How to Set Up SMS in Klaviyo: A Complete SMS Marketing Guide for E-Commerce Brands

Incorporating SMS into your e-commerce marketing strategy is a powerful way to boost engagement and drive sales. Setting up SMS in Klaviyo allows you to send targeted messages directly to your customers' phones, complementing your existing email marketing campaigns. This guide will show you exactly how to set up SMS in Klaviyo, create impactful SMS campaigns, and optimize your messaging strategy for success.

What Does It Mean to Set Up SMS in Klaviyo?

When you set up SMS in Klaviyo, you enable the platform to send automated text messages to your subscribers. This feature allows you to run standalone SMS campaigns, integrate SMS into existing email flows, and create personalized, timely messages that reach customers directly on their mobile devices.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Set Up SMS in Klaviyo

1. Enable SMS in Your Klaviyo Account

1. Log in to Klaviyo: Navigate to your account dashboard.

2. Go to Account Settings: Click on your profile icon and select Account.

3. Select SMS Setup: Under the Channels section, click on SMS.

4. Choose Your Sending Region: Pick the countries where you plan to send SMS messages.

5. Register Your Phone Number: Select a phone number or short code for sending messages. You can choose between:

   • Toll-Free Number: Ideal for large-scale campaigns.

   • Short Code: Best for high-volume, fast-paced SMS campaigns.

   • Local Number: Provides a personal touch, suitable for smaller audiences.

     
     

2. Collect SMS Consent from Subscribers

1. Create a Signup Form: Go to Signup Forms in Klaviyo.

2. Choose a Template: Select a form template that includes phone number collection.

3. Add Consent Language: Ensure the form has clear opt-in language, including:

   • Agreement to receive SMS marketing messages.

   • Frequency of messages and data rates disclaimer.

4. Activate the Form: Publish it on your website, ideally as a pop-up or embedded form on key pages.

   
   

3. Create Your First SMS Campaign in Klaviyo

1. Navigate to Campaigns: On the left-hand menu, click Campaigns and then Create Campaign.

2. Select SMS as the Channel: You can create either a standalone SMS campaign or combine SMS and email in Klaviyo.

3. Craft Your Message:

   • Keep it under 160 characters.

   • Personalize with dynamic fields like {{ first_name }}.

   • Include a clear Call to Action (CTA).

   • Use link shorteners for URLs to save space.

     
     

4. Add SMS to Automated Flows in Klaviyo

1. Open an Existing Flow or Create a New One: Go to Flows and select a flow to edit.

2. Drag and Drop the SMS Block: Place it in the sequence where an SMS message makes the most sense.

3. Set Up Conditional Splits: Ensure only subscribers with SMS consent receive the message.

4. Configure Smart Sending: Toggle this on to avoid sending too many messages in a short period.

   
   

5. Test and Launch Your SMS Campaigns

1. Send Test Messages: Use Klaviyo’s testing feature to preview the SMS.

2. Review Analytics: Once live, monitor metrics like:

   • Delivery Rates: Ensure messages are reaching recipients.

   • Click-Through Rates (CTR): Evaluate the effectiveness of your CTA.

   • Conversion Rates: Measure the impact of SMS on sales.

     
     

Best Practices for Successful Klaviyo SMS Marketing

1. Personalize Your SMS Messages

Use Klaviyo's dynamic fields to insert personalized information, such as the recipient’s name, recent purchase details, or special offers tailored to their behavior.

2. Combine SMS and Email in Klaviyo for a Multi-Channel Strategy

Leverage SMS in Klaviyo flows to create an integrated experience:

• Example: If a customer doesn’t open an abandoned cart email, follow up with a quick SMS reminder.

  
  

3. Maintain Compliance with SMS Marketing Laws

Always follow regulations such as TCPA in the US or GDPR in Europe:

• Get Explicit Consent: Collect opt-ins using compliant language.

• Provide an Opt-Out Option: Include a simple STOP keyword for unsubscribing.

  
  

4. Optimize Timing and Frequency

• Avoid Over-Messaging: Set up Smart Sending in Klaviyo to prevent sending too many messages to a single contact.

• Choose the Right Time of Day: Avoid sending SMS messages during early morning or late-night hours.

  
  

5. Monitor Performance and Refine Your Strategy

Regularly check your SMS analytics:

• Identify Top Performers: See which messages have the highest engagement.

• A/B Test Messages: Test different offers, wording, and send times to optimize results.

  
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid When You Set Up SMS in Klaviyo

• Sending Too Many Messages: Leads to high unsubscribe rates.

  
  

• Generic Messaging: Missed opportunities to use personalization.

  
  

• Ignoring SMS Analytics: Without reviewing performance, it’s difficult to optimize your strategy.

  
  

Conclusion: Boost Your Marketing with Klaviyo SMS Campaigns

Adding SMS to your marketing mix can drive significant results when done correctly. By following this guide on how to set up SMS in Klaviyo, you'll create effective, compliant, and engaging SMS campaigns that complement your email strategy.

📩 If your email and SMS program is underperforming and you’re unsure how to optimize your flows, let’s talk.

At Dispatch, we help brands maximize revenue from email & SMS without damaging subscriber engagement.

👉 Connect with Dispatch today to optimize your email and SMS marketing strategy.