When Black Friday and Cyber Monday hit, your customers’ inboxes and messages are flooded with deals. If you want your brand to stand out — and your offers to capture sales — you need to leverage campaigns that promote urgency, scarcity, and creativity.
In this blog, we’ll break down the most effective triggers, strategies, and interactive ideas for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, helping your brand boost conversions during the holiday rush.
Why Triggers Matter During Peak Sales
During the holiday season, consumers get bombarded with deals and sales. The key to standing out is to create messages that push consumers to act immediately — before your offer gets lost in a sea of similar campaigns.
Here are four examples of triggers that work (and the impact they can have on your metrics).
| Trigger Type | Effect on Conversions | Example Use Case |
|---|---|---|
|
Urgency/Countdowns |
Flash sale or limited-time offers |
|
|
Scarcity |
+10-20% conversions |
Updates on how much stock is left |
|
Personalized Offers |
+30% average order value |
Tailored recommendations based on purchase history |
|
VIP Access |
+12% early purchases |
Early access to your most loyal customers |
→ Interactive Tip: Use a live countdown timer to encourage customers to act quickly. Platforms like Klaviyo and Attentive allow embedded timers that update in real-time.
Top Urgency & Scarcity Triggers
Now that you understand why triggers matter, it’s time to dive into which triggers are the most effective for Black Friday/Cyber Monday campaigns.
Here are four triggers to promote urgency and scarcity with your campaigns this upcoming holiday season.
1. Countdown Timers
Why it works
✔ The timer creates an immediate sense of FOMO
✔ The urgency it creates is perfect for flash sales and daily deals
Example
“Hurry! 3 hours left to get 30% OFF everything!”
Interactive tip
→ Embed a dynamic countdown GIF in your email or SMS
2. Limited Stock Alerts
Why it works
✔ “Limited time” alerts highlight scarcity to drive action
✔ This trigger helps amplify best-selling/exclusive promotions
Example
“Only 10 pairs of boots left. Claim yours before they’re gone!”
Interactive tip
→ Small product image with “Low Stock” badge overlay
3. VIP Early Access
Why it works
✔ Reward your most loyal customers with exclusive access before sales go public
✔ Targeting is easy with good segmentation (e.g., VIPs, past buyers, and high-value shoppers)
Example
“🎉 VIP Early Access: 24-Hour Flash Sale! Use Code: VIPSALE”
Interactive tip
→ Add a clickable button that directs VIPs to a hidden landing page with their exclusive deal
4. Abandoned Cart Reminders
Why it works
✔ Multi-email flows help capture abandoned carts during high-traffic days
✔ These email flows lean into both urgency and scarcity with limited-time discounts
Example
Here’s what a cart abandonment flow can look like.
| Step # | Timing | Message Example | CTA |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
1 hour after the cart was abandoned |
“Oops! Forgot something?” |
“Complete Purchase” |
|
2 |
6 hours after the cart was abandoned |
“Your cart expires soon — 10% off if you buy now!” |
“Claim Your 10% Off” |
|
3 |
24 hours after the cart was abandoned |
“Final chance! Your cart will expire tonight.” |
“Shop Now” |
Creative Campaign Examples
Email — Flash Sale Countdown
Subject line examples
■ “⏰ Black Friday Flash Sale: 30% OFF Everything!”
■ “Don’t Wait! 40% OFF All Weekend + Free Shipping”
Email body examples
■ Header: “Time Is Running Out! Only 24
■ Hours Left to Save Big”
■ Images: Feature best-sellers or seasonal gifts
■ CTA: “Shop Now Before It’s Gone”
Interactive tip
→ Include a grid of clickable product images with embedded links
SMS — Last-Minute Cyber Monday Push
Message examples
■ “⏳ Cyber Monday Ends Soon! 50% OFF Everything with code CYBER50 at checkout. Shop Now: [link]”
Sending tips
■ Flow Trigger: Send the last-minute SMS 2–3 hours before the sale ends for maximum urgency
Why it works
✔ SMS open rates average 98%, making it ideal for last-minute reminders
Email — Personalized VIP Early Access
Subject line examples
■ “🎉 VIP Access: 30% OFF Before the Crowd!”
■ “Be the First to Shop: VIP Black Friday Sale Starts Now”
Email body tips
■ Image Idea: Include a carousel or animated GIF showing multiple product options tailored to the recipient
■ CTA: “Unlock Your VIP Deal”
Interactive tip
→ Include personalized product recommendations using past purchase data.
Looking Ahead to Black Friday & Cyber Monday
Now that you know which urgency and scarcity triggers to include in your Black Friday and Cyber Monday campaigns, here’s a quick checklist to help you implement this blog’s strategies, tips, and tricks.
✔ Start with your VIP and core subscriber segments
✔ Plan distinct urgency and scarcity strategies for every segment
✔ Set up automated triggers now to avoid losing customers on the hottest days of the year
✔ Use interactive elements like countdown timers, carousels, polls, and personalized product grids
✔ Optimize your urgency and scarcity strategies for both email and SMS, considering timing, frequency, and personalization.
And, if you need support maximizing the impact of your Black Friday and Cyber Monday campaigns this year, book a free call to see how DIDO Agency can help.