SMS Marketing allows you to engage customers directly on their mobile devices with promotional campaigns, announcements, order updates, and more. This guide will walk you through the initial setup process and help you launch your first SMS campaign.
Before You Begin
Before sending SMS messages, make sure you have:
- An active SiteVibes account
- SMS Marketing enabled on your subscription
- A valid sending number configured
- Appropriate customer consent to receive SMS communications
- Required compliance language added to your signup forms
Step 1: Access SMS Settings
- Log in to your SiteVibes account.
- Navigate to SMS Marketing from the main menu.
- Select Settings.
Step 2: Configure Your Sending Number
To send SMS messages, you must have a dedicated sending number assigned to your account.
- Open the SMS Settings page.
- Review your assigned SMS number.
- Verify that the number is active and configured correctly.
Depending on your account setup, SiteVibes may provision a dedicated short code, vanity short code, or approved messaging number.
Step 3: Configure Compliance Settings
SMS marketing is subject to carrier and regulatory requirements. Before sending messages, review your compliance settings.
- Navigate to SMS Keyword Preference Settings.
- Verify your business information.
- Configure required opt-in and opt-out messaging.
- Review consent collection methods.
Customers must explicitly opt in before receiving marketing text messages.
Step 4: Create SMS Signup Opportunities
To grow your subscriber list, enable SMS collection points throughout your customer journey.
Common signup methods include:
- Account registration forms
- Website signup forms
- Popups and landing pages
Make sure all signup experiences clearly communicate:
- What customers are signing up for
- Expected message frequency
- Terms and privacy policy links
- Instructions for opting out
Step 5: Import Existing SMS Subscribers
If you are migrating from another platform, you may import existing SMS subscribers.
- Navigate to Customers.
- Select Import Customers.
- Upload your customer file.
- Map the phone number field and SMS consent status.
- Complete the import.
Only import contacts who have previously provided valid SMS marketing consent. Here is a guide for importing Customers to SiteVibes.
Step 6: Create Your First SMS Campaign
Once your account is configured, you're ready to send your first message.
- Navigate to Email → Campaigns.
- Click Create Campaign.
- Enter your campaign name.
- Select the SMS campaign type
- Select your audience or segment.
- Create your message content.
- Preview the message.
- Schedule or send immediately.
SMS Best Practices
When creating SMS campaigns:
- Keep messages concise.
- Include a clear call-to-action.
- Personalize content when possible.
- Avoid excessive use of emojis or special characters.
- Always include opt-out instructions when required.
Example:
"Hi Mike! Your loyalty reward is ready. Redeem your $10 reward today: [link]. Reply STOP to unsubscribe."
Step 7: Review Campaign Performance
After sending a campaign, monitor results from the reporting dashboard.
Available metrics include:
- Messages sent
- Deliveries
- Delivery rate
- Clicks
- Click-through rate
- Unsubscribes
- Revenue attribution
Use this data to optimize future campaigns and improve engagement.
Recommended Next Steps
After completing setup, consider:
- Creating automated SMS campaigns
- Building SMS-specific customer segments
- Combining SMS with email campaigns
- Adding SMS incentives to your loyalty program
- Creating welcome and win-back automations
Need Help?
If you have questions about SMS setup, compliance requirements, or campaign strategy, contact the SiteVibes Support team. Our team can help review your configuration and ensure your account is ready to send.