One of the biggest mistakes I often see with marketing strategies is each channel working in isolation. Things run so much more smoothly when channels (SMS, email, ads, social) all get on the same page about goals and strategy. Paid ads and SMS marketing are no exception. Paid ads are a cornerstone of many strategies, but if you’re not integrating them with SMS marketing, you might be leaving conversions (and revenue) on the table.
SMS marketing is the perfect complement to your paid ad efforts. By combining the reach of paid ads with the immediacy and personalization of SMS, you can maximize your ROI, improve customer engagement, and drive faster results.
Here’s how SMS marketing can take your paid ads strategy to the next level.
1. You Can Capture Leads Directly From Ads
Your paid ads are designed to attract attention, but what happens once someone clicks? If your only call-to-action (CTA) is “Visit Our Website,” you might miss out on capturing their contact information. That’s where SMS comes in.
By using ads to encourage SMS sign-ups, you create a seamless way to collect customer data. For example, your ad might feature a CTA like:“Want 20% off your first order? Text JOIN to 12345 to claim your discount now!”
This not only drives conversions but also builds your SMS list for future campaigns. It’s a win-win: your ads grab attention, and SMS keeps the conversation going.
2. You Can Retarget Your Ad Audience With SMS
Paid ads are great for driving traffic, but not everyone who clicks will convert right away. That’s where SMS retargeting can make all the difference.
Imagine someone clicks on an ad for your new product but leaves without purchasing. If they’ve signed up for your SMS list, you can follow up with a personalized message:“Hi [Name], we noticed you checked out our new collection but didn’t complete your purchase. Here’s 15% off to help you make your decision: [link].”
This kind of follow-up feels personal and timely, which helps you turn ad clicks into actual sales.
3. SMS Can Reinforce Your Ad Messaging
Sometimes, it takes more than one touchpoint to drive action. SMS marketing allows you to reinforce the messaging from your paid ads in a more direct and personal way.
For example, if you’re running an ad campaign promoting a flash sale, you can use SMS to remind your audience:“Our 24-hour flash sale ends tonight! Don’t miss out on 30% off everything. Shop now: [link].”
This keeps your message top of mind and makes sure your audience doesn’t forget to take advantage of your offer.
4. SMS Can Amplify Your Campaigns With Timely Updates
Paid ads are great for generating interest, but SMS marketing ensures you deliver timely updates that keep your audience engaged. Whether it’s a product restock, a sale reminder, or an exclusive sneak peek, SMS adds an extra layer of immediacy to your campaigns.
For example, if your paid ads are promoting a product launch, you can use SMS to notify your audience the moment it’s available:“It’s here! Our new [Product Name] is live. Shop now before it sells out: [link].”
By syncing your SMS strategy with your ad campaigns, you create a seamless customer journey that drives results.
5. SMS Can Maximize Your ROI
Paid ads can be expensive, so it’s critical to get the most out of every click. SMS marketing helps you do just that by improving conversion rates and increasing the lifetime value of your customers.
For example, someone who clicks on an ad and signs up for your SMS list is now part of an ongoing communication loop. You can send them follow-up offers, product recommendations, and loyalty rewards, ensuring that the initial cost of acquiring them through paid ads continues to pay off over time.
6. Use Data From SMS to Optimize Ad Targeting
One of the most powerful aspects of SMS marketing is the data it provides. By analyzing your SMS engagement metrics, like click-through rates and purchase behavior, you can gain valuable insights into what resonates with your audience.
You can then use these insights to refine your ad targeting. For example, if your SMS data shows that customers are responding well to promotions on specific product categories, you can adjust your ad campaigns to focus on those products.
A data-driven approach makes sure your paid ads are as effective as possible, while your SMS campaigns provide a direct feedback loop.
Getting Started With SMS + Paid Ads
Integrating SMS marketing with your paid ad strategy doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few simple ways to get started:
Add SMS CTAs to Your Ads: Use ad copy that encourages customers to sign up for SMS alerts in exchange for a discount or exclusive content.
Sync Your Platforms: Use tools like Klaviyo, Attentive, or Facebook Ads Manager to connect your SMS and ad campaigns for seamless tracking.
Test and Iterate: Start small, test different approaches, and use the data to refine your strategy over time.
The Perfect Pair
Paid ads drive awareness and interest, but SMS marketing turns that interest into action. Together, they create a powerful combination that maximizes your reach, builds stronger customer relationships, and improves your ROI.
If you’re already investing in paid ads, don’t miss the opportunity to amplify your efforts with SMS marketing. It’s time to create a strategy where your channels work together… not just next to each other.
This is a guest post by Amy Hage from Strategy Maven. Check her out!
Amy Hage is an email marketing expert with over a decade of experience spanning the health & wellness, consumer packaged goods, and fashion/beauty industries. Since 2020, she has co-owned Strategy Maven Agency, an email and SMS marketing company specializing in helping D2C product-based brands connect with their audiences. Known for their creative storytelling and data-driven strategies, Strategy Maven excels at crafting campaigns that drive engagement, boost revenue, and turn customers into loyal brand advocates.
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