In today’s dynamic world of digital marketing, SMS marketing stands out as a uniquely powerful tool to engage directly with your most active customers. For brands, every customer interaction counts, and SMS can be the difference between a one-time buyer and a lifelong customer.
Check out my 9 personal tips for using SMS marketing to not only drive revenue, but also build strong customer relationships.
#1: Craft personalized messages
Nothing beats the feeling of receiving a message that feels like it was crafted just for you. Klaviyo's robust segmentation features allow you to tailor texts based on customer behavior and preferences. For instance, use dynamic fields like customer names or favorite product categories to customize messages. This personal touch transforms generic outreach into meaningful conversation.
#2: Time your messages perfectly
The timing of your SMS can significantly impact its effectiveness. Schedule messages during peak engagement times, such as weekends or post-work hours, for optimal results. Klaviyo's time zone sending options can help ensure that your customers receive messages at the right moment.
#3: Don’t overload your subscribers
Even the most engaged customers have their limits. Bombarding them with too many texts can lead to high unsubscribe rates. Balance is key. Keep your SMS outreach moderate and intentional, ideally limiting yourself to a few key messages per month that offer genuine value.
#4: Leverage urgency in promotions
When it comes to limited-time offers, urgency can spur action. Consider using phrases like “While Supplies Last” or “24-Hour Flash Sale” to motivate your customers to act quickly. Exclusive SMS-only deals can make subscribers feel like they are part of an elite group, especially when offers are tailored to their specific interests.
#5: Don’t skirt the legalities
It's crucial to comply with SMS marketing laws and best practices. Staying compliant with regulations like the TCPA and GDPR not only protects your business, but also reinforces your reputation as a trustworthy brand.
#6: Re-engage inactive customers
Got customers who haven’t engaged recently? Use SMS to win back inactive customers by reminding them of their favorite products or offering them a unique discount. Klaviyo’s segmentation capabilities make it easy to identify and reach out to those who’ve been inactive, with incentives that reignite their love for the brand.
#7: Don’t forget to follow up
Post-purchase follow-ups can turn a one-time satisfied customer into a repeat one. Send a thank-you message, ask for feedback, or provide updates about their order’s shipping status. This kind of attention to detail enhances the customer experience and builds loyalty.
#8: Constantly optimize through testing
Every brand is different, and what works for one might not work for another. Continuously test different messaging styles, send times, and promotions to discover what drives the best engagement and sales for your brand. Klaviyo’s analytics and reporting tools are invaluable in this ongoing quest to refine your strategy.
#9: Don’t miss opportunities for related promotions
Include cross-promotional opportunities in your SMS strategy. Use SMS to suggest complementary products that enhance their initial purchase and deepen their engagement with your brand.
Wrapping things up
Klaviyo’s SMS marketing offers a direct and personal way to communicate with customers, encouraging not just transactions but lasting connections. Implement these tips with the unique needs and behaviors of your customer base in mind, and watch as your community—and your revenue—grows.
What’s your experience with SMS marketing? Share your tips and experiences in the comments!
-Bethany (
Want to talk further about all things ecommerce? DM me or connect on our partner page, Akers Digital!
Resources available to keep learning:
- Klaviyo SMS consumer report (new).
- SMS privacy policy best practices
- How to use Klaviyo email and SMS together
- Migrating from another SMS provider to Klaviyo
- Basics: SMS compliance
