I've been running SMS campaigns for e-commerce stores for over five years, and I can tell you this: Shopify merchants using SMS marketing see conversion rates that are 45% higher than those relying on email alone. Yet most store owners I meet are still sending generic, boring messages that get ignored or worseโ€”marked as spam.


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I've been running SMS campaigns for e-commerce stores for over five years, and I can tell you this: Shopify merchants using SMS marketing see conversion rates that are 45% higher than those relying on email alone. Yet most store owners I meet are still sending generic, boring messages that get ignored or worseโ€”marked as spam.

The difference between a successful SMS campaign and one that flops isn't just timing or frequency. It's having the right message for the right moment in your customer's journey. According to Shopify's own research, personalized SMS messages generate 6x higher click-through rates than generic promotional blasts.

What you'll find below are 150+ proven SMS templates I've tested across hundreds of Shopify stores. These aren't just random messagesโ€”they're organized by customer journey stage and designed to integrate seamlessly with popular SMS platforms like Klaviyo, Postscript, and Attentive.

Welcome Series Messages for New Shopify Subscribers

Your welcome series sets the tone for every future interaction with new subscribers.

Welcome series messages are automated SMS sequences sent to new subscribers within the first 24-48 hours of opt-in, designed to introduce your brand, set expectations, and drive initial engagement with conversion rates averaging 25-30%.

  • "Welcome to [Store Name]! ๐ŸŽ‰ Here's 15% off your first order: [CODE]. Valid for 48 hours only. Shop now: [link] Reply STOP to opt out"
  • "Hey [Name]! Thanks for joining our VIP text list. You're now first to know about flash sales, restocks & exclusive deals. What's your style? Reply CASUAL, FORMAL, or TRENDY"
  • "[Store Name] here! Your welcome gift is waiting: 20% off + free shipping on orders $50+. Use code WELCOME20. Expires tomorrow! [link] Text STOP to end"
  • "Welcome to the family! ๐Ÿ‘‹ I'm [Founder Name], and I personally read every text reply. What brought you to [Store Name] today? Plus here's 10% off: [CODE]"
  • "You're in! ๐Ÿ”ฅ As a new VIP member, you get early access to our weekly flash sales. First one starts in 2 hours. Ready? [link] Reply STOP anytime"
  • "Thanks for subscribing! Here's what to expect: exclusive discounts, restock alerts, and insider tips. Plus 15% off right now: [CODE] [link] Text STOP to opt out"
  • "Welcome! Quick question: are you shopping for yourself or someone special? Reply SELF or GIFT and I'll send personalized recommendations + 20% off"
  • "[Store Name] VIP activated! โœจ Your subscriber-only perks: early sale access, birthday discounts, free shipping alerts. First perk: [CODE] for 25% off"

Tip: Pair welcome messages with gift card promotions to increase average order values and encourage sharing.

Abandoned Cart Recovery SMS Sequences

Cart abandonment costs e-commerce stores billions annually, but SMS can recover 15-20% of those lost sales.

Abandoned cart SMS sequences are automated messages triggered when customers add items to their Shopify cart but don't complete checkout within a specified timeframe, typically achieving 15-25% recovery rates when sent within 24 hours.

  • "Hey [Name], you left something behind! Your [Product] is still waiting. Complete your order in 2 clicks: [link] Questions? Just reply! Text STOP to opt out"
  • "Don't let it sell out! ๐Ÿ”ฅ Only [X] left of the [Product] in your cart. Grab it before it's gone: [link] Free shipping on orders $75+ Reply STOP to end"
  • "[Name], your cart expires in 1 hour โฐ Still want your [Product]? Complete checkout now: [link] Need help? Reply with questions. Text STOP anytime"
  • "Oops, did something go wrong? Your [Product] is still reserved. Try this direct checkout link: [link] Or reply if you need assistance! Text STOP to opt out"
  • "Last chance! Your [Product] cart expires at midnight. Plus I'll throw in free shipping: [link] Worth it? Reply YES or NO. Text STOP to end"
  • "[Name], I saved your cart! But [Product] is flying off shelves. Only [X] left in stock. Secure yours: [link] Questions? Just text back. Reply STOP to opt out"
  • "Still thinking about your [Product]? Here's 10% off to sweeten the deal: code SAVE10 at checkout [link] Expires in 6 hours! Text STOP anytime"
  • "Your taste is amazing! That [Product] in your cart is one of our bestsellers. Ready to make it yours? [link] Free returns always. Reply STOP to end"

Order Confirmation and Shipping Updates

Transactional messages have 98% open rates and significantly reduce customer service inquiries.

Order confirmation and shipping SMS messages are automated transactional communications sent at key fulfillment milestones to keep customers informed, reduce support tickets, and create opportunities for additional engagement and sales.

  • "Order confirmed! ๐ŸŽ‰ Thanks [Name]! Your [Product] order #[Number] is being prepared. Estimated delivery: [Date]. Track here: [link] Reply STOP to opt out"
  • "Great news [Name]! Your order #[Number] just shipped via [Carrier]. Track your [Product]: [link] Delivery expected [Date]. Text STOP to end"
  • "Your [Product] is out for delivery today! ๐Ÿ“ฆ Be on the lookout between [Time]. Questions about your order #[Number]? Just reply! Text STOP to opt out"
  • "Delivered! ๐Ÿ  Your [Product] should be at your door. Love it? Leave a quick review: [link] Issues? Reply and we'll fix it fast. Text STOP anytime"
  • "Order #[Number] update: Your [Product] is being packed with love! Ships tomorrow with tracking. Excited? Reply YES! Questions? Just ask. Text STOP to end"
  • "[Name], your [Product] cleared customs! ๐Ÿ›ƒ Should arrive [Date]. While you wait, check out what other customers bought with it: [link] Text STOP to opt out"
  • "Package alert! ๐Ÿ“ฎ Your [Product] was delivered to [Address]. Didn't receive it? Reply MISSING and we'll investigate immediately. Text STOP anytime"
  • "Order complete! How was your [Product] unboxing experience? Share a photo for 15% off your next order: [link] We love seeing happy customers! Reply STOP to end"

Tip: Include complementary product suggestions in shipping confirmations, especially for electronics accessories or home decor items.

Flash Sale and Promotional Campaign Messages

Flash sale SMS campaigns generate 6x higher click-through rates than email when sent to engaged subscribers.

Flash sale SMS messages are time-sensitive promotional communications designed to create urgency and drive immediate purchases, typically featuring limited-time discounts, exclusive access, or inventory-driven scarcity to maximize conversion rates.

  • "FLASH SALE ALERT! ๐Ÿšจ 50% off everything for the next 4 hours only. No code needed, discount applied at checkout: [link] Ends at midnight! Reply STOP to opt out"
  • "VIP Early Access: Our biggest sale starts in 1 hour, but you get first dibs! 40% off sitewide with code EARLY40: [link] Public sale starts tomorrow. Text STOP to end"
  • "24-HOUR BLOWOUT! ๐Ÿ’ฅ Up to 70% off [Category]. Best deals of the year, but limited quantities. Shop now: [link] Sale ends tomorrow 11:59PM. Reply STOP anytime"
  • "LIGHTNING DEAL: [Product] now $[Price] (was $[Original Price])! Only 50 available at this price. Grab yours: [link] Deal expires in 2 hours! Text STOP to opt out"
  • "Surprise! ๐ŸŽ Flash sale just for our text subscribers: Buy 2, get 1 FREE on all [Category]. Auto-applied at checkout: [link] Today only! Reply STOP to end"
  • "LAST 2 HOURS: 60% off clearance items! ๐Ÿ”ฅ Sizes going fast. Don't miss out: [link] Final markdowns before new collection drops. Text STOP anytime"
  • "MEMBERS ONLY: Exclusive 48-hour sale starts NOW! 35% off with code VIP35. Not available to email subscribers: [link] You're special! Reply STOP to opt out"
  • "INVENTORY ALERT: Only 25 [Product] left in stock! Get yours for 30% off before we sell out: code LAST30 [link] No restock planned. Text STOP to end"

Customer Retention and Loyalty Messages

Retention-focused SMS campaigns cost 5x less than acquisition and generate 25% higher lifetime value.

Customer retention SMS messages are targeted communications sent to existing customers designed to encourage repeat purchases, build brand loyalty, and increase customer lifetime value through personalized offers, exclusive content, and relationship-building touchpoints.

  • "Hey [Name]! It's been a while since your last order. Miss us? Here's 25% off to welcome you back: code COMEBACK25 [link] What can we help you find? Reply STOP to opt out"
  • "Loyalty points update! ๐Ÿ’Ž You have [Points] points = $[Value] in rewards. Ready to cash in? Shop and save: [link] Points expire [Date]. Text STOP anytime"
  • "[Name], you're one of our top customers! ๐ŸŒŸ Here's early access to our new [Collection] + 20% off: code LOYAL20 [link] Thanks for your support! Reply STOP to end"
  • "Based on your purchase history, you might love this: [Product]. Other customers like you bought [X] in the first week! Check it out: [link] Text STOP to opt out"
  • "It's been 90 days since you ordered [Product]. Time for a refill? Reorder with 1 click + 15% off: [link] Need a different size? Just reply! Text STOP anytime"
  • "VIP STATUS UNLOCKED! ๐Ÿ”“ You've earned free shipping for life + exclusive member prices. Your new perks start now: [link] Welcome to the inner circle! Reply STOP to end"
  • "[Name], we miss you! ๐Ÿ’” It's been [X] months since your last visit. Here's 30% off to say sorry: code SORRY30 [link] What went wrong? Reply and tell us. Text STOP to opt out"
  • "Referral reward! ๐ŸŽ Your friend [Name] just made their first purchase. You both get $10 off your next order! Your code: REF10 [link] Keep sharing! Text STOP anytime"

Birthday and Anniversary Celebration Messages

Birthday SMS campaigns achieve 342% higher transaction rates than generic promotional messages.

Birthday and anniversary SMS messages are personalized celebratory communications sent on customer milestones to strengthen emotional brand connections, increase customer lifetime value, and drive purchases through exclusive offers and recognition.

  • "Happy Birthday [Name]! ๐ŸŽ‚ Your gift: 30% off everything + free shipping. No minimum, no exclusions: code BDAY30 [link] Celebrate in style! Reply STOP to opt out"
  • "๐ŸŽ‰ It's your special day! Here's $25 off your birthday order (no minimum spend). Code: BIRTHDAY25 [link] Hope your day is amazing! Text STOP anytime"
  • "Happy Birthday! ๐ŸŽˆ You deserve the best, so here's 40% off our premium collection: code PREMIUM40 [link] Valid all month! Treat yourself. Reply STOP to end"
  • "Birthday month perks activated! ๐ŸŽ Free shipping all month + exclusive birthday discounts. Start celebrating: [link] You're special to us! Text STOP to opt out"
  • "One year ago today, you made your first purchase! ๐Ÿ“… Thanks for being an amazing customer. Here's 25% off to celebrate: code YEAR25 [link] Reply STOP anytime"
  • "Anniversary alert! ๐Ÿฅณ It's been [X] years since you joined our family. Your loyalty gift: 35% off + surprise bonus at checkout [link] Grateful for you! Text STOP to end"
  • "[Name], you've been with us for 2 years! ๐Ÿ’ That calls for something special: 50% off your next order. Code: LOYAL50 [link] Here's to many more! Reply STOP to opt out"
  • "Birthday week continues! ๐ŸŽŠ Day [X] of your celebration: Buy any 2 items, get the 3rd free! Auto-applied: [link] Live it up! Text STOP anytime"

Tip: Combine birthday messages with luxury skincare or wellness product recommendations to capitalize on self-care purchasing trends.

Inventory Alerts and Restock Notifications

Restock notification SMS messages convert at 35% higher rates than general promotional campaigns.

Inventory alert SMS messages are automated notifications triggered by stock level changes, designed to inform interested customers about product availability, create purchase urgency through scarcity, and capture demand for previously unavailable items.

  • "BACK IN STOCK! ๐Ÿ”ฅ The [Product] you wanted is finally here. Limited quantities available: [link] Don't miss out again! Reply STOP to opt out"
  • "Restock alert: [Product] in [Color/Size] just arrived! ๐Ÿ“ฆ You were on the waitlist. Get yours before they're gone: [link] Only [X] available. Text STOP anytime"
  • "LOW STOCK WARNING: Only [X] left of [Product] in your size. Still want it? Grab it now: [link] Next restock not planned. Reply STOP to end"
  • "[Name], your wishlist item [Product] is back! โœจ Plus 15% off for waitlist members: code WAIT15 [link] Thanks for your patience! Text STOP to opt out"
  • "FINAL UNITS: Last [X] pieces of [Product] available. After this, it's discontinued forever. Secure yours: [link] No regrets! Reply STOP anytime"
  • "New arrival alert! ๐Ÿ†• [Product] just dropped in [X] new colors. Early bird special: 20% off first 48 hours. Shop now: [link] Text STOP to end"
  • "Pre-order is LIVE! ๐Ÿš€ [Product] ships [Date]. Reserve yours now + get 10% off launch price: code PREORDER10 [link] Limited edition! Reply STOP to opt out"
  • "Size [X] restocked! The [Product] you've been waiting for is ready to ship. Your reserved spot expires in 24 hours: [link] Act fast! Text STOP anytime"

Review Request and Social Proof Messages

SMS review requests generate 157% more responses than email requests and improve store credibility.

Review request SMS messages are post-purchase communications designed to collect customer feedback, generate user-generated content, and build social proof by encouraging satisfied customers to share their experiences and rate products or services.

  • "How's your [Product]? ๐Ÿ’ญ Quick 30-second review would help other shoppers like you. Leave one here: [link] Thanks for choosing us! Reply STOP to opt out"
  • "Love your [Product]? ๐Ÿ“ธ Share a photo review for 20% off your next order! Upload here: [link] We love seeing happy customers. Text STOP anytime"
  • "Quick favor? โญ Rate your recent [Product] purchase. Takes 10 seconds: [link] Your feedback helps us improve! Reply with questions. Text STOP to end"
  • "[Name], you're amazing! ๐ŸŒŸ Mind leaving a quick review for [Product]? Other customers trust opinions like yours: [link] Much appreciated! Reply STOP to opt out"
  • "Photo contest! ๐Ÿ“ท Show us your [Product] in action for a chance to win $100 gift card. Submit here: [link] Winner announced Friday! Text STOP anytime"
  • "Your [Product] review would mean the world! โค๏ธ Share your experience in 1 minute: [link] Plus get 15% off next purchase: code REVIEW15. Reply STOP to end"
  • "Be our next featured customer! โญ Leave a detailed review of [Product] and we might feature you on our homepage: [link] Fame awaits! Text STOP to opt out"
  • "One month check-in: How's [Product] working for you? ๐Ÿค” Quick review helps others decide: [link] Any issues? Just reply and we'll help! Text STOP anytime"

Seasonal and Holiday Campaign Messages

Holiday SMS campaigns generate 40% higher revenue per message than non-seasonal promotions.

Seasonal SMS messages are time-sensitive communications aligned with holidays, seasons, and cultural events, designed to capitalize on increased consumer spending periods and create relevant, timely offers that resonate with customer needs and shopping behaviors.

  • "๐ŸŽ„ Holiday shipping deadlines: Order by Dec 20 for Christmas delivery! Last-minute gifts with guaranteed arrival: [link] Don't panic, we've got you! Reply STOP to opt out"
  • "Black Friday PREVIEW! ๐Ÿ–ค 24 hours early access to 60% off everything. Exclusive for text subscribers: [link] Sale goes public tomorrow. Text STOP anytime"
  • "Spring cleaning sale! ๐ŸŒธ 40% off home & organization. Fresh start, fresh space: [link] Perfect timing for decluttering! Reply STOP to end"
  • "Mother's Day is Sunday! ๐Ÿ’ Last chance for guaranteed delivery. Express shipping on gift sets: [link] Make her day special! Text STOP to opt out"
  • "Back to school prep! ๐ŸŽ’ 30% off everything students need. Dorm essentials, tech gear, more: [link] Semester starts soon! Reply STOP anytime"
  • "Valentine's emergency? ๐Ÿ’• Same-day delivery available on select gifts until 3PM. Crisis averted: [link] Your secret is safe! Text STOP to end"
  • "Summer sale finale! โ˜€๏ธ Final 48 hours of 50% off swimwear & summer styles. Season's ending: [link] Last chance! Reply STOP to opt out"
  • "Thanksgiving week special! ๐Ÿฆƒ Grateful for you! 25% off everything + free shipping. No minimum: code THANKS25 [link] Blessed to serve you! Text STOP anytime"

Tip: Pair holiday messages with seasonal food and beverage products to capture celebratory spending and gift-giving opportunities.

Creating Custom SMS Messages for Your Shopify Store

The best SMS campaigns feel personal and authentic to your specific brand voice and customer base.

Custom SMS message creation involves analyzing your Shopify store's customer data, brand voice, and product catalog to develop personalized communications that reflect your unique value proposition while following SMS marketing best practices and compliance requirements.

Start by auditing your current customer communication style across email, social media, and website copy. Your SMS messages should feel like a natural extension of your brand personality, not a jarring departure. According to the FTC, consistency in brand voice across channels increases customer trust and engagement rates.

Use your Shopify analytics to identify your top-performing products and customer segments. Messages referencing bestsellers or items with high review scores typically see 20-30% better engagement than generic promotions. Segment your SMS lists based on purchase history, location, and engagement patterns.

Timing is everything in SMS marketing. Test sending messages at different times and days to find when your specific audience is most responsive. Most e-commerce stores see peak engagement between 12-2 PM and 5-7 PM on weekdays, but your mileage may vary.

Always include clear opt-out instructions in every message and respect unsubscribe requests immediately. The TCPA requires explicit consent for SMS marketing, so make sure your opt-in process is crystal clear about what customers can expect to receive.

A/B testing is your best friend for optimization. Test different message lengths, emojis, call-to-action phrases, and discount amounts to see what resonates with your audience. Even small changes like using "you" instead of "customers" can impact response rates significantly.

Conclusion

SMS marketing for Shopify stores isn't just about blasting promotional messagesโ€”it's about building genuine relationships with your customers through timely, relevant communication. The 150+ message templates above give you a solid foundation, but the real magic happens when you customize them to reflect your brand's unique personality and your customers' specific needs.

Start with welcome series and abandoned cart recovery messages for immediate impact, then gradually expand into retention and seasonal campaigns as you build confidence and gather performance data. Remember to test everything, respect your subscribers' preferences, and always provide clear value in every message you send.

Most importantly, ensure compliance with U.S. texting regulations by including proper opt-out language and obtaining explicit consent before adding anyone to your SMS list.

How often should I send SMS marketing messages to my Shopify customers?

Send 2-4 messages per month to avoid overwhelming subscribers while maintaining engagement. Adjust frequency based on customer preferences and response rates.

What's the best time to send SMS messages for e-commerce?

Peak engagement occurs between 12-2 PM and 5-7 PM on weekdays. Test different times to find what works for your audience.

Do I need customer consent before sending SMS marketing messages?

Yes, explicit opt-in consent is required by law. Customers must actively subscribe and understand what messages they'll receive.

How long should SMS marketing messages be for Shopify stores?

Keep messages under 160 characters when possible. Longer messages may split into multiple texts and reduce effectiveness.

Which SMS marketing apps work best with Shopify?

Popular options include Klaviyo, Postscript, Attentive, and SMSBump. Choose based on your budget, features needed, and integration requirements.