Everything you need to know about SMS in 2025

Check out the YouTube Video version: Click here (yes, the thumbnail was made with AI…. ask my editor why… not me)

If SMS is part of your marketing plan in 2025 and into 2026, read this.

Let’s break it down:

1. Pick the right platform

Use Klaviyo.

Why?

• It’s cheaper than Attentive (that is probably what you are comparing it too)

• Easier to segment and automate

• You run email and SMS from one place

• No Frankenstein setup with one tool for emails and another for texts

2. Stick to high-converting messages

There are only three campaign types you should send by SMS:

• Product Release

• Product Sale

• Product Restock

Forget fluff. Don’t send long newsletters or soft stories. You’re limited to 160 characters before you start paying double.

In flows, send SMS for:

• Abandoned Cart

• Browse Abandon

• Welcome Series

• Abandoned Checkout

• Post-Purchase updates (e.g. shipping + delivery)

That’s it. Anything else isn’t worth it.

3. Don’t ask for SMS too early

This is where most brands mess up.

When someone’s filling out your email pop-up, don’t ask for their phone number in the same form.

Why?

Because 25–45% of people will bounce the moment they see it. And if they bounce, they never see the discount code or final step.

Result? Lower on-site conversion rates, lower list growth, and less revenue.

Do this instead:

• Step 1: Ask for email

• Step 2: Ask a zero-party question (e.g. what are you interested in?)

• Step 3: Show them the discount

• Step 4: Show an SMS-only form later, targeted at people who already subscribed to email

That’s how you grow both lists without hurting conversion.

4. Watch your margins

If you’re in the US, SMS is affordable.

But if you’re in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or the UK, costs stack up fast. And SMS isn’t like email. It doesn’t cost pennies to send.

So measure the ROI closely. Because that $100 campaign might only bring in $250, and if you’re giving away a 20% discount on top, you’re barely breaking even.

Wrap up:

If you’re going to use SMS in 2025, do it with a plan.

Pick the right platform, send the right messages, time your form correctly, and protect your margins.

Need help building this for your store?
Reply to this email and I’ll take a look.

Watch the video: click here

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