7 SMS Marketing Strategies and Tips for eCommerce Stores

Just as everyone loves the convenience of browsing different products online, I also enjoy shopping online and getting everything delivered to my doorstep. But as I put myself into the shoes of eCommerce store owners, I realized that many struggle to get enough orders, even after pouring their heart and soul.

With countless competitors in the online marketplace, it seems that newly found eCommerce stores are finding it hard to keep up with their established counterparts. As the competition intensifies, SMS marketing automation feels like the much-needed glucose your business needs.

It helps you stand out and allows you to reach where your customers spend their time — their mobile devices. If you also want to leverage the SMS for your eCommerce business, here I have presented some tips and strategies that can come in handy. So, let’s get started by first understanding what SMS marketing is for eCommerce:

What is SMS Marketing for eCommerce?

SMS marketing for eCommerce businesses is using the SMS channel to connect and nurture their customers, promote their products, share updates & alerts, provide customer support, and do much more. So, if you send customers a message that reads,

“Hey [Customer’s Name], it’s [Your Store Name]! Get 20% off your next purchase with code SAVE20. Don’t miss out on this amazing deal! Shop now at [Your Store URL]!”

You are essentially marketing your eCommerce store using the channel that has the highest open and response rate. When implemented shrewdly, SMS can help your eCommerce business with:

• Personalizing the customer journey and experience with your brand.

• Help connect and nurture your customer base

• Increase sales and conversion opportunities

• Acquire and retain customers

• Send order updates and promotional offers in real-time

• Expands your revenue generation streams

7 SMS Campaign Strategies with Tips to Boost Your eCommerce Conversions

SMS marketing may sound great as every other article on the web tells you how you can achieve great results, except the SMS campaign strategies that really work. Here are some strategies you can employ to get positive outcomes for your eCommerce business:

1. Promotional SMS Campaigns

Promotional SMS campaigns are a go-to strategy to promote your products or services, share offer details, or discount alerts, and announce upcoming sales and events. Promotional messages create a sense of urgency and compel your customers to take action.

To execute a successful campaign, follow the below tips and best practices:

• Determine the specific objectives of your campaign

• Segment your audience based on demographics, purchase history, and other criteria

• Write persuasive and engaging messages with compelling CTAs

• Add personalization where possible

• Send your messages at appropriate times

Here’s an example of a promotional SMS:

Hey [First],

Exclusive Offer Just for You! Shop at (Website Name) today and enjoy a 15% discount on your next purchase! Use code: SAVE15 at checkout. Hurry, the offer expires in 72 hours. Happy shopping! Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

Regards
Your Brand Name

2. Abandoned Cart Recovery Campaigns

According to Beymard’s findings, the average cart abandonment rate is above 70% for online shopping. It’s one of the challenges that eCommerce owners find hard to tackle but can do so by sending a simple automated text message whenever a customer abandons their cart. This can increase the likelihood of a sale.

Cart abandonment recovery campaigns are great to win back lost customers. You can even offer some incentives like free shipping or discounts if customers complete their purchase.

To execute this campaign successfully, follow the below tips and best practices:

• Send a first reminder message shortly after the cart abandonment

• Offer incentives like discounts or free shipping to make it more enticing for customers to complete purchase

• Create a sense of urgency in your message by adding words like “limited-time offer”, “offer valid till stock lasts”, etc.

• Send another follow-up message after a couple of days to remind them about their abandoned carts.

Here’s an example of a promotional SMS:

Hi [First],

We noticed you left something special in your cart. Don’t miss out! Complete your purchase now and enjoy (X% off/Free Shipping/etc.). Click here to complete the purchase: (Link to Cart). Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

Regards
Your Brand Name

3. Transactional and Order Updates

Transactional and order update SMS campaigns help keep your customers informed about the status of their orders and transactions they’ve done on your eCommerce site. These campaigns can be automated through API or Zapier integration and send transaction alerts, order confirmations, shipping updates, delivery notifications, and others.

These notifications are crucial components of eCommerce SMS campaigns that help keep customers informed and engaged throughout the purchase and delivery process. Here are some tips and best practices for sending transactional and order update alerts:

• Use a recognizable name or sender ID to instill trust and authenticity

• Send timely updates for the order fulfillment process

• Attach contact or support information

• Provide estimated delivery dates, carrier information, and relevant delivery instructions

Here are a few examples:

1. Order Confirmation

Order Confirmed!

Thank you [first]! for shopping with us. Your order with ID no. #123456 has been received. Estimated Delivery: (Delivery Date). We’ll notify you once your order ships.

Regards
Your Brand Name

2. Shipping Confirmation

Hi [First],

Shipped! Your order #123456 has been shipped and is on its way to you. Track your package here: (Tracking Link). Estimated delivery: (Date). Thank you for choosing (Your Business Name)!

Regards
Your Brand Name

3. Delivery Confirmation

Hi [First],

Delivered! Your order #123456 has been successfully delivered. Thank you for choosing (Your Business Name). If you have any questions or concerns, reply to this message. Happy shopping!

Regards
Your Brand Name

4. Flash Sale & Limited Time Offer Campaigns

Flash sales and limited-time campaigns are subparts of the promotional SMS campaigns where products are offered at significantly lower prices. The text message campaigns for these types of campaigns are carried out within a short period to compel customers to make quick purchasing decisions.

You can send these SMS campaigns whenever you are introducing a new product or service, want to boost sales during a slow period, or finish items that are high in stock. Here are some tips and best practices to keep in mind:

• Highlight the key details of your flash sales and offers within the SMS

• Articulate your message with clarity and a sense of urgency to motivate recipients to act quickly

• Include a strong CTA, like “Shop Now”, to encourage immediate action

• Emphasize the exclusive nature of the sale to make your customers feel special

• Send another reminder SMS shortly before the sale begins

Here’s an example you can use:

Hi [First],

Ready for exclusive savings? Our Flash Sale is ON! For the next 4 hours, enjoy up to 50% off on (item name). Don’t miss out—shop now at (website). Use code FLASH50 at checkout. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

Regards
Your Brand Name

5. Product Recommendation and Announcement Campaigns

Whether launching a new product or sending personalized product recommendations, you can leverage SMS to engage customers and drive additional sales opportunities. The purpose of personalized product recommendations is to send relevant products based on customers’ past purchases, browsing, and preferences.

Product announcement campaigns are designed to inform customers about new product launches, inventory updates, restocking, or new arrivals. Through these campaigns, you want to generate excitement and drive interest in your product offerings. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Send an SMS to tease the launch of a new product and build anticipation

• Offer exclusive early access or special discounts to loyal or valued customers

• Use images or videos while sending personalized product recommendations

• Segment your customers based on their behavior and preferences for sending relevant recommendations

• Include a clear CTA or link to direct recipients to the intended product or landing page

Here are a few examples you can use:

1. New Item Notifications

Hey [First],

We’re thrilled to share that new arrivals have just hit our shelves. Discover the latest trends and must-have items available here: (product link). Make sure to update your life with our freshest picks. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

Regards
Your Brand Name

2. Product Recommendation

Hey [First],

We noticed you recently purchased (Product A). Based on your interest, here are some similar products you might like: (Product B), (Product C), (Product D). Explore more at (Your Store URL)! Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

Regards
Your Brand Name

6. Customer Feedback and Loyalty Update Campaigns

Understanding customer satisfaction levels is crucial to increasing their lifetime value with your eCommerce brand. This is where the customer feedback requests and surveys through SMS can help identify areas for improvement.

It aims to gather insights from customers about their shopping experience, product usability and satisfaction, and ask their suggestions for improvement. Also, gathering such insights can help formulate a tailored loyalty program and update them about their status, rewards, and exclusive offers.

SMS campaigns for these purposes help increase customer engagement, encourage repeat purchases, and build long-term loyalty toward your brand. Here are a few tips and best practices:

• Keep your feedback message requests concise and to the point

• Offer an incentive or discount for customers to provide their feedback

• Send your feedback message shortly after they make a purchase

• Clearly communicate the benefits of your loyalty program

• Make your customers feel special by offering exclusive rewards and early access to deals

Here are a few examples you can use:

1. Request Feedback

Hi [First],

We hope you enjoyed your recent shopping experience with us. Your opinion matters! Could you take a moment to share your feedback? Write your review here: (review link). Thank you for helping us improve! Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

Regards
Your Brand Name

2. Loyalty Program Update

Hi [First],

You’ve earned 100 points in our loyalty program! As a thank you, here’s a special 20% off coupon for your next purchase. Use code LOYAL20 at checkout. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

Regards
Your Brand Name

7. Holiday and Re-engagement SMS Campaigns

Holiday SMS promotions and campaigns are also a subpart of the promotional SMS campaigns, however, they capitalize on the festive spirit and offer themed promotions and discounts. A re-engagement campaign, on the other hand, is where you reach out to inactive customers who haven’t purchased any items with your eCommerce brand for a certain period.

Re-engagement SMS campaigns encourage inactive customers to revisit your brand and make a purchase. To compel them more, you can offer a discount or some form of incentive. Additionally, holiday SMS campaigns can drive customers to your store and increase sales opportunities.

Here are some tips and best practices to keep in mind:

• Plan your SMS holiday campaigns ahead of time

• Create a sense of urgency within your holiday promotional messages

• Tailor your messages to align with the holiday theme or event

• Identify inactive customers who haven’t made any purchases

• Include a time-sensitive offer for immediate action

• Time your messages right for holiday and re-engagement campaigns

Here are a few examples you can use:

1. Holiday Promotions

Hey [First],

‘Tis the season for joy and savings! Our gift to you: exclusive holiday deals just in time for the festivities. Shop now and enjoy up to 40% off on select items! Limited stock, so grab your favorites before they’re gone. Visit (website) or our app to unwrap the savings. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

Regards
Your Brand Name

2. Customer Win-back/Re-engagement SMS

Hey [First],

It’s been a while since you shopped with us. We’ve got something special just for you. Enjoy a 15% discount on your next order! Use code: WINBACK15 at checkout. Hurry, this offer expires in 7 days. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

Regards
Your Brand Name