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When nearly half of online shoppers are signing up for SMS at checkout, it’s not a stat to ignore—it’s a strategy to leverage. SMS isn’t just another channel. It’s one of the most direct, high-converting, and scalable tools in your retention playbook. And if you’re running a Shopify store, there’s never been a better time to build your SMS list—and start seeing results.
Why SMS Marketing Works (And Why It’s Growing)
SMS open rates hover around 98%, and most texts are read within 3 minutes. That’s instant visibility you won’t get with email or social media. Consumers today expect more than just flashy ads—they want updates, promos, and personalized experiences delivered straight to their phones.
More importantly, the checkout process is the sweet spot. Why? Because that’s when intent is highest. If a shopper trusts you enough to make a purchase, they’re much more likely to subscribe to future messages—especially if there’s a clear benefit (like a discount or order updates).
And the data backs it up: 47% of customers are opting into SMS during checkout. That’s not just a stat—it’s a missed opportunity if you’re not capturing those signups.
Why 47% Is a Big Deal
When nearly half of shoppers (47%) opt in for text messages at checkout, it’s not just a nice statistic—it’s a major signal of how customer behavior is shifting.
Compared to Email Sign-Up Rates
The average email sign-up rate on e-commerce sites typically ranges from 1% to 5%, depending on the industry and incentive. Even with pop-ups, discounts, or gated content, email opt-ins rarely hit double digits. In contrast, a 47% SMS opt-in rate at checkout is nearly 10 times higher than typical email sign-ups.
This difference highlights the urgency and immediacy that SMS offers—and that customers want.
What It Says About Trust and Engagement
Checkout is one of the most critical moments in a buyer’s journey. If 47% are willingly handing over their phone numbers at this point, it means:
- They trust the brand enough to invite messages to a personal space (their phone)
- They expect value—whether it’s updates, discounts, or exclusive offers
- They’re engaged and ready to build a deeper relationship with the brand
Phone numbers are more personal than emails. So, this level of opt-in shows a stronger form of engagement.
Impact on Conversion Rates and Lifetime Value (LTV)
- SMS open rates exceed 90%, often within minutes. That’s a huge advantage over email, where opens hover around 20–25%.
- Brands using SMS strategically see higher conversion rates—especially for limited-time offers and abandoned cart recovery.
- When customers stay opted in, SMS nurtures long-term loyalty, increasing customer lifetime value through repeat purchases, VIP promotions, and personalized updates.
How to Turn Shopify Checkout Into a Subscriber Magnet
To help you get started, we created a step-by-step guide that walks through essential strategies to optimize your Shopify checkout for maximum SMS opt-ins. It only takes a few clicks to start collecting valuable contacts—and the payoff is huge.
But there’s one tool that makes this process even more powerful: the Protexting SMS Marketing app for Shopify.
Meet Protexting: The Best SMS App for Shopify Stores
Protexting is purpose-built for Shopify, which means easy installation, smooth integration, and lightning-fast list growth. Here’s why it’s a must-have:
- Checkout Opt-In: Automatically prompts users to opt in to SMS during checkout with compliant, pre-built templates.
- Popups & Landing Pages: Collect subscribers on-site and via dedicated signup pages.
- Automation Tools: Send welcome texts, order updates, abandoned cart reminders, and promotional messages with ease.
- Import Existing Contacts: Already have an email list? Use Protexting’s import feature to bring them over in seconds.
- Segmentation & Personalization: Target your subscribers based on behavior, location, or purchase history for higher ROI.
Whether you’re new to SMS or looking to scale, Protexting helps you build a list that drives sales and keeps customers coming back.
Smart Tips to Maximize Subscriber Growth
Here’s how to go beyond just installing an app—and actually grow a high-value SMS list:
Pro Tip #1: Use Multiple Collection Points
Don’t just rely on one signup source. Brands using 3–4 collection tools—like checkout opt-in, popups, landing pages, and keyword campaigns—see 2x more subscribers and up to 25x ROI.
Pro Tip #2: Promote Your Subscribe Link
Already have a customer base? Send out an email blast with your SMS signup link. It’s one of the fastest ways to kickstart your list.
Pro Tip #3: Import Your Existing Contacts
Don’t leave value on the table. Use Protexting’s import tool to seamlessly pull in your existing contacts from your email service provider or a third-party list. You’ve already done the hard work—now use SMS to keep them engaged.
Final Thoughts
Your checkout page is more than a transaction hub—it’s a prime spot to turn customers into subscribers. And with nearly half of shoppers opting into texts, you’re leaving money on the table if you’re not collecting phone numbers.
By integrating the Protexting SMS app for Shopify, you can quickly build a high-converting SMS list that delivers real results. More opens, more clicks, and even more repeat buyers.
Start now. Optimize your checkout. Grow your SMS list. And watch your revenue follow.
