We’ve all been there: a full cart, one click away from checking out, and then… something distracts us. For e-commerce businesses, this “cart abandonment” can feel like a missed opportunity.
With around 70% of online shoppers leaving before finishing their purchase, it’s a big problem for brands. But here’s the good news: SMS campaigns are a simple, personal way to win those customers back.
Text messages are quick, direct, and they meet your customers where they are — on their phones. Let’s dive into why SMS works so well and how you can use it to recover those lost sales.
Why SMS Works for Abandoned Carts
Text messages stand out in a world filled with emails, ads, and endless notifications. Here’s why they’re so powerful:
- They Get Opened: SMS messages have a jaw-dropping 98% open rate. Compare that to email, where 80% might go unread.
- They’re Quick: Most texts are read within 3 minutes, making them perfect for catching shoppers while they’re still thinking about their carts.
- They Feel Personal: Adding a customer’s name or mentioning what’s in their cart makes it feel like you’re talking just to them.
When successful, SMS should feel helpful to your audience. It’s a friendly reminder, not a hard sell.
Steps to Build a Great SMS Campaign
Ready to turn those abandoned carts into sales? Follow these steps to create effective SMS campaigns:
1. Send The First Message Fast: Don’t hesitate to send that message! The sooner it gets to them, the better. If possible, send the first text within an hour of the cart being abandoned. That way, the product is still fresh in their minds.
For example: “Hey [Name]! You left [Product] in your cart. Grab it now before it’s gone!”
2. Keep It Clear and Friendly: Your message doesn’t need to be fancy, it should just cover the basics. Make sure you include:
- A mention of the product they left.
- A direct link to their cart, making it easy for them to pick up where they left off.
- A call-to-action like “Finish your checkout” or “Grab it now!”
3. Sweeten The Deal
Sometimes, a little extra nudge goes a long way. Exciting bonuses like a discount, free shipping, or a limited-time deal can entice them to come back and purchase your product.
For example: “Still thinking about [Product]? Complete your purchase in the next 24 hours and enjoy 10% off!”
4. Follow Up
Don’t give up if they don’t respond right away. We suggest sending them a second reminder after 24 hours and a final one 2-3 days later. Consider using urgent language in your last message, like mentioning low stock or an expiring deal.
For example: “Last chance! Your cart items are selling fast. Don’t miss out!”
Tools to Make SMS Campaigns Easy
You don’t need to be a tech wizard to run SMS campaigns. These tools can help simplify the process:
- Klaviyo: Perfect for combining SMS with email campaigns and tailoring messages based on customer behavior.
- Postscript: Built specifically for e-commerce, it tracks conversions and automates abandoned cart texts.
- Attentive: User-friendly and great for segmenting your audience.
Tips for SMS Success
To keep your customers happy and engaged, follow these best practices:
- Get Their Permission: Only text customers who’ve opted in. It’s respectful, and it keeps you compliant with the law.
- Make Unsubscribing Simple: Include an easy way for them to opt-out, like replying “STOP.”
- Don’t Overdo It: Three messages per abandoned cart is plenty. You want to remind them, not overwhelm them.
Send a Message
Abandoned carts don’t have to be a dead end. With SMS, you can re-engage customers and turn those almost-sales into real ones. By acting fast, personalizing your messages, and using tools like Klaviyo or Postscript, you’ll have a powerful system to recover lost revenue.
So why wait? Start building your SMS campaigns today and watch your sales climb. Your customers—and your bottom line—will thank you!
