Glossary of SMS Marketing Terms
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Klaviyo SMS | A built-in SMS marketing feature within Klaviyo that allows brands to send targeted text messages and integrate them with email campaigns. |
SMS Consent | Legal opt-in confirmation from a user allowing the brand to send promotional text messages. |
Landing Page | A dedicated standalone web page created for a specific marketing goal, such as collecting SMS subscribers. |
VIP Offer | An exclusive incentive, often used to motivate users to sign up for email or SMS lists. |
Swipe-Up (Story Link) | A call-to-action on Instagram Stories directing users to a linked landing page (replaced with ‘Link’ stickers in recent updates). |
Checkout Opt-In | A setting that allows brands to collect SMS consent during the Shopify checkout process. |
Thank You Page | The order confirmation page after a purchase, ideal for upsells or further list-building. |
Table of contents
Why Growing Your Klaviyo SMS List Is Non-Negotiable

If you’re running an eCommerce brand in 2025, SMS isn’t optional. It’s a high-engagement, high-ROI channel that, when paired with email in Klaviyo, becomes a revenue powerhouse.
Here’s why Klaviyo > third-party SMS providers:
- Unified customer profiles
- Accurate behavioral tracking
- Triggered flows that WORK
- Lower SMS acquisition costs
Real Stats:
KPI | Klaviyo SMS | Third-Party SMS |
---|---|---|
Cart Recovery | ✅ Functional | ❌ Broken without data sync |
Segmentation | ✅ Behavior-based | ❌ Limited to SMS activity only |
Attribution Accuracy | ✅ Full customer journey | ❌ Fragmented |
RPR (Revenue/Recipient) | Higher | Lower |
5 Proven Tactics to Grow Your Klaviyo SMS List
1. Offer a Free Gift with Purchase for SMS Opt-In
Move beyond boring “10% off” discounts. Instead, give users a tangible free gift that surprises and delights.
Example CTA: “Join our SMS VIPs and get a FREE tote bag with your next order.”
Why It Works:
- Free = high perceived value
- Protects margins better than discounts
- Feels exclusive and timely
Pro Tip: Use Shopify’s Buy X Get Y tool to automate the reward.
2. Create a Dedicated SMS Signup Landing Page
Generic pop-ups won’t cut it anymore. A well-designed page:
- Explains the benefit
- Reduces friction
- Collects cleaner data
Example URL: yourbrand.com/pages/sms-vip-subscribe
Promote This Page On:
- Instagram bio link
- Email campaigns
- Post-purchase email flow
- Your site’s navigation or sticky banners
Design Tip: Show the gift, add social proof, and keep the form short (name + phone).
3. Leverage Instagram Stories for Swipe-Ups to SMS
Instagram is visual. Make it count.
Story Campaign Tips:
- Use bold CTA overlays: “Tap here to unlock your gift”
- Add countdowns to increase urgency
- Use product shots or customer UGC with the reward
Pro Tip: Run a 3-slide sequence:
- Tease the offer
- Show the product
- Swipe up (or Link sticker) to the landing page
4. Capture SMS Opt-Ins at Checkout
If you’re on Shopify or Shopify Plus, this is easy money. Turn on SMS consent under checkout settings.
How to Maximize Opt-In:
- Write compelling microcopy like: “Get shipping updates and VIP deals via text.”
- Offer small incentives (free shipping, gift, or early access)
- Use one-click checkboxes with clear language
Conversion Tip: Keep opt-in above the fold and easy to spot.
5. Optimize the Thank You Page for Upsell Opt-Ins
Post-purchase momentum = trust. Leverage it.
Page Copy Example: “Thanks for your order! Want 15% off your next one? Join our SMS VIP list.”
Why it works:
- Customer is already in a high-trust state
- You don’t need to sell the brand again
- Easy to add without disrupting checkout
Advanced Strategies to Boost List Quality
Double Opt-In for Better Deliverability
Enable SMS double opt-in in Klaviyo settings to reduce spam complaints and protect deliverability.
Segment SMS Subscribers By Intent
Tag users based on the entry point:
- Gift promo
- Thank You Page
- Post-purchase flow
Use this data to tailor welcome flows and future offers.
A/B Test Incentives
Run split tests between:
- Free gift vs. % discount
- Early access vs. exclusive drop
- Immediate vs. next-purchase reward
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Why should I use Klaviyo SMS over Postscript or SMSBump? | Klaviyo tracks behavior across SMS + email and integrates it into flows. Third-party tools break tracking and cost you flow revenue. |
What’s the best opt-in offer for SMS? | Free gifts with purchase outperform discounts. They feel exclusive and protect margins. |
How often should I send SMS campaigns? | 1–2 per week max. SMS is high-engagement, so avoid over-sending to prevent fatigue. |
Should I use pop-ups, landing pages, or both? | Both. Use pop-ups for high volume and landing pages for targeted traffic (e.g. Instagram). |
How do I ensure SMS compliance? | Collect explicit consent, use double opt-in, and include opt-out instructions in every message. |
What’s a good SMS conversion rate? | 5–12% CTR is average. Segment and personalize to improve performance. |
Final Thoughts: Simplicity + Strategy = SMS Growth
SMS marketing isn’t just about collecting phone numbers. It’s about building high-converting, legally-compliant, revenue-generating communication loops.
Klaviyo lets you:
- Track behavior across channels
- Trigger flows with real data
- Build one profile across email + SMS
Don’t overcomplicate it. Focus on:
- A strong offer
- A clean signup experience
- Timely follow-up with automated flows
Ready to grow your SMS list?
Book a free Klaviyo SMS audit and let our team optimize your flows, clean your segments, and double your revenue.
Need help implementing this?
Let us take the hassle of managing your email marketing channel off your hands. Book a strategy call with our team today and see how we can scale your revenue, customer retention, and lifetime value with tailored strategies. Click here to get started.
Curious about how your Klaviyo is performing?
We’ll audit your account for free. Discover hidden opportunities to boost your revenue, and find out what you’re doing right and what could be done better. Click here to claim your free Klaviyo audit.
Want to see how we’ve helped brands just like yours scale?
Check out our case studies and see the impact for yourself. Click here to explore.
Tactic | Strategy |
✅ Front-load urgency | Use action words like “Today only,” “Limited,” “Your order is waiting” |
✅ Subject line clarity | Be specific. Skip vague copy like “Here’s something for you…” |
✅ Content relevance | Only send what the subscriber actually cares about. Personalize. |
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