SMS gives you a direct way to share short offers and updates with customers. A message will not guarantee a sale, so make the offer relevant, explain what to do next, and check how customers respond.
Campaign ideas
A short sale: Share the discount, its end date, and where customers can use it. Make sure the deadline is real and the terms are clear.
New stock: Tell interested customers what has arrived and how they can ask about availability.
Seasonal offers: Tie an offer to a local event or holiday if it is relevant to your customers. Leave enough time for them to act.
Rewards for regulars: Thank customers for returning and explain how to claim an eligible reward.
A return visit: If a customer has agreed to receive promotions, invite them back with a useful, clearly explained offer.
Write one clear call to action
Give customers one useful next step, such as visiting a shop, replying to a message, or using an offer code. For example:
New dresses at Soko Boutique, Moi Avenue. Show this message for KES 500 off until Saturday. Terms apply.
Keep the wording concise and the offer easy to understand. Character limits depend on the message and encoding; longer messages may be charged as multiple SMS segments. Check your provider's character counter before sending.
Send messages people have agreed to receive
Use customer contact details for marketing only when you have the permission required for that use. Explain what customers are signing up for and provide an easy, free way to opt out. The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner describes consent and opt-out requirements for direct marketing. Check the current rules that apply to your business.
Do not add every customer to a promotional list automatically. Keep track of who agreed to receive offers, respect opt-out requests, and send messages that match the reason they signed up.
Review campaign results
Check the delivery information available for your campaign. To track customer response, use a distinct offer code or link and ask staff to record redemptions consistently. Compare results with the message cost, and remember that not every sale can be attributed to a campaign.
SokoWise includes SMS campaign tools for your customer contacts. Review the features and campaign activity available to your account before planning your next send. See SokoWise bulk SMS for details.