Build Your SMS List Without Being Pushy
TL;DR:
- Offer genuine value like discounts or exclusive tips in exchange for phone numbers
- Keep sign-up forms visible but not intrusive across your website
- Use multiple collection methods: forms, QR codes, and keyword opt-ins
- Always include clear opt-out options to build trust and stay compliant
- Be transparent about what subscribers will receive and how often
Building an SMS list means collecting phone numbers, which feels more personal than email addresses. People guard their mobile numbers carefully, so you need to earn the right to contact them.
The key is making it worth their while and keeping the process simple.
What to Offer in Exchange
Your incentive needs to provide immediate value. Generic "updates" won't cut it when you're asking for something as personal as a phone number.
Discounts that work well:
- 10% off first purchase
- Free shipping on next order
- Buy-one-get-one offers
Non-discount incentives:
- Early access to sales (24-48 hours before everyone else)
- Exclusive tips or tutorials
- Flash sale notifications
- Appointment reminders for service businesses
The stronger the incentive, the more likely people are to sign up. But make sure you can deliver on what you promise.
Where to Place Your Sign-Up Forms
Your forms need to be visible without annoying visitors. Here's where they work best:
High-converting locations:
- Header or navigation area (always visible)
- Footer of every page
- End of blog posts
- Checkout process (after they've decided to buy)
- About page (when people are getting to know you)
Pop-ups that don't annoy:
- Exit-intent pop-ups (when someone's about to leave)
- Scroll-based pop-ups (after they've read 50% of an article)
- Time-delayed pop-ups (after 30-60 seconds on site)
Avoid aggressive pop-ups that appear immediately. They hurt user experience and can damage your brand.
Multiple Collection Methods
Don't rely on just website forms. Different people prefer different ways to sign up.
QR codes work well for:
- In-store displays
- Print materials like flyers or business cards
- Social media posts
- Email signatures
Keyword opt-ins are perfect for:
- Social media campaigns ("Text SAVE to 12345 for 20% off")
- Radio or podcast advertising
- In-person events
- Print advertising
Make sure your keywords are short, memorable, and relevant to your brand.
Building Trust Through Transparency
People need to know what they're signing up for. Vague promises create disappointed subscribers who'll opt out quickly.
Be specific about:
- How often you'll text (weekly, monthly, or only for sales)
- What type of content they'll receive
- How to opt out (usually "Reply STOP")
Sample sign-up copy:
"Get exclusive discounts and early sale access via text. We'll send 2-3 messages per month. Reply STOP anytime to opt out."
This sets clear expectations and shows you respect their inbox.
The Opt-Out Requirement
Every SMS campaign must include an easy way to unsubscribe. This isn't just good practice, it's legally required in most countries.
Standard opt-out methods:
- Reply STOP to unsubscribe
- Text HELP for customer service
- Include both options in every message
Don't try to make opting out difficult. It damages trust and can get you in legal trouble. Plus, engaged subscribers are worth more than reluctant ones.
Timing Your Ask
When you ask for phone numbers matters as much as how you ask.
Good timing:
- After someone's browsed multiple pages
- When they're checking out
- After they've engaged with your content
- When they're already a satisfied email subscriber
Bad timing:
- Immediately when they land on your site
- Before they know what you offer
- When they're trying to complete a task
Let people get comfortable with your brand before asking for their mobile number.
FAQs
What's the best incentive for SMS sign-ups?
Discounts work consistently well, especially 10-15% off first purchases. For service businesses, try appointment reminders or exclusive booking windows.
How many SMS messages should I send per month?
Start with 2-4 messages monthly. Monitor unsubscribe rates and adjust. Too many messages will hurt your list quality.
Can I add phone numbers from other sources to my SMS list?
No. SMS lists require explicit opt-in consent. You can't add numbers from business cards, old customer lists, or other sources without permission.
Should I ask for SMS and email sign-ups together?
You can, but conversion rates often drop. Consider starting with email, then asking satisfied subscribers to join your SMS list later.
Jargon Buster
Opt-in – When someone gives explicit permission to receive marketing messages
QR Code – Scannable square codes that link to web pages or sign-up forms
Keyword Opt-in – Texting a specific word to a number to join a list (like "Text SAVE to 12345")
Double Opt-in – Requiring confirmation after initial sign-up (less common for SMS than email)
Wrap-up
Building an SMS list takes patience and respect for your audience. Focus on providing genuine value, making sign-up easy, and being transparent about what subscribers can expect.
The goal isn't the biggest list possible, it's an engaged list of people who actually want to hear from you. Quality beats quantity every time.
Learn about QuickSMS: https://www.quicksms.com/