10 holiday text message templates to use with customers

10 holiday text message templates to use with customers

They’re making their lists, checking them twice… I’m not talking about Santa and his elves. I’m talking about your customers! With the festive season around the corner, consumers are beginning to plan their holiday gifts, parties, trips, and more. And all of that means more spending. In 2023, holiday spending in the United States reached $964.4 billion, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF).

Businesses that tap into this shopping spree can significantly boost their revenue, brand awareness, and long-term customer loyalty. In this blog, we’ll discuss the benefits of holiday SMS marketing, some tips to improve it, and holiday text message templates to inspire your outreach this year.

Why send holiday text messages?

Holiday spending has grown by nearly 9% since 2021 and the NRF expects holidays sales will continue to increase in 2024. This means consumer demand is still high for holiday items, gifts, and non-gift purchases–shoppers will definitely be on the lookout for the best deals. 

Text or SMS is a powerful tool for sending holiday messages to your customers. As a strategy, SMS marketing allows businesses to maximize ROI while reaching audiences directly. That means, it can help boost sales and encourage customer engagement in anticipation of the holiday season.

Benefits of holiday SMS marketing

Holiday SMS marketing has many benefits. Let’s take a look at three major ways it can improve your business performance.

1. Instant reach and high open rates

SMS messages have an incredibly high open rate—90% of consumers read a text message within three minutes of receiving it. This means your audience sees your holiday promotional messages almost immediately. With consumers busy during the holiday season, the ability to grab their attention can be a game-changer.

2. Direct and personalized communication

SMS marketing allows for direct and personalized communication with customers. You can address recipients by their names and tailor messages based on their preferences and purchase history. This level of personalization increases the relevance of your messages and can drive higher engagement and conversion rates. 

3. Real-time updates and urgency

The holiday season often involves limited-time offers, flash sales, and changing inventory. Over 60% of consumers want to receive texts for time-sensitive events. Holiday SMS marketing enables you to send real-time updates and create a sense of urgency. Additionally, SMS is a high-engagement channel with a 45% response rate. When customers receive notifications about exclusive deals or items back in stock, they may be more likely to take action.

Holiday SMS marketing tips and best practices

Here are some SMS tips to make your holiday marketing campaigns as effective as possible this year.

1. Build a targeted subscriber list

A targeted subscriber list is the foundation of a successful SMS marketing strategy. Having a list that’s current and specific to your target audience ensures that your messages reach the right people. Segmenting your audience based on demographics and past behavior takes this a step further, allowing you to tailor your SMS campaigns to individual preferences. Of course, only send SMS marketing messages to subscribers who have opted in to receive communications from your company. This will ensure happy recipients, limit the number of unsubscribes, and reduce the risk of being blocked from sending future messages.

2. Craft holiday-specific content

Creative and attention-grabbing holiday messaging is key to standing out in crowded inboxes. Think about incorporating limited-time offers, exclusive deals, and messaging that not only captures the essence of the holiday season but also motivates recipients to take action. If you need inspiration, generative AI can help craft compelling content. Holiday marketing is also a great way to foster brand loyalty as customers will look forward to your holiday season events and deals each year.

3. Time your text messages strategically

Timing is everything for holiday marketing. Understanding your audience's behavior patterns is essential in determining optimal sending times. It’s critical to strike a balance between maintaining engagement and avoiding message fatigue. Overwhelming your subscribers with too many messages can lead to opt-outs, so thoughtful scheduling and frequency are key to a successful holiday SMS marketing strategy.

4. Personalize your content

Connect with customers directly and make them feel like they’re talking to your brand through personalized content. Personalized texts perform better with customers and can get you more clicks and conversions. There are many ways to personalize your holiday marketing content. You can start by collecting customer data, such as names, demographics, preferences, and purchase history. The more data you have, the more specific your messages can be. Then, you can choose which criteria you want to segment your audience by. This will allow you to:

• Address the recipient by name

• Provide unique product recommendations

• Create location-specific offers

• Time messages appropriately

5. Include images or graphics 

Use images or GIFs to help your text stand out to recipients since a text message offers limited space to make an impact. Include images to show off items on sale, new product recommendations, or create a graphic that details available holiday discounts.

6. Use branded messaging

If you haven’t already done this, enable RCS to send branded text messages to your customers. With RCS messaging, businesses can send messages with their brand name and logo, making each communication instantly recognizable. The goal is to ensure your audiences know who sent the text so they don’t mark it as spam or unsubscribe.

7. Create a solid CTA

Pique curiosity and get customers to take action with the right call-to-action (CTA). Promotional texts that contain a clear CTA and a direct link tell customers what to do with the text and take the next step. 

8. Track your performance

Tracking metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates is crucial to measure the impact of your holiday marketing campaigns. Key performance indicators provide insight into what's working and what needs adjustment. Don't underestimate the power of A/B testing, either. Conducting experiments to refine your messaging strategy based on data-driven insights can help you optimize your campaigns, ensuring that each SMS sent during the holiday season is more effective than the last. Plus, you can use this data to inform the following year’s strategy.

9. Choose a reliable SMS provider

Reliable providers have established relationships with mobile carriers and adhere to industry best practices. This reduces the risk of messages getting lost or delayed. A reputable provider, such as Twilio, will also ensure your SMS marketing is compliant and secure. Twilio Messaging provides consumers with scalable solutions, expert assistance, and trusted quality.

Holiday text message templates

Now, let’s look at 10 holiday message templates you can use this holiday season to reach your customers. 

1. Out-of-office messages

Create an autoreply message to capture texts that customers send while staff is away if your business is closed at any time during the holidays. Customers won’t feel ignored, and it’s an easy way to set expectations for when you’ll reply to their message.

Thanks for your text! Our offices are closed for the Thanksgiving holiday as our staff enjoys some time off. Someone will reply to your message on (insert date) when we reopen. Happy Thanksgiving!

2. Holiday business hours

Set up a keyword (like HOURS) that customers can text to see when your business will be open throughout the holidays. You can advertise this keyword in email signatures, on social media, or on signs in your shop or office.

Happy holidays! We’ll be open during regular business hours through (insert date), then as follows:

12/23 – (insert time)
12/24 – (insert time)
12/25 – Closed (Merry Christmas!)
12/26-12/30 – (insert time)
12/31 – (insert time)
1/1 – Closed (Happy New Year!)

More questions? Reply to this text, and we’ll be with you shortly. If it’s after hours, we’ll reply during regular business hours. 

3. Black Friday promotions 

Use text messages as a marketing tool to promote upcoming sales or discounts this Black Friday. Give customers an incentive to sign up for your opt-in text list by teasing exclusive promo codes they can redeem at checkout.

You’re in! Thanks for subscribing to (your business name)’s text alerts. Use offer code (insert promo code) for an additional (insert discount percentage) off your entire Black Friday purchase in store or online. Tap here for the details: (insert link)

Reply STOP at any time to opt out.

4. Cyber Monday deals

Continue the momentum into Cyber Monday with additional SMS marketing campaigns for your new text subscribers from Black Friday. You could use flash sales to attract customers to limited-time offers.

Don’t miss this Cyber Monday deal. Take (insert discount percentage) off (discounted items) only for the next (time frame)! Shop now: (insert link) (insert image of discounted items)

5. Shipping notifications

Set expectations about potential shipping delays to ensure that customers plan for timely delivery. After all, the holidays are usually a busy time for shipping carriers.

Hi, [first name]! Christmas may be weeks away, but we encourage customers to shop early for timely delivery. Many shipping carriers are experiencing a large volume of orders, resulting in delivery delays. Check out our blog post for more details: (insert link)

6. Tips and product recommendations

Keep customers engaged throughout the holiday season with helpful tips or product recommendations if you’re a retailer or service-based business. You can offer new ways to use your products or share ideas on how to style apparel and accessories from your store.

Hi, [first name]! We love the cold weather, but we don’t love how dry it makes our skin. Did you know about our (insert product and tip)? We’ve got more self-care products: (insert link to line of products) (insert image of a product)

Reply STOP at any time to opt out.

7. Event announcements and registration

Help drive sign-ups for virtual gatherings. Send out a message with a link to your event’s registration page, then a reminder text when the event date nears.

Hi, [first name]! It’s your friends from (your business’ name). Could your Thanksgiving dinner menu use a refresh? Get inspired with (insert name) on (insert date). (Special guest’s preferred pronoun) will share two of their favorite Thanksgiving side recipes with tips on how to create new family favorites. Register here: (insert link) (insert image of special guest or sides)

8. Holiday gift ideas

Help customers ease the pressure of finding the perfect gift for friends and family with gift suggestions. If you have a blog, use this as an opportunity to drive traffic to your website. Create a few gift lists, then link them in your messages.

Looking for the perfect gift for someone special? We know the struggle. Check out our latest gift guide to find the perfect gift: (insert link)

9. Happy holidays text messages

Remember, not all of your holiday text messages have to be sales-driven. Sometimes, customers appreciate a simple message wishing them a festive holiday season.

Hi, [first name]! From all of us at (insert your business’ name), we wish you a Merry Christmas! We look forward to seeing you next year.

10. Treat yourself messages

Remind customers to keep themselves on their holiday shopping list with a quick message.

Hi, [first name]! It’s [my first name] from (insert your business’ name). It’s been quite the year, and you deserve a little something. Treat yourself and take (insert discount percentage) off your next online order with offer code (insert offer code). Shop now: (insert link)

Build your holiday SMS campaign with Twilio Messaging

Whether it’s a special sale or a festive message, text messages are the perfect way to reach customers. SMS marketing provides the personalization and engagement needed to keep customers loyal and connected. 

Ready to build your holiday SMS marketing campaign? Twilio Messaging has everything you need to connect with customers and engage them at scale this holiday season. Try Twilio for free today.