In a world where we are all constantly bombarded with emails, social media ads, and pop-ups, SMS marketing offers a refreshingly direct and personal way to connect.
Consider this: 66% of people globally use text messaging to engage with businesses, and SMS messages boast an extraordinary open rate of around 98%. And those are the numbers you need to translate into real opportunities for your ecommerce business!
Think about those times you’ve needed to notify your customers about a flash sale, send a shipping update, or recover an abandoned cart. SMS steps in here, delivering your message straight to your customers’ phones where it’s likely to be read almost instantly.
But SMS marketing is more than just sending out texts—it’s about creating meaningful interactions that foster loyalty and drive sales. From personalized offers and exclusive deals to real-time customer support, SMS provides a versatile platform for building stronger, more engaging customer relationships.
In this guide, we’ll break down how you can leverage SMS marketing to elevate your ecommerce business:
- What is SMS Marketing for Ecommerce
- What are the Top Benefits of SMS Marketing
- What are the Main Types of SMS Marketing
- SMS Marketing Strategies & Tips for Ecommerce
- How to Get Started with SMS Marketing
Let’s dive in!
What is SMS Marketing for Ecommerce
SMS marketing involves sending text messages about exclusive offers and promotions, shipment updates, one-to-one customer support, and much more. The term “SMS” stands for “short message service,” and brands use this communication channel to interact with their customers on a more personal level. Specifically for ecommerce businesses, SMS marketing offers the fast and direct communication that online shoppers need. Unlike emails that can sit unread in inboxes, text messages are usually opened and read almost immediately. This makes SMS marketing perfect for getting time-sensitive information to customers.
What are the Benefits of SMS Marketing for Ecommerce Businesses
E-v-e-r-y-o-n-e texts! It’s a form of daily communication! SMS messages can help your business:
Drive Engagement
SMS messages have an incredible open rate of around 98%. This means almost every message you send is likely to be seen by your customers.
Reach Customers Immediately
SMS delivers your message instantly, making it ideal for urgent updates or limited-time offers.
Offer Enhanced Personal Connections
Text messages feel personal and direct, which helps create a closer connection with your customers.
Complement Other Channels
SMS can work alongside other marketing channels like email and Viber, giving your business a more comprehensive approach to customer engagement.
What are the Main Types of SMS Marketing
There are three main types of SMS marketing that you can use to reach your customers:
Promotional SMS
These messages are used to promote your products or services. They can include special offers, exclusive discounts, or first access. For example, you might send a message like, “Flash Sale! Get 20% off all items today only. Shop now!”
Transactional SMS
These are automated messages sent in response to a customer’s action, like confirming an order, providing shipping updates, or reminding them of an abandoned cart. An example might be, “Your order #1234 has been shipped! Track your order here!”
Conversational SMS
This involves two-way communication where customers can reply to your messages. It’s great for customer service and building relationships.
SMS Marketing Strategies & Tips for Ecommerce
Implementing SMS marketing effectively requires planning and tactics. Here are some strategies and tips to help you get the most out of your SMS campaigns:
Build Your SMS List
Start by encouraging your existing customers to sign up for SMS updates. You can offer incentives like discounts or special offers to entice them. Use every touchpoint—your website, social media channels, in-store promotions, and email campaigns—to collect phone numbers and grow your list.
Remember!
Always provide a GDPR-compliant way to opt-in and a clear and simple way to unsubscribe from your messages. This builds trust and ensures compliance with regulations.
Kick Things Off with a Campaign
If you just started growing your list, send a campaign to all your new SMS subscribers. No need to segment just yet—just familiarize your audience with your messages and collect data!
Content Best Practices
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SMS messages have limited space (160 characters), so make every word count. Be direct and clear about what you want your customers to know or do. (You know you should shorten any URL to save some space and make your SMS less overwhelming!)
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Use a single CTA—and make sure the destination makes sense. Each SMS should have one clear call to action (CTA).
Time to Get Personal
Use data to segment your audience before you send! Identify the audience that has shown interest, tailor your messages directly to them, and watch the numbers grow! Personalization makes your messages more relevant and engaging.
Learn more about Apifon’s smart audience segmentation capabilities.
Target only your SMS subscribers and make them feel special. Reward them with exclusive offers or early access to new products. This makes them feel valued and encourages loyalty. For example, “Exclusive for our SMS subscribers: Get early access to our sale tomorrow. Don’t miss out!”
Offer Support
Talk back with two-way texting to let customers respond to your messages. This is great for customer service and can provide valuable feedback.
Or…
Send automated messages triggered by customer actions. This includes order confirmations, shipping updates, and reminders for abandoned carts.
Don’t Forget!
Always monitor your SMS campaigns. Track metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and conversions to understand what works best. Don’t assume that what works for one campaign will work for another. Continuously test and optimize your messages.
Ready to dive into SMS marketing? Here’s how!
Ecommerce SMS Marketing Starter Guide
Choose a platform that supports SMS marketing and integrates well with your ecommerce system. Apifon offers a comprehensive suite of tools to create personalized, cross-channel experiences that engage your audience effectively.
Clearly outline what you want to achieve with your SMS marketing campaigns. Are you looking to drive sales, increase engagement, or improve customer service?
Now you are ready to:
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Build Your SMS List
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Segment Your Audience
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Craft Compelling Messages
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Automate and Schedule
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Monitor and Optimize
SMS marketing is a powerful way to stay connected with your customers and boost your ecommerce success. You can create engaging and effective SMS campaigns that build stronger relationships and drive sales.
Ready to take your SMS marketing to the next level?
Integrate your ecommerce with Apifon and leverage our advanced tools to get the most out of your SMS marketing efforts.
Start today and see how SMS can transform your business growth.
