Ultimate Guide: Launch a Successful SMS Marketing Campaign
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Setting up Shopify and SMS Marketing
- Selecting the Target Audience
- Choosing a Sender
- Scheduling the Campaign
- Creating a Compelling Image
- Writing the Text Message
- Adding a Discount
- Including the Opt-Out Phrase
- Testing and Launching the Campaign
- Saving and Editing Draft Campaigns
Article:
Introduction
Welcome to the ultimate guide on launching your first SMS marketing promotion with Shopify and SMS Bump. In this tutorial, we will take you through the step-by-step process of creating an engaging and effective SMS marketing campaign for Black Friday. With SMS Bump's powerful features, you can target specific audiences, schedule campaigns, add eye-catching images, write compelling text messages, and track the success of your promotions. So let's dive in and get started!
Setting up Shopify and SMS Marketing
Before we begin, make sure you are logged into your Shopify account. Once you're in, navigate to the site menu and click on "Text Marketing" to get started with SMS Bump. This is where you'll find all the tools and settings required for your SMS marketing campaign.
Selecting the Target Audience
To create a successful SMS marketing campaign, it's crucial to select the right target audience. SMS Bump allows you to choose from three options: all subscribers, specific customer segments, or lists. Depending on your Black Friday promotion, you can target all subscribers for a store-wide sale, send a special deal to your most loyal customers, or offer a segment-based deal tailored to specific product interests or geographic locations.
Choosing a Sender
Next, you need to select a sender for your SMS marketing campaign. If you have a paid SMS Bump account, you can use a custom sender that reflects your store's brand name. This can be up to 11 characters long. For free account users, you can choose your phone number as the sender or use "SMS Bump" as the sender. Keep in mind that for certain locations like Canada and the US, all messages will be sent by a shortcode, regardless of the custom sender you choose.
Scheduling the Campaign
Timing is crucial when it comes to SMS marketing campaigns. For your Black Friday promotion, it's advisable to send the campaign a week prior to the event to generate early sales. You can also extend the promotion for latecomers with another last chance flash sale campaign on Black Friday itself. SMS Bump allows you to schedule campaigns for a specific date and time. In our example, we'll schedule the campaign to send on Friday, November 22nd, at noon (based on your time zone, which can be changed from the settings).
Creating a Compelling Image
Adding eye-catching images to your SMS marketing campaign can significantly enhance its impact. While this feature is currently available for US and Canadian customers only, others will receive a standard SMS. You can upload your own images or choose from platforms like GIPHY and Pixabay. Select an image that grabs attention and is relevant to your Black Friday promotion, such as a stampede of women running in heels for a fashion sale.
Writing the Text Message
Now it's time to craft the body of your text message. Keep it short, clear, and engaging. Start with your store's name to establish brand recognition, followed by personalization using the first name shortcode. Incorporate a strong call-to-action, such as a discount, to incentivize customers to take action. To add the discount, configure the type (fixed amount or percentage) or offer free shipping. The discount will be embedded in the discount link in your message.
Adding a Discount
To maximize the effectiveness of your SMS marketing campaign, it's essential to offer a compelling discount. SMS Bump allows you to add discount codes that customers can use during checkout. You can choose whether the discount applies site-wide or to specific products or collections. By providing a discount, you create a sense of urgency and motivate customers to make a purchase.
Including the Opt-Out Phrase
Respect your customers' preferences by including an opt-out phrase in your SMS marketing campaign. This gives subscribers the ability to unsubscribe from your SMS marketing service if they wish to do so. By providing this option, you maintain a positive relationship with your customers and ensure compliance with SMS marketing regulations.
Testing and Launching the Campaign
Before launching your SMS marketing campaign, it's crucial to test it to ensure everything looks and works as intended. SMS Bump provides a handy test campaign message feature that allows you to send a test message to yourself. Verify that the message structure, images, discounts, and opt-out phrase appear correctly. If everything looks perfect, review the final details and click on "Send" to launch your campaign.
Saving and Editing Draft Campaigns
If you need to save a campaign and return to it later, SMS Bump has got you covered. All your SMS campaigns are automatically saved as drafts. You can access and edit them by navigating to the "Drafts" section in the SMS Bump side menu. This feature provides flexibility and convenience for making changes or launching campaigns at a later time.
In conclusion, SMS marketing can be a powerful tool for promoting your Black Friday offers and driving sales. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll be able to create engaging SMS marketing campaigns that capture the attention of your target audience and generate successful results. So don't wait any longer, start leveraging SMS Bump today and take your Black Friday promotions to the next level!
Highlights:
- Learn how to launch your first SMS marketing promotion with Shopify and SMS Bump.
- Select your target audience, choose a sender, and schedule your campaign effectively.
- Create engaging text messages, add compelling discounts, and include an opt-out option.
- Test your campaign and launch it confidently to drive sales and boost conversions.
- Save draft campaigns for future edits or scheduling at a later time for added convenience.
FAQ:
Q: Can I schedule my SMS marketing campaign to send at a specific time?
A: Yes, SMS Bump allows you to schedule your campaign to send at a date and time of your choice. This ensures that your messages reach your audience at the most opportune moment.
Q: Can I add images to my SMS marketing campaigns?
A: Yes, you can add eye-catching images to your SMS marketing campaigns. However, please note that this feature is currently available for US and Canadian customers only.
Q: Can I personalize my text messages?
A: Absolutely! SMS Bump allows you to personalize your text messages by incorporating placeholders for your subscribers' first names. This adds a personal touch to your campaigns and increases engagement.
Q: How do I add a discount to my SMS marketing campaign?
A: Adding a discount to your SMS marketing campaign is simple. SMS Bump provides options to offer fixed amount or percentage discounts, as well as free shipping. The discount will be embedded in the discount link in your message.
Q: Is it possible to test my SMS marketing campaign before sending it?
A: Yes, SMS Bump offers a test campaign message feature that allows you to send a test message to yourself. This enables you to verify the appearance and functionality of your campaign before launching it to your subscribers.
