📱 SMS + Email: The Perfect BFCM Combo Strategy

Hey, it’s Ray.

Let’s be real, not every brand needs SMS.

If your audience is small, your AOV is low, or your customers prefer email, you can absolutely crush BFCM with a strong email strategy alone.

But… if you can run both, you should.

Because when email and SMS work together, they create a seamless, high-converting experience that captures attention and drives action. 

Together, they keep your brand top of mind, without deeper discounts or extra ad spend.

Email does the heavy lifting.

SMS closes the deal.

Here’s how to use email + SMS together to boost conversions, protect margins, and maximize your BFCM results.

1. The Early Access Combo

Goal: Reward your VIPs and build hype before everyone else.

• Email: Send a “Your Early Access Awaits” campaign 24 hours before your sale goes public.

• SMS: 2 hours later, text your VIPs a reminder with a short link:
  “🚨 VIP access is live. Your code: EARLY20.”
  

Why it works:

• The email builds anticipation. The text creates instant action.

• You drive urgency without blasting discounts to your full list.

Email angle:
Subject line: “You’re first in line, VIP 👑”

2. The Cart Recovery Duo

Goal: Recover more abandoned carts while keeping your message personal.

• Email: Send your cart reminder with visuals, reviews, and social proof.

• SMS: One hour later, send a friendly nudge:
  “Forgot something? Your cart’s still waiting, checkout now, and get it before it’s gone.”
  

Why it works:

• Cart emails inform; texts convert.

• Adding SMS to your abandoned flow can lift recovery rates. 

• SMS campaigns often achieve open rates around 98% and conversion rates in the 20-30% range, making them a potent follow-up channel after email.

Email angle:
Subject line: “Still thinking it over?”

3. The Split-Channel Strategy

Goal: Deliver the right message on the right platform.

• Use email for storytelling, bundles, and visuals.

• Use SMS for urgency, reminders, and last calls.
  

Example:

• Email: “5 gift ideas that ship fast 🎁”

• SMS (next day): “⏰ 24 hours left to get gifts delivered on time!”
  

Why it works:
You prevent message fatigue and keep both channels fresh and relevant.

4. The Tiered Offer Play

Goal: Use SMS to reinforce your best email offers.

• Email: Announce your main BFCM offer (“Spend $100, get $20 credit”).

• SMS: Follow up with urgency:
  “🔥 Your $20 gift credit expires tonight. Don’t miss it.”
  

Why it works:

• Your email sets the stage, but your SMS drives FOMO.

• This combo can double your conversion rate versus email alone.

Email angle:
Subject line: “Your BFCM bonus credit is here 💳”

5. The Last-Call Power Play

Goal: Close strong at the end of BFCM weekend.

• Email: “Last chance, BFCM ends tonight!”

• SMS: “⏳ Doors close in 3 hours. Shop now before it’s over.”
  

Why it works:
People check texts faster than emails. When the clock’s ticking, that instant reach makes all the difference.

The Takeaway

Email builds the relationship.

SMS drives the response.

Together, they don’t just sell more, they convert smarter.

Brands using both channels this BFCM will see stronger open rates, higher conversions, and better list engagement long after the sale ends.

So if you’re relying on just one channel this season, you’re leaving profit on the table.

Let’s fix that.

Let’s build your SMS + Email combo strategy and make this your most profitable BFCM yet.

Talk soon,
Raymond Chen
Founder & CEO, 11 Agency

More Ways to Level Up Your Email Game 

Q4 is here, and with BFCM and the holidays right around the corner, your email marketing has to be dialed in. 

Every click, every open, and every flow can mean the difference between hitting record revenue or leaving money on the table. 

Here’s how I can help you maximize Q4: 

Done-for-You Email Strategy: If you’re ready to scale but don’t have the time, I’ll build out a complete email system designed to capture more revenue, convert more customers, and keep sales flowing through the holidays. Book a call with me here. 

Free Resource: Not ready to commit just yet? Grab my FREE 10-page KPI audit and 128-point health scorecard, a proven toolkit to quickly optimize your email performance before BFCM. Get it here!

Take Your Email Marketing Even Further

If you’re up about boosting your email game, I’ve got a few more gems for you:

📺 Watch My YouTube Video!

Want to boost sales with abandoned cart and checkout flows? In my YouTube video, I break down how to actually create high-converting flows that recover lost revenue. This step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know to turn abandoned carts into completed purchases. 👉 Watch it here!

📝 Stay Ahead with 2025’s Email Marketing Trends

Not sure what’s working in email marketing right now? You’re not alone. Many brands play it safe until they see what’s actually driving results.

We’ve broken down the biggest email marketing trends for 2025, so you can stay ahead, boost engagement, and drive more revenue. Want to know what’s working?

👉 Read my blog here: Email Marketing Trends in 2025 That Will Show Results

💡 Let’s Connect on LinkedIn
I share daily email marketing tips, behind-the-scenes insights, and strategies that actually work. If you’re looking for extra value beyond this newsletter, let’s connect!👉  Follow me here.