Memorial Day weekend marks one of the most significant retail events of the year. From department stores to online brands, businesses pull out all the stops to attract customers eager for holiday deals. One of the most effective ways to reach those deal-hungry shoppers directly and instantly? Memorial Day SMS marketing.
With SMS open rates reaching over 98%, text messaging remains a top channel for brands looking to drive traffic and conversions quickly. If you’re not already leveraging SMS marketing for your Memorial Day promotions, now is the time to start.
Why Memorial Day SMS Marketing Works
When it comes to getting your promotions seen, few channels are as powerful as SMS. Memorial Day shoppers are often making spontaneous decisions, especially on limited-time offers. That’s where SMS shines—it delivers time-sensitive deals directly to customers’ phones within seconds, increasing the chances of real-time conversions.
Using the right SMS marketing software can help automate these efforts, segment your audience, personalize messages, and even track campaign performance in real time. Instead of blasting out the same promotion to everyone, businesses can tailor offers to different customer groups based on past purchases, location, or engagement history—boosting ROI significantly.
Build a Targeted Subscriber List Before the Holiday
The effectiveness of your Memorial Day SMS campaign hinges on your subscriber list. Start building or cleaning your list well before the holiday. Use opt-in forms on your website, pop-ups offering early access to sales, or even in-store signage with QR codes that let people subscribe with a quick scan.
Make sure to follow compliance regulations like the TCPA and obtain proper consent before sending texts. Transparency builds trust and ensures long-term list health.
Here are a few incentives you can use to increase opt-ins:
- “Text MEMORIAL to 12345 for early access to our biggest sale of the season!”
- “Sign up for SMS alerts and get 20% off your first Memorial Day purchase.”
- “Join our VIP text list for exclusive doorbuster deals.”
Craft the Perfect Memorial Day SMS Campaign
Timing and messaging are everything when it comes to SMS marketing. Memorial Day is a limited-time opportunity, so your texts need to create urgency and excitement. Here’s how to structure your campaign for maximum engagement:
1. Pre-Sale Hype
Send a message 3–5 days before your sale goes live to build anticipation.
Example:
“Memorial Day Weekend is coming! Get ready for our biggest sale of the year. Exclusive deals drop Friday. Text back ‘YES’ to get early access.”
2. Launch Day Push
Kick off the sale with a direct and compelling message.
Example:
“Memorial Day Deals Are LIVE! Up to 50% off sitewide this weekend only. Tap here to shop now: [short link]”
3. Urgency Reminder
Send one or two reminder texts throughout the weekend, especially if you’re running flash sales.
Example:
“12 Hours Left! Memorial Day savings end tonight at midnight. Don’t miss out: [short link]”
4. Last Call Message
Send a final nudge before the sale ends.
Example:
“Last chance! Our Memorial Day sale ends in 2 hours. Grab your favorites before they’re gone: [short link]”
5. Follow-Up & Thank You
After the sale, thank customers for shopping and keep them engaged.
Example:
“Thank you for making our Memorial Day sale a success! 🎉 Stay tuned for more exclusive offers coming soon.”
Use MMS for Extra Impact
Want to take your Memorial Day SMS marketing to the next level? Incorporate MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) to include eye-catching images, GIFs, or even short videos. Visual content grabs attention and can dramatically improve click-through rates.
Some MMS ideas for Memorial Day:
- A patriotic-themed graphic with your sale percentage
- Product photos with promotional stickers
- A short video previewing hot deals or showing behind-the-scenes setup
Segment Your Audience for Better Results
Not every subscriber is the same. Use your SMS marketing software to segment your list based on customer behavior, preferences, or location. For example:
- Send exclusive offers to VIP customers or frequent buyers.
- Offer local in-store promos only to contacts within a certain ZIP code.
- Promote specific product categories based on past purchase history.
This kind of personalization can lead to higher conversion rates and stronger customer relationships.
Test and Optimize Your Messages
Don’t just “set and forget” your campaign. Test different elements such as message timing, wording, call-to-actions, or incentives. A/B testing helps you understand what resonates most with your audience.
Key metrics to track:
- Click-through rates
- Redemption rates for coupon codes
- Unsubscribe rates
- Revenue per campaign
Most high-quality SMS marketing platforms, like Trumpia, provide built-in analytics to monitor performance and refine your strategy in real time.
Combine SMS with Other Channels
While SMS is powerful on its own, it becomes even more effective when paired with other channels like email, social media, or even direct mail. For instance:
- Use email to announce your upcoming Memorial Day sale, then send a text reminder when it’s live.
- Post countdowns on social media and include a call-to-action to sign up for SMS alerts.
- Create retargeting ads for users who clicked your SMS link but didn’t complete a purchase.
This multi-channel approach ensures you’re meeting your customers wherever they are and reinforcing your message across platforms.
Final Tips for Memorial Day SMS Success
- Keep it short and clear: Your customers are busy. Make your offer immediately understandable.
- Use strong CTAs: Tell people exactly what you want them to do—click, shop, reply, etc.
- Time it right: Don’t text too early in the morning or too late at night. Mid-morning or early afternoon tends to perform best.
- Avoid over-texting: One or two messages per day is usually plenty. Spamming can lead to unsubscribes.
- Always include opt-out language: Like “Reply STOP to unsubscribe” to stay compliant.
Ready to Launch Your Memorial Day SMS Campaign?
Memorial Day SMS marketing is one of the fastest, most effective ways to drive traffic and revenue during the long weekend. Whether you’re running a flash sale, offering early access, or rewarding loyal customers, text messaging lets you connect instantly and drive action.
Start today with Trumpia—an all-in-one SMS marketing software trusted by thousands of businesses nationwide. We make it easy to automate your campaigns, personalize your messages, and measure results.Sign up for your 14-day free trial or call or text 1-888-707-3030 to speak with an expert about building your Memorial Day campaign. Don’t wait—make this Memorial Day your biggest sales event yet!
