How Brands Can Use Text Messaging to Increase Repeat Orders and Boost Customer Loyalty

Ashley Gregg • Apr 20, 2022

SMS retention marketing is a way for businesses looking to increase repeat orders and boost customer loyalty. With the rise of mobile technology, text messaging has become one of the most effective ways for brands to connect with and retain their customers. 


Studies have shown that SMS has a 98% open rate, with most texts being read within the first three minutes. This makes SMS an ideal channel for retention marketing, as it allows businesses to reach their customers at the right time with the right message.


Retention marketing is about keeping your existing customers engaged and returning for more. You can increase repeat purchases and boost customer loyalty by using SMS to communicate with your customers and provide them with personalized and relevant content. This can lead to significant cost savings, as it is generally cheaper to retain a customer than to acquire a new one.


Many businesses are already using SMS to improve their retention rates. For example, e-commerce businesses use SMS to send abandoned cart reminders, while subscription-based businesses use SMS to send renewal reminders. Others use SMS to send personalized product recommendations and exclusive deals to their most loyal customers.


SMS retention marketing is a cost-effective and powerful way to boost customer loyalty and increase repeat purchases. With its high open and engagement rates, SMS allows businesses to reach their customers at the right time and place with the right message.


Why SMS is effective for retention marketing



SMS is an effective channel for retention marketing for several reasons. One of the most significant advantages of SMS is its high open rate, engagement rates (with a 98% open rate), and reach. SMS messages are delivered directly to the recipient's mobile device, meaning customers are more likely to see and engage with them. This is particularly useful for retention marketing, as businesses can use SMS to send targeted and personalized messages to their customers at key moments, such as when they are about to abandon a cart or when their subscription is about to expire.


SMS is also cost-effective, making it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes. Most text message marketing platforms charge a low base price for their service and anywhere from 1 to 5 cents per message, which is significantly cheaper than other marketing channels. This makes SMS an ideal channel for retention marketing, as it allows businesses to reach their customers at a low cost while still generating a high return on investment.


Lastly, SMS is a personal means of communication, as customers keep their mobile phones close by and check them regularly. So, SMS allows businesses to create a direct line to their customers, which can help build strong relationships and foster brand loyalty.


Setting up SMS retention campaigns


First, gaining opt-in consent is important. It's vital to ensure that your customers are aware that they will be receiving text messages from your brand and have given their permission to do so. This can be done through opt-in forms on your website, during the checkout process, or other means like "text 454-343 for your free offer".


Next, choosing an SMS marketing platform is crucial. Not all platforms are created equal, so it's important to research and find one that suits your specific needs. Look for features such as segmentation, automation, and two-way messaging capabilities.


Creating segmented lists is also an essential step. Segmenting your SMS audience allows you to send targeted messages to specific groups of customers based on their behavior, demographics, or purchase history. This helps to ensure that your messages are relevant and personalized.

Finally, crafting personalized messages is essential. Your SMS retention campaigns should be tailored to your audience's specific needs and interests. Personalization can be achieved through dynamic content, one-click personalization, and other techniques.


By following these key steps, you will be well on your way to creating effective SMS retention campaigns that increase repeat orders and boost customer loyalty.


SMS retention campaign best practices


This section will explore some best practices for SMS retention campaigns that can help you increase repeat orders and boost customer loyalty.


  • Personalized messages: Personalized messages have a higher chance of resonating with your customers and driving them to make repeat purchases. Use customer data to craft messages relevant to their interests and purchase history.

  • Segmentation: Segment your audience based on their behavior and preferences. This will allow you to send targeted messages to specific groups of customers, increasing the chances of them engaging with your campaign.

  • Scheduling: Timing is crucial when it comes to SMS retention campaigns. Schedule your messages to be sent at a time when your customers are most likely to be engaged with their phones, such as during non-working hours.

  • Measurement and optimization: Measure the success of your SMS retention campaigns by tracking key metrics such as open and click-through rates, conversion rates, and customer feedback. Use this data to optimize future campaigns and improve their effectiveness.

  • Avoid over-messaging: Be mindful of how frequently you send messages to your customers. Your customers may become overwhelmed and unsubscribe if you send too many messages.

  • Use SMS in conjunction with other retention strategies: SMS retention campaigns can be even more effective when used in conjunction with other retention strategies such as email marketing, loyalty programs, and personalized recommendations.


By following these best practices, you'll be able to create SMS retention campaigns that effectively drive repeat orders and boost customer loyalty. Always test and optimize your campaigns to ensure they reach their full potential.


In Conclusion


Conversational messaging can help businesses connect with customers, streamline operations, and increase sales. By providing real-time, personalized communication, conversational messaging can lead to a better customer experience and increased customer satisfaction. 


Additionally, advanced features and integrations with popular messaging platforms like Radiance commerce can help businesses provide an efficient and effective customer experience. Businesses that adopt conversational messaging will be well-positioned to meet the growing demand for real-time, personalized communication. 


Don't wait to implement conversational messaging in your business; start today and see the difference it makes. With its cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and ability to enhance the customer experience, there's no reason conversational messaging should not be a part of your business strategy.


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