5 Ways Businesses Are Using Bulk SMS to Drive Sales

May 9, 2025
Tinuade
blog

What if you could reach 1,000 customers in seconds and 98% of them read your message?

That’s the power of bulk SMS. With open rates as high as 98%, SMS marketing remains a major player in the digital marketing world, and for good reason. It’s fast, direct, and has unmatched visibility. Bulk SMS can drive sales, increase customer engagement, and improve brand loyalty, whether you’re a small business or a large corporation.

In this article, we’ll explore five specific ways businesses are using bulk SMS to boost revenue. You’ll get real-world examples, practical tips, and insights that you can apply to your campaigns.

Way #1: Flash Sales and Time-Sensitive Offers

One of the most effective ways businesses use bulk SMS is to create urgency and drive immediate action. Flash sales and time-sensitive offers are ideal for SMS because they rely on quick decision-making, and SMS is instant.

Example: A Fashion Store Sends a 50% Flash Sale Alert

Imagine a fashion store with a loyal customer base. They send out an SMS like this:

“ FLASH SALE: 50% off everything! Only today. Shop now and save big before time runs out. [Link]”

Because SMS is immediate, the recipient knows they have to act quickly. This creates urgency, and the instant delivery increases the likelihood of action. SMS open rates are far higher than email, which is why flash sales work so well.

Pro Tip: Use link shorteners with tracking. Yournotify supports this feature, allowing you to measure your campaign’s effectiveness and tweak your strategy for better results.

Way #2: Abandoned Cart Reminders

For e-commerce businesses, abandoned carts are a huge source of lost revenue. It’s estimated that 69% of online shopping carts are abandoned before checkout. But with the power of bulk SMS, businesses can quickly recover those lost sales.

Example: “You Left Something Behind. Complete Your Order and Enjoy 10% Off”

Here’s how it works:
A customer browses an online store, adds an item to their cart, but leaves without completing the purchase. The store then sends a personalized SMS reminder like this:

“You left something behind. Complete your order and enjoy 10% off. Shop now: [Link]”

This SMS is personal, direct, and time-sensitive, which makes it far more effective than an email reminder. It also capitalizes on the faster response rate of SMS. Studies show that SMS reminders are more effective than email, particularly for abandoned carts.

Way #3: Product Launch Announcements

For product launches, SMS marketing offers an excellent opportunity to generate buzz and excitement before your product hits the market. Whether you’re introducing a new line or releasing a limited edition, SMS can notify your customers instantly and drive traffic directly to your product pages.

Example: VIP Customers Get Early-Bird Access

A tech company about to launch a new gadget might send this SMS to its VIP customers:

“Early Access: Be the first to shop our new gadget. Available exclusively for you today! [Link]”

This creates a sense of exclusivity, encouraging customers to act before the general public. It also drives direct traffic to your product landing page, leading to higher sales volume.

Pro Tip: Combine SMS with WhatsApp for richer engagement. WhatsApp can be used for more personalized interactions, such as answering questions or providing additional product information.

Way #4: Seasonal Campaigns and Holiday Sales

Seasonal campaigns and holiday sales are ideal for bulk SMS marketing. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, Black Friday, or Christmas, customers expect promotions and discounts. SMS is perfect for these types of campaigns because it allows businesses to send short, snappy messages with strong CTAs that drive immediate action.

Example: Christmas Sale Promotion

A retail business could send this SMS during the Christmas season:

“Christmas Sale: Get 30% off your entire order. Don’t miss out! Shop now: [Link]”

It’s a clear and concise offer, and with SMS, the likelihood of the message being seen and acted upon is much higher than through email or social media.

Pro Tip: Schedule SMS ahead using platforms like Yournotify. This way, you can plan your campaigns in advance and ensure your messages go out at the right time.

Way #5: Loyalty Rewards and Customer Reactivation

Another powerful way businesses use bulk SMS is for loyalty rewards and customer reactivation. Sending coupons, loyalty points, or exclusive offers helps strengthen customer relationships and drive repeat sales.

Example: “We Miss You! Here’s ₦1000 Off Your Next Order”

A business can send a message to a customer who hasn’t purchased in a while:

“We miss you! Here’s ₦1000 off your next order. Valid for 48 hours. [Link]”

This not only reactivates lapsed customers but also makes them feel valued. By offering a discount, businesses can turn one-time buyers into loyal customers.

Bonus Tips for Using SMS to Drive More Sales

Here are some additional tips to help you get the most out of your SMS campaigns:

Always Personalize Your Messages: Use the customer’s name, past purchase data, or browsing history to tailor your messages and make them feel more relevant.
Don’t Over-Send: Finding the right frequency is key. Too many SMS can annoy your customers, leading to opt-outs. Stick to a reasonable sending schedule.
Combine SMS with Email and WhatsApp: For higher conversion rates, integrate SMS with email marketing and WhatsApp messaging. This creates a multi-channel experience that increases your chances of engagement.

Why Bulk SMS Works (Recap + Stats)

Bulk SMS marketing is one of the most effective channels for direct engagement. Here’s why:

98% open rate: SMS has an open rate far higher than email or social media.
Faster than email: Messages are read almost instantly, unlike email, which can take hours or days.
Higher response than social ads: SMS drives more immediate action compared to traditional social media ads.

For businesses looking to boost sales and engage customers, SMS is a high ROI channel. It’s fast, efficient, and guaranteed to be seen by your audience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, bulk SMS is a highly effective tool for driving sales and engaging customers. Whether you’re running flash sales, sending abandoned cart reminders, announcing product launches, or offering seasonal promotions, SMS marketing offers the speed, simplicity, and visibility you need.

Start using SMS today, and watch your sales grow. With platforms like Yournotify, bulk SMS campaigns are easy to execute and highly effective.

Start driving real sales with Yournotify bulk SMS. Sign up now and send your first campaign today.