SMS marketing has earned its stripes as one of today’s fastest and most effective marketing channels. 98% of all text messages get opened and read, and SMS marketing campaigns have an average conversion rate of up to 32%.
Still, no marketing method happens by magic. Before you can reap the full benefits of SMS marketing, you have to build your list of SMS subscribers — or customers who have explicitly agreed to receive your text messages.
Explicit consent is key, but it also requires customers to take extra steps to subscribe. Fortunately, plenty of actionable strategies exist to help your business attract and retain SMS subscribers.
Need help launching your SMS campaign? Check out our complete SMS Marketing Guide.
Jump right to:
- 10 Effective Ways to Get More SMS Subscribers
- Five Ways to Entice SMS Subscribers
- Five Tips to Keep SMS Subscribers
<h2 id="Ways">10 Effective Ways to Get More SMS Subscribers</h2>
Before you can start capitalizing on SMS’ high open, response, and conversion rates, you’ll need to build up your SMS subscriber list. That means finding smart, creative ways to get people to opt in to your text messages.
The more places you offer SMS sign-ups, the faster your list will grow. Let’s jump into effective ways to boost SMS subscribers.
Run a Text-to-Join Campaign
Text-to-join campaigns are a straightforward and effective way to grow your SMS list. Instruct potential or current customers to text a specific keyword, such as “JOIN,” to your phone number to automatically become a subscriber.
Promote your keyword across all marketing channels, such as email or social media, and in-store on signage and flyers. Your text-to-join keyword should be simple and easy for subscribers to remember.
Encourage Customers to Join at Checkout
The checkout process is an ideal moment to capture your customers’ attention, especially when they’re already engaged with your brand. Display a QR code in-store at the register that links to a mobile opt-in page or triggers a text-to-join message.
For online purchases, add an SMS opt-in checkbox at checkout — just before purchase confirmation. That way, customers will be incentivized to opt-in to your SMS service to get a discount or free shipping on their current order.
Add a Form to Your Website
A static form on your website offers a low-pressure, accessible way for visitors to join your SMS list. Place a form on your site’s footer, contact page, or account sign-up process. The form should be simple and contain a field for the subscriber’s name, phone number, and a clear opt-in disclaimer.
Include a Popup Ad on Your Website
Popup forms can grab a visitor's attention at just the right moment. Whether it appears upon arrival, during the shopping process, or just before they exit your site, place an SMS subscription popup to offer shoppers a sign-up incentive.
Make sure to include compliant opt-in language and a strong call to action. Your popup should be visually arresting and emphasize the incentive you’re offering.
Invite Email Subscribers
Your email subscribers are great candidates for your SMS service because they’ve already proven trust and interest in your brand. Send a dedicated email inviting them to join your texting list. Make sure to explain the benefits and what kind of content they can expect to receive from you.
Pro tip: Use incentives like early access or exclusive discounts to make the invite even more compelling.
Ask Social Media Followers
Social media followers are already tuned into your brand on a mobile device and just one step away from becoming SMS subscribers. Create posts or share stories and reels promoting your texting service. Make sure to include a link to your opt-in form or provide your audience with a keyword and phone number to text.
In the example below, Rogue Ales creatively placed a phone number on the bottom of each can, encouraging subscribers to share feedback and engage with their brand via text.
Ask for Referrals
Ask existing subscribers to refer friends or family to your SMS service by sharing a keyword or sign-up link. You can incentivize both referrers and new subscribers with a discount or freebie, like free shipping or 10% off their next purchase.
Request SMS Consent Verbally
If you have customer-facing staff, whether in a retail store, on the phone, or during service appointments, train them to ask for SMS consent in person.
This is particularly effective in high-trust scenarios, such as in salons or auto shops, where the customer already values the relationship. Staff can explain the benefits of your SMS service and help customers opt-in on the spot using a QR code, kiosk, or by sending a text-to-join message.
Run a Competition
Contests and giveaways offer a fast way to build your SMS list, especially when promoted across multiple channels.
For example, run a text-to-win campaign, where users text a keyword to enter the contest. Keep the entry process quick and the prizes appealing to your target audience.
Plug Sign Ups in a Guest Newsletter
Partner with another brand to include your SMS sign-up in their newsletter. Placing SMS sign-ups in guest newsletters can expose your SMS service to a fresh, engaged audience.
You’ll want to make sure your partner’s audience aligns with yours and that the invitation to join your SMS service feels natural, whether that’s through a short blurb, sidebar placement, or dedicated feature. Consider offering an incentive and include a clear link or keyword to opt in.
<h2 id="Entice">5 Ways to Entice SMS Subscribers</h2>
Getting your SMS service in front of potential subscribers is only half the battle — you also need to convince them it’s worth it to sign up. The right incentive or reassurance can be the difference between someone scrolling past your message or opting in.
Let’s dive into five ways to entice potential subscribers to join your SMS service.
- Gamify opt-ins. Turn the subscription process into a fun challenge or game. For example, hide a code on a landing page and reward the first people who find it and subscribe. Or place a prize wheel on your landing page and allow customers to spin to win special discounts or giveaways in return for opting in.
- Offer discounts. Discounts are a tried-and-true way to drive SMS opt-ins. Whether you’re offering 10% off their first order or free shipping on an order they’re about to place, make the value clear and the reward immediate.
- Give a gift. A small freebie can go a long way. Offer pieces of branded merch, free samples, or a bonus product with a subscription. This incentive feels more tangible than a discount and can be more exciting.
- VIP treatment. Treat SMS subscribers like VIP customers by offering exclusive access to new collections or products and early access to special sales or content. Creating a sense of exclusivity can incentivize loyal customers to sign up.
- Add opt-out language. Though it may seem counterintuitive, reassuring people that they can unsubscribe at any time significantly increases trust and conversions. Short, concise opt-out statements make your brand seem transparent and respectful of boundaries.
<h2 id="Tips">5 Tips to Keep SMS Subscribers</h2>
SMS subscribers who stick around are more likely to convert, engage, and become loyal brand advocates. That’s why retaining your SMS subscribers should be an important part of your SMS texting strategy.
Keep your text messages from becoming just another notification in their phone’s inbox. Focus on creating a messaging experience your subscribers actually want to be part of. Your team should prioritize:
- Optimizing send time and frequency. Don’t bombard subscribers with messages or send offers in the middle of the night. Tailor your sending times and frequencies to subscriber time zones and preferences.
- Ensuring messages are relevant. Tailor your content to customers’ purchase history, preferences, or seasonal trends to stay relevant to their interests.
- Creating an exclusive vibe. Your SMS list should feel like an insider’s club. Offer sneak peeks, early access, or offers that customers can’t access on any other channel.
- Conversational messaging. Remember, texting is primarily viewed as a personal channel. Make sure your messages don’t read like an advertisement. Use casual, friendly language that feels like it’s coming from a human.
- Personalizing content. Use your customer’s first name to create a personal touch. Send location-based offers or refer to recent purchase history to ensure your messages feel specific to that subscriber.
Ready to Grow Your SMS Subscriber List? Textedly Makes it Easy
One of the quickest ways to grow your subscriber list is with Textedly’s customizable Web Forms. Embed mobile-friendly sign-up forms directly into your website, send automatic opt-in and follow-up messages, and capture unique customer data instantly.
Whether running text-to-join campaigns, checkout prompts, or collecting opt-ins via web forms, Textedly gives you everything you need to easily build, manage, and scale your SMS efforts.
Start growing your SMS list the smart way. Try Textedly FREE today.
