What is an SMS list?

An SMS list is a database of phone numbers from subscribers who opted in to receive messages from your brand via SMS or MMS. Some examples of this type of communication include:

Promotional SMS
Transactional SMS
Conversational SMS

According to Klaviyo’s recent survey of 8,781 participants, 72% of people have made a purchase after receiving an SMS message from a brand. Building an SMS list is a great way to earn more revenue and speed up time to purchase.

How to grow your SMS list

Here are some key strategies to grow your SMS list:

1. Create a compelling sign-up form

Start collecting SMS subscribers by adding a sign-up form to your website and product pages. Test their placement and timing, either manually or with new AI tools that can automate optimization.

You can use several sign-up form types:

Embedded forms: This form type is typically embedded in the website’s footer or sidebar.
Pop-up forms: These forms pop into view after the visitor has spent a certain amount of time on the site, scrolled down a certain amount, or tried to exit the website. They’re easy to dismiss.
Fly-out forms: Fly-outs slide into your visitors’ view from any direction you choose.
Overlay pop-up forms: These forms capture your visitors’ full attention. Use them sparingly because they take up the entire screen.

2. Ask your existing email subscribers

If you already have an email list, let them know that they can hear from your brand via SMS as well. This is an ideal opportunity to grow your SMS list with contacts who are already interested in your products or services.

Send your subscribers an email inviting them to receive SMS updates. For the best results, include an incentive, such as a discount, to encourage people to subscribe.

3. Invite your social media followers to join your SMS list

Like your email subscribers, your social media followers have already chosen to engage with your brand—use this to your advantage and direct them to your SMS list.

Consider running a special promotion or giveaway on social media, asking people to sign up for your SMS list. Include an SMS subscribe link or short code in a post such as an Instagram story.

4. Include an opt-in for SMS during check-out

During the check-out process, ask your customers whether they want to receive promotions from your brand via SMS using a convenient checkbox or a QR code.

Klaviyo can help you grow your SMS list with: