7 High-Converting SMS Popup Examples & Tips on How to Create One

Nikolett Lorincz
October 22, 2024
Conversion
6 min read

Ready to enter the world of SMS marketing? You’re in the right place.

SMS popups are more than just attention-grabbers; they’re the key to forging meaningful connections with your audience. They are also the most effective way to collect SMS opt-ins, which can significantly enhance sales through SMS marketing.

As we navigate through this article, we’ll unravel the reasons why businesses are increasingly turning to SMS popups. We’ll also delve into seven high-converting SMS popup examples and provide invaluable tips on how to craft your own.

Let’s get right into it!

What is an SMS popup?

An SMS popup is an overlay designed to appear on a website to collect mobile phone numbers for SMS marketing campaigns (a.k.a. text messages).

It’s one of the most effective ways to collect phone numbers from website visitors and build targeted SMS marketing lists, so it comes as no surprise that an increasing number of companies are incorporating SMS popups into their digital marketing arsenal.

While some SMS popups focus solely on gathering mobile phone numbers, others take a comprehensive approach by simultaneously collecting phone numbers and email signups. This provides a dual advantage, contributing to the growth of a targeted SMS marketing list and expanding your email marketing outreach at the same time.

Why should you use SMS popups?

SMS popups offer several benefits for businesses, allowing them to quickly grow their SMS lists and leverage the advantages of text message marketing campaigns.

Here are some of the key advantages:

1. Effective lead generation strategy

SMS popups are effective tools for capturing phone numbers and generating leads from your website traffic.

By enticing users to subscribe to SMS lists, you can curate a comprehensive database of potential customers who have explicitly expressed interest in receiving promotional messages.

The targeted nature of these leads sets the stage for a more effective and personalized marketing strategy.

2. Direct communication with users

The immediacy and personal touch offered by SMS messages elevate them as an ideal direct communication channel with users.

Compared to other forms of communication like emails that might get lost in overflowing inboxes, SMS marketing messages have a significantly higher open rate.

This direct line to users’ SMS inboxes ensures that your messages are seen and increases the likelihood of prompt engagement. This immediacy fosters a sense of personal connection, enhancing the overall effectiveness of your marketing outreach.

3. Increased engagement rates

As mentioned, the inherent nature of text messages contributes to their high open rates, and SMS popups capitalize on this by actively encouraging users to subscribe.

Once users opt in, you can send targeted and relevant messages, leading to heightened interaction rates. This increased engagement not only bolsters brand awareness but also lays the groundwork for cultivating long-lasting customer relationships.

4. Competitive edge

Since not all businesses utilize SMS marketing, incorporating SMS popups can give you a competitive edge. That’s because, for many consumers, SMS messages represent the most convenient way of receiving offers, news, and more.

By incorporating SMS popups, you position yourself ahead of the curve, standing out from the noise and capturing the attention of your target audience in a way that sets you apart from the competition.

7 SMS popup examples

Now that we’ve seen the benefits of using SMS popups, let’s take a look at seven SMS popup examples that showcase the diverse strategies employed by brands to captivate, engage, and convert their audiences.

Alongside each example, we’ve included a valuable tip or insight into the tactics that make these campaigns successful.

1. SolaGarden

SolaGarden used a Trojan Horse campaign to simultaneously gather email addresses and phone numbers without compromising conversion rates.

The brilliance lies in the methodology: start by requesting an email address, enticing users with an initial discount code (10% off, in this case). Then, elevate the offer by sweetening the deal—”Upgrade your discount to 15%”— in exchange for providing a mobile number.

Tip: Use the Trojan Horse method to get the most out of your subscriber lists.

2. BlendJet

BlendJet strategically deployed its SMS popup on exit-intent, right when visitors were on the verge of leaving the website. This well-timed approach can enhance the effectiveness of your popup and retain potentially lost leads.

Tip: Time your SMS popup right with an exit-intent trigger.

3. Craft Sportswear NA

Craft Sportswear NA used a strategic move by showcasing their SMS popup exclusively to their most devoted audience—current email subscribers and existing customers.

Recognizing that these customers were already actively engaged with Craft Sportswear’s marketing, the brand seized the opportunity to invite them to be part of a novel SMS program. To express gratitude and add allure to the proposition, they enticed these loyal fans with a $35 discount on their next order in exchange for a phone number.

The result of this campaign—a 40.44% conversion rate—is a testament to the effectiveness of their strategy.

Tip: Target your current email subscribers.

4. Obvi

Obvi didn’t want to overwhelm website visitors by asking for multiple contact details at the same time. Instead, they broke it up into multiple steps to make it more digestible. In just one week, this popup had a 4.69% conversion rate.

Tip: Break your popup into two steps.

5. NAADAM

NAADAM wanted to collect a lot of information about their users, but they also wanted to make sure that they didn’t overwhelm visitors and lower conversion rates. To accomplish this, they made some of the fields optional.

This is how you can strike the right balance between gathering valuable data and respecting user preferences.

Tip: Simplify your long form with optional fields.

6. Vital Proteins

Vital Proteins’ popup offers 15% off. But what makes this popup a great example is that it takes user experience to the next level by offering guidance on the correct format for adding a phone number.

This is a user-friendly approach to encourage seamless interactions and minimize frustration.

Tip: Help users by showing them the right format.

7. Earthlove

Earthlove opted for an unconventional twist, offering a free gift instead of discount coupons. This strategy taps into several psychological principles to enhance its effectiveness.

Consumers might perceive a tangible item as more valuable than a percentage off their purchase. The term “free” triggers a positive response, creating a sense of added value and exclusivity.
Gifts have a unique ability to evoke positive emotions. Unlike discounts, which primarily appeal to rational decision-making, gifts tap into the emotional side of consumers.
The prospect of a free gift naturally piques the curiosity of potential customers.
When customers receive something unexpected and valuable, they’re more likely to reciprocate by engaging with the brand, whether by providing their phone number or making a purchase.

Tip: Swap discounts for gifts in order to spark interest.

A step-by-step guide to creating an SMS popup

Now, let’s delve into a step-by-step guide on how to create your own SMS popup campaign with OptiMonk in just a few minutes.

Step 1: Choose an SMS popup template

Your foundation for success begins with the right template. OptiMonk provides a variety of pre-built popup templates tailored to different needs.

Here, you can check out the popup templates that are built with the goal of collecting phone numbers for a text message marketing list. Navigate through the options and select an SMS popup template that resonates with your brand.

Step 2: Design your popup

Once you’ve chosen the perfect template, you can use the OptiMonk editor to customize the design of your SMS popup. You can add extra elements like text, images, and buttons, or you can simply tweak the existing elements to make them fit your website’s branding.

Ensure that you have a clear call-to-action button and an enticing, benefit-driven headline encouraging users to leave their phone numbers. You can use our Smart Headline Generator if you need some help.

Step 3: Set targeting and triggering options

Now, it’s time to define when and where your popup should make its appearance.

Leverage OptiMonk’s capabilities to set triggers based on time spent on a page, exit-intent, scroll percentage, or specific user behaviors. This ensures your SMS popup reaches the right audience at the right time, maximizing its impact.

Step 4: Set up the integration with your SMS marketing tool

The next step is to add integration. OptiMonk allows you to integrate with various SMS service providers like Klaviyo or SMSBump. Choose the SMS tool you’re using and configure the settings.

Enter the necessary details (such as API keys or credentials) to connect OptiMonk with your SMS service.

Step 5: Publish your campaign

With the design perfected and precise targeting set up, it’s time to unveil your creation to the world! Hit the publish button and set your SMS popup campaign in motion.

Step 6: Start sending text messages to your new subscribers

Once you’ve collected phone numbers through your SMS popup, don’t forget to initiate your SMS marketing campaigns! It’s time to craft relevant messages that resonate with your audience.

Engage, inform, and cultivate relationships, leveraging the power of SMS campaigns to create meaningful connections with your new subscribers.

7 best practices for writing effective SMS marketing campaigns

Once you’ve set up your SMS popup and begun collecting SMS subscribers, the next crucial step is crafting the actual messages you’ll send.

While SMS marketing can be a powerful tool, the success of your SMS campaigns depends heavily on the content and delivery of your messages.

Here are some best practices to ensure your SMS marketing messages hit the mark:

1. Keep it short and sweet

A text message has a strict character limit—usually capped at 160 characters—so it’s important to convey your message clearly and concisely.

Avoid long sentences and get straight to the point. Focus on the key information, such as offers, promotions, or updates, and ensure that the call-to-action is immediately visible.

2. Personalize your messages

Address subscribers by their first name, offer tailored recommendations, and segment your SMS list based on user behavior, purchase history, or preferences.

Personalization makes your messages feel less like a mass marketing tactic and more like a direct communication from a trusted brand.

3. Create a sense of urgency

SMS is a real-time channel, which makes it ideal for time-sensitive promotions. To drive action, incorporate time-limited offers such as flash sales or exclusive early access to new products.

Using phrases like “Today only” or “Limited time” can motivate users to engage immediately, increasing the effectiveness of your campaign.

4. Include a clear call-to-action

Every text message should have a clear, action-oriented CTA. Whether you want recipients to shop a sale, visit your website, or use a discount code, the CTA needs to stand out.

Use simple yet powerful language such as “Shop Now,” “Claim Offer,” or “Redeem Today” to guide users towards the desired action.

5. Be mindful of timing

Timing is everything in SMS marketing. Unlike email, SMS messages are often read within minutes of being received.

To avoid being intrusive, send your messages during appropriate hours. Aim to send promotional texts during business hours or peak shopping times. Avoid early mornings, late nights, or sending too many messages in a short period, as this could lead to unsubscribes.

6. Offer value with every message

Subscribers opted in to receive text messages because they expect something valuable—whether it’s exclusive discounts, product launches, or useful content.

Every message should provide clear value to the recipient. Instead of bombarding users with generic messages, focus on offering content that aligns with their needs and interests.

7. Comply with SMS marketing regulations

SMS marketing is highly regulated to protect consumer privacy. Always ensure you have obtained explicit consent from your subscribers before sending them any text messages.

Additionally, include a clear option for users to opt out (e.g., “Reply STOP to unsubscribe”) in every message to remain compliant with regulations like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Wrapping up

As you’ve seen in this article, the versatility and impact of SMS popups make them a great tool for any online retailer. We explored the reasons businesses are increasingly turning to SMS popups and delved into seven high-converting examples, each offering unique insights and strategies.

Now equipped with what you’ve learned, it’s time to create your own SMS popup. So, let’s get started, and may your SMS popup campaigns be both impactful and enduring. Happy crafting!

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Written by

Nikolett Lorincz

Nikolett is the Head of Content at OptiMonk. She is obsessed with content marketing and loves creating educational content for ecommerce store owners. She truly believes in the importance of quality over quantity.

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