Let’s face it. There is fierce and stiff competition in the ecommerce world. Everything is fast-paced and as an ecommerce business owner or manager, you need all the tips and advantages to stand out in an already crowded market.
SMS marketing for ecommerce comes in at this point to give the much-needed edge.
When properly executed and combined with other marketing strategies, the SMS marketing approach works wonders for ecommerce businesses and this has been tested and proven repeatedly.
On the surface, SMS marketing might sound like all you need to do is blast out broadcast messages to as many contacts as possible.
That is not the case, however, as there are nuances you will need to understand and apply.
You might know some and indeed might have put some of these practices in play, but we will still give you a comprehensive and concise guide.
Before we launch into that, we think it is important we discuss why SMS marketing is relevant to ecommerce to start with. Shall we?
Why is SMS Marketing Important in Ecommerce?
When it comes to SMS marketing, not much hype is needed as the numbers speak for themselves.
A study reported that as much as 47% of mobile phone users spend over 5 hours every 24 hours on their phones, and this duration increases when they are connected to the internet.
This implies the field has already been watered for SMS messages and outreach campaigns as customers are already waiting on the receiving end.
With this grounded advantage, let’s further break down why SMS marketing is necessary.
1. Customer Preference
Most customers when asked stated they prefer being contacted through SMS, especially when the messages are about updates to terms of services, offers, exclusive or time-limited deals, and similar matters.
This preference is from the convenience SMS messages offer, as recipients do not have to be connected to the internet to receive them.
2. Instant Delivery
Messages sent via SMS are usually delivered instantly, which makes it the most preferable means of disseminating time-sensitive information like flash sales, time-limited discounts, restock alerts, and special offers.
You can also use SMS messages for customised outreaches to customers, like offering discounts on their birthdays and other personal special events and occasions.
3. Personalization
SMS messages, even when sent in bulk and broadcasted to hundreds or thousands of recipients just like emails, still have a way of making the recipient feel special.
You can even take things further by using data gathered from customers’ profiles like their names, titles and ranks to tailor messages which will give them the one-on-one feeling usually lacking in push notifications.
Personalized texts can boost click-through rates by 3-6 times compared to generic messages, increasing the likelihood of conversions.
4. Engagement Rate
Unlike most other channels of campaigning and reaching out to clients, SMS messages have an almost unbelievable open rate of 98%.
Most people can swipe email notifications off their screens and some do so without even taking a glance at the subject header.
With SMS messages, however, things feel weightier with more importance, making engagement or at least reading nearly impossible to resist.
5. Seamless Integration
Another awesome feature that makes SMS marketing indispensable is its ability to be matched and integrated with other channels of outreach like email and social media.
For example, you can use SMS to remind customers about an email offer or reinforce a social media campaign.
This multi-channel approach strengthens your brand message and keeps customers engaged across platforms.
6. Metrics and Tweaks
These two edges given by SMS marketing are usually combined as they work hand in hand. With SMS messages, you can track progress in real time and modify failures to convert them into successes.
Due to the diverse factors that influence sales on each ecommerce, what works for one ecommerce store may outrightly fail or be less effective on another.
With SMS marketing, you have the luxury to tweak and modify your strategies till you land on a scale that fits and works for your platform.
Talking about strategies, there are several you should adopt to make your SMS marketing more effective. Let’s take a look at them.
SMS Marketing Strategies to Implement
Now that you know why SMS marketing is such a hot approach in ecommerce, let’s find out how to use the strategies involved. They include:
1. Welcome SMS
First of all, first impressions matter and that is not just a cliche in ecommerce.
Ensure to craft warm welcome SMS messages that will encourage initial purchase while setting a positive tone for future interactions.
We suggest you automate the messages to be delivered after checkout or a mere site browsing.
You can add an initial discount as well to spice things up.
2. Utilize FOMO
Secondly, leverage SMS for flash sales, seasonal discounts, or limited-time offers to capitalize on customers’ fear of missing out (FOMO).
The urgency of a ticking clock drives quick purchases, especially with SMS near-instant delivery.
3. Abandoned Carts
Also, cart abandonment affects over 5 out of 8 online stores, but SMS marketing can recover a significant portion of those lost sales by as much as up to 20-30%. Send a timely reminder to lead customers back to their carts.
The instant delivery of SMS, paired with discount offers, creates urgency and reduces friction.
4. Real-time Updates
Moreover, ensure to keep customers informed with real-time updates about their purchases, from confirmation of their order to delivery.
They might seem unnecessary, but these messages build trust, reduce customer service inquiries, and enhance the shopping experience.
5. Restock Alerts
In addition, do not forget to send SMS messages to all customers whenever your store is restocked.
You can also let them know when new products or stock will arrive before they do.
This targets high-intent buyers while driving immediate sales with minimal effort.
6. Post Purchase Check-ins
It is also important to reach out to customers via SMS after they have completed purchases.
Besides showing you care about their welfare beyond making a sale, it encourages reviews, upsells, and repeat customers.
How to Integrate SMS Marketing in Your Ecommerce Business
If you already knew the strategies or importance of SMS marketing but got stuck on how to actually incorporate SMS in your ecommerce business, we have general practical steps you can take.
First, ensure you get an SMS list that complies with general legal requirements of privacy and consent.
Bear in mind these requirements may be different in different regions, and it will be smart to avoid getting blacklisted and losing a whole customer base in a region. We recommend you insert options for subscribers to opt out or unsubscribe.
Secondly, choose an SMS marketing software that matches your business needs.
There are a lot of software to choose from and you’ll find out the most popular ones, together with their outstanding features if you keep on reading.
With that done, import the phone numbers you have to the software you chose, and follow the prompts to create an SMS campaign.
Every software has guidelines on how to effectively explore their SMS marketing features. Do well to follow them, and tweak where necessary. You want to find out what these softwares are? Let’s go!
SMS Marketing Software You Should Try
Now you’re familiar with the strategies to implement, you will be pleased to know there are many SMS marketing software for you to choose from and we have some recommendations for you.
1. Klaviyo
Klaviyo is the most popular SMS marketing software for a reason. It is ideal for e-commerce businesses that want to blend SMS with email, automate workflows, and prioritize personalization.
If you’re a small brand testing SMS or an established brand chasing loyalty, it’s a great pick.
Compared to SMS-first platforms like Postscript or Tatango, Klaviyo’s strength is its all-in-one approach.
2. Cartloop
Unlike other SMS tools that rely solely on automation or charge per message, Cartloop’s hybrid model blends tech and human expertise, and focuses on conversions. This makes it very effective for driving ROI.
Users report conversion rates above 40% for cart recovery, and it is also popular for its ease of use and fast customer support.
If you’re running an online store and want to boost sales without losing the personal touch, Cartloop could be a smart choice.
3. Tatango
This SMS marketing software is a big deal for nonprofits and businesses looking to connect with people through text messages.
Its key standout feature is how easy it is to use. You don’t need to be a tech guru to optimally use it as it is designed for everyone.
4. Avochato
With Avochato, your SMS marketing outreach does not end with you broadcasting to recipients.
Customers can text back, and you can have real conversations all tracked in one place.
Another great feature it is popular for is its legal compliance, which ensures you do not accidentally spam anyone.
5. Birdeye
This software goes further than just serving as an SMS marketing tool as it incorporates other essential ecommerce tools to have a unified app for ecommerce businesses.
Should you choose Birdeye, you will get to see other awesome tools and interesting texting games as well.
Also Read – Best SMS Campaign Examples
Conclusion
Implementing SMS marketing strategies can transform your ecommerce business by driving immediate sales, recovering lost revenue, and building stronger customer relationships.
We recommend you start with one or two, then expand as you see results.
With its high engagement and direct reach, SMS is a versatile tool that, when used strategically, delivers impressive ROI and keeps your brand connected to customers in a click.
To get more customized tips and strategies, book a FREE discovery call with us today.
