As data coverage improves and app-based messaging becomes second nature, WhatsApp is quietly carving out a bigger share of how Australians connect. 

For businesses, this creates an interesting crossroads.  

Should you stick with SMS (a.k.a. the “old faithful” that reaches everyone) or start exploring WhatsApp? 

In this article, we’ll break down WhatsApp vs SMS in Australia, exploring how each channel works, how Aussies are using them, and what’s best for different business use cases.  

What’s messaging like in Australia today? 

As of June 2025, there are 13 million active WhatsApp users in Australia.  

It’s harder to pin down a definitive percentage of Australians using SMS because SMS is baked into every mobile plan. That said, it’s still extremely relevant. 96% of Australians say they use their mobile phones to send messages (SMS or equivalent) on a daily basis. 

When it comes to who are the keenest messagers in Australia, younger adults come out on top. Those between 18-24 are the heaviest users of messaging apps (we’re talking 89%), but older groups are catching up. About 79% of 55-64 year-olds use apps for messaging and calls.  

It also makes sense that WhatsApp is much more common in metropolitan and urban areas. In fact, 76% of people use a messaging app in metro areas compared to around 70% inrural spots.  

WhatsApp vs SMS: What’s different between each channel? 

At first glance, both WhatsApp and SMS do the same thing, but under the hood, they work very differently.  

WhatsApp runs on internet data, while SMS relies on the mobile network.  

That means WhatsApp messages can be sent anywhere there’s Wi-Fi or mobile data, but SMS will deliver even when someone’s offline or in a no-signal area. 

Here’s a breakdown of the core differences between the two.  

Does SMS guarantee delivery more than WhatsApp? 

Not exactly, but SMS is more resilient in the face of weak data. WhatsApp message delivery and “read” status depend on internet access. SMS, being independent of data, often gets through when app messages don’t.  

Is WhatsApp always cheaper overall? 

In many conversational use cases, yes. Because WhatsApp’s pricing often allows free replies within a 24-hour service window, the back-and-forth costs can be lower than paying for multiple SMS exchanges. But for one-way blasts or simple notifications, SMS might still be competitive depending on volume and local pricing. 

What about sending attachments, images, or documents? 

WhatsApp easily handles media (images, videos, documents) in messages. SMS can’t do that natively. To send media you’d need MMS or a link, both of which come with their own constraints.  

Can I use both in a messaging strategy? 

Absolutely. Many businesses use a “waterfall” or fallback approach: try WhatsApp first (for its richer experience), and if that fails, send via SMS to make sure the message gets delivered. 

WhatsApp vs SMS for engaging customers in Australia 

If you’re trying to choose between SMS or WhatsApp for customer engagement, it helps to think of them not as rivals, but as different tools for different jobs.  

Here’s a breakdown of each channel’s strengths, as well as when one might be better than the other. 

WhatsApp advantages for business  

• Verified business accounts and trust signals. One of WhatsApp’s biggest perks is that businesses can use verified profiles. That much-coveted green tick or verified badge gives your messages instant credibility. 

• Rich multimedia and interactive experiences. WhatsApp supports everything SMS can’t (or struggles with), like high-res images, videos, audio, attachments, buttons, quick replies, and product catalogues. Want to send a mini brochure for a new product straight in the chat? It’s totally doable.  

• Conversational and two-way engagement. Customers can ask a question, click a button, get menus, move through a decision tree. It’s way more dynamic than one-way broadcasts. Under the WhatsApp Business API, you can also automate flows, integrate with CRM systems, route conversations between agents, and build more personalised journeys.  

• Scalability and automation at scale. Once you’re beyond the basic WhatsApp Business App, the API version lets you scale. You can trigger messages based on events (e.g. when an order has shipped), automate FAQs, and manage large volumes of inbound and outbound communication. 

SMS advantages for business 

• Universal reach (no app or data needed). Every mobile phone in Australia supports SMS, regardless of whether someone has a feature phone, no data plan, or spotty connectivity. 

• Sky-high open and response rates. Research shows Australian SMS messages get read in minutes, with one source putting it at a 97% read rate within 15 minutes. Take this with a pinch of salt, though, as sometimes people will simply open a message to clear the notification. 

• Simplicity and consistency. SMS only supports plain text, which means fewer variables (less chance of something breaking or not being supported).  

• Strong ROI and cost structure. Although you typically pay per message (or per segment), SMS tends to deliver strong returns. Many marketers say SMS is particularly cost-effective because of its high visibility and conversion potential. 

Choosing the right channel (or a combo) 

Let’s be clear here, this isn’t a case of “this or that”.  

You don’t always have to pick one. In fact, a hybrid or fallback approach often makes the most sense. The key is knowing when each channel is most appropriate.  

Use SMS when:  

• You’re sending time-sensitive notifications (such as OTPs, appointment reminders, emergency alerts). 

• Your audience is rural or low connectivity (since SMS works without data). 

• You want a guaranteed fallback when WhatsApp fails (e.g. if the user doesn’t have WhatsApp or is offline). 

Use WhatsApp when: 

• You want interactive, engaging communication (such as product demos, conversational WhatsApp marketing, support flows). 

• You have rich content or media to share, like catalogues, images, videos, documents. 

• You’re building customer support or conversational journeys, with automations, routing, and context. 

• You’re targeting urban or data-connected users who are likely to respond via app. 

Many businesses take what’s called a “waterfall” approach. 

This is basically when they try to reach people via WhatsApp first (because it provides a better experience), and if that fails, they fallback to SMS to make sure the message gets delivered. This is kind of a “best of both worlds” model that works well if you want to balance engagement with also getting your message across.  

Privacy, security, and compliance with WhatsApp vs. SMS 

Yes, features and cost are important, but as a business, staying compliant is equally as critical.  

Both WhatsApp and SMS take very different approaches to privacy and security, which has its pros and cons under Aussie law.  

WhatsApp privacy & security

WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption, which means only the two people involved in the message can see the content (not even Meta can get a peek). This means it’s more secure for sensitive conversations than SMS which has no encryption at all.  

That said, WhatsApp does collect metadata (like who you message, when, and how often), which isn’t encrypted. There’s also a bit of a back-and-forth in Australia at the moment about how encrypted platforms actually fit with national data-retention and lawful access rules under the Telecommunications Act.  

So, while WhatsApp’s content security is strong, businesses should still be aware of how data is stored and accessed. 

SMS, on the other hand, is reliable but less secure.  

SMS privacy & security

Messages are sent (unencrypted) via mobile networks, so they’re at risk of being intercepted or spoofed. Spam texts and phishing (or “smishing”, as it’s been dubbed) are on the rise, which has prompted the ACMA to tighten up regulations. There’s a new rule coming into play this Dec off the back of this that will mark any messages sent from unregistered sender IDs as unverified.  

Finally, any businesses using SMS for marketing must comply with the Spam Act 2003 and Privacy Act 1988, which means you need to get clear consent, identify yourself, and make it easy to opt-out.  

Choosing the right WhatsApp & SMS integration and provider 

Most businesses either use a messaging API or gateway that supports both WhatsApp and SMS, or they integrate the relevant APIs into a CRM or customer engagement platform. That way, your team can manage conversations (and campaigns) all from the same place. 

But not all providers are created equal.  

Here’s what to consider: 

• Delivery rates and reach. Some providers have more direct connections to carriers or better routing logic, which is useful if you’re trying to reach regional, remote, and metro areas. 

• Local support and compliance. It’s a flex having a WhatsApp business provider that knows Australian laws and has a local team on the ground.  

• Pricing and cost structure. WhatsApp APIs often use conversation- or template-based pricing, whereas SMS tends to be per message (or per segment). 

• Integrations. Does the provider plug into tools you already use (CRM, e-commerce, support desk)?  

• Scalability and reliability. Look for providers that can grow with you and have SLA, redundancy, monitoring, fallback channels, and the ability to handle spikes. 

• Reporting and insights. You’ll want analytics around open/delivery rates, read receipts, bounce profiles, engagement.  

• Branding and trust features. Make sure the provider you choose has things like verified business badges, custom sender IDs, and message templates. 

This is where Sinch MessageMedia comes into play.  

You get a single platform that supports SMS, WhatsApp, and more, so you can manage both channels in one place. As well as being Australian through-and-through (we know all about Aussie messaging laws and regulations), you can run WhatsApp campaigns, deliver transactional alerts via SMS, and handle support convos through the same inbox. 

Grow your business with MessageMedia, a leading platform for both WhatsApp & SMS    

With Sinch MessageMedia, you don’t have to choose between the reliability and universal access of SMS and the engagement power of WhatsApp. You can have both.   

Sinch MessageMedia’s messaging platform includes: 

• Access to the WhatsApp Business API with simple setup and local support 

• Enterprise-grade SMS gateway built for speed, deliverability, and reliability 

• Easy integrations with tools like HubSpot, Shopify, and Salesforce 

• Transparent, local pricing designed for Australian businesses 

• Analytics, automation, and omnichannel tools that scale as you grow 

Book a demo to see how it works or start a free trial and start connecting with your customers today. 

The post WhatsApp vs SMS: Which channel Is best for Australian businesses?  appeared first on Sinch MessageMedia.

With around 13 million Australians using the app every month, it’s quickly becoming one of the most powerful communication channels for businesses too (which is very important news with BFCM just around the corner). 

From small retailers to national brands, Australian businesses are waking up to the fact that their customers don’t just check WhatsApp, they basically live in it. And that’s where the real opportunity lies. 

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about WhatsApp marketing in Australia, including what it is, how it compares to SMS, and the simple steps to start using it ASAP in a legally compliant, customer-centric way.  

What is WhatsApp marketing? 

WhatsApp marketing involves using WhatsApp to talk to your customers. You can use it to sell, but it’s also a great way to connect with your audience on a platform they’re already heavily using.  

To send marketing messages via WhatsApp, you need to have WhatsApp for business. There are two versions of this, and which one you use depends on your business size and setup.  

• WhatsApp Business App. This one’s free and designed for small businesses. You can set up a profile, create quick replies, and send one-to-one messages.  

• WhatsApp Business Platform (API). This is the more advanced option, which is made for businesses that want to send a lot of messages or automate parts of their customer comms. It plugs into your CRM or messaging platform.  

While there are many different ways you can incorporate WhatsApp into your marketing strategy, there are three core message types that WhatsApp supports:  

• Promotional messages, like time-sensitive offers, sales, product drops, and general marketing comms. 

• Transactional messages, like order confirmations, delivery updates, or appointment reminders. 

• Service messages, where you can chat with customers directly to answer questions or sort out issues.  

WhatsApp has rules and templates for each message type, so you just have to make sure you’re compliant before you send them.  

The ultimate rule to follow: you can’t just message people out of the blue. Before you send anything, you need a clear opt-in from the customer (e.g. via a checkbox on your website or a QR code they can scan to subscribe). You’ll also need to use approved message templates for that first bit of outreach, but once someone replies you’re free to chat naturally.  

Is WhatsApp marketing legal in Australia? 

Short answer: yes – if you do it properly.  

Just like email and SMS marketing, WhatsApp message fall under Australia’s Spam Act 2003, which means you need to tick three simple boxes before hitting send:  

• Get consent (your customer has to say a solid “yes” to hearing from you) 

• Clearly identify yourself (your customer should always know who’s messaging them) 

• Include a way to opt out (and make it really easy for customers to do so)  

Basically, the same rules that apply to any other kind of direct marketing also apply here. You can read more on what counts as consent in our recent guide to navigating ACMA rules and also ACMA’s official guidance.  

On top of this, WhatsApp has its own set of rules through Meta’s Business Policy, which says you have to:  

• Use approved message templates for any outreach you initiate.  

• Keep proof of opt-in, showing that each customer actively agreed to receive messages. 

Can I send bulk WhatsApp messages in Australia? 

Yes, but only to people who’ve opted in. You can’t buy a list or message random numbers. Bulk campaigns must go through an official WhatsApp Business Solution Provider (like Sinch MessageMedia), which makes sure your templates and targeting meet Meta’s rules. 

Do I need to register anything with ACMA or Meta? 

Not with ACMA, but Meta does need businesses to verify their identity and phone number before using the WhatsApp Business Platform. Your BSP (that’s us!) will guide you through that process. 

How do opt-outs work on WhatsApp? 

Customers can type something like “STOP” to unsubscribe, and you’re required to remove them from your list. (Tip: Sinch MessageMedia makes this automatic so you stay compliant without needing to figure it all out yourself). 

WhatsApp marketing examples in Australia 

What does WhatsApp marketing actually look like down under? Below are examples (and inspiration) across verticals. Some are Aussie-based, others are global examples that Australian brands could mimic (or already are). 

Melia Hotels International: reservations and confirmation messages 

Hospitality brands like Melia Hotels International are using WhatsApp to handle reservations, send confirmation messages, offer concierge services, and let guests request services via chat.  

If you’re an Aussie hotel, you can replicate this by sending check-in instructions, upselling spa services, or allowing room service orders via WhatsApp.  

Bank BRI: personal assistant 

Another example is Bank BRI who uses WhatsApp to run SABRINA, its virtual personal assistant that customers can get real-time support from. 

Benefits of WhatsApp marketing if there’s already SMS? 

If your business already uses SMS, you might be wondering do we really need WhatsApp too? Fair question. SMS is tried and true: it’s instant, it’s universal, and it works. But WhatsApp brings a whole new layer of interaction that makes customer communication way more conversational. 

Here’s what makes it worth adding to the mix: 

1. Ridiculously high engagement 

Open rates often hover around 98%, and most people check them within minutes. That’s higher than both email and SMS in many cases, simply because WhatsApp is where people live. It’s the same app they use to message friends, plan dinners, and share memes.  

2. Rich media that brings conversations to life 

You can send photos, videos, PDFs, links, even product catalogues, which means you can show rather than tell (think product demos, menu previews, appointment confirmations with attached details, or event reminders with a location pin).  

3. Real two-way conversations 

Customers can reply instantly, ask questions, or confirm details right inside the same chat. That makes it perfect for support teams, sales follow-ups, or post-purchase check-ins.  

4. Familiar, low-barrier channel 

Australians already use WhatsApp in a big way (around 13 million of us, according to recent reports). That makes it easy for customers to engage because there’s no new app to download and they’re already familiar with the interface.  

5. Cost-effective and scalable 

WhatsApp can help take pressure off call centres and avoid expensive manual follow-ups. Automating easy-to-answer questions, like “What’s my delivery status?” or “Can I reschedule my appointment?”, saves time for both your team and your customers. It also blends nicely with your existing SMS strategy, so you can use each channel where it performs best. 

You don’t need to ditch SMS, but pairing it with WhatsApp gives you more flexibility, richer interactions, and a better customer experience.  

How to get started with WhatsApp Business messaging in Australia  

Ready to start using WhatsApp to connect with customers? Here’s how to get set up properly (and stay on Meta’s good side while you’re at it).  

• Verify your Business Manager and phone number. Go to business.facebook.com and create or log into your account. Add your business details and verify your business name, address, and website. 

• Choose a WhatsApp Business Solution Provider (BSP), a.k.a. a trusted partner that connects your business to WhatsApp’s infrastructure. Providers like Sinch MessageMedia make setup simple and handle the technical side for you.  

• Create and submit message templates for approval. 

• Collect user content before messaging, either through your website, checkout process, or another clear consent form.  

• Integrate WhatsApp with your CRM or SMS platform, so you can manage all customer interactions in one place.  

• Track and optimise performance. Monitor open rates, reply rates, and link clicks to see what’s working. 

How much does WhatsApp marketing cost in Australia?  

Good question, and one that doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. WhatsApp Business pricing used to be based on conversations, not individual messages, but that all changed in July 2025.  

Now, it’s done on a per-message model where each template message is charged individually. Only utility templates are free when they’re sent within the 24-hour customer service window.  

WhatsApp marketing pricing per message in Australia varies slightly depending on your provider (for example, Sinch MessageMedia vs other BSPs) and the destination country. For example, WhatsApp’s pricing calculator says to send a message to a customer in Australia costs $0.0952 per message (customers never pay to receive your messages – it all runs over their data or Wi-Fi connection, not through their telco). 

For the most accurate numbers, check the WhatsApp API cost in Australia 2025 with your provider. Sinch MessageMedia offers transparent local rates, so you’ll always know what you’re paying before you send. 

Start a free trial or book a demo to see how it works. 

Best practices for WhatsApp Marketing in Australia  

Once you’re set up and ready to send, the key to great WhatsApp marketing is simple: keep it human. The best-performing WhatsApp campaigns should feel like actual, real conversations.  

Here’s how to make sure your messages land well. 

Personalise every message 

Use your customer’s first name, reference their last order, or tailor your message to what they’ve interacted with before. A quick “Hey Sarah, your order’s on the way” will always outperform a generic “Your order has shipped.”  

Use approved message templates 

You need to use Meta-approved templates if you’re sending outbound messages, but that doesn’t mean they have to sound robotic. Write like a human, and keep it friendly and clear. For example, instead of saying “your appointment has been confirmed”, try “looking forward to seeing your tomorrow at 3pm.”  

Always include a clear opt-out 

Compliance isn’t optional for legal reasons, but following the rules also makes for a good customer experience. Always give people a quick way to unsubscribe, like “Type STOP to opt out.” It shows respect for their inbox and keeps you in line with the Spam Act 2003. 

Respect business hours and don’t overdo it 

Over-messaging can feel intrusive and, let’s face it, can come across as desperate and annoying. Avoid this by limiting how often you send messages and stick to AEST business hours unless it’s really, truly time-sensitive.  

Blend it into your existing strategy 

WhatsApp shouldn’t replace SMS or email, but it can definitely strengthen your message when you intentionally use it in your existing flows.  

For example, you might use it to send appointment reminders with easy reschedule links, order updates with real-time delivery info, or event invites with location pins and calendar links.  

Grow your business with Sinch MessageMedia, a trusted Australia WhatsApp marketing platform   

If you’re ready to add WhatsApp to your marketing mix, Sinch MessageMedia is on hand to help.  

There’s a reason (well, many reasons) that thousands of Australian businesses choose us as their BSP:  

• Local support when you need it. Our Australian team is online during AEST business hours, so you’re never left waiting for help across time zones. 

• Transparent pricing and real delivery metrics. Know exactly what you’re paying for, and track message performance with clear, easy-to-read analytics. 

• Proven experience, trusted by top brands. With decades of experience in business messaging, we’ve helped everyone from small retailers to enterprise organisations deliver messages that get results. 

• Enterprise-grade security and data protection. Sinch MessageMedia is ISO-27001 certified, and all data is hosted locally for Australian data residency. 

• Plug-and-play integrations. Connect Sinch MessageMedia with tools you already use, including Shopify, HubSpot, Salesforce, and Zapier, to automate customer journeys and save hours of manual work. 

• One powerful, omnichannel platform. Manage your WhatsApp, SMS, and MMS conversations from one place. Send updates, automate workflows, and measure performance all in a single, user-friendly dashboard. 

Book a demo to see how it works or start a free trial and start connecting with your customers today. 

The post WhatsApp marketing in Australia: A complete guide for businesses appeared first on Sinch MessageMedia.

SMS is a dream for retailers because it’s both simple and effective – 98% open rate, anyone? You can weave texting through your BFCM strategy, sending messages before, during and after the big days to keep customers informed and engaged.

Ready to get started? Here’s our rough guide to BFCM planning, complete with 40-ish SMS templates for Black Friday and Cyber Monday to get you started – copy, paste, tweak, and send.

But first… to help you prepare your overall BFCM communication strategy, check out some eye-opening findings from a new consumer survey.

What consumers say about Black Friday and Cyber Monday communications

To find out more about what holiday shoppers expect from brand communications and promotions, Sinch surveyed around 1,200 consumers from the U.S., UK, Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, and Spain. Here are some of the key findings:

• Most consumers (almost 57%) expect to hear from brands about Black Friday at least one month before a promotion launches.
• Having a multi-channel approach is an effective way to optimize holiday campaigns:
  • 48% of consumers say they’ll go straight to a brand’s website to find promotions.
  • 44% prefer seeing holiday promotions on social media.
  • 45% of consumers choose at least one mobile messaging option (SMS/MMS, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram) as a preferred channel.
• Nearly 80% of consumers get value from personalized recommendations in holiday promotions. That means going beyond basic first name personalization in your holiday email campaigns.
• Order confirmations, shipping updates, and delivery notifications are vital to the customer experience this time of year. More than 94% of consumers say transactional messages are important during holiday shopping.
• Interactive holiday campaigns could help boost email engagement. More than half of survey respondents said they’d be likely to engage with campaigns featuring interactivity and multimedia.

Explore more of the findings in the infographic from Sinch…

Build excitement with BFCM teaser texts

Want to create hype and excitement leading up to Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales? Start with teaser texts in the weeks leading up to the big days. It’s not about pushing sales at this point – it’s about keeping your brand top-of-mind so people come back when it matters.

Mix up your messaging by using a combo of SMS and MMS, and use mobile landing pages to add extra pizazz.

What should your teaser texts actually say? Amp up the excitement, include a link to your BFCM preview page, and keep it super positive. (Or, just use our templates.)

Black Friday / Cyber Monday SMS templates for teaser texts

TEMPLATE: Guess what, [NAME]? Something big is on the way! Get the inside scoop: [URL]. Reply STOP to opt out.

TEMPLATE: Black Friday & Cyber Monday are going to be HUGE this year – here’s why: [URL]. Reply STOP to opt out.

TEMPLATE: Just 10 more sleeps til our massive Black Friday & Cyber Monday sale. Here’s a sneak peek: [URL]. Reply STOP to opt out.

Use exclusive deals to drive membership

Got a VIP or loyalty club? Offer members-only BFCM deals, prompt customers to sign up, and watch it grow.

While you’re at it, don’t forget to message current members. Exclusive discount codes or early access to sales are a great way to remind your VIPs that they’re important to you – and build positive feelings about your brand at the same time.

Here are a few ways to word your VIP texts.

Black Friday / Cyber Monday SMS templates for growing memberships

TEMPLATE: [NAME], want early access to our amazing Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales? Sign up for our VIP club, and you’re in! Text Y to join or STOP to opt out.

TEMPLATE: Welcome to the [BRAND], club, [NAME]! Your early access link will be with you soon – keep your eyes peeled! Reply STOP to opt out.

TEMPLATE: Sick of missing out on the best deals? Become a [VIP CLUB NAME] member for early access to sales, special Black Friday discounts and your very own gift code. Sign up here: [URL]. Reply STOP to opt out.

TEMPLATE: Hey [NAME], we’ve got some super-secret Black Friday deals for VIP members like you. Keep an eye out for your members-only link. Reply STOP to opt out.

Use BFCM to reward your best customers

You don’t have to have a VIP club to show some love to your biggest fans. Use your database to scope out your long-lasting customers, text them an early access link to your BFCM deals, and make sure they know it’s exclusive. You want them to feel those warm, fuzzy feelings about your brand. 

Don’t forget to include the customer’s name, the number of years they’ve been shopping with you, and any other relevant details – like their favourite products or recent purchases. Personalisation is a proven (and easy) way to drive one-time purchases and boost long-term loyalty.  

Here’s what that might look like:

Black Friday / Cyber Monday SMS templates for VIP customers

TEMPLATE: Black Friday starts early for our favourite customers – that’s you, [NAME]. Use code [CODE] to access our big sale, starting now. Shop now at [URL]. Reply STOP to opt out.

TEMPLATE: Can you keep a secret, [NAME]? Because you’ve been a loyal [COMPANY] customer for [X] years, you get the chance to shop our Black Friday sale early. [URL]. Reply STOP to opt out.

TEMPLATE: Our biggest BFCM deals are about to launch, and you get first dibs, [NAME]. Shop now before we sell out: [URL] Reply STOP to opt out.

Take SMS marketing for a spin.

Start messaging for free

Keep the messages coming during your sale

The big day arrives. Your shelves are stocked, your staff are ready, your discounts are hot. Customers are – hopefully – primed to shop after your teaser texts and special offers. Your job? Keep your sale top of mind while it’s happening.

At BFCM, this means cutting through a forest of messages in SMS, email, online and almost anywhere else. Try different messages and styles and send texts at different points during your sale to maximise their impact. 

We’ve jotted some ideas below:

BFCM SMS templates for the sale launch

TEMPLATE: Our biggest-ever BFCM sale is finally here! Get EPIC deals on all your go-to [COMPANY] gear here: [URL]. Reply STOP to opt out.

TEMPLATE: Black Friday at [COMPANY] starts now – and it’s a big one. Get $[VALUE] off when you spend $[VALUE] in-store, online deals and so much more. Check it out: [URL]. Reply STOP to opt out.

TEMPLATE: It’s on, [NAME]! Our Black Friday sale is live – get up to X% off all purchases online, starting now. [URL]. Reply STOP to opt out.

BFCM SMS templates during sale

TEMPLATE: Scoping out the best Black Friday deals? Don’t miss the [COMPANY] sale – with up to [DISCOUNT]% off, online and in-store. Happy shopping! [URL]. Reply STOP to opt out.

TEMPLATE: Hi [NAME], we’ve got some incredible Black Friday deals this year. Up to [DISCOUNT]% off [PRODUCT LINE 1], [PRODUCT LINE 2] AND [PRODUCT LINE 3]. Don’t miss out: [URL]. Reply STOP to opt out.

TEMPLATE: It’s Black Friday! Get [DISCOUNT]% off everything and keep an eye out for bonus deals all weekend: [URL]. Reply STOP to opt out.

TEMPLATE: Black Friday’s here, and we’re celebrating til Cyber Monday. Claim your free [SERVICE] when you book any [SERVICE] before [DATE]. Call now: [PHONE NUMBER]. Reply STOP to opt out.

TEMPLATE: Hey [NAME], you’ve just scored an extra [DISCOUNT]% off all Black Friday sale items. But be quick – it expires in 2 hours. Start shopping: [URL]. Reply STOP to opt out.

TEMPLATE: Tick everyone off your holiday gift list with our fantastic range of Black Friday bargains. Shop now at [URL]. Text STOP to opt out.

BFCM SMS templates as sales end

TEMPLATE: Hi [NAME], there’s still time to grab some stunning deals in our Black Friday Cyber Monday sale. Get in quick for up to X% off: [URL]. Text STOP to opt out.

TEMPLATE: The [COMPANY] BFCM sale ends tomorrow! If you’ve been eyeing up one of our products, now’s the time to hit that buy button. [URL]. Text STOP to opt out.

TEMPLATE: Our massive Black Friday sale is nearly over! You can still shop the deals until [TIME/DATE]. [URL]. Text STOP to opt out.

Save abandoned sales

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are not your ordinary shopping days – and that shows up in shopper behaviour. Your deal-hungry customers will bounce between sites, fill carts, calculate discounts and apply codes, and often end up clicking away before they actually buy. That’s why abandoned carts are so common – one study found that the abandonment rate was 76.63% on Black Friday, and 80.25% on Cyber Monday.

If you can reclaim some of those lost shoppers, you can boost sales numbers during BFCM. SMS is a great place for this type of quick reminder. Keep them friendly and funny – avoid the passive aggressive ‘gentle reminders’ here. Another sales-boosting tip? Throw in an extra discount or free shipping to sweeten the deal.

Here’s how:

Black Friday / Cyber Monday SMS templates for abandoned shopping carts

TEMPLATE: Hi [NAME], you’ve left something in your [COMPANY] cart. To grab the deal, complete your purchase now: [URL]. Reply STOP to opt out.

TEMPLATE: Hi [NAME], we’ll keep your cart on hold for [NUMBER] hours. If you’re still keen, click through to finish your purchase. [URL]. Reply STOP to opt out.

TEMPLATE: Forget something? Jump back in and get an extra 15% off if you buy within the next 20 minutes: [URL] Reply STOP to opt out.

TEMPLATE: Hey [NAME], your cart is looking pretty full! Finish your shopping now, and we’ll throw in a [PRODUCT] with your purchase. You can’t say no to that, right? [URL]. Reply STOP to opt out.

Too busy to send manual reminders during BFCM?

No worries! Simply use Sinch MessageMedia to send automated messages.

Start messaging for free

Mind your SMS manners

Want your customers to feel happy and appreciated post-sale? Set up an automated ‘thank you’ text to send to customers who buy during BFCM. It’s a low-effort way to make customers feel good about your brand, making them more likely to buy from you again.

Don’t overthink these texts – keep them simple, personal and sincere.

Black Friday / Cyber Monday thank you SMS templates

TEMPLATE: Hi [Name], thanks for shopping our BFCM sale! We hope to see you again soon. Text STOP to opt out.

TEMPLATE: Thanks for shopping with us, [NAME]. We hope you enjoy your new [LINE] products. Cheers, the [COMPANY] team. Text STOP to opt out.

TEMPLATE: Thanks for supporting [COMPANY] this Black Friday and Cyber Monday. For the inside scoop on our next big sales event, join our mailing list. Repy Y or sign up here: [URL]. Reply STOP to opt out.

Stretch your sales beyond Black Friday (and Cyber Monday)

Black Friday and Cyber Monday used to be true one-day sales events. These days, more and more retailers are stretching them out to a few days or a full week.

Get personal this Black Friday.

Grab the report

Whether you advertise a three-day sale from the start or choose to extend the sale, keep your customers up to speed with SMS.

Use our templates to get started:

SMS templates to take sales beyond BFCM

TEMPLATE: Hi [NAME], we just added more awesome Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals to our online store: [URL]. Sale must end on [DATE]. Reply STOP to opt out.

TEMPLATE: We don’t know about you, but we’re not ready for Black Friday to end. We’re extending the sale til [DATE], so you have more time to grab a bargain. Shop now: [URL]. Reply STOP to opt out.

TEMPLATE: Good news! We’re giving our very best customers more chances to shop our BFCM sale. Use code [CODE] to access the sales until [DATE]: [URL]. Reply STOP to opt out.

TEMPLATE: We’re bending the rules just for you, [NAME]. Get one more day of Black Friday deals on our online store. Use code: [CODE] [URL]. Reply STOP to opt out.

Turn sales into feedback and insights

Post-BFCM, think about gathering feedback or reviews from your customers. Thanks to your amazing deals (and friendly text comms), they’re probably feeling pretty positive about your brand, which could make them more willing to share their feelings.

You can use two-way texting to ask for very simple feedback, ask customers to review your products, or drive customers to an online form with detailed questions. You can focus on the sale, try to boost review numbers, or cast a wider net and ask about your brand in general.

Once you’ve gathered your feedback, use it to improve processes, change the way you communicate with customers, or adjust your approach to Black Friday next year.

Here’s where to start:

Black Friday / Cyber Monday SMS templates to gather feedback

TEMPLATE: Hi [Name]. As a valued customer, your feedback means a lot to us. Please rate your experience with our brand between 1 (poor) and 10 (fantastic) and send it as a text reply. Thank you! Reply STOP to opt out.

TEMPLATE: Hi [NAME], thanks for shopping with us during BFCM! If you’ve got a minute, we’d love you to leave us a quick Google review: [URL]. Reply STOP to opt out.

TEMPLATE: TEMPLATE: [NAME], want to win a [PRODUCT]? Go into the draw when you leave us a review here: [URL]. Reply STOP to opt out.

There’s still time to set yourself up for SMS success before BFCM

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are just around the corner, but don’t worry, with helpful SMS marketing tools like Sinch MessageMedia, you can put your SMS campaign in gear in just a few minutes.

Our platform is designed for easy use, so you don’t need any programming skills or special schooling to get started.

Try texting on for size with Sinch MessageMedia. Start your free 14-day trial now.

The post Sail through sales season – 40+ SMS templates for Black Friday and Cyber Monday appeared first on Sinch MessageMedia.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing, why it matters for marketers and businesses, and how to make sure your messages still get noticed. 

What’s Changing in iOS 26 

Apple is introducing new inbox rules that determine how messages are organised inside the Messages app. 

A new “Unknown Senders” inbox 

With iOS 26, messages from numbers not saved in a user’s contacts can automatically go to an “Unknown Senders” folder. 

Messages that land here: 

• Won’t trigger sounds, vibrations, or lock-screen notifications 

• Will appear in a separate tab instead of the main inbox 

• May still show a small unread badge, but without alerts 

While this feature isn’t always enabled by default, Apple is expected to roll it out more broadly across regions.

How Apple classifies a “Known” vs “Unknown” sender 

Apple’s filtering logic looks at several factors when deciding where a message should go. A sender is considered “known” if: 

• The number is saved in the user’s contacts 

• The user has started the conversation 

• The user has replied several times to previous messages (3-message rule)  

• The user manually marks the sender as known 

If none of these apply, your messages could be treated as coming from an unknown sender — even if you have full opt-in consent and send legitimate business messages. 

Time-sensitive messages are an exception 

Messages that Apple detects as time-sensitive, like appointment reminders, one-time passwords (OTPs), delivery notifications, or emergency alerts can temporarily bypass the “Unknown Senders” folder. 

These messages may appear in the main inbox for a limited time (usually between one and eight hours) before being moved if the sender remains “unknown”. 

That means urgent service alerts (like this example above) may still reach customers promptly, but promotional or informational campaigns might not. 
 

Apple’s RCS Support 

With iOS 26, Apple is also rolling out RCS (Rich Communication Services) support, enabling richer, more interactive messaging between iPhones and Android devices. 

However, it’s important to note: 

• RCS messages don’t automatically bypass the new filtering logic. 

• Even branded or verified RCS business messages must still meet the “known sender” criteria to appear in the main inbox. 

• RCS for Business is not available globally on iOS, only in certain countries, including the US & UK.  

RCS enhances customer experience but doesn’t replace the need for smart message strategy. 

Why this matters for business text messaging  

If you rely on SMS or RCS to connect with your customers, iOS 26 could impact engagement and visibility if you don’t adapt to these new changes.

Potential impact: 

• Reduced visibility: Your messages might skip the main inbox if customers haven’t saved your number. 

• Lower engagement: Fewer notifications mean fewer eyes on your content. 

• Opt-in challenges: Flows where the business sends the first message may trigger the “unknown” classification. 

As always, it’s about making sure your messages reach the right place and that your customer recognise and trust your brand. 

How to prepare your SMS strategy 

Here are five practical steps to help your business stay ahead of iOS 26: 

1. Review your opt-in flows 

If your campaign sends the first message (“Reply YES to subscribe”), your number may be treated as unknown. 

Encourage customers to text you first, or follow up quickly to confirm and engage. 

2. Encourage early engagement 

Ask subscribers to reply, save your number, or confirm receipt early on. Two-way communication helps classify your number as known. 

3. Optimise your Welcome messages 

Add a friendly reminder like: 
“Save us as a contact to keep getting our updates in your main inbox!” 

4. Tag or segment time-sensitive messages 

Use your messaging platform’s settings to flag one-time passwords (OTPs) or time-critical alerts — these have a better chance of surfacing in the main inbox. 

5. Monitor performance post-update 

After iOS 26 rolls out, monitor changes in delivery, open rates, and response rates. Compare performance for iPhone users to spot trends early. 

What to watch for next 

Apple may continue to refine how message filtering works — including regional defaults and how “known” senders are detected. 

We’ll keep you updated as more data emerges.

Keep your texts visible and maximize ROI with MessageMedia  

Apple’s iOS 26 update represents a significant shift in how SMS and RCS are handled on iPhones. For teams that engage their audience with text messages, it’s a reminder that deliverability is more than just sending messages – it’s about maintaining trusted, recognised connections with your audience. 

Make sure your business can adapt to these iOS changes and consistently get the most out of your mobile messaging campaigns with Sinch MessageMedia. Start your free 14-day trial now.

The post Apple iOS 26 update: Everything you need to know about new inbox changes appeared first on Sinch MessageMedia.

If you’re currently or planning to use business texting in Australia, you should know that it has its own rulebook. You can’t send any message to anyone, any time. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has the Spam Act 2003, which requires explicit consent, clear sender identification, and a simple, low-cost opt-out in every message. 

And there’s another layer coming soon: A mandatory SMS Sender ID Register is rolling out on 15 December 2025.

If you use an alphanumeric sender name (basically, your brand name in the “from” field), you’ll need to register it or risk your messages being flagged and blocked. Here’s a helpful overview of SMS rules in Australia, including the new ACMA rules rolling out this year.

This is not legal advice. This information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or a substitute for consultation with qualified legal counsel or your organization’s compliance professionals.  

A quick background on SMS regulations in Australia 

What is ACMA? 

ACMA is the Australian Communications and Media Authority, a.k.a. the regulator that polices business texting. If you send commercial SMS in Australia, ACMA sets the rules and enforces them under what’s known as the Spam Act 2003. 

To text customers legally, you need three things every time: 

1. Explicit consent (so no sneaky, pre-ticked boxes) 

2. Clear sender identification 

3. An easy, low-cost opt-out in every message 

How ACMA texting rules impact businesses 

In practice, this means you should be incorporating consent language right into your forms and checkout. You have to make it crystal clear what people are signing up for and keep a simple log of when and how each person opted in.  

Every SMS should also say who it’s from and give an easy get out clause, like “Reply STOP to opt out.” When someone opts out, you must remove them from your list straight away. 

What you need to know about new ACMA rules in Australia for texting 

From 15 December 2025, Australia will have a mandatory SMS Sender ID Register.  

This means if you send texts using your brand name in the “from” field, you’ll need to register that name.  

If you don’t, your sender ID might show up as “unverified” or “likely SCAM” and messages can (and most likely will) be blocked. This will have a direct impact on deliverability, but obviously the more important issue is that you stay compliant under these new rules.

About Australian SMS Sender ID Registry 

Why it matters 

If you don’t register your sender names, your messages could be marked as spam and ultimately blocked from getting where they need to go. That hurts delivery, damages brand trust, and wastes campaign spend.  

The idea behind the registration is that it helps carriers and customers recognise that the message really is from you. 

Who’s at risk? 

The ACMA new texting rules apply to any business using alphanumeric sender IDs to text people in Australia, whether you’re sending promos, alerts, or reminders. If you use short/long codes instead, you still have to follow the core rules as above: consent, clear identification, and a low-cost opt-out in every message. 

What should you do and when?  

• Now: Audit all sender names you use in AU, decide which to keep, and map them to the right business entities. 

• Before 15 Dec 2025: Register each alphanumeric sender ID. Update templates so your brand name and opt-out line are crystal clear and train your team. 

• After go-live: Monitor delivery and any on-device labelling. If a label looks off, investigate quickly and keep your consent/opt-out processes tight. 

Tip: Keep a central list of sender IDs, owners, and use cases. Standardise naming (avoid lookalikes), and make sure they match across all your platforms (e.g., POS, helpdesk, marketing). Keep proof of consent and make sure you remove opt-outs from your lists immediately. 

The importance of consent is SMS marketing in Australia 

While the main reason for getting consent is compliance with the rules and regulations in Australia, there’s a secondary benefit for brands. People actually engage more when they know they’ve expressly signed up and can leave at any time. SMS works best when it’s transparent and permission-based. 

Examples of opt-ins and opt-outs 

Here are some tried-and-tested ways you can get explicit consent from customers and give them the opportunity to opt-out if they want.  

Opt-in: 

• A checkout or website form with an unticked SMS box and clear wording that says something like, “Yes, text me order updates and offers.” 

• A keyword flow where a customer can text “YES” to join and your confirmation message repeats what they’ll receive and how to opt out. 

• Signed T&Cs that clearly cover SMS and link to your privacy policy. 

• Double opt-in for promo lists: form submit > confirm via SMS “YES.” 

• In-store posters or QR codes that spell out what you’ll send and how to opt out. 

• After offering customer support, ask if they’d like delivery alerts or service reminders by SMS and make sure you record the “yes.” 

Opt-out: 

• Delivery update: “Hi Sam, your Apple order #1234 has shipped. Track: [link]. Reply STOP to opt out.” 

• Appointment reminder: “Reminder: Dr. Patel, Tue 10:30am, 12 High St. Change: [link]. Reply STOP to opt out.” 

• Promotion: “Sam, 20% off trainers till Sun. Shop: [link]. Reply STOP to opt out.” 

What happens if you don’t get consumer consent for SMS? 

Short answer: you’re asking for trouble. 

No consent means you’re non-compliant, which puts you at risk of ACMA action, and your texts are more likely to be filtered, blocked, or just plain old ignored.  

With the new SMS Sender ID Register rolling out, it’ll be even clearer who’s sending what. Messages that look unauthorised or non-compliant can be labelled “Unverified” or “Likely SCAM,” or not delivered at all. Not a great look, but an easy problem to avoid with proper opt-in. 

New ACMA guidelines for Australia: texting checklist 

• Count your Sender IDs. Pull a list of every alphanumeric sender name you use in Australia (marketing, CX, stores, etc). Merge duplicates and get rid of lookalikes. Ideally, choose one primary brand ID. 

• Register the ones you’ll keep. Pick an internal owner, grab your ABN/ACN, and register each ID before 15 Dec 2025. Save the approval emails and write a quick “how we register new IDs” note for future you. 

• Fix your templates. Make it obvious who the text is from and include a clear opt-out line in every message. Test on a few common phones and carriers, and ditch any old copy that hides the opt-out. 

• Tighten consent. Use unticked boxes and plain-English wording on forms/checkout. If you use keywords, make “YES” the join action and confirm what they’ll get. Log when, how, and what they agreed to. 

• Automate opt-outs. Make “STOP” suppress that number right away across all tools, including your marketing platform, POS, and helpdesk. Send a short confirmation (“You’re opted out”) and make sure they’re removed from all lists. 

• Teach your team. Give marketing, customer success, and store staff a one-pager that includes when they can text, any approved templates, how to capture consent, and what to do with opt-outs.  

• Keep a close eye on things after you go-live. Monitor delivery, replies, complaints, and any labels that show on devices. If you ever see “Unverified” or “Likely SCAM,” raise it immediately with your provider and investigate. 

How SMS platforms like MessageMedia make compliance easier 

Keeping up with constantly changing regulations can be challenging, but it’s much easier with a trusted, compliant SMS platform. 

While you are always responsible for registering your alphanumeric sender ID and taking the necessary steps to meet ACMA compliance obligations – our complete SMS platform makes it easy to incorporate compliant sending practices into your texting strategy.  

Some features and support we offer that help with ACMA compliance include: 

• Initiating registration on your behalf  

• In-app reminders for upcoming registration deadlines 

• Built-in opt-in and opt-out tools 

• Automated list management 

• 24/7 local support 

And what’s even more reassuring: Many brands who work with us have seen that compliance doesn’t mean sacrificing performance. Our conversational SMS customers have achieved 12% CTRs and 15% reply rates, all while staying fully ACMA-compliant. 

For more comprehensive details on ACMA’s new updates, please refer to the ACMA’s official website or our support article.

And if you’re ready to explore how Sinch MessageMedia can help your business with smarter SMS, book a demo or try our platform for free. 

The post Navigating new ACMA rules: A guide to compliant SMS marketing in Australia appeared first on Sinch MessageMedia.

Shoppers are bombarded with nonstop offers, and while last year’s record-breaking $74.4 billion in online sales proves people are still spending, it also highlights the challenge: standing out is harder than it’s ever been.  

Inboxes are crammed with almost identical discounts, so it’s no surprise that generic blasts rarely get the attention they want. To rise above the sea of “unmissable” deals, you need fresh, creative ways to connect.  

To help you do just that, here are 10+ creative Black Friday SMS marketing ideas you can roll out that are simple to set up and designed to stand out.  

Black Friday SMS marketing strategies to boost sales this year 

BFCM might be a great time for bold promotions and bigger-than-life discounts, but those discounts only work if you’ve got the foundations in place.  

1. Make the most out of abandoned carts  

One thing’s for certain: there will be a lot of abandoned carts during Black Friday shopping days. It’s something you can’t really avoid. But a quick, friendly reminder can recover thousands in lost sales.  

Capture high-intent shoppers with automated flows that send out a cart reminder message within the first hour of abandonment. This is when shoppers are most likely to still be in buying mode. You can even sweeten the deal with a steeper discount for those who come back.  

Example: “Hey Emma, you left a few of your favorites behind! Grab them now before they’re gone: [link]”

Get inspired:  

Queensland retailer Simply for Strings used MessageMedia’s Shopify SMS integration to cut down on cart abandonment.  

Automated text reminders nudged hesitant buyers back to checkout, while dedicated BFCM campaigns increased overall sales. As a result, the brand saw a 41% lift in completed orders, 29% click-through rate, and ROI in the thousands. 

2. Follow up post-purchase to convert repeat buyers 

BFCM is the perfect opportunity to turn impulse buyers into long-time fans. Sending a thank-you text once someone has bought shows you appreciate their custom and keeps your brand fresh in their mind.  

Example: “Thanks for shopping with us this Black Friday, James! Here’s 10% off your next order – valid until Sunday midnight: [link]” 

3. Entice “window” shoppers with multimedia 

Some shoppers love scrolling through deals but don’t always commit. That’s where rich media through MMS messaging can make the difference. An eye-catching image, a funny GIF, or a short product video turns a static text into something that feels a bit more like traditional window-shopping.  

Here are some ideas: 

• Visual gift guides 

• Demo video with product styling  

• Before-and-after transformation 

• Carousel of colour options  

Even something as simple as a countdown GIF can create urgency and keep your brand top of mind. 

Example: “Still deciding? Check out our Black Friday Gift Guide. We’ve rounded up our top 10 picks to make it easy: [link]” 

4. Use the same marketing message across channels 

Email is still a top channel for BFCM deals, but the gap is closing.  

Preference dropped by 5.5% this year, with messaging channels like WhatsApp picking up the slack. While different channels call for different approaches, it’s important to keep your message clear. Black Friday is overwhelming enough without mixed messages from brands – sticking with the same message helps them remember you over the rest.   

Example: “Black Friday starts now: 40% off sitewide. The same deal is waiting in your email inbox – but you can shop straight from here: [link]” 

5. Create segments to get more personal 

Not all customers are attracted by the same deal. It may make sense to give past customers a sitewide discount, while free shipping and a free bonus item might be the way to go for new and international customers.

By segmenting your audience based on past purchases, location, or engagement, you can tailor your messages so they feel personal. 

Example: “Hi Priya, loved your last activewear pick? This Black Friday, all active tops are 40% off just for you: [link]” 

6. Offer real-time support to drive conversions 

SMS is powerful, but you shouldn’t stop there. Some customers prefer Messenger, WhatsApp, or even LINE. In fact, 57% of shoppers want to choose their preferred communication channel when they opt in. Think about creating flexible journeys that start with SMS but expand across the channels your audience already uses. 

Example: “Want updates on WhatsApp instead of SMS? Respond YES to let us know!” 

Even more Black Friday SMS deal ideas to send   

Once you’ve nailed the essentials, it’s time to layer in some high-impact campaign ideas. These are quick wins you can set up in advance, and they work because they tie into three big factors that define BFCM: urgency, exclusivity, and excitement. 

Here are some proven ideas to try, with SMS templates you can swipe and adapt. 

The sneak peek message 

Give your loyal customers or SMS subscribers early access to deals. This builds excitement and rewards them for being on your list, but there’s a secondary benefit here too: it can help you iron out any kinks before the full campaign goes live. 

Example: “Hey Sarah, you’re on the VIP list! Get early access to our Black Friday sale from 6pm tonight. 40% off sitewide: [link]” 

Why it works: SMS feels personal and exclusive, so using it to announce early access makes customers feel like insiders. 

The countdown message 

A ticking clock is one of the simplest, most effective ways to boost conversions. Send reminders as the deadline approaches to prompt last-minute purchases. 

Example: “Only 3 hours left to score 50% off our Black Friday deals! Shop now before the sale ends: [link]” 

Why it works: People are more likely to act when they know time is running out. Use a series (e.g., 24 hours left > 6 hours left > 1 hour left) to catch different customer segments. 

The giveaway message 

SMS isn’t just for promos and last-minute reminders. You can also use it to make BFCM feel more interactive – it is a communication channel after all.  

Running a giveaway or contest through text turns a one-way message into a two-way experience where shoppers aren’t just scrolling past yet another discount, they’re tapping in to win, reply, or share.  

Example: “Win your cart this Black Friday! Place an order today and you could get it all for FREE. Shop now: [link]” 

Why it works: Giveaways add a splash of fun and create a sense of community around your sale. They’re also a smart way to encourage shoppers who are on the fence to buy now. 

The flash deal 

Shoppers dip in and out of sales all weekend long and short, surprise promotions are a smart way to keep that energy alive. For example, a well-timed flash deal creates urgency, but it also builds anticipation because customers start checking back to see what’s coming next.  

Example: “FLASH SALE! 2 hours only: Extra 20% off clearance items. Hurry, ends at 4pm: [link]” 

Why it works: Flash deals tap into FOMO (fear of missing out). They work especially well when layered on top of existing discounts, because they give customers one more reason to hit the buy button. 

Back-in-stock alerts 

Best-sellers fly off the shelves during Black Friday, and few things annoy shoppers more than missing out.  

But a timely text can quickly flip that frustration into excitement. Letting customers know the moment a popular item is back in stock can be a great way to recover lost sales and it makes people feel like they’re getting insider access. 

Example: “Good news! One of our all-time bestselling [Product] is back in stock for Black Friday. Don’t wait, it won’t last long: [link]” 

Why it works: Customers who missed out feel like they’re getting a second chance. You also keep demand high without blasting your whole list unnecessarily. 

The post-sale extension 

Not everyone makes it to checkout during the frenzy of Black Friday. If you’ve still got stock to move, extending your sale by a day (and letting people know by SMS) gives last-minute shoppers a second chance and helps clear out any leftover inventory.  

Example: “Missed our Black Friday sale? Good news – we’ve extended it for 24 more hours! Shop now: [link]” 

Why it works: It’s an easy way to keep the momentum going on a great sale and convert extra revenue from people who missed the main event. 

Last chance reminder 

The final hours of your BFCM campaign matter just as much as the launch (if not more). It’s the last opportunity you have to capture extra sales, and a well-timed final reminder via SMS can nudge “almost buyers” to the checkout.  

Example: “Last chance to save BIG! Our Black Friday sale ends at midnight. Shop now and save up to 50% on all items: [link]” 

Why it works: Shoppers often need multiple nudges before acting, especially if they’ve overlooked your previous messages in their busy inboxes. 

How Australian retailers can save time and make more sales with Black Friday SMS marketing campaigns 

The frenzy of Black Friday itself feels like it’s such a small window of time, but remember – there’s a lot that goes into the prep and post-planning, too. Expectations are high and, if you don’t have the right tools in your corner, it can very quickly become a huge missed revenue opportunity.  

MessageMedia AU makes Black Friday SMS marketing for retailers easier with instant updates, well-timed abandoned cart nudges, and automated campaigns that span days and channels.  

Here’s what you get in a single, easy-to-use SMS platform made for retail in Australia:  

• Automated reminders. Set up cart recovery, delivery updates, or “back in stock” alerts once, and let them run in the background. 

• Seamless integrations. Our Shopify and CRM integrations mean SMS campaigns fit into your existing workflow. 

• Reliable delivery. It doesn’t matter if you’re sending a few hundred texts or a few hundred thousand, our Tier 1 deliverability means messages are delivered when they should be.  

• Two-way messaging. Customers can reply with questions, and your team can answer quickly in one shared inbox. 

Book a demo today to see how MessageMedia can help your business get Black Friday ready, or try it for free and start sending in minutes. 

The post Creative Black Friday SMS marketing campaign ideas for retailers in Australia  appeared first on Sinch MessageMedia.

How big has the holiday retail season become?

According to the National Retail Federation, retail sales during 2025 will grow between 2.7% and 3.7% over 2024 to between $5.42 trillion and $5.48 trillion.

And according to Deloitte’s annual holiday retail forecast, Holiday retail sales are likely to increase between 2.9% and 3.4% in 2025. E-commerce is a huge part of that growth – e-commerce is expected to grow at a healthy pace of between 7% and 9% year-over-year during the 2025–2026 holiday season, with sales forecasts between $305 billion and $310.7 billion this season.

How to grow your retail sales this year

Tip 1. Build your marketing campaign plan early

The months leading up to, during, and immediately following the holiday season are crucial to delivering maximum retail sales.

For many years, Black Friday has served as the unofficial start to the U.S. holiday shopping season – although retailers have been pushing holiday shopping earlier for the past decade. The pandemic accelerated this trend, and with unprecedented supply chain disruption widely published. A recent survey from Circana reveals almost half of consumers plan on starting their holiday shopping before Thanksgiving, and 24% have already started or even finished, up nearly 4 percentage points from last year.

With this in mind, we recommend planning for a holiday season that covers sales opportunities from September through January.

Here’s a simple timeline to help maximise the holiday season:

• Plan in September: Start planning your holiday marketing campaigns while assessing your current sales performance. Your plan should start with evaluating your marketing strategies from last year. Once you’ve determined what worked well and what could be better, start exploring options for the upcoming season. You may want to invest your budget in a new communication channel, like text message marketing, improve your website speed, or eliminate roadblocks to an ideal customer journey.

Related: Read our top 20 strategies to grow your text subscription lists.

• Test in October: For most of October, you should plan and prepare, but also start testing some of your campaigns. Data reveals that customers search for gifts and deals as early as September. Grab those early birds by getting them to subscribe to SMS, email marketing, or your social channels for great deals. Customers you pull in now can be remarketed to later on.

• Implement in November: With Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday kicking off the seasonal rush, you want your holiday season marketing campaigns to work for you by the beginning of November. We recommend you have a tight handle on inventory and delivery, and find ways to keep customers informed of when they can expect to receive their purchases.

• Refine in December: Use what you’ve learned in October and November, and continue to refine your campaigns to ensure all elements are optimised. Make the focus for this month, providing an ideal shopping experience, delivering excellent customer support, and ensuring gifts arrive on time! Leverage days like Small Business Saturday, Free Shipping Day — and others for mini-campaigns — that keep customers coming back to your store. Well into December, customers are still hoping to uncover terrific deals (sometimes for themselves). So figure out how to make it easy for them – and continue to increase your sales.

• Review in January: It may be a relatively quiet month, but customers are still looking for good deals. Follow up with your holiday shoppers to strengthen those relationships and turn them into loyal customers. January is also an excellent time to analyse your results for the last five months to uncover what works best for your business. Capture these insights while you can easily recall them to set yourself up for success next year.

Related: Explore our list of SMS campaign ideas for the holidays

Tip 2. Streamline customer communication

Low inventory and delays in shipping have plagued business owners and consumers alike, leading to fears about holiday planning. But with SMS, you can quickly reassure customers about their delivery date so they can rest easy. You can also provide stock updates to staff and other key business updates.

Top tip: Make sure to get permission to send and receive SMS before you send your first message. Legal compliance requirements change country to country, but consent is always a must.

Why not send automated texts to customers who are still considering a purchase to inform them of the last day they can order and still receive their item in time for the holidays. Providing these helpful details is an excellent way to keep customers engaged and encourage them to buy.

These efforts will leave long-lasting impressions and reduce customer anxiety.

Tip 3. Create loyal customers

It’s always easier to get customers to buy when they have bought from you in the past and had a positive experience. Think about building customer loyalty before, during, and after the seasonal rush. Every sales opportunity is a chance to form a loyal customer.

Here are some quick tips on how SMS can help:

Make current customers happy

Do you already have a contact database filled with customers who love your retail business? Surprise, delight, and reward them with what they want most. Is it an added discount, access to pre-sale deals, or the first shot at limited inventory products?

Find out what they want and give it to them. And then make sure they can share their appreciation (and promote their exclusive access) on social media and by word of mouth with their friends and family.

Pay attention to post-sales care

Never underestimate the value of staying in touch with customers after a purchase. Most brands forget – but it’s easy to keep in touch. Post-sales care could include a simple text asking for their feedback after a purchase.

Successful brands automate follow-up with SMS templates containing helpful purchase-related content or refill reminders scheduled at exactly the right time.

Strengthen new customer relationships

January may be a slow sales month. But that means it’s the perfect time to nurture relationships you’ve established or strengthened over the holiday season, so customers continue to feel positive about your brand and look forward to revisiting you in the future.

Customer retention is a significant part of driving purchases for the year ahead. With more consumers relying on businesses they trust, expanding your contact list and creating long-term loyalty should be a priority.

RELATED: Read our two-parter on how to gain customer confidence and trust with text and the seven simple ways you can earn customer loyalty right now.

Tip 4. Provide a seamless shopping journey

Although discounts for retail SMS marketing campaigns work well, collections or gift guides are another way to engage customers without excessive advertising. Curate specific collection or catalogue pages to promote your sales, and allow last-minute or time-constrained shoppers to make selections quickly.

It’s easy. Create your collection page, and then add it as a URL to your promotional text message. Here’s an example:

Top tip: Notice how the URL looks different? We used a short trackable link in this example, which shortens long URLs (and saves on characters). It also lets you track conversions, as it measures customers who click-through to purchase. Try it right now for free when you enable short trackable links with a free trial of our SMS service.

You can further engage customers by sending a survey to subscribers or VIP members to get input on what to include in the collection. This can make customers feel special and invested in your holiday activities, which means they’re more likely to purchase and drive other new customers to buy.

Tip 5. Automate helpful reminders

It’s likely, with increasingly busy lives and the annual stress of holiday preparation, your customers are a little more absent-minded than usual.

Nudge customers with text reminders

Give customers a helping hand by nudging them with ‘final warning’ reminders, like offering last-minute shopping hours, deals, and extended pick-up dates the weekend before the holiday. You can also give customers the opportunity to subscribe to text reminders, which is helpful for service-based businesses.

Text reminders are also helpful in eCommerce, especially in reducing abandoned carts or driving win backs. When it comes to certain sales dates, such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday, businesses lose almost 7 of 10 sales because consumers leave their carts in search of another deal or due to a distraction.

Automating text reminders is an easy solution to get customers to return and complete their purchases. Add time limits and extra discounts to ensure they buy and keep coming back.

Tip 6. Offer coupons and discounts

If you’ve ever encountered text marketing, it’s likely been through a personalised discount or coupon advertising a specific brand sale. Such promotion tactics, though common, are incredibly effective marketing tools.

During the holiday rush, retail promotions and offers are out in full force to promote new products and encourage customers to select a particular brand or store. Unlike the typical sale signs you might pass as you walk through a shopping centre, SMS discounts and coupons can be personalised.

You can even base your text offers on the value of the customer (i.e. provide high-value customers who shop with you frequently a higher discount versus low-value customers).

Where SMS discounts and coupons work best is to drive immediate conversions or sales. Our customers have reported that 45% of recipients react to a text in less than 10-15 minutes.

Tip 7. Provide outstanding customer support

Your relationship with a customer doesn’t end when the purchase is complete. It’s also your job to ensure they’re satisfied and that your brand has left a good impression. But what if they’ve ordered the wrong size, the product arrived damaged, or it’s not what they expected? It’s important to provide opportunities to remedy the situation for your customers without adding additional frustration.

Here are some ways to offer extraordinary customer support with SMS:

1. Automate follow-up communications

Set up a simple automated feedback message to go out after customers receive their gifts. Is it working? Are they enjoying it? How would they rate it?

This reveals their satisfaction with your business and also demonstrates you care beyond the transaction. It also establishes trust by showing that your business solves problems.

2. Enable customer service through text

The next thing you should do is make full use of conversational, two-way text messaging so customers can message you if they have problems or questions.

With integrations into your business management software like NetSuite, HubSpot, Shopify, and more, you can direct these messages to your customer success team, who can get in touch and continue chatting with the customer until they resolve the issue.

Tip 8. Engage with your customers

When you invite responses to your messaging, communications become interactive, real-time, and personal. And this can lead to a sales boom in the time leading up to the holiday.

Most brands are more concerned about what to put out during the seasonal rush, with little consideration of what they could get back.

According to DemandGen, interactive content gets 2x the engagement of static content, and 77% of marketers believe it has ‘reusable’ value meaning that its creation results in repeat visitors and multiple exposures to bigger and bigger audiences.

While some brands have pulled out all the stops for interactive content, like scavenger hunts and contests, it can be simpler than that — especially when it comes to text. Consider a quick survey to gauge customer sentiment toward a new product line or a quiz that guides customers to the right gift from your inventory.

Tip 9. Look at your journey from end-to-end

There are so many ways to offer an engaging customer experience. And remember, it’s not just about the holidays. Consider your customer journey end-to-end and think about how you can impress them with a frictionless experience and connected communications.

Final thoughts, further reading

Give yourself the gift of better customer connections this holiday season. With 90% of SMS read in under two minutes, it’s the perfect way to grab attention from shoppers during the busiest time of the year. To learn more about our industry-leading retail SMS solution, request a demo here.

The post The top SMS secrets for retail holiday campaigns appeared first on Sinch MessageMedia.

Keen to harness the power of SMS to reach and convert customers this Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM)? Why wouldn’t you? SMS, after all, is a cheap and easy way to get your best discounts and offers in front of hungry shoppers.

Once the domain of door-busting deals, with shoppers queuing for hours outside actual stores before the sales started, BFCM has now morphed into more of a shop-from-home event. Last year, online spending on Black Friday hit a record $10.8 billion, over 10% more than they did last Black Friday, according to data from Adobe Analytics. Mobile devices accounted for 52.28% of all online Black Friday spending.

With more shoppers browsing and buying from their devices, no wonder SMS marketing is shaping up to be a top tool for online retailers during this year’s BFCM sales.

10 things to tick off your BFCM SMS marketing checklist.

1. Build earlybird excitement.

Start sending your BFCM deals in October. Yep, that’s before Halloween, folks. Shoppers will already be on the lookout for the best BFCM deals by then — and you’ll want your brand on their radar.

To build buzz, kick-start a campaign that drip-feeds promotional SMS messages in the weeks leading up to BFCM. As the big weekend draws closer, ramp things up with even better deals and discounts. Don’t forget to test and monitor each text’s performance as you go, and make adjustments accordingly.

2. Make it mobile.

With more shoppers using their phones to buy stuff, make sure your entire customer journey is mobile-first. Which means adding SMS to your BFCM marketing strategy, and exploring the use of mobile landing pages to really make your special deals stand out. 

Think about it. Email inboxes are inundated. App notifications often get ignored. But a sweet SMS that pops up on your customer’s phone will get seen — each and every time.

3. Follow texting best practices.

Like any marketing channel, there are do’s and don’ts when it comes to using SMS for connecting with customers. Like, don’t send too many texts, and most definitely don’t text people without their permission.

On the flip side, make sure you do use SMS to maximise sales. Things like a quick SMS after a cart abandonment or a bulk SMS to promote a flash sale can work wonders on your bottom line. Read up on SMS for marketing campaigns.

4. Hone your delivery strategy.

Think about how you can use SMS to support the delivery experience. Whether customers plan to use Click and Collect or a postal service, you can set up automated texts that notify customers about the progress of their order. 

Not only does this reduce the number of calls coming through to you, but it also ensures a great delivery experience.

5. Earn customers’ trust.

Use BFCM as an opportunity to build long-term relationships, not just one-time-purchases (OTPs). This way, you’ll continue reaping the rewards long after the ‘Sale’ sign comes down. 

Here are three things to keep in mind:

1. Be personal. Use the customer’s name to add a human touch.
2. Add an opt-out option. Give them an easy way out (if they want it). It’s the law, after all.
3. Have a conversation. Enable two-way messaging so customers can easily get in touch, ask questions and more.

6. Curate covetable collections.

Your customers are busier than ever. They crave shortcuts to this season’s must-have purchases, and there’s no quicker short-cut than a link in an SMS.

Create a gift guide on your website and build a bulk SMS that links straight to it. Time the send of this text to coincide with the launch of your big BFCM sale, and watch the shoppers roll in.

7. Create a sense of urgency.

With most text messages seen almost instantly, SMS is great for time-sensitive campaigns. And nothing entices people to ‘buy now’ more than the fear of missing out. 

So, when planning your BFCM deals, think about when and how to run ‘limited time only’ promotions. For example, you could send out an SMS before a one-hour-only 20% off sale, or before a 24-hour BFCM pre-sale.

8. Recapture their hearts (and carts).

According to Statista, the average global cart abandonment rate is around 75.6%, and during Black Friday. That’s 8 in every 10 shoppers. Imagine if you could turn this number around and capture more of these potential sales.

By integrating SMS into your ecommerce platform, you can. Connect SMS with Shopify or BigCommerce and off you go. Fast and targeted, texting is a powerful tool for recovering abandoned carts.

ROI up 1000x with abandoned cart SMS reminders.

Read case study

We recommend sending your abandoned cart message 1 hour after the customer bailed on you. And, if that message doesn’t work, consider sending a second message with a sweet little discount thrown in.

9. Make it personal.

Add the human touch to every message you send by tapping into the powerful personalisation features of SMS. Even with bulk SMS, you can easily add personal touches like your customer’s name, shopping preferences, location and more.

It’s a great way to make your messages stand out from the crowd, and show your customers you care about them. Learn how to customise each and every SMS you send, so you can better connect with customers.

10. Look beyond BFCM.

Sure, BFCM is a huge sales opportunity. But it’s just the beginning of the holiday season — and, if you play your cards right, you’ll keep reaping the benefits of targeted, personalised marketing right through the Christmas and Boxing Day sales. 

When people buy from you during BFCM, encourage them to join your member’s list or VIP club by hinting at further deals to come. By building your subscriber list, you’ll help build a solid bank of loyal customers who you can continue to send SMS marketing messages to — well after the sales have ended.

Learn how to build brand loyalty through text messages.

Crack the Black Friday code.

Grab your BFCM game plan

The post Your SMS marketing checklist for Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM). appeared first on Sinch MessageMedia.

Even if you’re operating entirely from Australia, once you send marketing texts into Texas, may be required to comply. 

What’s changing under SB 140 

Here’s a breakdown of the new rules: 

Text messaging now classified as telemarketing 

Previously, Texas law only applied to unwanted calls. With SB 140, text-based communications—SMS, MMS, and RCS—are now formally regulated. 

Quiet hours restrictions 

Quiet hours already exist in Texas Business and Commercial Code for phone calls. But now, businesses must also avoid sending promotional or unsolicited text messages during restricted hours.

Mandatory business registration 

Many organisations must register with the Texas Secretary of State, pay an annual fee (USD $200), and provide a security deposit of USD $10,000. 

Exemptions 

Certain entities are not required to register. See the full list of exemptions in the regulatory code section.  

Risks for non-compliance 

For qualifying companies, the penalties are significant if you don’t comply with Texas’ new requirements after they’ve gone into effect on 1 Sept 2025.

For Australian companies expanding internationally, this means the risk is not just regulatory—it could also lead to costly lawsuits abroad. 

How MessageMedia helps Australian businesses stay compliant 

International text messaging compliance can be complex, but MessageMedia provides tools that simplify it: 

• Consent management and record-keeping 

• Automated quiet-hour enforcement across time zones 

• Audience segmentation features 

• Comprehensive compliance reporting 

Our team of experts are available around the clock to answer questions and guide your business through using our features for global messaging. Simply start a chat or contact us.  

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please seek professional legal guidance to understand how these rules may apply to your business. 

The post Texas SB 140: What Australian Businesses Need to Know About New SMS Marketing Rules appeared first on Sinch MessageMedia.

What’s email to text, and why is it useful?

With email to text, you can send an SMS message anywhere in the world. It works for traditional email clients like Thunderbird or Outlook and web-based clients like Gmail or Yahoo.

Without getting too technical, email to SMS uses Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) and a gateway or SMS API to convert emails into SMS format, before sending to the recipient’s mobile number.

WHAT IS SMTP: SMTP is a set of rules (the protocol) for sending emails from one email account to another over the internet. The emails get sorted by an SMTP server, a bit like mail gets sorted at a post office, before being sent off to their destination.

There might be several reasons why you’d want to send an email as an SMS.

• You’re using SMS for marketing because it gets you higher engagement and more conversions than other channels, but your team prefers using an email client.
• You want to reach people on a universal messaging service that’s already on everyone’s mobile phone.
• You’re sending out important alerts or notifications that need to reach everybody, regardless of carrier, iPhone vs. Android issues, preferred instant messaging service, or operating system.
• You’re somewhere where you don’t have cellular coverage, but your data plan works and you need to reach somebody via text.

That’s exactly when an email to SMS service comes into play.

Sending an email as text message through an SMS gateway

The easiest way to send email messages as SMS in Australia is to use an SMS gateway service provider like Sinch MessageMedia. You’ll be able to send email to text to individual contacts and contact groups.

Here’s how this works.

1. Sign up for an account with MessageMedia. You’ll get 25 free credits to test email to text.
2. Register an email address or your company domain.
3. For sending messages to a single contact, go to your email client and in the “to” field enter the SMS mobile number, followed by @e2s.messagemedia.com (e.g. 61400000000@e2s.messagemedia.com). If you want to send a bulk SMS to multiple people, you can set up email groups with the contacts of your choice and then pick the group you want to text.
4. Add the content of your message to either the subject and/or body of the email.
5. Hit send!

Replies to the SMS will appear in both the email client inbox and also in the Sinch MessageMedia Hub inbox. You can use any standard email client, like Gmail, Outlook, or Hotmail. You can send emails as text messages to both mobiles and landlines, with landline SMS messages converted to voice that’ll reach recipients as a phone call.

Keep in mind that if you live in Australia, you should add +61 at the beginning of the number and delete the first 0. For example, if your number is 0418719130, change it to 61418719130. If sending to a landline, make sure to include the area code. For example, if you’re in NSW, and the number is 1234 5678, change it to 02 1234 5678.

What to keep in mind when sending a text from an email

Here are some things to look out for when sending a text from your email client.

• When composing messages, remember that the recipient will see it on their phone. Keep it under 160 characters to avoid using extra SMS credits.
• Make sure that you use the tags {end sms} or {end} at the end of the message, otherwise your email signature will be sent in the SMS.
• You can write your message in the subject line or the body of the email. If you write the entire message in the subject line, add {end sms} or {end} at the end of your subject line or at the top of the email.

• Only subscribed recipients can receive messages from email to SMS.
• Sending to an unsubscribed contact will result in a send failure.

Before you start sending to customers, it’s a good idea to test it out using your own mobile phone number. Also, try sending an SMS to the email address by texting back to check if everything’s set up correctly.

Then, you’re good to go. It really is that easy.

Get a free trial

Try MessageMedia for free, plus get 25 SMS credits.

Let’s go

Three useful business scenarios for sending email to text

There are so many powerful ways for businesses to use email to text. Here are just a few of them:

1. Sending one-off messages. Let’s say your sales agent hasn’t been able to get in touch with a client via email. With email to SMS, they can send a quick message without leaving their email inbox. Or, say you’re waiting on a colleague to send you something so you can complete an important project. Instead of sending an email (which can get buried in an inbox), use SMS to give them a nudge.
   
2. Reaching your team in the field. If your company typically uses email to communicate, but you’re trying to get in touch with employees on a job site, text them. With email to SMS, you can still use your email client and reach your team faster. (Need an SMS solution that can scale with your team and sync with your ERP, CRM, and tech stack? We’ve got you – check out our easy, powerful integrations with NetSuite, HubSpot, Salesforce, and more).
   
3. Making life easier for your users. Schools, non-profits and other organisations with distributed teams love the speed and simplicity of sending text messages from an email address. For example, teachers can quickly send SMS to parents right from their inbox. There’s no need for them to learn another software platform – you simply teach the teachers how to send SMS through email.

Given how easy it is, it’s no wonder that businesses of all shapes and sizes send email to SMS. For example:

• Non-profit organisations with volunteer groups  
• Clinics with multiple GPs, doctors or specialists 
• Multi-brand businesses
• Salons, hairdressers, beauty therapists 
• Hospitality venues like bars, restaurants, cafés 
• Fitness businesses like gyms, studios, therapists

One simple solution, many big benefits

Sending text messages via email is quick, easy, and cost-effective. Think of it like a short-cut. With the right authorisations in place, your team can bypass the SMS portal to get urgent messages out to customers using the email platform they know and love.

And, because it saves time and isn’t more expensive than sending SMS via the web portal, it can end up leaving your business better off.

Want to give it a try yourself? Explore our email-to-text capabilities and all-in-one business text messaging platform today.

The post How to send a message via email to text appeared first on Sinch MessageMedia.