SMS for Pre-Orders and Waitlists: How to Do It Right

One of the best approaches to boost product demand is alerting customers before products become available. Businesses leverage pre-orders and waitlists to manage inventory efficiently and build anticipation before launch.

Why Use SMS for Pre-Orders and Waitlists?

Instant Delivery and Open Rates

Text messages achieve 98% open rates, significantly outperforming social media and email. Recipients typically read messages within minutes and respond more readily to SMS than other channels due to its personal nature, driving higher click-through rates and conversions.

Customization

Unlike broadcast social posts, SMS enables personalized messaging for specific audience segments, allowing businesses to send more relevant offers based on subscriber preferences.

Smoother Customer Experience

SMS eliminates the need for customers to monitor websites for updates, providing real-time confirmations and reminders that ensure customers won’t miss opportunities.

Build a Strategy for Pre-Order SMS Campaigns & Waitlist Management

Step 1: Choose an SMS Gateway

Select a reliable SMS gateway provider considering scale and delivery speed. For international campaigns, consider providers like Twilio, Vonage, ClickSend, or Plivo.

Step 2: Select an SMS Marketing Tool

SMS integration tools like WSMS simplify implementation for WordPress sites, supporting 300+ gateways with features including:

• Scheduling
• Automation
• Segmentation
• Two-factor authentication
• Custom templates
• URL shortening

Step 3: Collect SMS Opt-Ins the Right Way

Compliance with regulations like TCPA and GDPR requires explicit subscriber consent. Use opt-in checkboxes during checkout, shortcode forms on landing pages, or integrations with form plugins. Offering incentives like discounts encourages sign-ups.

Step 4: Segment Your Subscribers

Targeting specific audience segments with relevant messages increases effectiveness. Segment based on product interest, purchase history, location, demographics, or waitlist status.

Step 5: Define Triggers to Automate Notifications

Automation streamlines campaigns through triggers like new product availability, inventory updates, abandoned carts, or release countdowns. WooCommerce integration enables automatic SMS alerts when store conditions change.

Step 6: Schedule for Future Pre-order SMS Campaigns

Plan campaigns for maximum visibility, such as evenings or weekends. Build anticipation with countdown or teaser messages scheduled ahead of time.

Step 7: Create Compelling SMS Templates

Messages should be clear, concise, and action-focused. Use dynamic content and personalization features to include customer names and product details, keeping messages brief while maintaining politeness and clarity.

Step 8: Test and Run Your Pre-order SMS Campaign

Before launching, test links, formatting, and message size. Conduct internal testing or pilot with small groups before full deployment.

Successful Examples of Pre-Order SMS Messages

1. Pre-Order Launch Notification

This example personalizes with the recipient’s name, creates urgency through scarcity, and includes a clear call-to-action.

2. Waitlist Confirmation

Setting expectations with estimated availability dates assures customers they won’t miss opportunities.

3. Back-in-Stock Alert

This creates excitement and FOMO while providing a strong call-to-action.

4. Pre-Order Reminder

Reminder messages should avoid excessive pressure to prevent opt-out complaints.

5. Personalized Follow-Up

Reference previous actions to demonstrate attentiveness.

6. VIP Offer to Loyal Customers

Exclusive offers recognize customer loyalty and encourage participation.

7. Referral Message

Referral incentives expand your audience while rewarding existing subscribers.

Conclusion

Pre-order SMS campaigns generate excitement and boost sales through strategic planning, wise timing, and effective segmentation. Combine SMS with other channels like social media to reach broader audiences. Remember to reward participants with perks like discounts and always prioritize loyal customers with early notifications.

FAQs

What are pre-order SMS campaigns?

Pre-order SMS campaigns are text messages you send to potential customers to promote your upcoming products, enabling early purchases before official release.

Is pre-order a good strategy?

Yes! It builds excitement about the product. Also, using pre-order campaigns and creating a waitlist, you can estimate demand for better inventory management.

What’s the best SMS tool to automate pre-order campaigns?

WSMS is one of the best SMS tools for automation and scheduling SMS campaigns, especially pre-order alerts.