How do you use text messages to attract customers to the store?

Aug 17
5 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

Introduction

In an age where smartphone apps are flooded with notifications, and social media platforms are crowded with ads, they remain Short text messages (SMS) One of the most direct and effective ways to reach customers. Although it is relatively old compared to modern digital marketing methods, it is still... Extremely powerful tool When used intelligently, especially in... Attract customers to the physical store.

This post provides you with a comprehensive guide on how to use SMS messages to increase the number of customers, with real-life examples, effective strategies, and tips to help you convert a 160-character message into... Physical visits and sales within your store.

First: Why is text message marketing still effective?

Despite the development of digital means, text message marketing maintains its position for several reasons:

1. High open rate

Statistics indicate that more than 90% of text messages are opened within the first 3 minutes of receipt, making it a fast and efficient means of immediate access.

2. Does not require an Internet connection

Messages arrive even if the customer does not have an active data package, which increases the access rate.

3. Widespread mobile phone penetration

Almost everyone owns a mobile phone, which greatly expands your target audience base.

4. High customization

You can send messages with the customer's name, and link them to their previous data, such as the date of their last visit or the purchases they made.

Second: Types of text messages that motivate customers to visit the store

1. Exclusive offers

example:"Exclusively for you, 25% discount on all our products today only in our branch - show this message at checkout!"

2. Instant alerts about offers

example:"We have delivered your favorite product! Come today and try it for free before supplies run out."

3. Invitations to occasions and events

example “We invite you to attend the opening of our new branch today on Tahlia Street – a gift voucher awaits you!”

4. Loyalty programs and recurring discounts

example:"Thank you for your previous visit! Your points now = 50 riyals discount on your next visit."

5. Reminder of limited offers

example “There are only 4 hours left until the end of the 30% offer! Hurry and visit us now.”

Third: How to build a strong text message database

You can't send effective text messages without a strong database of numbers, and here are some ways to build it:

1. Registration upon purchase

Make registering the number part of the purchasing process (number is for contact and offers purposes only).

2. Voluntary subscription

Offer customers to join your mailing list in exchange for a discount coupon or gift.

example:"Subscribe via SMS and get a 10% discount on your next visit!"

3. Contests and raffles

Use promotions that require a phone number to participate.

4. Request from followers on social media

Post a digital registration form link via Instagram, Twitter, or Snapchat.

Fourth: Steps to implement a successful text message campaign

Step 1: Define the goal precisely

Do you want to increase the number of customers today?
Are you promoting a limited offer?
Are you announcing the arrival of a new product?

Step 2: Formulate the message creatively and clearly

The text of the message should be:

Short and clear.
It has an attractive offer.
Includes an express invitation to visit.
It is linked to a specific place or time.

Excellent example:"20% discount only for SMS subscribers! Come today and mention the code: VIP20"

Step 3: Choose the appropriate time to send

Morning: Suitable for daily reminders.
Before rush: for example, before lunch in a restaurant.
Before the show ends: to create a sense of urgency.

Step 4: Customize messages

Using a customer's first name or mentioning a product they previously purchased increases engagement.

example:"Mohamed, your favorite product is now available at a 30% discount! Come today only."

Step 5: Include clear instructions

Tell the client what to do:

"Show this message at checkout."
"Visit the branch and request the offer as a VIP."

Fifth: Tools and systems that help you manage text message campaigns

Tool/System

Interest

SMS Gateway (eg: SMSCountry, Unifonic, Infobip)

Bulk sending of messages and personalization of content

Integrated CRM

Linking customer behavior to purchase history and segment management

POS is connected to messages

Automatically send messages after purchase

Performance analytics

Track the number of open messages and responses

Sixth: How do you measure the success of the campaign?

1. Attendance rate after the message

How many customers visited you within 24-48 hours of sending the campaign?

2. Percentage of use of the attached code

How many times was the code mentioned in the message used?

3. Compare sales before and after the campaign

Has there been a clear increase in the number of invoices or the value of purchases?

4. Interact with messages

Did customers respond to the message? Did you click on any attached short link?

Seventh: Real examples from the market

Try a local clothing store

The problem: Decrease in the number of customers in the middle of the week.

the solution Send a message on Wednesday morning: “30% discount for 6 hours only! Come now to our branch in Al-Salam neighborhood.”

Result:25% increase in the number of visitors during the same day.

Fast food restaurant experience

The problem: Stagnation during the evening periods.

the solution Send a message at 6pm: “Free meal with your second order today – only for Message subscribers!”

Result Orders increased by 40% within 3 hours.

Eighth: Mistakes to avoid in text message marketing

Error

Negative impact

Repeated transmission

It disturbs the customer and may lead to him blocking the number

Long messages

Reduces the chances of complete reading

Ambiguity of presentation

It confuses the customer and causes the message to be ignored

The location or time of the show is not specified

The message loses its effectiveness

Sending messages without permission

It is against the law and affects the store's reputation

Ninth: Golden tips for more effective campaigns

Make the message feel personal.
Use motivating verbs Such as: "Hurry", "Get", "Don't miss".
Combine messages with other methods (Example: Instagram coupon or TikTok invitation).
Test more than one formula And see which one produces better results.
Make the message timely (The sense of urgency motivates the decision.)

Conclusion

SMS is not a tool of the past, but a powerful tool of the present. With the right guidance and appropriate content, it can be one of the pillars of your store's success and increase the number of customers in it. Don't underestimate the power of a few words, just one thoughtful message can make a difference to your entire sales day.

Start today by building your customer database, test a small campaign, and learn from the results. And always remember: Quick access + attractive display = real visitors in your store!