As e-commerce continues to grow, businesses are finding innovative ways to connect with customers and improve their shopping experiences. One of the most effective strategies is sending SMS order confirmation notifications. For Shopify merchants, this feature not only enhances customer trust but also provides a direct communication channel. In this guide, we’ll dive into why Shopify SMS order confirmations are essential, how to set them up, and the best apps to optimize the process. It should be noted these are transactional SMS notifications, which are slightly different than SMS marketing notifications.
Why Use SMS for Order Confirmations on Shopify?
- Instant Communication: SMS messages have a 98% open rate, making them a reliable way to ensure customers receive their order details quickly. Customers want their tracking information sent right to their phone so they know when their order has been placed, shipped, and delivered.
- Builds Trust: Customers appreciate real-time updates, and brands who understand that and give them what they want reinforce a customer's confidence in said brand.
- Reduces Support Queries: By providing immediate confirmation and order details, SMS order confirmation texts reduces the likelihood of customers reaching out to ask about their purchase. This means your customers will be happier with their delivery experience and your support team won't be bogged down with support tickets.
- Opportunity for Engagement: Order confirmation messages can include links to branded tracking pages, which can have cross-sell opportunities, social media, promotions, and more.
Key Benefits of Shopify SMS Order Confirmations
- Real-Time Notifications: Instantly notify customers about their order status, from confirmation to delivery.
- Brand Customization: Customize SMS messages to reflect your brand voice and enhance recognition.
- Automated Workflows: Integrate SMS order confirmation with other automation tools to save time and effort.
- Improved Customer Experience: Meet customers where they are—on their mobile devices—with quick, clear updates.
How to Set Up SMS Order Confirmations in Shopify
- Enable SMS Notifications in Shopify:
- Go to Settings > Notifications in your Shopify admin panel.
- Look for the Order confirmation section and ensure the SMS notification is toggled on.
- Customize Your Messages:
Use Shopify’s default template or create a personalized SMS message that includes:- The customer’s name.
- Order number and details.
- A link to track their order or view more details.
- Integrate a Shopify SMS App:
To unlock advanced features like automation, branding, and analytics, integrate a third-party SMS app from the Shopify App Store.
Best Shopify SMS Order Confirmation Apps
There are multiple SMS apps that Shopify merchants use to send their customers SMS order confirmation texts. Many Shopify merchants also choose to optimize their order notifications (both email and SMS) with branded order tracking. This provides additional opportunities for customer retention with post-purchase upsells, educational programs, social media, loyalty programs, and more. One popular branded order tracking app is Malomo.
1. Klaviyo
A powerful marketing platform that includes SMS features, Klaviyo allows you to send order confirmations, shipping SMS, and promotional messages.
- Features: Segmentation, automated workflows, and personalized messaging.
- Best For: Brands seeking a unified SMS and email marketing solution.
2. Postscript
Designed specifically for Shopify, Postscript offers robust SMS marketing features alongside order confirmation capabilities.
- Features: Customizable messages, automation, and deep Shopify integration.
- Best For: E-commerce businesses focused on SMS marketing and retention.
3. Yotpo
A popular Shopify SMS app, Yotpo excels in transactional and promotional messaging.
- Features: Branded SMS templates, GDPR compliance, and abandoned cart recovery.
- Best For: Businesses looking to combine SMS confirmations with revenue-driving campaigns.
4. Attentive
Attentive is known for its advanced SMS marketing and order notification capabilities.
- Features: Real-time updates, dynamic content, and personalized flows.
- Best For: High-growth businesses prioritizing personalized customer journeys.
Best Practices and Examples for Shopify SMS Order Confirmations
- Keep It Short and Informative: Ensure the SMS contains essential details like the order number, confirmation status, and a tracking link.
- Brand Your Messages: Use your business name in the sender ID or at the start of the message to reinforce trust.
- Include a Call-to-Action (CTA): Encourage customers to track their order, visit your website, or explore new products.
- Stay Compliant: Follow SMS regulations such as obtaining customer consent and including an opt-out option.
Here are some SMS examples of how leading ecommerce brands integrate their SMS provider with Malomo to provide branded order tracking in their SMS order confirmation texts:
How Shopify SMS Order Confirmation Drives Growth
Shopify SMS order confirmations do more than just inform customers—they drive engagement and build loyalty. By leveraging the immediacy of SMS, you can create a seamless post-purchase experience that keeps customers coming back.
Shopify SMS order confirmations are a game-changer for e-commerce merchants. They enhance transparency, reduce customer inquiries, and open up new opportunities for engagement. By implementing the right SMS strategy and leveraging top-tier apps like Klaviyo, Postscript, Attentive, or Yotpo with Malomo, you can create a memorable customer journey that drives long-term growth.
Want to keep learning? Check out these related resources...
- 6 Shipping Notification Best Practices to Reduce Costs and Increase Sales
- Malomo x Klaviyo Integration
- Malomo x Attentive Integration
- Malomo x Postscript Integration
- Malomo x Yotpo Integration
- How SMS shipping updates improve the customer experience
- Eight Creative Ideas to Beef Up Your Transactional Emails
- How To Communicate Delivery Delays To Customers
- 9 Best Practices for Ecommerce Order Confirmation Emails
- 6 Revenue-Generating Order Status Emails You May be Missing
- Create Order Confirmation Email Klaviyo
- Take your SMS strategy up a notch with Klaviyo & Malomo