SMS automations that actually drive revenue

After looking inside a few hundred Klaviyo accounts over the last few years, one pattern keeps repeating: SMS automations consistently drive more incremental revenue than campaigns — when they’re actually built out.

Most brands flip on SMS, send a single welcome text, and stop there. Here are the automations I see over and over delivering the biggest revenue lifts (plus real setup tips you can copy/paste).

Why SMS automations matter more than people think

SMS is a high-intent channel. Nobody casually opts in.
When someone gives you their number, they’re expecting value quickly and flows let you meet that intent at exactly the right moment.

The right automations:

• Hit key funnel stages

• Patch revenue leaks you don’t realize you have

• Convert people while their intent is still hot

My top revenue-driving SMS automations (with real examples)

1. Welcome Series SMS (your highest-converting window)

Your best shot at converting an SMS subscriber is within minutes of signup.

What works well:

• Short reminder of the offer

• One recommended best-seller

• Clear CTA to checkout

Example:

“Hey {{first_name}} — here’s your {{discount}}. Most new customers start with this → {{best_seller_link}}”

2. Abandoned Cart + Checkout SMS (the MVP flow)

If you only launch one SMS automation, make it this.

Tips:

• First message at 30–45 minutes

• Keep tone helpful rather than salesy

• Follow up at 24 hours with social proof

This flow consistently ranks among the highest revenue generators in any account.

3. Browse Abandonment SMS (super underrated)

Great for brands with wide catalogs or strong SKU curiosity.

Keep it low-pressure:

“Still deciding? Here’s what you were checking out → {{product_link}}”

4. Winback SMS (where retention actually happens)

Trigger at 45–90 days depending on your buying cycle.

Short + personal almost always wins:

“We miss you! Want help picking something new? Tap here.”

How to set these up in Klaviyo (quick wins)

• Add SMS splits into existing email flows. No need to rebuild from scratch

• A/B test timing before copy (e.g., 20 vs 45 mins; 1 hr vs 2 hrs)

• Use Smart Sending, except in abandonment flows

• Keep copy short enough to feel like a native text, not a mini email

Common mistakes I see all the time

• Sending too many texts per month

• Zero personalization on viewed or added products

• SMS + email competing instead of supporting each other

• Assuming “more reminders = more conversions” (usually false)

If you want the fastest revenue lift, start here

These three automations alone move the needle within days:

1. Checkout Abandonment SMS

2. Welcome SMS

3. Winback SMS