Unlock Your Marketing Power: A Simple Guide to Mailchimp SMS Campaigns
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2025 3:39 am
Everyone has a mobile phone. In fact, you are probably reading this on one right now. Phones are always with us. They are in our pockets, purses, and hands. For this reason, businesses want to find a way to connect with people on their phones. One of the best ways to do this is with a simple text message. This is called SMS marketing. It is a very powerful tool for any business.
Moreover, many people already know Mailchimp for email marketing. But did you know Mailchimp can also send text messages? It is true! This guide will show you how to use Mailchimp for your own SMS campaigns. We will make it very simple to understand. Subsequently, you will learn how to reach your customers in a brand-new way. This guide is perfect for beginners who want to grow their business. Let's get started on this exciting journey together.
What is Mailchimp SMS Marketing and Why Should You Care?
First of all, let’s talk about what SMS marketing really is. The letters SMS stand for Short Message Service. It is simply the official name for a text message. Therefore, SMS marketing is the act of sending text messages to customers for business purposes. You might send them special offers, news, or reminders. Think of it like a friendly note sent directly to your customer's pocket. It feels very direct and personal.
Furthermore, these messages are very effective. Almost everyone opens their text messages. In fact, studies show that text messages have a 98% open rate. That is much higher than email. For this reason, SMS marketing is a fantastic way to make sure your message is seen. It is fast, easy, and people pay attention to it. This makes it a tool that you should definitely consider using for your business.
The Big Benefits of Using Text Messages
Using text messages for marketing has many amazing benefits. The biggest benefit is speed. For instance, when you send a text, it arrives almost instantly. This is perfect for a flash sale that only lasts for a few hours. Your customers will get the news right away. Consequently, they can act on it quickly. This immediate connection is very powerful for driving sales and engagement.
In addition, people really engage with text messages. They do not just open them; they often click on the links inside. This is because a text feels more personal and urgent than an email. Also, it is a great way to build a stronger relationship with your audience. You are communicating with them on a platform they use every day to talk to friends and family. However, you must always be respectful of that space.
How Mailchimp Brings Email and SMS Together
Mailchimp is famous for email. But now, it also offers SMS marketing. This is incredibly helpful. It means you can manage your email and your text message campaigns all in one place. Imagine seeing all your marketing efforts on one single screen. You can see who opened your email and who clicked on your text message link. This gives you a much clearer picture of your customer.
For example, you could send an email about a new product. A few days later, you could send a follow-up text message to people who didn't open the email. This is a smart way to get your message seen. Mailchimp helps these two powerful tools work together as a team. As a result, your marketing becomes smarter and more effective. It helps you talk to your customers in the best way possible.
The First Step: Your Mailchimp Account and SMS
To begin, you will obviously need a Mailchimp account. If you already have one for email, you are one step ahead. Inside your account, you will find the option for SMS marketing. However, you cannot just start sending texts immediately. First, you need to apply for the Mailchimp SMS program. This is a simple application process where you tell Mailchimp about your business.
Mailchimp does this to make sure everyone uses SMS marketing responsibly. They want to prevent spam and protect customers. After you submit your application, there is a short waiting period for approval. Once you are approved, you can move on to the next exciting steps. This approval process is very important. It ensures that SMS remains a trusted and effective marketing channel for everyone. Therefore, be patient during this stage.
Getting Started: Your First Mailchimp SMS Campaign Step-by-Step
Now we get to the fun part. Let's build your very first campaign. But before we write a single message, we must talk about the most important rule. This rule is all about permission. You must, without a doubt, have your customer's permission before you send them a marketing text message. This is not just a polite suggestion; it is the law in many countries. This is called getting "consent."
This means a customer must actively agree to receive texts from you. For example, they might check a box on a signup form on your website. The box should clearly say they are agreeing to SMS marketing. You cannot trick them into it. Building your contact list this way builds trust. Customers will be happy to hear from you because they asked to. Remember, happy customers are loyal customers.
Setting Up Your SMS Program in Mailchimp
Once you are approved and understand the rule of permission, it's time for setup. The first technical step is to choose your sending number. Mailchimp will help you get a special number for your business, usually a toll-free number. This number is what your customers will see when you text them. It makes your business look professional and trustworthy.
Next, you need to understand how pricing works. Mailchimp uses a system of "SMS credits." Think of credits like stamps for letters. One credit lets you send one text message to one person in a specific region. You buy a bundle of credits beforehand. Then, as you send texts, your credits are used up. This system is flexible because you only pay for what you plan to send. You can always buy more credits when you run low.
Importing Your Contacts Safely
After setting up your number and credits, you need to add your audience. These are the people who will receive your texts. You can import a list of contacts into Mailchimp. However, this is a very important moment. You must only import contacts who have given you clear permission to send them texts. Do not ever import a list of numbers you bought from somewhere else.
This goes back to the golden rule of permission. Importing people who did not agree to get texts is a bad idea. First, it is against the law and Mailchimp's rules. Second, it will annoy people. They will block you and report you as spam. Consequently, your marketing efforts will fail. Always double-check your list to make sure every single person "Boost your business Want to grow your email list? Visit telemarketing data to unlock targeted leads! with verified email leads. Explore more at
The Importance of a Clear Signup Form
To get permission the right way, you need a good signup form. Mailchimp helps you create these forms. You can put them on your website, in your store, or share them on social media. Your form should be very clear. It should explain exactly what people are signing up for. For instance, use text like, "Sign up for our VIP text alerts to get 15% off your next order!"
The form must have a checkbox that is not pre-checked. The customer has to physically click the box themselves. Next to the box, you should have legal text that explains the terms. For example, "By checking this box, you agree to receive marketing text messages from [Your Business Name]. Message and data rates may apply. You can reply STOP to cancel at any time." This honesty builds a great foundation with your new subscriber.
Building and Sending Your First Text Message
You have your approved account, credits, and a list of willing subscribers. Now, let's finally write and send a text! In Mailchimp, you will click to create a new SMS campaign. The process is very user-friendly. First, you will choose your audience. You can choose to send the text to everyone on your SMS list or just a specific group.
Next, you will write your message. This is the most creative part. Your message needs to be short, clear, and valuable. People read texts quickly, so get straight to the point. A good text has a few key parts. It should have a friendly greeting, a great offer, and a clear call to action. It must also have a way for people to opt out. This is usually "Reply STOP to unsubscribe."
Personalizing Your Message
A great way to make your text feel more special is to personalize it. Mailchimp makes this easy with something called "merge tags." A merge tag is a small piece of code that gets replaced with a customer's information. The most common one is for the first name. It looks like this: *|FNAME|*.
So, you could write a message like this: "Hi *|FNAME|*! Big news! Our summer sale starts now." When you send the campaign, Mailchimp will automatically put the customer's first name in the message. For example, Sarah will see "Hi Sarah!" and John will see "Hi John!" This small touch makes the message feel much more personal. As a result, customers are more likely to respond positively.
Crafting the Perfect Call to Action
Every marketing message needs a goal. What do you want the customer to do? This is your "Call to Action," or CTA. Your CTA needs to be very clear and easy to follow. In a text message, the best CTA is usually a link. You want them to tap the link to shop, read more, or use a coupon.
For example, a good CTA would be: "Shop the sale now: [your-link.com]". Use a link shortener to make your link look clean and save characters. Make it obvious what will happen when they click the link. Vague links get fewer clicks. A strong, clear CTA is essential for turning a text message into a real action from your customer. It guides them on the next step you want them to take.
Supercharge Your Strategy: Best Practices for Awesome SMS Campaigns
Sending a text is easy. However, sending a great text that gets results requires a bit of strategy. Following some best practices can make a huge difference. These tips will help you get more clicks, make more sales, and keep your subscribers happy. Ultimately, a smart strategy is what separates a successful campaign from a failed one.
Firstly, always provide value. Every message you send should benefit your customer in some way. This could be a discount, helpful information, or exclusive access. If your texts are always valuable, people will look forward to receiving them. On the other hand, if you only send messages that benefit you, people will quickly unsubscribe. Therefore, put your customer's needs first in every single message you craft.
The Art of Writing the Perfect Marketing Text
Writing for SMS is a unique skill. You have very little space, so every word matters. The best advice is to keep it short and simple. Aim for under 160 characters if you can. Also, use a friendly and natural tone. Write like a human, not a robot. Use emojis sparingly to add a bit of personality, but only if it fits your brand.
For example, a bad text might say: "Purchase our new inventory items today, available for a limited time." A much better text would be: " Big news! Our new collection just dropped. Get yours before it's gone! Shop now: [your-link.com]". See the difference? The second one is more exciting, easier to read, and has a clear CTA. This is the style you should aim for.
Timing is Everything: When to Send Your SMS
Imagine getting a text about a pizza deal at 7 AM. You would probably be annoyed. The time you send your message is extremely important. You want to reach people when they are likely to be receptive. For most businesses, this means avoiding early mornings and late nights. A safe window is generally between 10 AM and 8 PM in your customer's local time.
Furthermore, think about your specific business. If you are a restaurant, sending a lunch special around 11:30 AM is a brilliant idea. If you are an online store, a weekend afternoon might be a great time for a sale announcement. You can test different times to see what works best for your audience. Mailchimp's reports will help you see which send times get the most clicks.
Using SMS for Different Marketing Goals
SMS is not just for sales. It is a versatile tool you can use for many different purposes. For example, it is fantastic for appointment reminders. A simple text can dramatically reduce the number of no-shows for a hair salon or doctor's office. This saves the business time and money.
In addition, you can use it for customer service. Sending order confirmations and shipping updates via text is very convenient for customers. They appreciate being kept in the loop. You can also use it for events. For instance, you could send a reminder an hour before a live webinar starts. Think creatively about how a quick, direct message could improve your customer's experience with your business.
Measuring Your Success: What Numbers to Watch
You cannot improve what you do not measure. After you send a campaign, you must look at the results. Mailchimp provides a report with several important numbers, also known as metrics. The first one to check is the "Click-Through Rate" or CTR. This tells you what percentage of people clicked the link in your message. A high CTR means your message was compelling.
Another number to watch is the "Unsubscribe Rate." This shows how many people replied STOP. A few unsubscribes are normal with every send. However, if you see a big spike, it is a warning sign. It might mean your message was not relevant, or you are sending texts too often. Finally, look at the "Conversion Rate." This tracks how many people completed your desired action, like making a purchase. This is the ultimate measure of your success.
Moreover, many people already know Mailchimp for email marketing. But did you know Mailchimp can also send text messages? It is true! This guide will show you how to use Mailchimp for your own SMS campaigns. We will make it very simple to understand. Subsequently, you will learn how to reach your customers in a brand-new way. This guide is perfect for beginners who want to grow their business. Let's get started on this exciting journey together.
What is Mailchimp SMS Marketing and Why Should You Care?
First of all, let’s talk about what SMS marketing really is. The letters SMS stand for Short Message Service. It is simply the official name for a text message. Therefore, SMS marketing is the act of sending text messages to customers for business purposes. You might send them special offers, news, or reminders. Think of it like a friendly note sent directly to your customer's pocket. It feels very direct and personal.
Furthermore, these messages are very effective. Almost everyone opens their text messages. In fact, studies show that text messages have a 98% open rate. That is much higher than email. For this reason, SMS marketing is a fantastic way to make sure your message is seen. It is fast, easy, and people pay attention to it. This makes it a tool that you should definitely consider using for your business.
The Big Benefits of Using Text Messages
Using text messages for marketing has many amazing benefits. The biggest benefit is speed. For instance, when you send a text, it arrives almost instantly. This is perfect for a flash sale that only lasts for a few hours. Your customers will get the news right away. Consequently, they can act on it quickly. This immediate connection is very powerful for driving sales and engagement.
In addition, people really engage with text messages. They do not just open them; they often click on the links inside. This is because a text feels more personal and urgent than an email. Also, it is a great way to build a stronger relationship with your audience. You are communicating with them on a platform they use every day to talk to friends and family. However, you must always be respectful of that space.
How Mailchimp Brings Email and SMS Together
Mailchimp is famous for email. But now, it also offers SMS marketing. This is incredibly helpful. It means you can manage your email and your text message campaigns all in one place. Imagine seeing all your marketing efforts on one single screen. You can see who opened your email and who clicked on your text message link. This gives you a much clearer picture of your customer.
For example, you could send an email about a new product. A few days later, you could send a follow-up text message to people who didn't open the email. This is a smart way to get your message seen. Mailchimp helps these two powerful tools work together as a team. As a result, your marketing becomes smarter and more effective. It helps you talk to your customers in the best way possible.
The First Step: Your Mailchimp Account and SMS
To begin, you will obviously need a Mailchimp account. If you already have one for email, you are one step ahead. Inside your account, you will find the option for SMS marketing. However, you cannot just start sending texts immediately. First, you need to apply for the Mailchimp SMS program. This is a simple application process where you tell Mailchimp about your business.
Mailchimp does this to make sure everyone uses SMS marketing responsibly. They want to prevent spam and protect customers. After you submit your application, there is a short waiting period for approval. Once you are approved, you can move on to the next exciting steps. This approval process is very important. It ensures that SMS remains a trusted and effective marketing channel for everyone. Therefore, be patient during this stage.
Getting Started: Your First Mailchimp SMS Campaign Step-by-Step
Now we get to the fun part. Let's build your very first campaign. But before we write a single message, we must talk about the most important rule. This rule is all about permission. You must, without a doubt, have your customer's permission before you send them a marketing text message. This is not just a polite suggestion; it is the law in many countries. This is called getting "consent."
This means a customer must actively agree to receive texts from you. For example, they might check a box on a signup form on your website. The box should clearly say they are agreeing to SMS marketing. You cannot trick them into it. Building your contact list this way builds trust. Customers will be happy to hear from you because they asked to. Remember, happy customers are loyal customers.
Setting Up Your SMS Program in Mailchimp
Once you are approved and understand the rule of permission, it's time for setup. The first technical step is to choose your sending number. Mailchimp will help you get a special number for your business, usually a toll-free number. This number is what your customers will see when you text them. It makes your business look professional and trustworthy.
Next, you need to understand how pricing works. Mailchimp uses a system of "SMS credits." Think of credits like stamps for letters. One credit lets you send one text message to one person in a specific region. You buy a bundle of credits beforehand. Then, as you send texts, your credits are used up. This system is flexible because you only pay for what you plan to send. You can always buy more credits when you run low.
Importing Your Contacts Safely
After setting up your number and credits, you need to add your audience. These are the people who will receive your texts. You can import a list of contacts into Mailchimp. However, this is a very important moment. You must only import contacts who have given you clear permission to send them texts. Do not ever import a list of numbers you bought from somewhere else.
This goes back to the golden rule of permission. Importing people who did not agree to get texts is a bad idea. First, it is against the law and Mailchimp's rules. Second, it will annoy people. They will block you and report you as spam. Consequently, your marketing efforts will fail. Always double-check your list to make sure every single person "Boost your business Want to grow your email list? Visit telemarketing data to unlock targeted leads! with verified email leads. Explore more at
The Importance of a Clear Signup Form
To get permission the right way, you need a good signup form. Mailchimp helps you create these forms. You can put them on your website, in your store, or share them on social media. Your form should be very clear. It should explain exactly what people are signing up for. For instance, use text like, "Sign up for our VIP text alerts to get 15% off your next order!"
The form must have a checkbox that is not pre-checked. The customer has to physically click the box themselves. Next to the box, you should have legal text that explains the terms. For example, "By checking this box, you agree to receive marketing text messages from [Your Business Name]. Message and data rates may apply. You can reply STOP to cancel at any time." This honesty builds a great foundation with your new subscriber.
Building and Sending Your First Text Message
You have your approved account, credits, and a list of willing subscribers. Now, let's finally write and send a text! In Mailchimp, you will click to create a new SMS campaign. The process is very user-friendly. First, you will choose your audience. You can choose to send the text to everyone on your SMS list or just a specific group.
Next, you will write your message. This is the most creative part. Your message needs to be short, clear, and valuable. People read texts quickly, so get straight to the point. A good text has a few key parts. It should have a friendly greeting, a great offer, and a clear call to action. It must also have a way for people to opt out. This is usually "Reply STOP to unsubscribe."
Personalizing Your Message
A great way to make your text feel more special is to personalize it. Mailchimp makes this easy with something called "merge tags." A merge tag is a small piece of code that gets replaced with a customer's information. The most common one is for the first name. It looks like this: *|FNAME|*.
So, you could write a message like this: "Hi *|FNAME|*! Big news! Our summer sale starts now." When you send the campaign, Mailchimp will automatically put the customer's first name in the message. For example, Sarah will see "Hi Sarah!" and John will see "Hi John!" This small touch makes the message feel much more personal. As a result, customers are more likely to respond positively.
Crafting the Perfect Call to Action
Every marketing message needs a goal. What do you want the customer to do? This is your "Call to Action," or CTA. Your CTA needs to be very clear and easy to follow. In a text message, the best CTA is usually a link. You want them to tap the link to shop, read more, or use a coupon.
For example, a good CTA would be: "Shop the sale now: [your-link.com]". Use a link shortener to make your link look clean and save characters. Make it obvious what will happen when they click the link. Vague links get fewer clicks. A strong, clear CTA is essential for turning a text message into a real action from your customer. It guides them on the next step you want them to take.
Supercharge Your Strategy: Best Practices for Awesome SMS Campaigns
Sending a text is easy. However, sending a great text that gets results requires a bit of strategy. Following some best practices can make a huge difference. These tips will help you get more clicks, make more sales, and keep your subscribers happy. Ultimately, a smart strategy is what separates a successful campaign from a failed one.
Firstly, always provide value. Every message you send should benefit your customer in some way. This could be a discount, helpful information, or exclusive access. If your texts are always valuable, people will look forward to receiving them. On the other hand, if you only send messages that benefit you, people will quickly unsubscribe. Therefore, put your customer's needs first in every single message you craft.
The Art of Writing the Perfect Marketing Text
Writing for SMS is a unique skill. You have very little space, so every word matters. The best advice is to keep it short and simple. Aim for under 160 characters if you can. Also, use a friendly and natural tone. Write like a human, not a robot. Use emojis sparingly to add a bit of personality, but only if it fits your brand.
For example, a bad text might say: "Purchase our new inventory items today, available for a limited time." A much better text would be: " Big news! Our new collection just dropped. Get yours before it's gone! Shop now: [your-link.com]". See the difference? The second one is more exciting, easier to read, and has a clear CTA. This is the style you should aim for.
Timing is Everything: When to Send Your SMS
Imagine getting a text about a pizza deal at 7 AM. You would probably be annoyed. The time you send your message is extremely important. You want to reach people when they are likely to be receptive. For most businesses, this means avoiding early mornings and late nights. A safe window is generally between 10 AM and 8 PM in your customer's local time.
Furthermore, think about your specific business. If you are a restaurant, sending a lunch special around 11:30 AM is a brilliant idea. If you are an online store, a weekend afternoon might be a great time for a sale announcement. You can test different times to see what works best for your audience. Mailchimp's reports will help you see which send times get the most clicks.
Using SMS for Different Marketing Goals
SMS is not just for sales. It is a versatile tool you can use for many different purposes. For example, it is fantastic for appointment reminders. A simple text can dramatically reduce the number of no-shows for a hair salon or doctor's office. This saves the business time and money.
In addition, you can use it for customer service. Sending order confirmations and shipping updates via text is very convenient for customers. They appreciate being kept in the loop. You can also use it for events. For instance, you could send a reminder an hour before a live webinar starts. Think creatively about how a quick, direct message could improve your customer's experience with your business.
Measuring Your Success: What Numbers to Watch
You cannot improve what you do not measure. After you send a campaign, you must look at the results. Mailchimp provides a report with several important numbers, also known as metrics. The first one to check is the "Click-Through Rate" or CTR. This tells you what percentage of people clicked the link in your message. A high CTR means your message was compelling.
Another number to watch is the "Unsubscribe Rate." This shows how many people replied STOP. A few unsubscribes are normal with every send. However, if you see a big spike, it is a warning sign. It might mean your message was not relevant, or you are sending texts too often. Finally, look at the "Conversion Rate." This tracks how many people completed your desired action, like making a purchase. This is the ultimate measure of your success.