Black Friday Email Marketing Strategy for 2025: A Complete Playbook 

Key highlights 

• Learn an easy 12/8/4/2 plan to pace teasers, VIP access, main deals, reminders and last-chance emails for more sales. 

• Understand how to write clear subject lines and use simple urgency and bold buttons to get more clicks. 

• Know the inbox basics to keep emails out of spam by sending consistently and cleaning your list. 

• Discover simple ways to personalize VIP perks to make holiday offers feel tailored. 

• Explore 70% off our Business & eCommerce Essentials to build fast pages, handle traffic spikes and connect email tools. 

Black Friday is the ultimate kickoff to the holiday shopping season, transforming inboxes into battlegrounds of irresistible deals and eye-catching offers. As the biggest sale day of the year, it’s a golden opportunity for businesses to connect with eager shoppers hunting for the best discounts.  

From early access deals to last-minute flash sales, Black Friday email marketing is your secret weapon to stand out and drive massive sales. Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just getting started, mastering the art of Black Friday email examples can turn browsers into loyal customers. 

In this blog, we will be exploring the top strategies for mastering Black Friday email marketing in 2025. Additionally, we’ll highlight how Bluehost hosting and AI-powered tools can support your online store to perform seamlessly during the busiest shopping season of the year. 

Why does Black Friday email marketing matter in 2025? 

Black Friday is often called the ‘Super Bowl of email marketing’ because of its huge potential to engage customers and boost sales. In 2025, with expected economic conditions, consumers are likely to spend more, making email marketing an essential tool to tap into this increased spending.  

Since a large part of holiday shopping is expected to kick off even before November with early Black Friday sales, timely and well-planned email campaigns are more important than ever. 

Personalization, powered by AI technologies, will play a bigger role in 2025. Tailoring your holiday campaigns to individual customers can help your emails stand out in a crowded inbox. When done right, Black Friday email marketing can be one of your strongest strategies for driving sales and building lasting customer loyalty. 

When to start planning your Black Friday marketing campaign? 

Timing is everything. Successful Black Friday marketing campaigns should ideally be planned for several months in advance to maximize their effectiveness. Here is how you should plan your Black Friday email marketing campaign. 

Also read: How To Start Email Marketing the Easy Way 

1. 12–8–4–2 week Black Friday timeline 

The 12–8–4–2 week timeline is your roadmap to Black Friday success. Starting 12 weeks out gives you plenty of time to plan strategically and build anticipation. This is when you should finalize your offers and segment your Black Friday email example lists to make sure your messages hit the right audience. 

At eight weeks, it’s time to focus on creating engaging content and promotional strategies that will grab attention. Four weeks before Black Friday, nail down the details of your email campaigns and any in-store promotions. This is also the moment to double-check your logistics and inventory to avoid any last-minute surprises. 

Two weeks ahead, ramp up the excitement with urgency-driven tactics like teaser emails and countdown timers. Here are some Black Friday email examples to keep in mind: 

• Send VIP early access emails 3 to 5 days before Black Friday to reward your existing customers with exclusive shopping privileges. 

• Launch your early Black Friday deals, ideally in the morning when shoppers start browsing. 

• Follow up with reminder emails around midday or evening to create urgency. 

• Finally, send last-chance emails in the final hours to catch any last-minute shoppers and maximize conversions. 

2. Build a BFCM production calendar 

Creating a BFCM production calendar is a smart way to keep all your marketing activities organized and on track as Black Friday approaches. It helps everyone involved know what needs to be done and when, making sure your campaigns run smoothly and on time. 

A good calendar covers important tasks like segmenting your audience, building your email lists and optimizing your campaigns. It’s also key to coordinate your efforts across different channels like email, social media and SMS. By setting clear milestones, your team can stay aligned, monitor progress easily and make sure nothing falls through the cracks. 

Also read: Best Email Marketing Tools for Small Businesses in 2025 

3. Align teams early: merchandising, operations, CX, finance 

Getting teams like merchandising, operations, customer experience and finance on the same page early can make a huge difference during Black Friday. When everyone knows about the promotions and logistics ahead of time, things run smoother and customers have a better experience. Here’s why early collaboration matters: 

• Everyone stays informed about ongoing promotions. 

• Logistics are managed efficiently to avoid hiccups. 

• Customers get the best experience possible. 

• Strategies across departments align for maximum impact. 

How to create a great Black Friday email campaign? 

A well-executed Black Friday email marketing strategy can significantly boost sales, with many retailers seeing substantial returns on their investment. This section will cover the key elements of creating a successful Black Friday email campaign, from using proven templates to crafting compelling subject lines and offers. 

1. Start with a proven Black Friday email templates 

2. Write subject lines that win the Black Friday inbox  

3. Shape an irresistible Black Friday offer  

4. Use product visuals that sell in Black Friday emails  

5. Drive clicks with a clear, action-first CTA  

6. Safeguard deliverability with authenticated sending  

7. Segment key audiences and personalize content  

8. Map your Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale 

9. A/B test copy, creatives and timing before go-live  

10. Align email with SMS, onsite promos and retargeting  

Let’s dive into the specifics of each element to create a campaign that stands out. 

Also read: Email Marketing Best Practices to Boost Engagement in 2025 

1. Start with a proven Black Friday email template 

Using established Black Friday email templates can save you time and make sure your campaign follows the best design and content practices. Responsive templates are great because they look fantastic on both desktop and mobile devices, which is key since many shoppers check emails on their phones. 

Start by selecting templates that highlight urgency and exclusivity, then customize them to speak directly to your target customers for optimal results. 

Also read: Best Email Marketing Templates for 2025 

2. Write subject lines that win the Black Friday inbox 

Engaging and clear subject lines are key to getting your emails opened. Here’s what makes a subject line work: 

• Keep it short and sweet. Aim for five to seven words so it’s easy to read, especially on mobile devices. 

• Be clear about the offer, including the discount percentage. This helps people quickly see the value. 

• Personalize when you can. Adding the recipient’s name or referencing their past purchases can make your email feel more relevant. 

• Avoid being misleading. You want to build trust, so don’t overpromise or use clickbait. 

• Phrases like “early access” or “just for you” make readers feel special and more likely to open the email. 

Think of your subject line as the first impression. It should invite curiosity but also clearly communicate what’s inside so your audience knows it’s worth their time. 

Also read: Boost Email Open Rates With a Good Cold Email Subject Line 

3. Shape an irresistible Black Friday offer (Bluehost Offers) 

Creating a sense of urgency in your Black Friday offers is a powerful way to boost engagement and drive more sales. Here are some effective strategies you can use: 

• Limited-time discounts that spark quick action – For instance, our 70% off Business and eCommerce Essentials deal is available for a limited window, which makes it too good to miss. 

• Exclusive flash sales and add-ons – Flash deals create excitement and reward early buyers. This year, we’re offering 40% off Managed VPS Plans and 25% off SiteLock, CodeGuard and Premium SSL, helping users secure websites affordably during the rush. 

• Early access for loyal subscribers – Rewarding email subscribers with first dibs on discounts builds trust and boosts open rates. Our exclusive early access deals like 20% off Design and Marketing Services and a $2.99/month Yoast Premium coupon are the right example. 

• Partnering for greater value – Collaborating with other trusted brands helps you expand your reach. Our joint promotions, like the free cPanel license with Managed VPS, combine value and exclusivity. 

Note: This offer is specific to the Black Friday sale. For current pricing and offers, please visit our website or contact our team. 

Also read: How to Create an Email Newsletter: A Step-by-Step Guide 

4. Use product visuals that sell in Black Friday emails 

Using high-quality product images helps grab attention and clearly show the value of your offers. 

• Including clear product descriptions along with the original and discounted Black Friday prices to highlight Black Friday savings. 

• Organizing products into blocks within your emails to showcase special Black Friday deals and guide readers to specific landing pages. 

• Designing call-to-action (CTA) buttons with contrasting colors to make them stand out and encourage quick clicks. 

• Adding GIFs or animated images to make your emails more lively and engaging for your audience. 

These simple yet powerful tactics can help your Black Friday emails cut through the clutter and motivate customers to take action. 

5. Drive clicks with a clear, action-first CTA 

A compelling CTA guides customers to take the next step. 

• Place CTAs prominently in emails to make them easier to notice and click. 

• Add urgency to CTAs with phrases like ‘Limited Time Offer’ or ‘Shop Now Before It’s Gone’ to motivate quick action. 

• Use colors that contrast with the email background to help CTA buttons stand out. 

• Test different CTA phrases and placements to find what resonates best with your audience. 

Also read: How to Write Irresistible Call-to-Actions that Convert 

6. Safeguard deliverability with authenticated sending 

Ensure your emails are properly authenticated to improve deliverability and avoid the dreaded spam folder.  

Use authentication protocols like SPF, DKIM and DMARC to help email providers verify that your messages are legitimate and trustworthy. This increases the likelihood that your emails land right where you want them. 

Also read: How to Troubleshoot Email Deliverability Issues 

7. Segment key audiences and personalize content 

Tailor your content to specific audience segments to boost relevance and engagement. This helps improve campaign results and email deliverability. 

• Use personalization to enhance customer experiences by making emails more relevant to individual recipients. 

• Leverage first-party data like purchase history and engagement levels to personalize your Black Friday email content. 

8. Map your Black Friday/Cyber Monday schedule 

Plan your Cyber Monday email schedule carefully during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday email sale period to maximize reach and impact: 

• Start planning your email sends well in advance to boost visibility and engagement throughout. 

• Begin sending emails in early November to build anticipation. 

• Send emails early on Black Friday morning to catch customers checking their inbox. 

Use this schedule to keep your customers engaged and drive more sales during the biggest Black Friday weekend of the year. 

9. A/B test copy, creatives and timing before go-live 

Conduct A/B tests on different elements of your emails to make data-driven decisions that boost your Black Friday email campaign’s success. Use A/B testing to compare subject lines, visuals and sending times to find out what truly resonates with your audience. 

Test different send times to discover when your audience is most likely to engage with your emails and schedule your Black Friday email campaigns accordingly for maximum impact. 

Also read: Split Testing: How to Boost Conversions with Effective A/B Tests 

10. Align email with SMS, onsite promos and retargeting 

Integrate your email marketing with SMS and onsite promo codes to create a seamless and powerful Black Friday email strategy. By using multiple channels like SMS and email, you can synchronize your messaging and seize more customer engagement opportunities. 

Black Friday email examples that you can swipe in 2025 

Black Friday emails should create a sense of urgency and exclusivity to effectively compete with other retailers. Here are some Black Friday email examples that you can swipe in 2025 to inspire your Black Friday email campaigns and drive engagement. 

Email type	Key tactics	Why it works
VIP & members-only preview	Send early access or password-protected sales with exclusive VIP discounts	Builds excitement and loyalty by making subscribers feel special
Teaser drops with mystery deals	Use playful copy, bold visuals and partial reveals	Builds anticipation and keeps shoppers checking their inbox
Doorbuster countdowns	Add countdown timers and “few hours left” CTAs	Triggers FOMO and encourages quick action
Tiered discounts & gifts	Offer “spend more, save more” tiers and bundle complementary products	Gives shoppers extra value and motivates higher spending
Last-chance & sale emails	Use urgent subject lines like “Last Chance” or “Selling Fast”	Reinforces urgency and drives final conversions before the sale ends

1. VIP early access and members-only preview emails 

Offering early access deals through email is a fantastic way to reward your loyal customers and boost engagement. By creating a tiered access system for VIP customers, you can give them exclusive shopping privileges before the general public, which not only makes them feel special but also strengthens their loyalty.  

For example, you can allow VIP subscribers to shop early and enjoy VIP discounts. Another great Black Friday email strategy is to send a password-protected sale to subscribers. This members-only access gives them special discounts not available to everyone else, adding an extra layer of exclusivity.  

2. Teaser drops with mystery deals and price reveals 

Mysterious teaser emails are a great way to pique your customers’ curiosity and get them excited about your upcoming Black Friday deals. Instead of revealing exact discounts, these emails tease the sale with bold visuals and playful copy that keep readers engaged and eager for more. 

Strategically crafted teaser emails can build excitement, encouraging your audience to watch their inbox closely and be ready to shop when the big day arrives. 

Also read: Promotional Email: Your Key to Promotional Updates 

3. Doorbuster countdowns with limited-time urgency 

Incorporating countdown timers in your emails can be a game-changer for Black Friday campaigns. They do a fantastic job of boosting urgency, encouraging customers to act right away. 

Highlighting time-sensitive offers with phrases like “Only a few hours left” really grabs attention and pushes shoppers to complete their purchases. It’s also helpful to clearly show sale end dates so customers can plan their shopping better. 

4. Tiered discounts, bundles and gift-with-purchase promos 

One effective strategy is to use a tiered discount approach where customers save more as they spend more, including attractive percentage discounts. Creating product bundles that combine complementary items makes it easier for customers to find value. 

These tactics not only drive online sales but also give customers a reason to take advantage of your Black Friday discounts and feel rewarded for their purchases. 

5. Last-chance and extended-sale emails with low-stock nudges 

Last-chance emails are especially effective at nudging hesitant shoppers to act fast before deals disappear.  

Using Black Friday subject lines with urgency, like ‘Last Chance’ or ‘Selling Fast’ can significantly boost your email open rates during the final hours of a sale. 

Don’t forget to communicate clear deadlines in your last-chance emails to push those on the fence to take advantage of the offer before it’s gone. 

Also read: Email Marketing for Affiliates: Building Trust and Driving Conversions 

Black Friday email design and accessibility best practices 

A clear and appealing design is essential during Black Friday to grab your audience’s attention amid the flood of emails they receive. To stand out, your email designs need to be responsive, so they look great on all devices, especially on mobile phones, where most people check their messages. 

Here’s what you should focus on for effective Black Friday email design and accessibility: 

1. Design mobile-first Black Friday emails 

2. Use dark-mode–friendly, high-contrast color palettes 

3. Keep key copy as live HTML with descriptive alt text for images 

4. Make CTAs thumb-friendly 

5. Build trust with reviews, returns and secure payment badges 

1. Design mobile-first Black Friday emails 

Emails designed with mobile compatibility in mind often see better engagement because: 

• Many shoppers use their phones to check emails. 

• Over 60% of emails are opened on mobile devices, so designing with mobile first is a must. 

• Single-column layouts work best on small screens, making your content easy to read and navigate. 

Make sure your calls-to-action (CTAs) are big enough to tap easily and placed where users see them right away. Using responsive email templates helps your message look great on any device. 

Including well-crafted Black Friday email examples in your mobile-friendly designs can inspire your campaigns and help you engage your audience more effectively. 

Also read: How to Create a Professional Looking Email for Your Business 

2. Use dark-mode–friendly, high-contrast color palettes 

Use high-contrast colors to boost readability and improve the user experience, especially in dark mode settings. 

• Design emails with color schemes that work well in both light and dark modes. 

• Ensure your text stands out against black backgrounds. 

• Choose colors strategically to maintain your brand identity. 

3. Keep key copy as live HTML with descriptive alt text for images 

Utilize live HTML for your email text to ensure critical information remains visible even if images don’t load. Follow these. 

• Add concise, descriptive alt text to images to improve accessibility. 

• Avoid repetitive or generic alt text to maintain clarity and engagement. 

4. Make CTAs thumb-friendly 

Designing a call-to-action button for mobile devices involves: 

• Use large buttons that are easy to tap to boost your conversion rates. 

• Space out your calls to action (CTAs) well to make interaction smooth and frustration-free. 

• Size your CTAs in emails to at least 44×44 pixels, ensuring users can tap them comfortably. 

Add plenty of whitespace around your CTAs to make them stand out and reduce accidental taps. Use contrasting colors to draw attention and make your buttons pop from the rest of the email content. Don’t forget to repeat your main CTAs in multiple places throughout the email. 

5. Build trust with reviews, returns and secure payment badges 

Boost consumer confidence and encourage purchases by incorporating trust signals in your Black Friday emails. Use these powerful elements to reassure your shoppers: 

• Showcase authentic customer reviews to build trust and persuade hesitant buyers to complete their purchases. 

• Display secure payment icons prominently to assure customers their personal and payment information is safe, reducing cart abandonment. 

• Highlight easy return policies to alleviate shopper anxiety and make them more comfortable completing a purchase. 

• Include security badges alongside customer feedback and social media channels to reinforce transaction safety during busy sales events like Black Friday. 

How Bluehost can help you with Black Friday Email Marketing? 

Trusted by over 5 million WordPress users, Bluehost is a leading provider of web hosting solutions tailored for WordPress sites. We understand the unique needs of WordPress users and design our platform to deliver seamless performance, robust security and ease of use. 

At Bluehost, we understand the challenges that come with Black Friday events, especially the surge in traffic and the need for flawless email marketing performance. That’s why we offer specialized hosting solutions designed to help you with a successful holiday season. 

Here’s how we support your Black Friday email marketing efforts: 

• Fast WordPress hosting optimized for high-traffic spikes 

• AI Website Builder to quickly create landing pages tailored for your promotions 

• WonderSuite to build and launch holiday season gift guides with ease 

• Seamless integrations with popular email marketing tools 

• 24/7 expert support to keep your Black Friday campaigns running smoothly 

Let’s dive into the details of these features. 

1. Fast WordPress hosting for BFCM spikes 

At Bluehost, we offer WordPress hosting that’s optimized for speed, so your site performs smoothly even during high-traffic times like Black Friday. We know how important it is to handle sudden surges in website visitors, ensuring your pages load quickly and your service stays uninterrupted. 

Our hosting plans come with a 99.9% uptime guarantee, which means your Black Friday campaigns can run consistently without a hitch during those crucial sales periods. 

Plus, during Black Friday, we offer an incredible 70% off on our Business and eCommerce Essentials plans, making it easier and more affordable than ever to access all the essential features you need for effective email marketing. You’ll also get free domain registration and SSL certificates to secure your website and transactions. 

2. AI Website Builder for rapid landing pages 

The AI Website Builder from Bluehost lets you quickly create landing pages tailored specifically for Black Friday promotions. Using modern AI tools, you can have a professional landing page ready in just a few minutes, all based on simple prompts you provide. This makes launching timely Black Friday campaigns easier than ever. Plus, these tools often come with handy features like A/B testing, helping you find the most effective headlines and calls to action. 

Here’s how our AI website builder can help your Black Friday promotions: 

• Quickly create high-converting landing pages designed for Black Friday. 

• Automatically suggest optimizations based on how users interact with your pages. 

• Boost conversion rates during high-traffic sales events. 

• Explore affordable options to enhance your professional communication during sales events. 

3. WonderSuite to launch gift guides fast 

At Bluehost, our WonderSuite makes it easy to quickly create holiday gift guides that perfectly complement your Black Friday email strategy. We know how important it is to get these guides fast, so we’ve designed WonderSuite to streamline the process for marketers during this busy season. With WonderSuite you can- 

• Develop engaging free gift guides in no time 

• Help your customers find the perfect products 

• Boost the shopping experience with timely guides 

• Save time with streamlined creation tools 

• Complement your Black Friday emails and promotions effectively 

4. Clean integrations with email tools and analytics 

At Bluehost, we provide seamless integration with a variety of email marketing tools to help you track and analyze your Black Friday campaigns effectively. Here’s how we make email marketing easier and more powerful for you: 

• We connect smoothly with popular email service providers and analytics platforms. 

• This integration helps you monitor your campaign performance in real time. 

• With these insights, you can fine-tune your strategies to boost engagement. 

• Combining data from different tools allows you to personalize your email content better. 

Bluehost provides professional email hosting and seamless integration with other marketing technologies to enhance the efficiency of your campaigns during busy sales periods. 

5. 24/7 expert support during peak traffic 

At Bluehost, we’re here to support you with a team of WordPress experts ready to assist whenever you need help. We offer round-the-clock customer support, especially during the busy Black Friday shopping period.  

Having expert assistance available 24/7 means any issues that could disrupt your email campaigns are resolved quickly. 

Final thoughts 

Black Friday serves as a pivotal moment for email marketing, with the potential for a high return on investment compared to other marketing channels. 

With Bluehost’s fast and reliable hosting, you can handle surges in traffic during the busiest online shopping season without missing a beat. We offer seamless integration with popular email marketing platforms and analytics tools to help you track and optimize your campaigns effortlessly. Plus, our 24/7 expert support team is always here to ensure any technical issues are resolved promptly. 

Don’t leave your Black Friday success to chance; plan with Bluehost and empower your email marketing strategy to reach new heights. 

Start today and make this holiday season your most profitable with Bluehost WordPress hosting.  

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