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You’ve seen the numbers. SMS open rates crush email. Engagement happens faster. And conversions? They don’t lag either.
Let’s be honest—none of that really works without a plan. Tossing out random texts won’t get you far. You need a system in place. Something built to guide people from “maybe” to “I’m in.”
They work like email drips—but with way less friction. While your emails sit unread in crowded inboxes, texts get opened in under 5 minutes. And unlike one-off blasts, an SMS drip guides your customers down a path—from “just browsing” to “take my money.”
What is an SMS drip campaign?
At its core, it’s a series of automated texts sent based on a user’s action or timeline.
- Someone signs up for your list? That’s a trigger.
- Leaves something in their cart? Another trigger.
- Recipient goes cold after a few weeks? You guessed it.
Each trigger activates a message (or a sequence) designed to move them forward—whether that’s making a purchase, replying, or just staying warm.
Why do text drip campaigns work so well?
- People actually read their texts.
- You’re reaching them in the moment.
- You can personalize like crazy based on their behavior.
Building a drip campaign that doesn’t get skipped
What's the point?
Figure out what the sequence is meant to do. New sub? Abandoned cart? Don’t try to do everything at once—just focus on one job.
Segment your list
Mass texting everyone the same thing? Not great. Divide folks up—who bought, who didn’t, who clicked, who ghosted.
Keep it cool
Don’t overthink it. Say what you need to say, and get out. You’ve only got a few seconds before someone swipes past it.
Ease up on the messages
Don’t overdo it. A message every now and then is cool. But if it starts feeling like spam, they’re gone.
Don't leave 'em hanging
If you’re sending a message, it has to have a point. Want them to shop? Say that. Need them to reply or use a code? Spell it out. People shouldn’t have to guess what you want them to do.
Watch what's working & what's not
Check your stats. Are people opening your texts? Clicking the links? If not, try changing it up. Maybe the timing’s off. Maybe the message needs work. Play around with it and see what gets traction.
SMS drip campaign ideas you can steal today
Welcome Series
Say "hey," let folks know who you are, and give them a reason to stick around—maybe that’s a quick intro, maybe it’s a discount. Either way, that first message should feel like an invite, not a pitch.
Abandoned Cart
If someone bounces mid-checkout, follow up with a quick nudge. Keep the tone chill—not pushy. A little reminder and maybe a small perk can go a long way.
Lead Nurturing
Some products take time—people aren't always going to buy on the spot. That’s where a slow, steady drip helps. Share something useful, drop a quick review, or show them how it works in the real world. No hard selling—just stay in the mix until they’re ready.
Re-Engagement
If someone hasn't been engaging with your content, don't hesitate to reach out with a "miss you" text with an incentive. Just remind them why they liked hearing from you in the first place.
Best practices that actually make a difference
This is where brands usually either get it right or totally miss the mark. It's not about sending more texts—it’s about sending the right ones at the right time. Here’s what we’ve seen work (and what to watch out for):
Keep it short—really short
A text message drip campaign isn’t an email. You’ve only got a second or two to make your point. Aim for one or two short lines. Anything longer and people tune out.
Don't just slap on a name
“Hey [First Name]” is fine, but it’s just the starting point. If you know what someone bought last time, or what they browsed, use it. People are way more likely to pay attention if the message feels like it was actually meant for them.
Respect the rules
Did you know you need permission to text someone? You also have to give them a clear way to opt out. It’s not just good manners—it’s the law. If you skip this step, you may be risking more than a few subscribers...
Avoid sounding robotic
Just because the message is automated doesn’t mean it should read like a template. Talk like a human. Would you reply to what you just wrote? If not, time for a rewrite.
Quick trick: read your message out loud. If it sounds stiff or salesy, change it.
Don't fake urgency
Deadlines, limited stock, early access—they work. But only if they’re real. If you say “ends tonight” and then extend it the next morning, people stop trusting you. And when trust is gone, so are conversions.
Timing matters more than you think
Texting someone at 6AM? Not a great move. Respect time zones, and test different windows to see when people are actually engaging. For a lot of brands, late morning or early evening tends to hit best—but test for your audience.
Keep tweaking
No campaign’s perfect on the first try. Try sending at different times. Change up the tone. Swap in a new CTA. Even small edits can make a big difference. Don’t just “set and forget” your drips—keep checking what’s landing.
Don't just text to text
Too many messages, too close together? That’s how you lose people. Unless you’re Amazon, daily texts are probably overkill. Focus on value, not volume.
Make the next step crystal clear
Every message should lead to something. Want them to click? Say so. Offering a code? Tell them where to use it. Don’t assume they’ll figure it out—lay it out clearly.
Final thoughts...
If you’re not using SMS drips, you’re leaving money on the table.
They’re fast, effective, and incredibly scalable—when built right.
Need help building a drip campaign that actually drives revenue?
Let's talk. 💰
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