How to use SMS sale reminders to increase engagement

Last updated: July 14, 2025

Overview

This article explains how to create and send SMS sale reminders that increase engagement and conversions.

You’ll learn the value of SMS reminders for major sales, how to identify and target highly engaged contacts using segmentation, and the step-by-step process for launching a successful SMS sale reminder campaign.

Why use SMS sale reminders

By targeting contacts who have recently interacted with your emails or SMS messages, SMS sale reminders can increase the likelihood of strong day-one participation and higher conversion rates.

SMS reminders reach customers directly on their mobile devices, bypassing crowded email inboxes and increasing visibility for your promotion. This approach is especially valuable in the 24-48 hours leading up to a major sale, when timely communication can build anticipation and prompt action.

Key benefits of using SMS sale reminders include:

  • Increased urgency: Advance reminders encourage recipients to plan for your sale, leading to higher traffic and stronger momentum as soon as the event begins.

  • Higher conversion rates: Focusing on highly engaged segments ensures that your message reaches those most likely to convert, maximizing the impact of each send.

  • Efficient use of promotional efforts: Sending reminders only to engaged contacts reduces message fatigue and minimizes opt-outs.

Incorporating SMS sale reminders into your retention marketing strategy helps maintain consistent engagement and supports better overall campaign performance.

Step One: Create a segment of highly engaged contacts

Create an engaged contacts segment.

Step Two: Prepare your SMS campaign

Create an SMS campaign and use the engaged contacts segment as your audience.

While drafting your message, keep these best practices in mind:

  • Provide clear details about the upcoming sale and its timing.

  • Encourage recipients to set a calendar reminder or opt in for early access.

  • Include a clear call to action (for example, you could create a calendar event for the sale or link to a special landing page).

Step Three: Schedule and send the SMS campaign

Set the campaign to send 1-2 days before the sale begins for maximum impact.

Review all settings, then schedule or send immediately.

Step Four: Analyze campaign performance

After the campaign, review key metrics such as open rate, click-through rate, and resulting sale activity.

Use this data to refine your segmentation and timing for future sale reminders.