How to Successfully Grow Your SMS Subscriber List
Building a strong SMS subscriber list is crucial for businesses looking to engage customers, drive revenue, and improve retention. With SMS boasting a 98% open rate and rapid response times, it’s one of the most effective marketing channels available. In this guide, we’ll explore the best strategies to grow your SMS subscriber list and how integrating a loyalty rewards program can boost both customer acquisition and retention.
The Importance of Growing Your SMS Subscriber List
A large, engaged SMS list gives businesses the ability to:
Directly reach customers with timely offers and updates
Drive revenue through targeted promotions and personalized messaging
Increase customer retention by fostering long-term engagement
Boost ROI due to the high open and conversion rates of SMS campaigns
But growing your list requires a strategic approach. Below are some proven methods to help you build an engaged audience.
Best Practices to Grow Your SMS Subscriber List
1. Leverage a Loyalty Rewards Program
One of the most effective ways to grow your SMS list is by integrating a loyalty rewards program. Offering incentives in exchange for sign-ups makes it more attractive for customers to opt in.
How a Loyalty Rewards Program Helps:
Encourages Sign-Ups: Customers are more likely to subscribe when they receive instant value, such as a discount or reward points.
Increases Retention: Loyalty programs keep customers engaged, giving them more reasons to stay connected.
Enhances Personalization: By tracking purchase history and preferences, you can send targeted SMS messages tailored to customer behavior.
Example: Promote SMS sign-ups by offering 10% off their next purchase or bonus loyalty points when they opt in.
2. Optimize In-Store and Online Sign-Up Opportunities
Make it easy for customers to subscribe by integrating SMS opt-in across multiple touchpoints:
Website Pop-ups & Forms: Include an opt-in form on checkout pages and landing pages.
In-Store Sign-Ups: Use QR codes at checkout that link to an SMS opt-in form.
Social Media Promotions: Encourage followers to subscribe by offering exclusive deals.
Email Campaigns: Cross-promote SMS marketing through email newsletters.
3. Offer Exclusive Deals and Early Access
Customers love feeling like VIPs. By promoting SMS-only deals, early access to sales, or flash discounts, you create an incentive for customers to opt in and stay engaged.
Example: "Text ‘VIP’ to [your shortcode] for an exclusive 15% off your next order!"
4. Use Text-to-Join Campaigns
Simplify the opt-in process with an easy-to-remember keyword and shortcode. This is particularly effective for:
Retail and eCommerce businesses looking to drive immediate sign-ups.
Event promotions where attendees can opt in for updates.
Restaurants and coffee shops offering instant discounts for sign-ups.
Example: "Text ‘JOIN’ to 12345 for exclusive offers and updates!"
5. Promote SMS Opt-Ins Through Email Marketing
Your email subscribers are already engaged with your brand—why not invite them to join your SMS list as well?
Highlight SMS benefits in email campaigns.
Offer an incentive for signing up.
Include a clear CTA, such as “Get instant updates! Sign up for SMS alerts today.”
6. Run a Giveaway or Contest
People love free stuff! Running an SMS-based contest encourages more subscribers to join.
Example: "Enter to win a $100 gift card! Text ‘WIN’ to [your shortcode] to participate."
Retaining Revenue Through Consistent SMS & Email Campaigns
Growing your list is just the first step. To maximize revenue, businesses must consistently engage their audience through SMS and email marketing.
1. Maintain a Regular Messaging Schedule
Avoid spamming, but don’t go silent. A well-planned schedule keeps your brand top-of-mind:
Weekly updates for sales and promotions.
Monthly reminders about loyalty rewards.
Seasonal campaigns for major holidays and events.
2. Personalize Your Messages
Use customer data to personalize SMS and email content. Personalized messages see higher engagement and conversion rates.
Example: “Hey [First Name], your loyalty points are about to expire! Redeem them today and enjoy 10% off.”
3. Combine SMS & Email for Maximum Impact
An omnichannel approach ensures customers receive messages through their preferred channels. For example:
Email for detailed promotions
SMS for urgent, time-sensitive offers
Cross-promotions to encourage engagement across both platforms
4. Automate Your Campaigns
Use SMS automation tools (like Alpine IQ and Textblast.io) to:
Send abandoned cart reminders
Deliver birthday and anniversary rewards
Run post-purchase follow-ups for reviews and upsells
Final Thoughts
A growing SMS subscriber list can drive significant revenue, but the key to long-term success lies in engagement and retention. By leveraging a loyalty rewards program, optimizing opt-in opportunities, and maintaining consistent messaging across SMS and email, businesses can cultivate a dedicated customer base that keeps coming back.
Ready to scale your SMS marketing? Start implementing these strategies today and watch your subscriber list—and revenue—grow!