If you’re wondering how to build an sms list for e-commerce businesses, you’ve come to the right place. Building an SMS list (and marketing to it) is an essential piece of the overall e-commerce digital marketing strategy your brand should create and execute.
E-commerce SMS marketing provides a direct and effective channel to reach your audience amidst digital noise. In this blog, we’ll explore nine strategies to kickstart your SMS list-building journey.
From opt-in tactics to website optimization, social media integration to personalization, we’ll guide you through the steps to engage customers and drive conversions. Let’s dive in and start showing you how to obtain sms list growth that propels your brand forward.
1. Opt-In Strategies
When it comes to building your SMS list, one effective strategy is to offer exclusive discounts or promotions to incentivize sign-ups. Create a sense of urgency by setting time-limited offers or limited quantities available. This creates a sense of exclusivity and encourages users to subscribe. Additionally, provide incentives for signing up, such as offering a discount for providing their SMS or email address. However, it’s important not to demand both for a discount, as this can deter potential subscribers.
Another opt-in strategy is to provide valuable content or resources to your audience. Share relevant industry tips or guides that align with your e-commerce brand. Offer educational content or tutorials that can benefit your subscribers. By providing value upfront, you establish credibility and build trust with your audience, making them more likely to opt into your SMS list.
2. Website Optimization
Optimizing your website for SMS list building involves implementing prominent signup forms. Use eye-catching pop-ups or banners that grab the attention of visitors. However, it’s important to delay the pop-up. Allow people some time to consume the page before a pop-up asks for their information. Delay it by 6 seconds or after they’ve scrolled some of your web page. This approach improves sign-up rates because users have time to see and engage with the content before being prompted to sign up.
To increase conversions, it’s also crucial to simplify the signup process. Minimize the required information to just the essentials, such as name and phone number. The shorter the form, the more likely users are to complete it.
3. Incentivize Referrals
Harness the power of your existing customer base by creating a referral program. Offer rewards for successful referrals, such as discounts, store credits, or exclusive access to new products. By incentivizing referrals, you encourage your customers to spread the word about your brand and bring new subscribers to your SMS list.
4. Social Media Integration
Social media platforms are powerful tools for promoting your SMS list. Leverage platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to promote your SMS list and its benefits. Create engaging content highlighting the advantages of being part of your SMS lists, such as exclusive offers, early access to sales, or insider news.
To attract sign-ups, run social media contests or giveaways that require SMS sign-up for participation. Offer desirable prizes that align with your brand and target audience. By incorporating SMS sign-up as a requirement, you ensure that participants join your SMS list while generating buzz and engagement on social media.
5. Offline Promotions
To expand your SMS list beyond the digital realm, use your physical store locations, if you have them. Train your staff to ask customers if they would like to sign up for your SMS list, emphasizing the benefits they will receive, such as exclusive discounts and early access to new products. Additionally, display signage throughout your store promoting the advantages of joining your SMS list to attract the attention of shoppers.
Take advantage of every touchpoint with your customers by including information about your SMS sign-up on your product packaging or receipts. This serves as a gentle reminder for customers to join your SMS list and provides them with an easy way to opt-in. You can also offer incentives, such as a discount on their next purchase, to further encourage sign-ups in-store.
6. Email Marketing Integration
If you already have an email subscriber list, leverage it to promote your SMS list. Send out dedicated email campaigns to your subscribers, highlighting the benefits of joining your SMS list and the exclusive offers they can expect to receive. By targeting your existing email subscribers, you tap into an audience that has already shown interest in your brand and are more likely to engage with your SMS communications, as well.
Give your customers the flexibility to choose their preferred communication channel by providing options for cross-platform communication. Allow customers to select whether they prefer to receive updates via SMS or email. Make sure to highlight the advantages of SMS for time-sensitive offers or urgent updates to encourage customers to opt for SMS notifications. This ensures that you cater to different communication preferences while maximizing your reach.
7. Personalization and Targeting
Segmentation is key to delivering personalized and relevant messages to your SMS subscribers. Categorize your customers based on their preferences, demographics, purchase history, or any other relevant factors. This allows you to send tailored messages to specific segments of your SMS list, ensuring the content resonates with each group and increases engagement and conversions.
Make use of the customer data you have collected to personalize your SMS messages. Reference previous purchases or browsing history to provide personalized product recommendations or exclusive offers. By demonstrating that you understand your customers’ preferences and cater to their individual needs, you enhance their overall experience and foster loyalty to your brand.
8. Test and Optimize
Regularly analyze the performance of your SMS campaigns to identify what’s working and what needs improvement. Track metrics such as send rates, click-through rates, revenue earned, and unsubscribe rates. This data provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of your strategies and allows you to make data-driven decisions to optimize your SMS list growth.
To further optimize your SMS list-building efforts, conduct A/B tests to compare different approaches. Test different messaging, incentives, and timing to determine which strategies yield better results.
9. Compliance and Privacy
It’s critical to ensure that you comply with legal requirements when building and utilizing your SMS list. Obtain explicit consent from subscribers for SMS communication, clearly outlining the type of messages they will receive. Provide clear opt-out instructions and respect user preferences if they choose to unsubscribe from your SMS list. Adhering to legal regulations builds trust with your subscribers and protects your brand reputation.
Safeguarding customer data is of utmost importance, as well. Implement secure data storage practices to protect the personal information of your SMS subscribers. Invest in robust security measures to prevent data breaches and reassure your customers that their data is safe.
SMS list growth is a vital step in driving the success of your e-commerce brand. By implementing some or all of the nine strategies outlined in this blog, you can engage customers, drive conversions, and create a direct and effective channel to reach your audience amidst the digital noise.
Greg is the founder and CEO of Stryde and a seasoned digital marketer who has worked with thousands of businesses, large and small, to generate more revenue via online marketing strategy and execution. Greg has written hundreds of blog posts as well as spoken at many events about online marketing strategy. You can follow Greg on Twitter and connect with him on LinkedIn.
