ECommerce SMS marketing in 2025 [The Ultimate Guide]

In 2025, SMS marketing remains one of the most powerful tools for e-commerce businesses to connect with their audience. With its near-instant delivery, high engagement rates, and 98% open rate (compared to email’s 20%), SMS marketing continues to dominate as a fast, direct, and effective channel for boosting sales and customer retention. Notably, 90% of texts are read within three minutes of receipt, making it a must-have for modern marketing strategies.

However, SMS doesn’t replace email; instead, it complements it. A balanced strategy combining email and SMS produces the best results, providing marketers with a powerful duo to engage customers at every stage of their journey.

What is SMS Marketing?

SMS marketing involves sending promotional messages via text to customers who have opted in. For example, a message like “BOGO only today in-store! Don’t miss out!” is a straightforward SMS marketing campaign.

Permission is critical—successful SMS marketing requires explicit customer consent. This ensures compliance with privacy laws and fosters trust between brands and consumers.

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Why SMS Marketing Works for E-Commerce

1. High Open Rates: SMS boasts a 98% open rate, with most messages read within minutes.
2. Engagement: One-third of recipients respond to SMS, making it ideal for time-sensitive promotions or updates.
3. Mobile-first Audiences: Younger consumers, who check their phones over 58 times a day, are highly receptive to text-based communication.
4. Retention and Loyalty: SMS is particularly effective for post-purchase communication, reducing churn and increasing repeat purchases.

Top SMS Marketing Strategies for E-Commerce Businesses

Here are some SMS marketing ideas that can elevate your e-commerce performance, even during off-peak periods:

1. Exclusive Deals and Discounts: Send time-sensitive offers to drive immediate purchases.
2. Event Announcements: Notify customers about sales, product launches, or upcoming promotions.
3. Surveys and Quizzes: Engage customers and gather valuable insights.
4. Personalized Messages: Tailor offers and updates for VIP customers to enhance loyalty.
5. Product Updates and Tips: Share useful information, like product care tips or how-to guides, to keep customers engaged post-purchase.
6. Cart Abandonment Reminders: Send reminders to encourage customers to complete their purchases.

Read related articles: What is SMS Marketing? Guide to SMS Campaigns in 2025

Using SMS for Customer Retention

Acquiring new customers is costly, but retaining them is even more critical. With SMS’s unparalleled open rates, you can reduce churn and build stronger relationships by:

• Sending renewal reminders for subscription-based services.
• Offering personalised discounts or loyalty rewards.
• Sharing thank-you messages or exclusive VIP perks.

How to Grow Your SMS Subscriber List

Building an SMS list requires a strategic approach. Here are proven methods to grow your subscribers:

1. Checkout Opt-ins: Ask for phone numbers during checkout, coupled with consent for marketing messages. This ensures high-quality leads with purchasing intent.
2. Website Forms and Pop-ups: Use pop-ups, banners, or embedded forms to encourage sign-ups. Highlight benefits like exclusive deals or early access to sales.
3. Incentives: Offer discounts or free shipping for first-time SMS subscribers.

Why SMS and Email Work Better Together

While SMS is great for immediacy, email excels at storytelling, nurturing, and providing in-depth content. By combining the two, you can:

• Use SMS for time-sensitive offers while email provides detailed product information.
• Segment audiences to ensure the right message is delivered via the right channel.
• Create omnichannel campaigns for maximum reach and engagement.

Read related articles: How to Use Customer Feedback To Improve Your Email and SMS Marketing in 2025

The Future of SMS Marketing for E-Commerce

In 2025, SMS marketing will continue to evolve with advanced personalisation and automation. Platforms like Yournotify provide tools to manage and optimise your campaigns, helping you drive sales, improve customer retention, and stay ahead in the competitive e-commerce landscape.

Ready to experience the power of SMS marketing? Sign up for Yournotify today and take your e-commerce sales to the next level.

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