Simple, Actionable SMS Tips to Help Handmade Sellers Connect and Convert
Holiday sales are just around the corner, and as a handmade seller, your focus is on getting the word out and driving those all-important seasonal sales. While email remains essential, SMS marketing has become a powerhouse for reaching customers fast.
With open rates as high as 98%, SMS offers you a chance to make sure your messages are seen. But using SMS effectively is key—you want to keep it engaging and respectful of your customers’ time. Here’s a practical guide on making the most of SMS marketing this holiday season to increase sales and delight your customers.
1. Build an SMS List Before the Holiday Rush
It’s never too early to start growing your SMS list. If you haven’t already begun, don’t worry! You still have time to start adding subscribers before the peak season. One of the simplest ways is to add SMS to your existing sign-up forms. Invite people to opt in to receive special offers, exclusive discounts, and early access to holiday deals via text.
Action Step: Update your website’s pop-up forms to include an option for SMS opt-ins. If you want to speed things up, consider offering an incentive like a 10% discount for joining your SMS list, or early access to holiday promotions.
2. Plan Your Holiday SMS Campaign with Three Key Messages
For Black Friday and major holiday sales, a simple three-message sequence works well: a launch, a reminder, and a last-chance message. Unlike email, where multiple daily messages may be fine, SMS is more intrusive. A well-timed reminder can work wonders, but avoid overwhelming customers’ phones with excessive messages.
Action Step: Schedule three SMS messages for Black Friday weekend:
Launch Message: Announce the sale and any limited offers.
Reminder Message: Midway through, remind customers of the sale.
Last-Chance Message: A few hours before the sale ends, prompt them one last time.
3. Add SMS to Your Abandoned Cart Strategy
An abandoned cart SMS message can recover lost sales, but timing matters. Use SMS as a follow-up if customers haven’t responded to your abandoned cart email. This way, if SMS lands during quiet hours (like late at night), you’ll still have given them a chance to see the email first.
Action Step: Set up your SMS to follow abandoned cart emails, ideally with a 30-minute delay. That way, if the customer doesn’t open the email, they’ll get a reminder by text—at an appropriate time for their timezone.
4. Use Interactive SMS with Holiday-Specific Language
SMS messages should be short, sweet, and action-oriented. Start your message with engaging language, like “Hi [Name]!” or power words like “Limited Time!” Adding dates or time-specific phrases (“Ends Tonight!”) is helpful, especially during the holidays when urgency is high.
Action Step: Test out phrases like “Only 24 hours left!” or “Your holiday favorites are selling fast!” These small tweaks grab attention, and they set the tone for a message that feels timely and relevant.
5. Segment Your SMS List for More Relevant Messages
If you already have an SMS list, take your strategy up a notch by segmenting it. Identify customers who only shop during the holidays, frequent buyers, or those who haven’t purchased in a while. A quick “We’ve missed you!” text with an exclusive offer can go a long way.
Action Step: Set up segments like:
Holiday-Only Shoppers: Send a welcome-back message or exclusive discount.
One-Time Buyers: Encourage a repeat purchase with a special offer.
Inactive Customers: Re-engage them with a gentle reminder that holiday shopping is coming up.
6. Optimize Your SMS for Visual Appeal
While SMS is all about concise text, adding an image or GIF during the holidays can make your message pop. For instance, a holiday-themed image or a sneak peek of a new collection can drive engagement. Just keep in mind that images add to the cost of sending messages, so use them strategically.
Action Step: Use visuals sparingly, but effectively. If you send an image, make sure it’s square or portrait for best display on mobile and that it highlights something truly unique or exciting about your holiday offerings.
7. Keep SMS Messaging Consistent and Respectful
During the holiday rush, it’s easy to send more messages, but with SMS, less is often more. Quiet hours (typically 9 p.m. to 8 a.m.) must be respected, not just for legal reasons but also to ensure you’re not intruding on your customers’ personal time.
Action Step: If you’re sending a last-chance reminder, make sure it’s scheduled well before quiet hours begin in your customers’ time zones. Stick to a single weekly SMS during the lead-up to Black Friday to keep customers engaged without overwhelming them.
Wrapping Up: Let SMS Marketing Work for You
With a well-planned SMS strategy, you can make a big impact without overwhelming your customers. By building your list early, segmenting wisely, and focusing on short, actionable messages, you’ll set yourself up for a successful holiday season. Remember, SMS is an intimate and direct channel, so keep it friendly, timely, and valuable.
SMS marketing has the potential to elevate your holiday campaigns and give your customers that extra nudge to shop with you. With these actionable tips, you can stay connected, build loyalty, and drive those all-important holiday sales. Happy selling, handmade sellers!
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