Grow your text list before BFCM

Last updated: October 23, 2026

Every subscriber you add before peak week is someone you can text on Black Friday. But a big list of people who don't want to hear from you opts out fast and drags down your results. Aim for quality, and start now.

Get the basics right first

  • Checkout opt-in. The highest-intent sign-up you have. Make sure it's on and the disclosure text is showing.

  • Website pop-up. Your OneText pop-up is managed from the dashboard. Pair it with a clear offer and make sure it's live on every page, not just the homepage.

  • Footer sign-up. Low volume, but it catches people who closed the pop-up.

Give people a reason to hand over their number

A phone number is more personal than an email. The offer needs to match. Text-exclusive discounts, early access to the sale, first dibs on restocks, and VIP perks all work. Whatever you promise, deliver it in the first text, not the second.

Convert your email subscribers

This is the highest-leverage tactic for most brands. You already have people who like you; they just haven't given you a phone number yet.

  • Add a text sign-up call to action in your email campaigns and welcome series

  • Run an email campaign that's only about joining the text list, with the text-exclusive offer as the hook

  • Email subscribers still need to opt in to texts through your sign-up form or keyword. Don't upload phone numbers from your email list without SMS consent.

Use social (Dashboard > Links and/or Keywords)

  • Put your OneText sign-up link or a keyword in your bio. Both are available on the dashboard.

  • Keywords can trigger a custom flow or one you already have, like your welcome flow. Set that up before you promote the keyword so the first reply goes out instantly.

  • Have shoppers text you first. When the customer starts the conversation, your number is far less likely to be filtered by their phone's unknown-sender settings.

Start now

New subscribers should get your welcome flow and at least one or two regular campaigns before peak week. Their first text from you shouldn't be a Black Friday blast to a stranger.