BFCM Last Minute Survival Guide, Part 3: Emails, SMS, & Social Posts
TL:DR
First we’ll send a warm-up email, then a launch email, and follow up with a last-chance extension if you’re feeling saucy. Add one short SMS if you have opt-in. Then hop on social media and post a teaser, proof, and a 20-30 second reel (tutorial, before/after, social proof). I’m using Facebook/Instagram here to model, since they are the tried and true, long haulers. But you can translate to any social platform.
Email Timing + Best Practices
Keep subject lines short and sweet, so mobile users can scan quickly. Mailchimp suggests about 9 words and less than 60 characters. Bonus points: prioritize clarity over cliches.
Use preview text to extend the message. This is that little blurb that often shows up in your inbox right below the email’s subject line.
For BFCM timing, Klaviyo observed strong engagement in the mornings and recommends focusing sends around Thursday, Friday, and Sunday for engaged segments (adjust to your own audience data).
Copy+Paste Templates
Email #1: Warm-Up, Send on Thursday
Subject: Heads up: Friday’s offer for [who it’s for]
Preview: Short + Sweet Deal: Starts/Opens [Day + Time]
Body: Keep it short: quick promise heading, who it helps, bold CTA link to the landing page we made in Part 2. Include a friendly “reply to this email if you’ve got questions” line.
Email #2: Launch, Send on Friday AM
Subject: Starts NOW: [OFFER NAME]
Preview: Starting now, ending [Deadline]. Don’t miss it.
Body: 3 bullets on benefits, what’s included, an FAQ, big CTA button to the landing page.
Email #3: Last-Chance
Subject: Ends [tonight, in 3 hours, etc]: [offer]
Preview: Don’t miss the best deal of the year.
Body: Emphasize urgency and repeat deadline. Bold CTA.
Email #4: Extension (optional)
Subject: EXTENDED! One last chance.
Preview: Our Black Friday deal now ends at [time + date]
Body: Due to incredible demand and requests from our beloved customers, we decided to EXTEND the Black Friday sale! But this is your real LAST CHANCE for the best deal of the year. Don’t miss it. [Include a bold CTA.]
Organic Social
Teaser: Opens Friday—Get [result] without [pain].
Proof: Share testimonials, comment screenshots, before/after, or named reviews.
Tutorial/Demo Reel: 20-30 seconds. Start with the result, then show them how. End with a CTA.
Local Add-On: Update your Google Business Profile with an Offer post and fresh photos.
Stay Tuned for Part 4, Launch Plan + Downloadable PDF Checklist
I’m gathering this series into one downloadable PDF checklist, broken down into small, actionable tasks you can do one step at a time.
Jumping in a little late? Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of the BFCM Last Minute Survival Guide
