6 SMS campaigns every retailer should utilize

For independent retailers with physical stores needing a stronger digital presence, SMS campaigns are indispensable tools for interacting with customers, driving increased sales, and giving your business a personal touch. 

In this article, RareCircles explores 6 essential SMS campaigns independent retailers should use to engage customers in different parts of the sales funnel. From new product announcements to customer loyalty programs, these are effective strategies for reaching customers directly and influencing real-time purchasing decisions.

1. Confirmation Welcome Text 

When a customer signs up for your SMS marketing list, it's important to send them a welcome text to acknowledge the new relationship. By displaying such a strong showing of customer service, these SMS messages set the tone for future interactions and paint your brand in a positive light. 

Remember, people aren’t required to share any of their personal information with you - even if they are longtime customers of your store. As such, when someone is willing to accept text messages from your organization, it shows a good deal of trust on their end. Acknowledging this trust with a brief introductory message sets the foundation for long-term customer satisfaction.

2. Reply-to-Buy SMS   

Reply-to-buy SMS is a text message sent to subscribers containing details about a specific product. These texts are extremely powerful sales tools, as recipients just have to respond with "Yes" or "Buy" to make a purchase. Simplifying the sales process allows you to take advantage of shoppers who value frictionless e-commerce experiences - such as the “Buy Now” button on Amazon. 

If your retail store has success with reply-to-buy SMS campaigns, you could expand your strategy by creating automated workflows triggered by customer actions. By taking this approach, you can utilize the best of both worlds with automation and personalization to convert quick and easy sales.

3. Product & Promotion Announcements  

Since SMS messages go directly to people’s mobile phones, they are a great way to keep recipients updated on products and promotions for your retail store. You should create SMS campaigns featuring product images, also known as MMS (multimedia messaging service), along with enticing offers or discounts to prompt immediate purchases. MMS messages are also great tools for flash sales or to clear surplus inventory.

Delivering product alerts to your SMS subscriber list creates further brand value by giving people exclusive access to new items. Since SMS messages are known for their higher open rates, they are ideal for notifying subscribers when out-of-stock products are replenished. For example, you can create campaigns for customers who opted in for restock alerts or those who have previously purchased similar items.

4. Customer Service & Shipping Updates

Employing SMS marketing will enhance your customer service effortlessly with automation tools. For example, sending a purchase follow-up text to check customer satisfaction can go a long way in demonstrating your attentiveness with minimal work from your IT team. Similarly, offering text chat for product troubleshooting and technical support will look very professional for your store. 

For customers who have put in specialized orders at your retail store, SMS marketing can provide updates on order fulfillment and shipping status. This practice is particularly impactful for high-end, customized items like mountain bikes, ATVs, and ski boots.

5. Customer Loyalty SMS

Loyalty programs are effective for independent retailers since they encourage customers to return to your store, while also incentivizing repeat purchases. Additionally, these programs keep your store relevant in people’s minds, as customers pay careful attention to their loyalty points and often plan on making specific purchases when the time comes. 

SMS marketing is one of the most powerful tools for customer loyalty programs in the modern business world. For example, you can segment your loyalty program participants to provide them with product-specific details based on their previous purchases. You can also send text updates reminding customers they still have unused loyalty points.

6. Product or Service Review Text 

Product or service SMS review texts are invaluable for independent retailers as they give an inside glimpse into overall customer satisfaction. Since text messages go right to people’s phones, SMS is a great way to connect with consumers while their experience at your store is still fresh in their minds. 

When you get a positive review about a product, you can be sure to keep that item on the shelves moving forward. Similarly, if a customer has a good experience at your store and leaves a positive review, it is great encouragement for all your team members. On the flip side of the coin, negative reviews offer clear insights into room for improvement.