WTF Should We Be Using SMS For and Does It Actually Work?

Let me give you the real talk on SMS marketing for Shopify merchants. No BS, just the facts on what's working right now.

Here are the cold, hard facts:

1. SMS open rates are sitting at a ridiculous 98% compared to email's measly 20%

2. People are actually responding to these texts - SMS response rates are 45% vs email's 6%

3. The average person checks their phone 160 times daily - that's 160 chances to get your message seen.

But here's the thing - most merchants are using SMS completely WRONG. They're blasting the same boring promotional messages and wondering why their ROI sucks.

What Actually Works in SMS Marketing

Here's where you should be using SMS:

1. Abandoned Cart Recovery

SMS abandoned cart reminders convert at 21% when sent within an hour of abandonment. When you combine SMS + email for cart recovery, conversion rates jump by 63% compared to using just one channel. That's free money you're leaving on the table.

2. Shipping & Delivery Updates

Customers WANT these messages. 90% of consumers want order and shipping confirmations via text. This isn't marketing - it's service that builds loyalty.

3. Exclusive Drops & Limited-Time Offers

Time-sensitive offers sent via SMS have a 37% conversion rate when they create genuine FOMO. The key is exclusivity - don't just send the same offer you blasted in email.

4. Two-Way Conversations

This is where the magic happens. Brands using conversational SMS (where customers can actually reply and get help) see 31% higher customer lifetime value. People will literally spend more when they can text you questions.

The SMS Playbook That's Actually Working Right Now

1. Start with consent - The best SMS lists are built through on-site popups that offer immediate value (like a discount code) in exchange for a phone number. Importing random numbers is both illegal and ineffective.

2. Keep it tight - The most effective SMS messages are under 160 characters. Get to the point fast.

3. Personalize or die - Including the customer's name in SMS messages increases conversion rates by 26%. Basic personalization is the minimum.

4. Timing is everything - Sending texts between 10am-8pm local time gets 3X better engagement than other times. Nobody wants your flash sale text at 6am.

5. Track the right metrics - Don't just measure clicks. Track attributed revenue per SMS campaign and look for a minimum 10x ROI on your SMS marketing costs.

Bottom Line: Does SMS Marketing Actually Work?

Hell yes - but only if you're smart about it. The average Shopify store using SMS marketing sees a 25x ROI when using it strategically for cart recovery, shipping updates, and exclusive offers.

But spray-and-pray promotional blasts? Those will just annoy your customers and waste your money.

A Final Word from the Bylders Team

At Bylders, we eat our own dog food. We've implemented these exact SMS strategies for our own Shopify store and for dozens of merchants who've seen killer results.

The bottom line? SMS works when you use it right. It's not about blasting promotions - it's about sending the right message at the right time to the right person.

Want to chat about your SMS strategy? Our DMs are open. Let's make your phone buzz with sales notifications instead of customer complaints.