If there’s one thing marketers know about the holiday season, it’s the rush: flurries of clicks, record-setting cart activity, and a wave of new customers discovering your brand. For those running SMS marketing programs, that means lots of new opt-ins over the holidays. But now that the glitter has faded and the bubbles have popped, how do you keep your subscribers engaged beyond the festivities?
Here’s the truth: the traffic boom from Black Friday through the holiday season isn’t the finish line. Rather, it’s the kickoff to deeper engagement and long‑term growth. Brands that use SMS with intention and run thoughtful new year marketing campaigns will turn seasonal attention into lasting fandom.
Let’s explore how to make 2026 your most engaging year yet with practical tips that are fun, respectful, and actually useful.
Too many brands see the holidays as a revenue event instead of a relationship opportunity. As the “holidaze” takes shape, it’s time to kick your SMS strategy into higher gear.
People have [likely] spent more money than they anticipated throughout the holiday, so rather than pushing another offer, start a conversation. Use SMS to connect, not just convert. Ask your audience how their holidays went, what they’re looking forward to this year, or what they’re most excited about. Send a thank-you, ask for honest feedback, share helpful tips, or preview upcoming events.
Use interactive SMS like polls, reply prompts, and quick surveys to collect preferences that power smarter, more personal messages for future use.
After you’ve sent your holiday texts and post-holiday follow-up, it’s time to dig into audience segmentation and personalization. Think of it as onboarding season. Your post-holiday text messages should reinforce your customer’s choice to connect and build trust from day one.
Let this “Welcome Month” be filled with:
Real, useful content builds confidence and drives repeat engagement.
Loyalty programs often wait too long and lose the opportunity to engage customers quickly. Holiday shoppers are prime candidates for early rewards. Think of offering perks like:
This isn’t just about discounts. It’s about giving customers something earned, rewarding their support, and keeping them coming back.
Segment your text subscribers based on behavior, not just demographics. Shoppers who clicked, browsed, or replied during the holidays are not the same as lurkers or one-time buyers.
Try personalizing your messages by sending content that reflects disclosed interests and celebrates milestones like birthdays or first-purchase anniversary.
Even simple touches like a personalized text (“Hey Jamie, we hope you love your new shirt!”) beat generic blasts every time.
Not every text needs to sell something. In fact, 64% of consumers say they prefer conversational messages, especially when asking questions, receiving support, or sharing feedback.
Text is a personal, direct channel. It’s perfect for fun, interactive, and value-driven content. Here are a few ideas:
These examples make your interactions feel conversational, not transactional. And conversations strengthen your brand voice in a lasting way.
Yes, sales matter. But for long-term success, you’ll want to track signs of deeper engagement, like:
These metrics reveal attention, interest, and affinity - key ingredients for sustainable growth.
Holiday campaigns get attention. What happens next builds fandom.
Treat January and Q1 as your brand’s engagement season, a chance to show customers you’re more than just holiday discounts. That means intentional conversations, helpful content, and fun, timely messages that keep people coming back again and again.
Here’s to a 2026 filled with deeper connections, smarter engagement, and loyal communities that stick long after the sales end.
Ready to turn these ideas into action? Download our 2026 SMS Planner to map out key dates and U.S. holidays, and plan high-impact campaigns that keep customers engaged long after the holidays.