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6 SMS marketing use cases & why they wor

See how B2C brands use Klaviyo to drive higher ROI through connected, customer-first messaging.

When HOMAGE launched their first SMS campaign to promote retro NFL jackets, they drove 100 orders in the first hour.

With 87% click-through and $167 revenue per recipient, the results far exceeded industry averages—proving the power of well-executed SMS marketing.

If you’ve ever considered tapping into SMS as a marketing channel—but weren’t sure where to start—this edition is for you!

We’re diving into six powerful ways to use SMS in your e-commerce strategy, complete with real-world examples, quick tips, and expert insights—all backed by Klaviyo’s latest data.

1. 🚀 Launches, Sales & Discounts

  • SMS cuts through the noise—especially with flash offers that people want to act on right away.

  • Example: waterdrop® and Each & Every used concise SMS and MMS messages (with emojis and product pics) to introduce new products—and saw remarkable engagement.

2. 🛒 Cart & Browse Abandonment

  • Texts sent shortly after abandonment outperform emails at converting.

  • Example: Dana Rebecca Designs and Zend Coffee used hybrid email + SMS flows to remind and recover, leading to higher click-throughs—no discounts needed.(klaviyo.com)

3. 📦 Post‑Purchase Updates & Education

  • SMS isn’t just for promotions—it’s also ideal for confirming orders, shipments, or offering tips.

  • Example: Leggari sent a post-purchase "DIY Sunday" message to help customers with epoxy work—strengthening trust (and future purchases).

💬 5. Build Loyalty Through Two-Way SMS

Unlike email, SMS invites real conversations. Use it to ask customers for feedback, answer questions, and show there's a real person behind the brand.

A simple message from your community manager can go a long way in creating lasting relationships—and turning one-time buyers into loyal fans.

🔎 Why SMS Works:

  • Instant visibility: Average SMS click-through is ~5.8%, with ~$0.11 RPR per message.

  • High engagement: Respectful timing and segmentation are key—35% unsubscribe if messages arrive at inconvenient times.

🧩 SMS Best Practices

Tip

Why It Matters

Define your goals

Whether it’s revenue, nurturing, or awareness—each message needs purpose.

Segment your list

Tailored messages reduce opt-outs: VIPs, engaged users, browsers, etc.

Offer exclusivity

Early access, loyalty perks, and behind-the-scenes content boost opt-ins—nearly half subscribe for brand love

Time it right

Leverage quiet-hours settings (e.g. 8 pm–11 am local) and test send times

Track smart KPIs

Focus on clicks, conversions, and revenue per recipient—not just opens

Test and iterate

A/B test length, imagery, emojis, send times, CTAs—then optimize aggressively

Integrate across channels

SMS works best alongside email, push, and other flows

✅ SMS Compliance & Trust

  • Always get explicit opt-in, provide clear opt-outs (e.g. "Reply STOP"), and include required info (time, frequency, costs)

  • Maintain clean lists—expire inactive numbers and honor opt-outs immediately.

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💡 Next Steps

  1. Set a clear SMS goal (e.g. 10% increase in flash-sale revenue).

  2. Choose a pilot tactic (e.g. cart reminders, VIP drops, post-purchase tips).

  3. Build your message flow: segment, schedule within quiet hours, sync with email.

  4. Launch, A/B test, and refine KPI-based success (CTR, conversions, RPR).

🌟 Want help setting this up? 

We can help you build targeted SMS automations and campaigns that complement your email strategy—keeping your brand timely, personal, and top-of-mind.

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