not a suggestion to shut people out of your campaign, but rather to remind your customers that your services can only be found in your place of business. You have something to offer that the major players can’t. Your group SMS campaign is there to put it on display.
The holiday shopping season is a non-stop bombardment of advertisements, with every business under the sun competing for every available dollar. The sheer amount of competition can seem too daunting for the small boutique or restaurant owner. But with a little creativity and the power of SMS, there is no reason for any business to give up. Use these next few days to prepare and you may even find yourself enjoying the madness of Black Friday.
For more tips and tricks to help you break though this holiday season, check out this helpful blog post.
