Let’s face it. Countless unwanted text messages flood customers’ phones daily.
Most often, customers end up ignoring or deleting them.
How do you create compelling SMS marketing campaigns your customers will read and respond to?
In this article, you’ll find creative SMS marketing examples that will inspire your next campaigns.
We’ll show you what works and what doesn’t. We’ll also offer tips for creating an effective SMS marketing campaign strategy.
Let’s dive in.
But first, let’s clear the myths and misconceptions about SMS marketing.
What SMS marketing is NOT
Firstly, SMS marketing is like a superhero – powerful and effective.
However, like any superhero, SMS marketing is often misunderstood.
So, let’s set the record straight once and for all. Here are a few things that SMS marketing is not:
- Spam: You only send marketing SMS to customers who have opted in. This makes it a far cry from the unsolicited junk cluttering customers’ inboxes.
- Annoying: SMS marketing isn’t annoying – bad SMS marketing is annoying. When done correctly, SMS marketing can be fun and engaging.
- Expensive: SMS marketing is relatively affordable compared to traditional forms of advertising. Plus, it has a high return on investment (ROI).
- One-way communication: SMS marketing is a conversation. It’s a two-way dialogue between your business and your customers. With SMS marketing, you can build stronger relationships and drive customer loyalty.
So, what is SMS marketing?
Let’s find out in the next section.
| SMSCountry is the best bulk SMS service for executing your SMS marketing plan. Learn more about our SMS services. Get started or schedule a demo. |
What is SMS marketing?
SMS marketing involves sending promotional text messages to customers who have opted to receive them.
These promotional messages include special offers, exclusive deals, and reminders about upcoming sales.
You can also use SMS messages to ask for feedback, conduct surveys, or send appointment reminders.
So, what sets SMS marketing apart from other forms of marketing? For one, it boasts an impressive open rate.
That means customers will more likely see and act on your SMS messages.
And the result? Higher conversion rates and increased customer loyalty.
Why SMS marketing is a secret weapon for your business?
You’re missing out if you’re not already using SMS for your marketing. Check out some of the benefits of SMS marketing:
- High open rates: People open up to 98% of text messages within minutes of receipt.
- Instant delivery: Delivery is immediate, meaning your customers can immediately act on your messages. No need for an internet connection.
- Targeted messaging: SMS marketing allows you to segment your audience and personalise messages that resonate with them.
- Cost-effective: SMS marketing is relatively low-cost compared to other marketing channels.
- High ROI: With its high open rates and targeted messaging, SMS marketing can lead to a higher return on investment.
- Increased customer loyalty: Foster a deeper connection with your customers with exclusive deals and promotions via SMS. This way, you can increase customer loyalty.
Want to know how to launch outstanding SMS marketing campaigns? Worry not.
We have some killer SMS marketing campaign examples that will fire you up.
10 SMS marketing campaigns you’d love to copy
Let’s briefly look at successful SMS marketing campaigns run by different brands.
We’ll see why they were effective and the results they generated.
1. Your Super winning back abandoned carts with SMS alerts
Did you know that nearly 70% of online shoppers abandon their shopping carts before completing their purchase?
Okay, that sounded scary. This is where SMS marketing comes in.
SMS marketing campaigns can help you remind customers about their abandoned carts.
Your Super knows how to keep their subscribers intrigued using SMS.
How?
Your Super offers their customers deals if they complete their purchases.
This SMS strategy builds curiosity and incentivises customers to take action.
And that’s not all.
To reveal the offer, customers must head back to the checkout page. This adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the process.
Clever, isn’t it?
This SMS tactic not only increases the chances of conversion but also keeps subscribers engaged and coming back for more.
2. Starbucks gathers valuable insights with SMS surveys
What do your customers think about your products or services?
That’s where SMS surveys come in.
Send a quick survey via SMS to gather valuable customer insight. This feedback helps you improve and increase customer satisfaction.
For example, in an SMS message, the survey offered a free drink as an incentive for completion. And this, in very short (and sweet) SMS messages.
That’s the key to a successful SMS survey. Ask a few key questions to get the information you need.
Next, offer an incentive for completing the survey. A discount code or a chance to win a prize.
This campaign showed the customers that Starbucks valued their opinions.
The best time to run this campaign is after the customer buys a product or service. We have a library of survey question templates you can copy and use.
3. Divi’s product launch a pre-release SMS campaign
SMS marketing campaigns can be a powerful tool for product launches.
Divi is a health and wellness company that knows how to create buzz and excitement around their brand.
They used SMS for their pre-release sales. This gave customers exclusive access to new hair care products before anyone else.
The tactic generated excitement and buzz around the launch It proved to be a hit.
The number of SMS messages sent by Divi is unclear. But, their SMS marketing generated a buzz. It contributed to their serum product selling out in record time.
So, give your customers exclusive access and early bird offers. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.
4. Namshi boosts sales with SMS promotions
Namshi is a renowned fashion powerhouse in Dubai. They used SMS to get more sales through promo messages.
Namshi had a problem – they needed to reach their customers in time. But they also needed to do it in a fun, engaging way.
So, Namshi chose SMSCountry – one of the best SMS providers in the UAE. SMSCountry helped them send short, sweet, and concise promotional messages.
Plus, SMSCountry helped Namshi use clear CTAs. This way, their audience knew exactly what Namshi wanted them to do.
But that’s not all.
They timed these messages perfectly. Namshi ensured they weren’t sending designer promos at midnight because no one would be thinking about clothes at that hour.
This led to more new sales and return buyers.
5. Domino’s Pizza’s franchise engages 25,000 students
Domino’s franchise had trouble reaching 25,000 campus students, particularly during basketball games.
The challenge? Increasing revenue from video and TV Ads during games.
Unfortunately, most students wouldn’t jot down a website during basketball games. So, “why not try SMS?”
So, they decided to test his theory.
They advertised a keyword and common-use short code during TV spots. Then, they offered free pizza to anyone who joined the franchise’s Facebook group.
The following morning, 20% of attendees opted in. And nearly all redeemed the offer.
For a mere $25 investment (in SMS), the franchise saw an increase of 125 orders from a single text.
With each additional ad, opt-in lists grew by 100-200 subscribers.
Check out 5 simple sure ways to grow your SMS marketing list.
Redemption rates averaged 20-25%. This boosted profits and drove even more students to like the franchise’s Facebook page.
Do you want your customers to come for more? Use SMSCountry’s exceptional SMS services.
6. The magic of SMS: How Nissan engaged with its customers
Nissan is one of the leading auto manufacturers. And with such responsibility came challenges.
Nissan needed a fast and easy-to-use text messaging service.
It would help them engage with customers seamlessly.
Best solution? SMS, of course.
With SMS, Nissan could deliver messages directly to mobile devices, ensuring maximum visibility and engagement.
Nissan’s customers enjoyed the ease of SMS. They were able to better plan their day around picking up their vehicle parts.
“They can look back at the text and remember they have a part to pick up” – Todd Sprangler, Nissan Parts Manager.
Nissan’s SMS marketing campaign was effective for three main reasons.
- Simplicity and convenience. This resonated well with their customers. Concise and impactful SMS messages motivate action.
- A sense of urgency. Nissan’s SMS messages prompted customers to visit showrooms, test drive vehicles, and make purchasing decisions.
- Swift implementation of SMS. This allowed them to stay ahead of the competition. The quick launch of their SMS campaign ensured reaching customers at the right moment.
Nissan used SMS to tackle their challenge successfully.
They drove higher response rates and boosted satisfaction.
So, consider the power of SMS marketing campaigns. You’ll enjoy amazing results just like Nissan did.
7. Target’s exclusive content campaign using Best of Target SMS alerts
Who doesn’t love feeling part of an exclusive club? Everyone loves feeling like they’re a VIP.
That’s why exclusive content is such a hit in marketing. You can create an SMS marketing campaign to give your customers special access to content they won’t find anywhere else.
Target is one of the biggest retail giants in the world. They are always looking for new and innovative ways to reach their customers. One of their successful marketing campaigns is the Best of Target SMS alerts.
Customers get exclusive deals and insider access to the hottest clothing, beauty, and home appliances.
And the best part? It’s all delivered right to their phones.
The beauty of this campaign is that it encourages customers to make purchases.
In addition to the SMS alerts, Target’s Best of Target marketing campaign includes an Instagram page.
And, with Target’s 119k followers, this integration of social media and SMS marketing works like magic. They reach a wider audience and keep their customers engaged.
Is this something you should try? Absolutely.
SMS keeps your customers engaged and feeling like VIPs.
What is the best time for this campaign? When launching a new product or collection.
Your product + a personalised, engaging SMS marketing campaign = excellent results.
Just ensure you keep it fresh and exciting. And your customers will keep coming back.
Your ultimate guide to creating the most successful SMS marketing campaigns
Successful SMS marketing campaigns require a good understanding of marketing best practices.
We created a guide to setting up an SMS marketing campaign. In addition, here are 7 best practices we harvested from the 7 SMS marketing campaigns we shared in this article.
We made them brief and straightforward.
- Keep it short and sweet: Your customer’s time is valuable. So be concise and straight to the point. Include all the necessary information without overwhelming your receivers.
- Personalise your messages: Avoid messages like the generic “Hey you”. Use your customers’ names and past purchase history.
- Use clear CTAs: Don’t leave your audience guessing what to do after reading your message. Be clear about what you want your customers to do with a simple CTA.
- The time is right: Don’t send a breakfast promo at midnight. We’re sure you’re not targeting night owls. Avoid sending messages when people are asleep.
- Segment your audience: You wouldn’t sell salt to a seaman. Segment your audience based on their interests, past purchase history, and demographics. This will help you create effective SMS marketing campaigns.
- Offer exclusive deals: Exclusive promotions make customers feel like VIPs. This can increase customer loyalty and drive sales. And last but not least.
- Use catchy language: Avoid boring stuff. The right amount of humour and creativity can make your SMS messages stand out. Don’t forget to stay professional and on-brand.
Use these to increase the effectiveness of your SMS marketing campaigns.
Soon, you’ll notice positive changes and amazing results.
Use SMSCountry to create and send amazing SMS marketing campaigns
Congratulations. You made it to the end of this article.
We’ve covered examples of successful SMS marketing campaigns and best practices.
It’s time to put these tips into action with SMSCountry.
SMSCountry is a fast, secure and reliable bulk SMS service provider. Our platform provides robust reporting and 24/7 responsive customer support to help you generate revenue and delight customers via SMS.
Let’s help you make your SMS marketing campaign set-up and execution easy and successful.
Schedule a demo to see how SMSCountry can help you run successful SMS marketing campaigns. You can also sign up today for free. No credit card needed.
