Discover how the best brands use cart abandonment
text messages to engage mobile consumers & drive revenue.
This curated collection of SMS marketing examples we love will help spark creativity and elevate your strategy
TEXTS WE LOVE
Why We Love It:
Mercato sent this SMS message ahead of Memorial Day to remind subscribers to get any last-minute BBQ dishes or items before the holiday. Whether subscribers needed meats, veggies, or seafood, Mercato would make last-minute shopping easy so customers could focus on their celebrations and honoring our heroes.
Why We Love It:
PopSockets helps subscribers customize their phone cases, wallets, and grips every single day, but wanted to help customers customize a product for the most important woman in their life—mom. They texted subscribers reminding them that Mother’s Day was coming up soon and they could save on custom accessories, but only for a limited time.
Why We Love It:
Venus et Fleur wanted to help subscribers out for Mother’s Day. First, they reminded them of what date the holiday fell on. Then, for customers who weren’t sure what kind of gift they wanted to give mom for Mother’s Day, Venus et Fleur helped them with their problem by sharing a curated gift guide. Finally, they offered complimentary shipping on orders over $299 so they could save on the perfect gift for mom.
Why We Love It:
Mother’s Day may come once a year, but moms deserve to pamper themselves every day of the year. TheraBox texted subscribers with a special offer of 40% off their subscription service (the gift that keeps on giving!), as well as offer a free hand cream as part of their Mother’s Day sale.
Why We Love It:
Rachio blended educational and promotional content in this SMS message as they shared a free guide on how to make tequila at home with their subscribers, and reminded subscribers why it pays to be opted into SMS messages. Quite literally, as they could snag $5 off a timer kit or valve—but only if they hurried and bought that day.
Why We Love It:
Apparel brand Johnnie-O got in on the Cinco de Mayo celebrations by promoting a festive Avocado Print Polo that would perfectly match the party vibes. Stylish subscribers could shop this item and find other fun prints for their upcoming summer holidays. The campaign was well-timed for the occasion and didn’t require discounting or special offers to encourage subscribers to check out the print.
Why We Love It:
Just in time for Memorial Day and the unofficial kick-off of the summer season, Paravel messaged subscribers letting them know it was time to take advantage of the brand’s biggest sale of the year. Subscribers could snag 25% off sitewide to find the perfect travel companion for their upcoming summer vacations.
Why We Love It:
Kodiak Cakes sent subscribers an educational SMS message sharing a fun, festive recipe perfect for Cinco de Mayo fiestas—their guacamole waffle bites. Rather than launching a sale, the brand opted to share an easy (and delicious) appetizer anyone would want to serve at an upcoming summer party.
Why We Love It:
Finding the right graduation gift can be a challenge, but not for Marleylilly’s subscribers. Marleylilly used Two-Way Journeys™ to make it easy for their subscribers to find the perfect gift for their favorite graduate—even if they’re shopping for themselves. After asking who someone’s shopping for and prompting them to reply with a particular keyword, the brand set up triggered replies with personalized picks to commemorate the graduation celebration.
Why We Love It:
No one wants to miss the big moment of watching someone they love walk across the stage and get their diploma. Blenders Eyewear is here to make sure their subscribers don’t miss the moment because of the sun. They messaged subscribers to shop shades that are perfect for graduation ceremonies and parties—and can then be worn all summer long.
Why We Love It:
Rogers & Hollands reminded subscribers that graduation celebrations were coming up. If they wanted to celebrate the tassel without the hassle, then they should shop the graduation gift ideas curated by the Rogers & Hollands. They could find the perfect gift for their graduate and shop stress-free.
Why We Love It:
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Healthy Bean sent this SMS message to encourage subscribers to take care of their mental health by improving their focus and energy with their superfood-infused coffee. It would also support their physical wellbeing by being gut-healthy and full of antioxidants. Healthy Bean can help their subscribers have both a healthy mind and body, and even better, save 25% on their first order.
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Why We Love It:
Gounds & Hounds texted subscribers wishing them a happy Earth Day. They shared not only a link to a great sale, but also shared how their eco-friendly business practices and organic coffees keep the earth beautiful every day. Their call to action was to shop the sale and support the brand and their initiatives that help protect the only planet that has pups.
Why We Love It:
Rachio helps their customers automatically save water every day with their sprinkler systems. They wanted to help subscribers automatically save on a new system by automatically applying a 20% discount during their Earth Day sale. This offer and call to action to save water ties perfectly with Rachio’s mission and values around conservation.
Why We Love It:
Kat the Label AU texted their loyalty program members with an exclusive treat for the Easter holiday. They used their program’s initials, Sunday Society, in the promo code to make it easy to remember and use on the website. They also kept up an air of mystery as they didn’t spoil what the Easter treat was and encouraged customers to claim the secret offering to find out.
Why We Love It:
Easter is a major sales holiday in the UK and Pour Les Femmes UK texted subscribers letting them know their Easter sale was extended and included an SMS subscriber-exclusive offer of 20% off. Their sale tied into the spring themes of renewal and self-care and touted the unique selling points of their products, such as being breathable, washable, and adding some shine to their customers’ lives.
Why We Love It:
Marleylilly wanted to ensure customers got all their eggs in one basket for the Easter holiday by texting subscribers about the upcoming shipping deadline for guaranteed on-time delivery. They were clear about the deadline and that this was the last chance to get their holiday items in time. It was a timely reminder and perfect for subscribers who’d been browsing the site but hadn’t yet finalized their order.
Why We Love It:
Dr. Scholl’s doesn’t joke around when it comes to comfortable footwear and they weren’t joking about their Gum Bottom sneakers going viral. They did not want SMS subscribers to miss out on their chance to snag a pair so sent them this SMS message to encourage an immediate purchase before they sold out.
Why We Love It:
Omaha Steaks made it clear that their steak sale was not an April Fools’ Day prank. It was a legitimate sale and subscribers would be foolish if they didn’t place an order—especially since they could get free shipping too. The image in this MMS pulls double duty as it shows the steaks that are on sale instead of just naming them in the message and clearly displays pricing.
Why We Love It:
Cheryl’s Cookies played a prank on their subscribers by introducing the new and unique mashed potato and gravy cupcake. The brand has a lot of fun on April Fools’ Day with coming up with some creative flavor combinations that definitely catch their subscribers’ attention. But they weren’t kidding when they offered subscribers 25% off their next order in honor of the holiday.
Why We Love It:
Diamond Nexus sent this SMS message to celebrate prom season and all the glitz and glamor that comes with it. But they didn’t want subscribers breaking the bank to find the perfect accessory and linked them to affordable jewelry that would complement any prom dress.
Why We Love It:
Brilliant Earth found a brilliant way to personalize the shopping experience for their subscribers by asking them what role they were playing in the upcoming wedding season. By answering if they were the bride, in the bridal party, the groom, or a wedding guest, Brilliant Earth would respond with recommendations and links to complete their wedding season look. This was an excellent strategy to collect zero-party data that could be used to tailor future sends.
Why We Love It:
Astrid and Miyu offered to help subscribers find the perfect plus one for any upcoming summer weddings. And it was in the form of pearl jewelry. They linked directly to a curated collection of bridal-inspired looks and jewelry. The image showcased a variety of necklaces, bracelets, and rings to help steer subscribers down the right path of what they needed to shop for.
Why We Love It:
Members of Maker Wine’s Can Club received an exclusive offer to get 30% off their limited supply of advent calendars. Plus, the discount would be automatically applied at checkout making it even easier to act on. They included some social proof with a 5-star rating and customer review of the calendar in this MMS to showcase positive feedback and help subscribers feel confident about their purchase. If Can Club members wanted to buy a few calendars as gifts, they simply had to respond to the text and Maker Wine would help them out with shipping to multiple addresses.
Why We Love It:
Maker Wine helped subscribers with their holiday shopping by creating a curated list of gift ideas that tied into the brand’s values—which might be shared by their customers. All of the ideas in the gift guide were from local female and minority-owned brands that Maker Wine supports. Gift guides can help build trust and loyalty, as they show they’re committed to providing helpful resources. The timing of this campaign on a lazy Sunday is great as subscribers may have a bit more time to scroll through the guide.
Why We Love It:
Maker Wine texted subscribers to invite them to an online and exclusive event. These free meet the Maker virtual events provide a peek behind the scenes of how their favorite wines are crafted and builds a sense of community. It’s a fun, engaging way to educate customers about the products, and hopefully encouraged customers to re-order now that they know more about the product and how they’re made.
Why We Love It:
FITAID perfectly timed this SMS send as new customers were probably close to running out of the product they recently purchased. It was time to restock, and time to take advantage of an SMS-exclusive coupon to help subscribers save. This incentivized immediate purchases and fostered a sense of loyalty as FITAID is on top of knowing when it’s time to re-order before customers run out of their favorite products.
Why We Love It:
As part of a welcome series, FITAID sent this SMS message to new customers and subscribers encouraging them to join other FITAID fans on a variety of social media channels. They shared what subscribers can expect from these online communities, such as gym humor and fitness tips. There was a subtle nod to their products, but the message was non-promotional in nature and invited subscribers to engage with the brand on other channels.
Why We Love It:
Purity Coffee treated their VIPs like gold and saved them some green with their St. Patrick’s Day discounts and free shipping offer. Offering exclusive discounts to VIPs not only makes them feel valued and appreciated, but it also encourages repeat business and fosters long-term loyalty. Plus, by sharing when the deal expired, customers could shop on their timeline and still score some savings.
Why We Love It:
Liquid I.V. texted subscribers to help them stay hydrated for their St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with a buy three, get one free deal–no luck needed to get this great offer. With no exclusions, shoppers can stock up on their favorite flavors and enjoy superior hydration over the holiday.
Why We Love It:
Cupshe UK encouraged subscribers to add some green to their lives to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Not only could subscribers shop for green-colored clothing or swimwear, they could also save some green by taking advantage of the buy two, get one free deal Cupshe UK was offering.
Why We Love It:
Harry & David celebrated the dessert-filled and mathematical-themed holiday Pi Day by offering 14% off gourmet pies as the holiday takes place on 3/14. This encouraged customers to treat themselves to a decadent treat at a discount. And by using a holiday-specific promo code, Harry & David can easily track how popular this offer was and what subscribers took advantage of the exclusive offer.
Why We Love It:
Marleylilly helped subscribers satisfy their shopping cravings without having to bust out the calculator on Pi Day. They texted subscribers to check out the products that were priced at $14.99 or less on March 14. They turned Pi Day into Pi-Yay with the savings subscribers could indulge in.
Why We Love It:
Bobo’s texted subscribers to wish them a happy Pi Day and encouraged them to treat themselves to some pie-like treats by linking directly to their Apple Pie Bites product. These delicious bites would be the perfect way to savor the day and satisfy those pie cravings. It was a smart strategy to tap into FOMO for the pie-themed holiday and didn’t require any discounting.
Why We Love It:
Luna Grill sent this SMS saying they could handle the cooking so subscribers could enjoy that extra daylight thanks to Daylight Savings Time. By offering a great deal on two plates and listing out what dishes were on that special offer menu, subscribers could quickly decide which dishes they were going to order ahead so they could continue to enjoy the sunshine.
Why We Love It:
Bulova gave their customers a reason to see the bright side of losing an hour in March when we spring forward into Daylight Savings. Customers would need to adjust their watches anyway, and if they were looking for a newer model they should take advantage of Bulova’s offer of 25% off select styles. They made it easy on subscribers who might be groggy after the time change by requiring no discount code as the savings were already automatically applied.
Why We Love It:
By engaging their community in an authentic and meaningful way, Happiest Baby made sure the women in their audience felt truly appreciated. For International Women’s Day, the brand celebrated the strong women raising the next generation. But strong women and their little ones need quality sleep for all that work that goes into raising children. They offered a great deal on their SNOO product so moms could treat themselves to better sleep.
Why We Love It:
ReserveBar celebrated International Women’s Day by sharing a curated list of their favorite women-owned brands that their customers might be interested in. These drinks created by empowered women would elevate the spirits of subscribers as they supported women-owned businesses with their purchase and got to sip on the high-quality spirits later.
Why We Love It:
Have Some Fun Today celebrated women by offering an amazing deal of 40% off sitewide. Subscribers could treat themselves to something new right now, honor the work done by the women of the generation before them, or inspire the next generation with the perfect gift. It was a nice reminder for subscribers about the month-long holiday and offered an affordable way to recognize the impactful women in their subscribers’ lives.
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Why We Love It:
The Milwaukee Bucks kicked off March by offering exclusive deals on their women’s t-shirts in honor of Women’s History Month. This promo was a part of their Flash Sale Fridays, so it was timely but also drove a sense of urgency as this deal wouldn’t last the entire month unlike the holiday. The send worked for a wide audience, as subscribers could shop for themselves or as a gift for a female friend or family member who loves the Milwaukee Bucks.
Why We Love It:
Victoria’s Secret used SMS to bridge the gap between digital and physical by texting subscribers and telling them about an in-store exclusive offer. Not only could subscribers save on select beauty items, they’d also get a buy two get one free deal by going to their nearest store. Not only would this drive foot traffic to their stores, but chances are this deal increased AOV as customers browsed inventory in person.
Why We Love It:
‘Tis the sea-sun to plan and shop for spring break vacation, and Altar’d State has a great collection of vacay-ready looks in their Beach Mode Shop. There's a heightened sense of anticipation and a willingness to spend on new experiences and products for spring break. It’s a prime opportunity to drive quick sales by tapping into the excitement and freedom associated with this springtime vacation.
Why We Love It:
Altar’d State has a brand value of giving back and they do this through Mission Monday, which connects the brand to their communities they serve. When customers shop on Mondays, 10% of net proceeds go to select non-profits. Customers who share this value of giving back can feel good about their shopping and giving support, with the bonus of getting something new for their closet.
Why We Love It:
QVC alerted subscribers about a flash sale on beauty products where subscribers could enjoy savings of up to 30%, perfect for those who want to “glow all out” this season. Flash sales create a sense of urgency and excitement, encouraging customers to act quickly and take advantage of the limited-time offer and limited inventory.
Why We Love It:
Erin Condren aligned their SMS campaign around the annual tradition of spring cleaning and recommended spring products that would help subscribers declutter, organize, and streamline their lives. The timely message tapped into the feelings subscribers have of wanting to be more organized and prioritizing spring activities, and would inspire them to purchase all their spring cleaning essentials from Erin Condren.
Why We Love It:
QVC texted subscribers to let them know it was time to build their spring wardrobe or spring for an item they’ve had their eye on as it’s now on sale. Subscribers could find the latest trends, debut styles, and save on new items for their closet when they shopped over the Super Style Weekend.
Why We Love It:
Wayback Burgers gave their subscribers some extra credit during the back-to-school shopping season and credited them with $5—$5 off their next purchase of $30 or more. The message had a sense of urgency as the offer was only valid that day and it was timely for families who were probably hungry after all their shopping.
Why We Love It:
Magic Spoon knew their subscribers couldn’t say no to the cute office dogs visiting headquarters for National Bring Your Dog to Work Day. How could they not buy a bundle in their honor? This message tapped into feelings of enjoyment and fulfillment, and the idea that customers should reorder their favorite filling and healthy cereals.
Why We Love It:
The leaves were falling, and so were the prices on D’Artagnan’s fall collection. The brand texted subscribers letting them know they could save up to 25% on select meats and that if they ordered right away, they’d get their deliveries that same weekend. The color scheme of the image worked with the fall theme and literally helped customers picture what could be included in their fall feasts.
Why We Love It:
As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, fall feasts and cozy gatherings become a highlight of the season. Rather than promoting a sale, La Tienda shared some product recommendations for the perfect charcuterie board. A fall feast wouldn’t be complete without these classic Spanish meats.
Why We Love It:
This SMS campaign cleverly called attention to the fact that this offer of free shipping isn’t one that Baked by Melissa offers every day. Subscribers should take advantage of the finance department’s offer. There’s another sense of urgency to act as the promo is only valid for one day in honor of Dessert Day. There’s no better time for customers to treat themselves to a sweet treat while being treated to free shipping.
Why We Love It:
Wayback Burgers couldn’t skip celebrations for National Cheeseburger Day and texted subscribers letting them know about a one-day-only BOGO offer. This campaign was timely for any foodies looking to honor the holiday and save while doing so. Another plus? Without needing a coupon code, the offer was easy to act on.
Why We Love It:
To celebrate Better Breakfast Month, Magic Spoon messaged their subscribers to encourage them to check out their line of nostalgic yet protein-packed cereals. Their products provide the best breakfast there is, and their subscribers deserve only the best. This message promotes the high value of their cereals without needing to offer a discount.
Why We Love It:
Online meat delivery service D’Artagnan sent this non-promotional SMS message to share a delicious and seasonally-appropriate recipe with subscribers. This approach positioned the brand as a trusted source of culinary inspiration. It also made them a part of their subscribers’ everyday lives by encouraging them to try new dishes. The recipe included a subtle plug for their services, as subscribers could order the necessary ingredients through D’Artagnan.
Why We Love It:
La Tienda wasn’t tricking subscribers with this Halloween SMS message, but treating them to 25% off an order of Spanish treats. They clearly communicated the offer and when it would end. The offer didn’t require a promo code to snag the spooktacular savings, which made it easy for subscribers to shop without having to remember a code.
Why We Love It:
This SMS message from Baked by Melissa compelled subscribers to shop immediately so they could have these limited-edition cupcakes at their Halloween parties. This was a smart strategy to drive some urgency in getting that Halloween treat, and didn’t require Baked by Melissa to run a sale or discount their cupcakes.
Why We Love It:
DW Home took advantage of increased web traffic leading up to Valentine’s Day by launching a custom sign-up unit. The colorful design featured Valentine’s Day colors set against an image of candles and roses, which was a fun, effective way to capture shoppers’ attention and convert them into email and SMS subscribers.
Why We Love It:
To celebrate Valentine's Day, Venus Et Fleur offered free shipping with the promo code “ROMANCE.” They retargeted subscribers who didn’t click the link in the first SMS message to remind them that this special offer (and guaranteed on-time delivery with express shipping) was ending soon.
Why We Love It:
Venus Et Fleur cleverly timed their SMS messages to catch subscribers during those big game commercial breaks—prime scrolling time. With a great offer of free express shipping, they made Valentine’s Day planning a touchdown-worthy play, letting customers tackle their flower orders right then and there so they didn’t fumble the holiday.
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Why We Love It:
Banana Republic wanted to help their card members to kick off the new year off with some fresh styles without having to pay full price. They sent an SMS campaign offering 20% to engaged and high-intent customers. This campaign not only drove sales after the holiday season, but also helped increase customer retention.
Why We Love It:
Welcome a new year with new, timeless luggage. BEIS emphasized that the value and quality of their luggage is so worth it, they don’t need to discount their products. No matter where their customers’ travels take them, their luggage will be functional and stand the test of time.
Why We Love It:
Happiest Baby wanted to give its customers the greatest gift of all—a good night’s sleep for their babies. They offered parents the option to upgrade their child’s sleep game without going over budget. Not only could they affordably rent the product, they’d also get free accessories valued at $200—another great gift for parents.
Why We Love It:
ONEHOPE knew cocktails and mocktails would be on the menu for New Year’s Eve parties, and helped their customers shake things up by sending some fun, celebratory recipes straight to their phones. There was no sales pitch attached to this campaign, and it positions ONEHOPE as a helpful resource to their customers.
Why We Love It:
Cozy Earth introduced some new products for the new year and wanted SMS subscribers to be the first to see their new towel collection. Subscribers were invited to join a livestream event where they could learn more about the product line and be the first to get their hands on these new towels in the new year.
Why We Love It:
Supergoop! aimed to help customers with any health-related New Year’s resolutions by sending weekly tips straight to subscribers’ phones. It’s engaging,interactive, and shows they care about their customers and their health—proving the mission of the brand in this educational and inspirational marketing campaign.
Why We Love It:
ELEMIS resolved to help customers with their skincare routines by offering a free travel-sized cleanser with every full-sized cleanser purchase. This SMS campaign hits two common New Year's resolutions at once: improving healthy habits and traveling more. Whether at home or halfway around the world, ELEMIS made sure their customers looked their best.
Why We Love It:
Westgate Resorts, a travel and hospitality company, welcomed new SMS subscribers with spooktacular savings and exclusive offers, like taking up to 25% off their next stay. New subscribers are often ready to take action and convert—in fact, we’ve found that 7% of customers make a purchase in the first 72 hours after subscribing to a brand.
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Why We Love It:
A countdown is a great way to generate excitement, clicks, and conversions, and Freebirds World Burrito did this with 12 Days of Freebies. Subscribers had to opt in to these daily messages and exclusive offers, but could take a sneak peek to see what mouthwatering offers were on the table. This is a smart way to segment their audience, as it lets them spot loyal customers and figure out which deals their customers like the most.
Why We Love It:
Fast casual restaurant Freebirds World Burrito tapped into their subscribers’ curiosity mindsets by teasing what their limited-time mystery offer could be. A free item, or a percentage-off discount? Subscribers could satisfy that curiosity and unlock a great offer by clicking the link in the SMS message.
Why We Love It:
Outdoorsy, a popular RV rental brand, reached out to their subscribers with a text message to help them plan an affordable and exciting Labor Day weekend. By offering a simple, easy-to-remember discount code that gave subscribers 10% off their rentals, they made it effortless for subscribers to include Outdoorsy in their holiday plans and enjoy a memorable adventure.
Why We Love It:
RV rental company Outdoorsy messaged subscribers announcing a flash sale where they could save 10%. They used an easy-to-remember redemption code—it was the brand’s name—and their messaging played up FOMO to make sure no subscriber would want to pass up the chance to save on their next outdoor adventure.
Why We Love It:
SMS subscribers love getting exclusive offers—especially those they can share with friends and family. Rubio’s, a fast casual restaurant, messaged subscribers to let them know that as a rewards member, they would have an offer for two entrees for $16 already loaded in their account. If recipients weren’t already in the membership program, they could quickly join right from their phone to get this great Memorial Day deal.
Why We Love It:
Fast casual restaurant Rubio’s texted subscribers over Labor Day with an offer to earn double points as rewards members. By including a link for easy sign-up, they made sure any subscribers who weren’t already members could take advantage of the special offer, too. The message encouraged subscribers to relax during the Labor Day weekend by letting Rubio’s cook for them.
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Why We Love It:
Luna Grill reminded subscribers to treat mom to a Mediterranean escape by dining at one of their locations. They incentivized subscribers to stop in and pick up a $50 gift card by adding a $10 bonus card. This strategy provides customers with the immediate value of the gift card, and encourages them to return and spend more than the bonus gift card’s value.
Why We Love It:
Fast casual restaurant Luna Grill offered subscribers a treat for Halloween. With the purchase of an adult entree, kids in costume could eat for free before loading up on candy. This strategy can increase foot traffic as families are always looking for affordable dining options. While kids' meals might be free, adult purchases can lead to more sales because adults are likely to order other items like appetizers, desserts, or drinks. This strategy can also improve customer loyalty—parents appreciate businesses that cater to their needs and budget.
Why We Love It:
LATHER, a personal care brand, offered subscribers double the loyalty points on top of 25% off. Promoting a loyalty program is a great option to tap into the power of self-gifting without calling it self-gifting, because customers can save up their points for a special gift or perk in the future. These memberships are a great way to strengthen customer loyalty, increase lifetime value, and reaffirm the value your brand offers customers.
Why We Love It:
Personal care brand Pureology promoted stocking up during the biggest sale of the year with the added bonus of a free gift. This message is perfect for both generous gift-givers and savvy self-gifters alike, as shoppers eagerly await BFCM deals to save big and stock up on their favorite products. Whether Pureology's customers are treating themselves or sharing the love, everyone can appreciate a well-timed shopping reminder featuring a fantastic discount.
Why We Love It:
Clothing retailer 1987 invited subscribers to treat themselves to some self-gifting during the holiday season. The message was playfully conspiratorial as they promised they’d keep their subscribers’ self-gifting shopping hush-hush and tempted them with a peek at the newest arrivals in their holiday edit collection.
Why We Love It:
Accessories retailer Have Some Fun Today sent this SMS to capture the interest of shoppers looking for gifts for others and those looking to treat themselves. By crafting a message that resonated with both segments, their campaign captured a wider audience and boosted average order value as shoppers splurged on treats for themselves and loved ones.
Why We Love It:
Gift sets and bundles make for great holiday promotions as shoppers can divvy up the products and give them as gifts—or even keep a few items for themselves. Marin Skincare offered a discount on pre-built and custom bundles for Black Friday, but added a touch of urgency by telling subscribers to get theirs ordered before everyone else does.
Why We Love It:
Marleylilly's holiday promotion cleverly blended self-gifting with Black Friday deals. By offering a free travel bag set with purchase, they subtly encouraged shoppers to treat themselves while choosing gifts for others. With the year's lowest prices quickly coming to an end, there was an added sense of urgency to snag those deals before they vanished.
Why We Love It:
Fashion and accessories brand Olivela tapped into the emotions of self-worth and indulgence in their self-gifting campaign by announcing a new holiday: Self-gifting Saturday. Subscribers got in on the fun by gifting themselves something that simply made them feel good. Olivela linked to new arrivals so subscribers could explore fresh finds and treat themselves to something in just a few taps.
Why We Love It:
Clothing retailer MATE the Label sent this SMS over the holiday season inviting subscribers to indulge in a little self-gifting with a whopping 50% off everything. The gentle nudge created urgency by reminding shoppers that the year's biggest sale was nearing its end, and sparked some delightful impulse buys.
Why We Love It:
Can’t wait for October for spooky season? Neither can many consumers. Forest Ink, a clothing and swimwear retailer, tapped into the growing trend of Summerween, the unofficial holiday that gets a head start on celebrating all things spooky. Forest Ink used it as a way to offer their subscribers a great discount of 40% off. To invoke FOMO, the sale would be ghosting subscribers at midnight.
Why We Love It:
Drink Poppi used SMS to maximize visibility for an influencer campaign featuring Hailey Bieber. Subscribers could get ready for Halloween like Bieber by snagging their favorite drinks—as well as get 20% off their next order.
Why We Love It:
ONEHOPE Winery used SMS to remind customers about shipping deadlines. Subscribers would have a real fright night if they didn’t get their order delivered for Halloween celebrations. ONEHOPE used one message to remind customers of the purchase cutoff date for on-time delivery, and created a sense of urgency with an additional discount on bundles.
Why We Love It:
Farmacy Beauty understands that the struggle to remove Halloween makeup can be a nightmare. That's why they texted subscribers about their Green Clean product line. By providing a direct link to these products, they spared customers the hassle of searching and clicking, streamlining the path to purchase.
Why We Love It:
Instant delivery may be a thing in movies about magic; our shopping magic is BOPIS (Buy Online, Pick-up In-Store). Claire’s tapped into this convenience, sending subscribers a last-minute SMS reminder that they could shop online and quickly collect their items in-store to complete their Halloween looks.
Why We Love It:
Kodiak Cakes used SMS not to promote a spooky season sale, but to share a fun Halloween-themed recipe. Not every marketing moment has to be about a promotion. By providing value to subscribers, they foster a stronger brand connection without asking for immediate purchases. Additionally, by monitoring engagement with this message, Kodiak Cakes can tailor follow-ups, suggesting related products or alerting subscribers to price drops on recipe ingredients.
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Why We Love It:
The INKEY List UK engaged subscribers with a question that’s asked all Halloween night: Trick or treat? They used two-way texts to let their subscribers choose if they wanted a trick or if they deserved a treat. It was a great way to create an air of mystery and put subscribers in charge of what kind of reward they got back from the brand.
Why We Love It:
It’s creepy and kooky and most likely the shampoo used by a Halloween icon before she braids her hair, but most importantly, the black shampoo from Function of Beauty is a seasonal product. The limited-time nature of this offering compels consumers to shop immediately so they don’t miss out—and using SMS is the best way to serve that immediate need.
Why We Love It:
No tricks this spooky season from snack brand Bobo’s. They offered a free bite with all orders that were placed the day this message went out. This was a smart strategy to drive some urgency in getting that Halloween treat, and didn’t require Bobo’s to discount their products.
Why We Love It:
Slip UK, a pillowcase and sleep accessories retailer, used SMS marketing to announce they were slashing prices with a spooky flash sale. By automatically applying the discount, Slip UK made it easy for subscribers to shop the sale without remembering a promo code. The only thing subscribers had to do was shop ASAP, as the sale was only for 24 hours.
Why We Love It:
Instead of promoting a flash sale, Beis aligned their SMS message with Labor Day by inviting subscribers to check out their selection of work bags, tapping into seasonal transitions.
Why We Love It:
Greylin rewarded VIPs with an extension to shop the Labor Day sale after the holiday weekend was over. They also offered loyal customers an additional 40% off as an extra incentive to shop, but they had to hurry as the deal ended at midnight.
Why We Love It:
Oh Beauty sent this SMS campaign to remind customers it was their last chance to shop the Labor Day sale and enjoy 25% off most products. The emojis enhanced the message and conveyed that time was running out on the flash sale on beauty products.
Why We Love It:
Southern Proper made it easy for customers to get discounted prices during the Labor Day sale by not requiring a promo code. The shopping experience was streamlined as customers didn’t have to remember a code in case they wanted to shop the sale later. Southern Proper could still track shoppers with unique URLs or UTM tracking. The 30-60% off was a clickable incentive, and the brand let customers know that this was the biggest sale of the year.
Why We Love It:
Pittie Clothing Co. used SMS marketing to increase average order values during their Labor Day sale by running a buy two, get the third for free sale. The image worked well with the timing of this campaign, as customers gear up for cozy fall weather—and that applies to their furry friends, too.
Why We Love It:
Mattress brand Each Night led with price to grab the attention of subscribers who are on the hunt for a deal. They also used copy that created a sense of urgency by saying the Labor Day sale was a limited-time event and that the sale wouldn’t last long. It was a simple, but effective message that encouraged subscribers to shop right away.
Why We Love It:
Beachwaver made sure their customers didn't miss out on their Labor Day sale and amazing offer of 50% off by combining email and SMS. The email hit inboxes first to give shoppers time to browse and find the perfect hairstyling tool. Then, the brand followed up with an SMS message to drive immediate action and sales by reminding subscribers of the promo code to use as well as reminding them that the sale was coming to an end.
