SMS marketing is a huge advancement for retailers trying to communicate directly with their customers. In recent times, SMS marketing has proven more effective than traditional marketing, and is oftentimes less expensive. Using text message marketing for retail stores can yield a very high return if done correctly and strategically.

How to Utilize SMS Marketing for Retail 

To get the most out of any marketing campaign you need a plan of action, and SMS marketing is no different. By utilizing all of the ways you can use SMS marketing, you will be able to improve brand recognition, increase sales, cultivate loyalty, and earn the trust of your customers. 

• Coupons - Coupons are a great way to get customers in the door, especially at times that you know will be slower. You can also track each customer’s coupon habits to better segment your text list for future campaigns.  

• Doorbusters - Doorbusters are a good way to give you an edge on the competition during a holiday or large event. Give your text message list the inside scoop and watch the line wrap around the block.

• Special Events - Send out text alerts about special events for holidays, such as having a Santa Claus for Christmas photos or a new product unveiling.

• Holiday Hours - SMS marketing is the perfect tool for letting your customers know when your hours change for the holidays, or have to close due to inclement weather.

• Surveys - Customer surveys are a great way to gauge customers’ reactions to new products or hours, as well as get feedback on day-to-day service. 

Grow Your SMS List 

Growing your SMS list strategically (and legally) is key to an effective SMS marketing strategy. By utilizing text to win campaigns, digital coupons, or promoting your text list on your social media channels, you will grow your subscriber list based on interest in your business, which will yield high returns. Remember - it is unlawful to send unsolicited text messages. You must have express permission to contact each member on your text message list.

• Utilize your other platforms - encourage people to sign up for your text message list via your social media channels or email list by offering a coupon or discount code for new signups.

• Text-to-win - by hosting a text-to-win competition, not only do you collect more subscribers, but you know that these are high-value subscribers who have shown a specific interest in your product or service. 

• Surveys after purchase - By adding an option to text in to take a survey, you will be able to not only get customer feedback, but also grow your SMS list! 

• Signage - Putting up a sign in your store that give customers an incentive to text in, such as a coupon for signing up, is one of the best ways to get the phone numbers of your current customer base. 

• Text a copy of receipts - Offer text message copies of receipts to customers, so that you can give them the option to opt-in to text message alerts. 

How to Maintain Your Subscriber List

• Don't text too often - If you text too much, your messages will start to feel like spam, and you will notice many people unsubscribing. Make sure to 

• Segment your list - Only send customers relevant messages by segmenting your list for each marketing campaign. That way, people won’t unsubscribe when they see 

• Show appreciation - Show your customers how much you care by sending out thank you coupons, or special discounts for their birthdays or holidays. You can even make a separate list for frequent customers! 

Creating a strategy for growing your text message marketing list is integral to how your SMS marketing works overall. If you have any questions about how to properly grow your subscriber list, reach out to a member of our team. We’re here to help!

At vorText, SMS marketing is our passion, and our knowledgeable staff is ready to help take your business to the next level. Contact us today to schedule a free demo!