For DTC e-commerce brands, SMS opt-ins are critical for driving customer engagement and increasing conversions. 

SMS marketing boasts significantly higher open rates than email, making it a powerful tool in your marketing arsenal. 

This blog will provide actionable strategies to effectively grow your SMS subscriber list using Klaviyo.

Benefits of SMS Marketing

SMS marketing boasts a 95% open rate, nearly five times higher than email. Additionally, 90% of people open a text within three minutes, and 85% of smartphone users prefer SMS over emails or calls. SMS subscribers tend to be more engaged, enhancing customer engagement and conversion rates, making it a highly effective direct communication channel. (Sender)

5 Proven Techniques for Increasing SMS Opt-Ins in Klaviyo

1. Creating Effective Multi-Step Sign-Up Forms for New Customers

To maximise SMS opt-ins, simplify your approach with these steps :

1. Add SMS after the email touchpoint: Encourage users to sign up for SMS after they’ve provided their email, capturing additional contact information.

2. Make the SMS offer unique and exclusive: Offer a special deal that’s only available through SMS to entice sign-ups.

3. Test lever movers to optimise: Continuously test and refine designs, copy, and CTAs to see what drives the best results.

Examples: Successful campaigns feature mobile-optimised forms with strong CTAs that offer tangible value, such as “Sign up for SMS alerts and get 15% off your first order.”

Source: Poppy Barley

Source: Cami NYC

2. Target Existing Email Customers with Sign-Up Forms

Tailored Messaging: To effectively target your existing email subscribers, you can also segment your audience based on behaviour, such as recent purchases or browsing history. Use this data to create tailored SMS sign-up offers. For example, offer cart abandoners a discount if they sign up for SMS notifications, or entice recent product viewers with a special bundle offer.

Examples: 

• Exclusive Early Access:  “Join our SMS list for early access to our Black Friday sale—available only to our SMS subscribers! ”

• VIP Discounts: "Join our SMS list and enjoy an exclusive 20% discount on your next purchase."

• Product Launch Alerts: "Be the first to know about our new product drops in X category by subscribing to our SMS notifications."

Source: Textline

3. Cross-Pollinate Your Email Subscribers onto Your SMS List

What: Your VIP customers and highly engaged email subscribers are ideal candidates for your SMS list. Periodically send them targeted campaigns that highlight the benefits of joining your SMS program, such as exclusive deals, faster customer service, or more personalised communication.

Why: SMS subscribers generally have a higher lifetime value because SMS is a more personal and direct channel. These customers are typically more engaged, leading to better open rates, higher click-through rates, and more conversions.

4. Leverage Cross-Channel Promotion with Tap-To-Text

What is Klaviyo's Tap-to-Text Feature?: This feature allows businesses to capture phone numbers directly through social media platforms like Instagram. By embedding a "tap-to-text" link or button in your stories or posts, users can easily initiate the sign-up process with a single tap, making it more likely they’ll subscribe.

Source: Listrak

Why is it Beneficial?: This seamless experience reduces friction in the sign-up process, leading to higher conversion rates. It also allows you to reach potential subscribers where they are most engaged—on social media—thus expanding your reach and optimising engagement.

5. Build a Healthy SMS Subscriber List with Smart Opt-In

What is Klaviyo's SMS Smart Opt-In Feature?: This feature helps businesses collect phone numbers in a compliant and efficient manner. It ensures that customers provide genuine numbers and gives them a verification code, leading to a more reliable and engaged SMS list.

Why is it Beneficial for Building Healthy SMS Lists?: The Smart Opt-In feature helps maintain compliance with regulations like TCPA and GDPR, while also ensuring that your SMS list is filled with genuinely interested subscribers. This reduces unsubscribe rates and enhances the overall quality of your subscriber base.

Here's a step-by-step guide for customizing a Klaviyo sign-up form with Smart Opt-in pre-configured:

1. Create a Sign-Up Form:

• Click "Create sign-up form" in the top right corner.

• Check the "Smart Opt-in" box to filter the form library.

Source: Klaviyo

• Select a pre-built template with Smart Opt-in.

2. Configure Form Details:

• Name your form and choose the subscriber list.

Source: Klaviyo

• Click "Create Form" to enter the form editor.

3. Customize Form Content:

• Go to the "Targeting and behaviours" tab and select "Targeting."

• Under "Location," choose the countries where you have an active sending number.

Source: Klaviyo

4. Edit SMS Opt-In Steps:

• Customize the content and design of each form step, including the One-time code step.

• Review and ensure buttons are pre-configured correctly.

5. Publish Your Form:

• Click "Publish" once all customizations are complete.

Source: Klaviyo

Conclusion

Implementing these five proven techniques will not only help you grow your SMS subscriber list but will also enhance the overall effectiveness of your SMS marketing efforts. By focusing on creating high-converting sign-up forms, targeting existing email customers, leveraging VIP cross-pollination, utilising cross-channel promotions like Tap-to-Text, and building a healthy list with Smart Opt-In, you'll be well on your way to maximising engagement and conversions. Start applying these strategies today to see a significant boost in your SMS opt-ins and overall marketing success.

Don’t wait—integrating these strategies into your SMS marketing plan can bring immediate benefits. As your subscriber list grows, so too will your opportunities for engagement and revenue.

Ready to turn 'No' into 'Yes' for SMS opt-ins? 

Click here to get started with a free audit today and see how Klaviyo can transform your SMS campaigns!