Taylor MunsellTo excel in the world of eCommerce, staying connected with customers in a direct and efficient manner is crucial. This is where SMS marketing software comes into play, enabling eCommerce businesses to engage with their customers through personalized text messages. Choosing the best SMS marketing tools is essential for leveraging features like automated messaging and detailed analytics to enhance your marketing strategies and foster customer relationships.
But how do you choose the right software?
To help you find the ideal SMS marketing software for your eCommerce venture, we’ve compiled a list of top contenders, highlighting their key features, pros, cons, and pricing structures.
Best for Small Businesses
SimpleTexting
- Easiest platform to use
- Have two-way conversations with customers
- Good customer support & resources for beginners
Best for Medium to Enterprise
Textmagic
- Easily scale up or down with pay-as-you-go pricing
- Convert emails into SMS with their "Email to SMS Gateway"
- Team-sharing function for easy collaboration
Most Integrations
Mobile Text Alerts
- Affordable monthly starting cost of $20 (paid annually)
- 5,000+ integrations with Salesforce, HubSpot, Mailchimp, and more
Table of Contents
- Best SMS Marketing Software for eCommerce
- What is SMS Marketing Software?
- Benefits of Using SMS Marketing Software
- Key Features of SMS Marketing Software
- Best Practices for SMS Marketing
- Who Uses SMS Marketing Software?
- What Is SMS Marketing for eCommerce?
- What Are the Benefits of SMS for eCommerce?
- How Does Texting for eCommerce Work?
- How To Choose the Right SMS Software for eCommerce
- Industry Specific SMS Guides
- Frequently Asked Questions
We offer this website completely free to our visitors. To help pay the bills, we’ll often (but not always) set up affiliate relationships with the top providers after selecting our favorites. However, we do our best not to let this impact our choices. There are plenty of high-paying companies we’ve turned down because we didn’t like their product.
An added benefit of our relationships is that we always try to negotiate exclusive discounts for our visitors.
Best SMS Marketing Software for eCommerce
What is SMS Marketing Software?
SMS marketing software is a powerful tool that enables businesses to send promotional and transactional text messages directly to their customers’ mobile phones. This form of marketing leverages the short message service (SMS) to deliver marketing content, special offers, and important updates in a direct and personal manner. Designed to enhance customer engagement, SMS marketing software allows businesses to reach a large audience cost-effectively. By using this marketing software, businesses can ensure their messages are seen and acted upon, making it an essential component of modern marketing strategies.
Benefits of Using SMS Marketing Software
Using SMS marketing software offers numerous benefits for businesses looking to enhance their marketing efforts. One of the standout advantages is the exceptionally high open rate, with 98% of SMS messages being opened by recipients. This ensures that your marketing messages are seen almost immediately. Additionally, SMS marketing campaigns boast a high reply rate of 45%, making it a highly effective way to engage with customers. The ability to send personalized messages tailored to individual customer preferences further increases the likelihood of conversion. Moreover, SMS marketing is a cost-effective channel, often cheaper than other marketing methods, allowing businesses to reach a wide audience without breaking the bank.
Key Features of SMS Marketing Software
When selecting SMS marketing software, it’s crucial to look for key features that will enhance your marketing efforts. A user-friendly interface is essential, allowing businesses to easily create and manage SMS campaigns. Integration with other marketing channels, such as email and social media, ensures a cohesive marketing strategy. Automation capabilities are also important, enabling businesses to schedule messages and set up automated workflows based on customer behavior. Customization options, such as message personalization and segmentation, allow for targeted marketing. Lastly, robust customer support ensures that any issues can be quickly resolved, keeping your campaigns running smoothly.
1. Klaviyo
Best for: Comprehensive SMS marketing campaigns
Klaviyo SMS is a powerful marketing automation platform that extends its capabilities to SMS marketing, making it a top choice for eCommerce businesses.
With Klaviyo's SMS features, you can segment your audience effectively and send highly personalized text messages to engage customers. With the ability to manage your email campaigns along with your SMS campaigns, Klaviyo is a great comprehensive option.
Features:
- Advanced segmentation for precise targeting
- Automated SMS flows based on customer behavior
- Integration with eCommerce platforms
- A/B testing for SMS campaigns
Pricing:
Klaviyo's pricing varies based on the number of contacts you have. It offers a free plan for up to 250 contacts, with paid plans starting at $20/month.
Pros
- Seamless integration with eCommerce platforms
- Robust analytics and reporting
- Multi-channel marketing capabilities
- Highly customizable SMS flows
Cons
- Higher pricing for larger businesses
- Learning curve for beginners
2. SMSBump (Yotpo)
Best for: Recovering abandoned carts
SMSBump specializes in automating SMS campaigns, making it an excellent choice for eCommerce businesses looking to recover abandoned carts, send product recommendations, and more.
Features:
- Abandoned cart recovery via SMS
- Product upselling through text messages
- Personalized SMS campaigns
- SMS marketing analytics
Pricing:
SMSBump offers a free plan with limited features. Paid plans start at $19/month and vary based on the number of text messages sent.
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Dedicated features for abandoned cart recovery
- Integration with popular eCommerce platforms
- Built-in link shortening for tracking
Cons
- Limited customization compared to some other platforms
- Some advanced features require higher-tier plans
3. Attentive
Best for: Building SMS subscriber lists
Attentive is known for its visually appealing and interactive SMS messages. It’s a great option for eCommerce businesses aiming to grow their SMS subscriber lists and engage customers through compelling content. With advanced list management and segmentation tools, Attentive facilitates precise targeting and personalized messaging, allowing marketers to categorize contacts into distinct groups based on specific criteria.
Features:
- Visually appealing multimedia messages
- List-building tools for growing SMS subscribers
- Segmentation and targeting options
- Real-time reporting and analytics
Pricing:
Attentive's pricing is customized based on your business needs. Contact their sales team for a quote.
Pros
- Focus on engaging and interactive messages
- Strong emphasis on list growth
- Integration with eCommerce platforms
- Compliance with SMS marketing regulations
Cons
- Limited automation capabilities compared to some competitors
- Higher pricing for larger lists
4. TextMagic
Best for: Straightforward SMS marketing solution.
TextMagic is a simple yet effective SMS messaging and marketing platform suitable for smaller eCommerce businesses. It offers essential features for sending promotional messages, updates, and notifications to customers.
In addition to the software being easy to use, TextMagic also integrates with Zapier, opening up a new world of automation.
Read our TextMagic Review.
Features:
- Bulk SMS sending
- Two-way SMS communication
- Contact management and segmentation
- API integration for custom solutions
Pricing:
TextMagic offers pay-as-you-go pricing, starting at 4.5 cents per text message. Monthly subscription plans are available as well.
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Two-way communication capabilities
- Integration with CRM and email services
- Pay-as-you-go pricing option
Cons
- Lacks advanced automation features
- Limited template customization
5. Postscript
Best for: Seamless Shopify integration
Postscript is designed specifically for Shopify users, making it an excellent choice for eCommerce businesses built on this platform. By leveraging customer data, Postscript enables personalized marketing, enhancing the effectiveness of campaigns through targeted messaging and personalized interactions. It offers a range of SMS marketing features tailored to enhance customer engagement and boost sales.
Features:
- Automated cart recovery
- Customer segmentation and targeting
- SMS marketing analytics and reporting
- Integration with Shopify for seamless workflows
Pricing:
Postscript's pricing varies based on the number of text messages sent. It offers a free plan with limited features and paid plans starting at $25/month.
Pros
- Native integration with Shopify
- Dedicated features for abandoned cart recovery
- Customizable opt-in processes
- Easy-to-use interface
Cons
- Limited integrations outside of Shopify
- May require additional integrations for non-Shopify users
6. Omnisend
Best for: Multi-channel marketing
Omnisend is a comprehensive marketing automation platform that goes beyond SMS marketing to include email, push notifications, and more. It offers robust sms marketing strategies, allowing businesses to leverage data-driven insights to refine their messaging and improve engagement. It’s ideal for eCommerce businesses seeking a multi-channel approach.
Omnisend also makes things easy, meaning you can spend more time on your business. Plus, they have features like abandoned cart reminders, shipping confirmation, and updates that can be automated.
Read our Omnisend Review.
Features:
- SMS automation workflows
- Segmentation and personalization options
- Integration with eCommerce platforms
- Multi-channel marketing automation
Pricing:
Omnisend's pricing is based on the number of subscribers. It offers a free plan with limited features, and paid plans start at $16/month.
Pros
- Robust multi-channel capabilities
- Behavior-based automation
- Customizable templates for SMS campaigns
- Built-in reporting and analytics
Cons
- Learning curve for beginners
- May be overwhelming for smaller businesses with simpler needs
7. EZ Texting
Best for: Small to medium-sized eCommerce businesses seeking simplicity and affordability
EZ Texting is a straightforward SMS marketing platform suitable for businesses of all sizes. It offers essential features for sending SMS messages, making it a cost-effective option for those with simpler needs. EZ Texting's SMS marketing services provide versatile and effective tools for business communication and customer engagement, with pricing based on message volume and additional functionalities.
Read our EZ Texting review.
Features:
- Bulk SMS sending
- Two-way communication
- Contact management and segmentation
- Keyword campaigns for lead generation
Pricing:
EZ Texting offers pay-as-you-go pricing, starting at 4 cents per text message. Monthly subscription plans are available as well.
Pros
- Easy-to-use interface
- Keyword campaigns for lead generation
- Polling and voting features for interactive engagement
- Pay-as-you-go pricing option
Cons
- Limited automation compared to some competitors
- Advanced features may be lacking for more complex campaigns
Best Practices for SMS Marketing
To maximize the effectiveness of your SMS marketing efforts, it’s important to follow best practices. Start by obtaining explicit consent from customers before sending them SMS messages to ensure compliance and build trust. Keep your messages clear and concise, focusing on delivering value to the recipient. Always provide an opt-out option to respect customer preferences. Segment your customer lists to send relevant messages to the right audience, increasing engagement and conversion rates. Utilize SMS marketing automation to streamline your campaigns, saving time and improving efficiency. By adhering to these best practices, businesses can create impactful and respectful SMS marketing campaigns.
Who Uses SMS Marketing Software?
SMS marketing software is utilized by a diverse range of businesses, from eCommerce and retail to service-based industries. eCommerce businesses, in particular, benefit from SMS marketing by sending personalized messages, promotional offers, and order updates directly to customers. Retail businesses use SMS marketing to announce sales, new arrivals, and special events, driving foot traffic and online sales. Service-based businesses, such as salons and gyms, use SMS marketing to send appointment reminders and promotional offers. Essentially, any business looking to enhance customer engagement and improve conversion rates can benefit from using SMS marketing software.
What Is SMS Marketing for eCommerce?
SMS marketing for eCommerce involves sending text messages to customers for promotional, transactional, or informational purposes. It's a direct and effective way to engage with customers, share product updates, offer discounts, and recover abandoned carts.
It can be used on its own or, better yet, with a more comprehensive marketing plan, like if you’re working with an eCommerce marketing agency.
What Are the Benefits of SMS for eCommerce?
Customers usually have their phones within reach, which translates to the following benefits for SMS marketing:
- High Open Rates: Text messages have exceptionally high open rates, ensuring that your messages are seen by customers.
- Instant Communication: SMS delivers messages almost instantly, making it ideal for time-sensitive offers and updates.
- Personalized Engagement: SMS allows for personalized content based on customer preferences and behaviors.
- Abandoned Cart Recovery: SMS can effectively remind customers about items left in their carts and encourage them to complete their purchases.
Check out our ready-to-use SMS templates for eCommerce stores >>
How Does Texting for eCommerce Work?
Texting for eCommerce involves using an SMS marketing platform to create and send text messages to your subscribers. Choosing the right SMS marketing tools is crucial for managing campaigns effectively, as they offer features like data analytics, quick customer support, and software selection for optimal text message marketing. These messages can include promotional offers, order confirmations, shipping updates, and more.
The platform helps you manage contacts, segment audiences, and track campaign performance.
How To Choose the Right SMS Software for eCommerce
Ultimately, finding the right SMS software for your eCommerce business will depend on what you need. Text message marketing software offers features for managing SMS marketing campaigns, such as two-way messaging for customer engagement, integration with CRM systems for personalized marketing, and tools for executing and monitoring SMS campaigns effectively. That being said, there are some standard things to consider:
- Features: Consider the features offered, such as segmentation, automation, and integration with your eCommerce platform.
- Ease of Use: Choose a platform that aligns with your team’s skill level and technical expertise.
- Integration: Ensure the software integrates with your eCommerce platform and other tools you use.
- Scalability: Consider whether the software can accommodate your business’s growth.
- Pricing: Evaluate the pricing structure and choose a solution that fits your budget.
Best for Small Businesses
SimpleTexting
- Easiest platform to use
- Have two-way conversations with customers
- Good customer support & resources for beginners
Best for Medium to Enterprise
Textmagic
- Easily scale up or down with pay-as-you-go pricing
- Convert emails into SMS with their "Email to SMS Gateway"
- Team-sharing function for easy collaboration
Most Integrations
Mobile Text Alerts
- Affordable monthly starting cost of $20 (paid annually)
- 5,000+ integrations with Salesforce, HubSpot, Mailchimp, and more
Industry Specific SMS Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send images or multimedia through SMS marketing?
Some platforms, like Attentive, support multimedia messages, but be mindful of file sizes and compatibility.
How often should I send SMS messages to customers?
The frequency should strike a balance between staying top-of-mind and avoiding annoyance. It’s best to run tests to find the optimal frequency.
Can I automate SMS marketing campaigns?
Yes, most SMS marketing software offers automation features for scheduled campaigns and triggered messages.
What's the difference between SMS and MMS marketing?
SMS involves sending text-only messages, while MMS allows you to send multimedia content like images, videos, and GIFs.
Can I track the success of my SMS campaigns?
Yes, SMS marketing platforms provide analytics to track delivery rates, open rates, click-through rates, and more.
Geoff Cudd
