Every competitor of yours is trying to market their way into customers’ minds. Hence, if you want to stand out, it is the right time to adapt to e-commerce SMS marketing.
Instead of simply waiting for your customers to open the mail or click your social media post, you can easily light up their phones with SMS marketing messages.
To help you easily carry out this, in this blog, we have discussed how to turn text message marketing for e-commerce into a profitable channel.
In addition, you will learn to utilize SMS marketing automation and explore some easy-to-use templates and strategies that will help you convert faster.
Send automated order follow-up emails using Retainful’s easy-to-setup email automation.
What is E-commerce SMS Marketing?
E-commerce SMS marketing is a way through which online store owners send promotions, order updates, and other communications to their customers through SMS messages.
This approach is different from other businesses as it SMS for e-commerce covers the full shopping journey of the customer.
Consequently, you can SMS about product launches, cart reminders, and purchase confirmations.
You don’t need to worry about iOS updates affecting your reach or algorithm changes hiding your content. When someone opts in to your SMS list, you can directly communicate with them.
For text message marketing, you certainly need tools that integrate seamlessly with your platform, like Shopify or WooCommerce. In addition, you need to sync customer data, create segments, and trigger messages based on shopping behavior.
SMS in marketing operates on explicit opt-in consent. Hence, you will engage only with customers who choose to receive your messages. Thus, it creates a highly engaged audience who wants to hear from you.
What Are the Benefits of SMS Marketing for E-commerce Brands?
1. Higher Open and Response Rates
Through e-commerce SMS notifications, you can get a high 98% open rate. Since people are mostly stuck with phones, they quickly view them after delivery. Hence, during flash sales or limited-time offers, such visibility will be useful.
SMS text messaging marketing also has a better response rate (45%), compared to emails. Subsequently, customers are more likely to engage with your text messages.
2. Improve Customer Retention and LTV
E-commerce texting with the right strategy can turn one-time buyers into loyal customers. Hence, all you have to do is send timely reminders about reorders or exclusive VIP offers via SMS.
Mostly, an e-commerce marketing strategy focuses on acquisition. However, with SMS, you can make retention effortless. For this, you can create post-purchase flows via text messages.
3. Privacy-friendly and Compliant
Your SMS subscriber list for e-commerce marketing doesn’t vary based on algorithms or spam filters. Hence, this SMS service approach for e-commerce is a more valuable, consistent, and predictable marketing channel.
4. Drive Urgency and Conversions
E-commerce SMS messages create immediate action because their intimate nature creates urgency organically. Such SMS ecommerce marketing strategies that activate psychological triggers help drive 3x conversion for advertising SMS.
Why choose SMS Marketing over Email, Push, or Ads for E-Commerce?
Here is a comparison table on SMS vs. Other Channels (Email, Push, Ads) for e-commerce stores
| Metric | SMS | Push Notifications | Paid Ads (Meta/Google) | |
| Open Rate | 98% | 20–25% | 50–80% | Not applicable (impression-based) |
| Click-Through Rate | 19–35% | 2–5% | 1–3% | 0.5–1.5% |
| Conversion Rate | 10–20% | 2–4% | 1–2% | 1–3% |
| Engagement Speed | Immediate (within 3 minutes) | Delayed (hours/days) | Fast but often dismissed | Slower (discovery-based) |
| Audience Reach | Opted-in, high intent | Opted in, moderate intent | App users only | Broad, interest/behavior targeted |
| Cost per Message | $0.01–$0.05 | Negligible (based on platform) | Free (but limited control) | $0.50–$3.00 per click |
| Spam Risk | Low (opt-in required) | Medium (spam filters) | Medium (opt-out fatigue) | High (ad blindness + distrust) |
| Personalization | High (behavioral & contextual) | High (dynamic content) | Low–Medium | Low–Medium |
| Compliance Needs | High (TCPA, GDPR) | Medium (GDPR, CAN-SPAM) | Low–Medium | Platform-driven compliance |
| Best Use Cases | Flash sales, cart recovery, VIPs | Newsletters, promos, education | Order updates, reminders | Acquisition, retargeting |
What Types of SMS Marketing Campaigns Work Best in eCommerce?
The 4 types of SMS marketing campaigns that work for e-commerce are:
- Promotional SMS: Product Launches, Sales, VIP Drops
- Transactional SMS: Order Confirmations and Shipping Updates
- Conversational SMS: Two-Way Support and Loyalty Building
- Behavior-Triggered SMS: Abandoned Cart, Back-in-Stock Alerts
1. Promotional SMS
E-commerce SMS template messages for promotions should be short and action-focused. You can use these messages to announce new product drops, exclusive sales, and member-only offers to your most engaged customers.
Promotional e-commerce text message success depends on the timing and frequency. You must send these messages when your audience is most likely to shop. For example, Tuesday through Thursday between 10 AM and 6 PM.
SMS marketing for e-commerce brands works best when promotional messages feel exclusive. Instead of group messaging every subscriber, segment your customers to send VIP offers to your best customers first.
For example,
A DTC skincare brand that is launching a limited-edition face serum. Hence, they want to notify VIP customers 24 hours before the general public.
2. Transactional SMS
These SMS for e-commerce brands are aimed at building trust and reducing customer anxiety about their purchases.
For example, order confirmations will reassure buyers that their transaction has been processed successfully.
Furthermore, e-commerce SMS notifications for shipping updates will reduce the need for customers to constantly check tracking pages. Hence, send automatic updates when their package is shipped, arrives at the warehouse, and is out for delivery.
In addition, these SMS marketing messages can also reduce customer service inquiries, as they know exactly where their order is.
For example,
A Shopify fashion store can send an automated SMS confirming order receipt and provide a tracking link when the items are shipped.
3. Conversational SMS
SMS marketing in e-commerce is better than other channels as it enables real conversations. Your customers can reply to your messages with questions, and you can respond personally.
Thus, this text message marketing for e-commerce approach works well for collecting feedback, running quick polls, and surprising loyal customers with unexpected rewards.
E-commerce SMS strategy example,
After a customer makes their fifth purchase, send a text asking about their experience and offer a personalized discount for their next order.
4. Behavior-Triggered SMS
E-commerce SMS marketing strategy automation is most useful with behavior-triggered messages. These flows activate when customers take specific actions on your online store.
For example, SMS marketing automation for abandoned carts is triggered when a customer leaves a cart without completing the purchase.
Therefore, SMS automation is set for three messages:
- One after 30 minutes
- Another after 24 hours
- Final message after 72 hours with a small discount.
Furthermore, browse abandonment SMS marketing messages target customers who viewed products but didn’t add them to their cart. Back-in-stock alerts notify customers when previously sold-out items become available again.
Related Reading:
Here is an example of cart abandonment recovery,
How to Start SMS Marketing for your E-commerce Brand?
The steps to start SMS marketing for an e-commerce brand are:
- Choose the best SMS platform
- Grow your subscriber list
- Set up SMS automations
- Ensure compliance
- Schedule your first campaign
Choose the Best SMS Platform
By having a platform for SMS service for e-commerce, you can seamlessly integrate it with your store data.
SMS marketing automation capabilities vary significantly between platforms.
Hence, to choose the best SMS platform for your e-commerce store, consider the following features,
- Audience segmentation options
- Drag-and-drop flow builders
- Different SMS templates
- Easy marketing automation
- Detailed analytics
- Customer support
Grow Your Subscriber List
Firstly, start building a quality subscriber list for SMS for e-commerce.
One of the best ways to grow your subscriber list, legally and fast, is to combine multiple touchpoints throughout the customer’s lifecycle.
For example,
- Exit-intent popups can capture browsers before they leave your site.
- The welcome pop-up can invite customers to opt in by offering initial discounts.
Ecommerce SMS growth also benefits from keyword campaigns. Promote a keyword like “DEALS” that customers can text to join your VIP list.
Set Up SMS Automations
SMS marketing automation can be used to launch campaigns in priority order.
SMS marketing for e-commerce automation works best when flows feel personal rather than robotic. Hence, use the customer’s name and reference their specific behavior.
Here are some of the SMS automations you should set up for your e-commerce store:
When: Immediately after a customer opts in to SMS (via popup, checkout, or keyword).
Thus, you can make a strong first impression and drive the first purchase.
When: Customer adds to cart but doesn’t check out.
Thus, you can recover lost sales and boost conversion rates.
3. Browse Abandonment Flow
When: Customer views a product but doesn’t add it to the cart.
Hence, you can nudge the browsers to take action.
4. Shipping & Delivery Updates (Transactional)
When: After the order is placed.
This helps keep customers informed, reduces support tickets, etc
5. Post-Purchase Follow-Up
When: After delivery.
Hence, you can increase customer LTV and engagement after purchase.
When: Customer hasn’t purchased in 30–60 days.
You can re-engage customers and prevent churn.
7. Back-in-Stock Alerts (Behavioral)
When: The Product is restocked after the customer subscribed to the alert.
Hence, convert high-intent shoppers.
8. VIP Rewards Flow
When: Triggered when customer qualifies as a VIP (e.g., 3+ purchases or high AOV).
You can reward loyalty and increase lifetime value.
Ensure Compliance
SMS text messaging marketing requires explicit consent from every subscriber. Hence, your opt-in language must clearly explain what customers will receive and how often.
SMS in marketing compliance also requires easy opt-out options. Therefore, every message should include instructions for unsubscribing. Usually, it is “Reply STOP to opt out.”
TCPA and GDPR apply to SMS marketing, so document your consent process carefully. Moreover, never purchase SMS lists or add customers without their explicit permission.
Schedule Your First Campaign
E-commerce marketing campaigns with SMS should start small and scale gradually. Firstly, set up a welcome message to new subscribers, then add weekly newsletters.
Text message marketing timing affects open rates. Hence, avoid early mornings, late evenings, and weekends unless your data shows higher engagement during these times.
Test different send times with small segments before committing to large campaigns.
Send Targeted SMS Campaigns for More Sales from VIPs, New Customers & More using Retainful
What are High-converting SMS Templates for E-commerce?
1. Abandoned Cart Reminder
SMS for e-commerce cart recovery works best when it creates urgency without being pushy. In addition, reference the specific product to personalize the message.
The very first SMS marketing message for recovering abandoned carts should be sent within 30 minutes, while the purchase intent is still strong.
E-commerce SMS template for cart abandonment:
2. Flash Sale Alert
The basic idea of SMS marketing for e-commerce flash sales is gaining immediate attention.
Advertising SMS messages work best when they’re scannable at a glance. Hence, use emojis strategically to catch attention.
E-commerce SMS urgency tactics can include countdown timers, limited quantities, and specific end times rather than vague deadlines.
3. New Product Drop
Since SMS messages allow only less characters, product launches should emphasize exclusivity and early access rather than listing product features.
E-commerce SMS template for product launches:
4. Order Updates
SMS marketing messages for shipping should aim to clear queries. Hence, you can’t simply send shipping updates with order confirmation.
Your e-commerce SMS notifications should include different messages for order follow up like tracking information and estimated delivery dates when available.
Transactional SMS for shipping updates:
5. Back in Stock Alert
SMS marketing messages for restocks should create urgency through scarcity rather than discounts.
E-commerce SMS restock notifications:
6. VIP-Only Offer
E-commerce SMS examples for loyalty should feel like rewards rather than promotions. Personalize with purchase history when possible.
Text message marketing for VIP offers works best when it acknowledges the customer’s loyalty explicitly.
E-commerce SMS marketing strategy for VIP rewards:
How Can You Scale With Advanced SMS Marketing Strategies?
Smart Segmenting: E-commerce SMS strategy works best when you treat each customer differently. Hence, segment them based on behavior, purchase history, and engagement.
For example, segment into new subscribers, repeat customers, and VIP buyers. In addition, advanced segments might include product category preferences or seasonal shopping patterns.
Integrate SMS with Email, Loyalty, and Reviews: E-commerce SMS marketing can yield better results as part of a coordinated multi-channel strategy. Hence, use SMS to amplify your email campaigns and support loyalty programs.
However, e-commerce messaging across channels should feel consistent but not repetitive. Hence, use SMS for urgent communications and email for detailed content.
Related Reading:
Dynamic Product Recommendations via SMS: You can use customer purchase history and browsing data to send personalized product suggestions through text messages. For this, your message must be brief, visual if possible, and based on real customer behavior.
Thus, SMS messages can become a personal shopper. You can use AI-powered tools or manual tagging to recommend smart and relevant cross-sells. As a result, you can increase AOV (average order value).
Celebrate Customer Journeys: You can recognize and appreciate on customer milestones with SMS. For example, set up automated messages for key events like a customer’s 5th order, 1st anniversary, or hitting a VIP status.
These celebratory SMS messages can make the customers feel valued. As a result, you can improve loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals.
Set Up SMS Automations to Recover Abandoned Carts of your E-Commerce Store with Retainful
Conclusion
The e-commerce SMS marketing is simple to set up and handle.
Once you set up your flows and segments, the system automatically recovers abandoned carts, notifies customers about restocks, and nurtures relationships with your best buyers.
Your customers are already carrying the marketing channel in their pocket. You only have to find the right way to use it with the steps, strategies, and templates we have discussed in the blog.
Further Reading
- Retention Marketing: Strategies + Examples
- 19 Effective Email Marketing Strategies for 2025
- Difference Between Email Segmentation and Personalization
- A Guide From Experts To Create Emotional Connections
Frequently Asked Question
You ought to maintain explicit opt-in consent for all subscribers and include clear opt-out instructions like “Reply STOP” in every text message marketing for e-commerce to stay compliant and avoid being spam. Furthermore, ensure your SMS marketing messages are less frequent and avoid spam trigger words.
For e-commerce, your SMS text messages must be fewer than 12 per month. Subsequently, break this into 2-3 messages per week.
In terms of e-commerce, an optimal SMS opt-in rate is 15-20% at checkout. However, through the website pop-up, it is only 3-8%. However, during peak shopping season, you can get up to 30%.
Yes, emojis in SMS marketing can easily catch the attention of customers and create a better impact. However, keep it as low as 2 per message.
Retainful and Klaviyo lead as the best SMS marketing automation platforms for small ecommerce businesses due to their seamless integration and user-friendly interfaces.
SMS marketing messages for abandoned cart recovery achieve 45% open rates and 15% conversion rates compared to emails’ 20% opens and 3% conversions. Thus, SMS is better than email for cart recovery.
You can segment customers based on their behaviour and preferences. This can help personalize your text SMS messages at scale. For example, if a group of people likes a particular category, then send them offers for products in that category.
Create a re-engagement SMS campaign to recover your SMS unsubscribers. Offer them an exclusive discount in addition to an invitation to rejoin.
Start scaling your SMS marketing campaign by using automated flows and pre-made templates. You can also use an SMS marketing tool for segmentation and personalization. Thus, it can work without manual intervention.
SMS (Short Message Service) is for sending plain, short text messages. However, MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) can also include images, GIFs, and longer text. Hence, it is suitable for visual campaigns and brand storytelling.
