Integrating SMS marketing into your Shopify store is a great way to boost your marketing efforts. Here's a straightforward guide to get you started, ensure legal compliance, and make the most out of your SMS campaigns.
Step-by-Step Guide to Enabling SMS Opt-In
- Navigate to the SMS campaign tab under the Marketing section of your Loyalti Dashboard.
- Enter your business name and contact information.
For best results use a Business website. Social media pages like Facebook or Instagram may not be approved.
- Click Create SMS to begin the setup
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Go to Your Shopify Settings:
- Log in to your Shopify admin.
- Navigate to Settings and then select Checkout.
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Enable SMS Opt-In:
- Scroll down to Marketing Options.
- Check the SMS Marketing option to let customers choose to receive SMS updates and promotions during checkout.
- Update Your Legal Policies:
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- Make sure your store’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy reflect SMS marketing practices. We provide templates that you can customize according to your needs.
- To access these templates and learn more about staying legally compliant Check out this article. How to Stay Compliant: SMS Terms & Privacy Policy
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- Don’t forget to hit Submit Information to ensure all changes are applied and apply for your toll-free phone number.
Ensuring Legal Compliance
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Get Explicit Consent:
- Only send SMS messages to customers who have clearly opted in during checkout. This is crucial for complying with marketing laws.
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Clearly State What They’re Signing Up For:
- Update your store policies to include detailed SMS marketing terms. Use the editable templates in Shopify or consult the Loyalti platform for sample texts.
Complying with SMS Regulations
- Understand Important Regulations:
- Familiarize yourself with the TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) and CTIA guidelines to avoid legal pitfalls. You can find the TCPA rules here.
- Avoid Prohibited Content:
- SHAFT regulations highlight what you should not send in an SMS. Check Twilio’s guidelines for a list of prohibited words and phrases here .
SMS Marketing Best Practices
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Include an Opt-Out Option:
- Make it easy for customers to stop receiving messages by including an opt-out link or instructions in every SMS.
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Respect Quiet Hours:
- Avoid sending messages during early morning or late night to respect your customers' time and privacy.
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Manage Expectations:
- Set clear expectations about the frequency and type of messages customers will receive when they sign up.
Conclusion
Setting up SMS marketing on Shopify is a straightforward process that can greatly enhance your customer engagement. Just make sure to follow these steps carefully to ensure a successful and compliant SMS marketing strategy.