What are the most effective ways to build an SMS list?

1 Offer value and incentives

One of the most important factors that motivate people to opt-in to your SMS list is the value and benefits they will receive from your messages. You need to clearly communicate what they can expect from you, how often you will text them, and what kind of offers, discounts, tips, or content you will send them. You can also entice them with incentives, such as a free gift, a coupon, a contest entry, or a loyalty program, that they can only get by joining your SMS list.

2 Use multiple channels and platforms

Another way to increase your SMS list is to promote it across different channels and platforms where your target audience is present and engaged. You can use your website, social media, email, blog, podcast, video, flyers, or any other medium to spread the word about your SMS list and invite people to sign up. You can also use QR codes, keywords, or short codes to make it easy for people to opt-in with their mobile devices.

3 Make it simple and convenient

The more steps and barriers you put between your potential subscribers and your SMS list, the less likely they are to join. You want to make it as simple and convenient as possible for them to opt-in, without asking for too much information or making them fill out long forms. You can use tools and platforms that allow you to create mobile-friendly landing pages, forms, or pop-ups that capture the essential data you need, such as phone number, name, and consent.

4 Segment and personalize your SMS list

Once you have built your SMS list, you want to make sure you send relevant and targeted messages to your subscribers. You can do this by segmenting your SMS list based on criteria such as location, interests, behavior, preferences, or purchase history. You can also personalize your messages with the subscriber's name, specific offers, or recommendations. This will help you increase engagement, loyalty, and conversions from your SMS campaigns.

5 Follow the rules and regulations

Building an SMS list is not only about getting more subscribers, but also about complying with the rules and regulations that govern SMS marketing. You need to follow the best practices and guidelines of the TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) and the CTIA (Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association) in the US, or the equivalent in your country or region. These include getting explicit consent from your subscribers, providing clear opt-out instructions, respecting frequency and timing limits, and avoiding spammy or misleading content.

6 Test and optimize your SMS list

Finally, you want to monitor and measure the performance of your SMS list and campaigns, and use the data and feedback to improve your results. You can use metrics such as opt-in rate, opt-out rate, delivery rate, open rate, click-through rate, conversion rate, or ROI (return on investment) to evaluate your SMS marketing effectiveness. You can also test different elements of your SMS campaigns, such as the message content, the offer, the call to action, the timing, or the segment, and see what works best for your audience.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?