Introduction

Finding the best sms app on shopify is a fast-growing priority for store owners who want higher open rates, faster conversion, and better retention. SMS gets 90% open rates within minutes and can lift conversion 10-30% when used for cart recovery, shipping updates, and VIP offers. But choosing the right app affects deliverability, compliance, and total cost.

This guide covers which Shopify SMS apps lead the market, how to compare them on features and price, step-by-step implementation timelines, and concrete examples with sample pricing. You will get an actionable checklist for implementation, vendor tradeoffs, and a clear testing plan to reach measurable ROI in 4-8 weeks. This matters because a bad SMS setup can waste budget and violate regulations, while the right app becomes one of your highest ROI channels.

How SMS marketing works for Shopify stores

SMS marketing sends text messages to customers who have consented to receive them. It complements email and paid ads by reaching customers at moments of high intent, like abandoned carts and shipping confirmations.

Key components of any SMS program:

• Phone numbers and consent collection - capture opt-ins at checkout, popups, or checkout scripts.
• Messaging flows - automated sequences (welcome, abandoned cart, replenishment).
• Segmentation - separate VIPs, first-time buyers, browsers, high-intent cart abandoners.
• Compliance - Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) in the US, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU, Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) in Canada.

Example use cases and expected results:

• Abandoned cart flow: 1-3 messages sent 10-30 minutes after abandonment; typical conversion lift 5-12%.
• Shipping and delivery updates: reduces customer service inquiries by 20-40%.
• VIP campaigns and flash sales: immediate revenue spikes; conversion rates of 7-15% on targeted audiences.

Metric to track first 90 days:

• Opt-in rate: target 2-5% of store visitors.
• Click-through rate (CTR): target 15-25% for promotional messages.
• Conversion rate: target 3-10% depending on offer.
• Revenue per recipient per month: target $0.50 - $2.00 in mature programs.

best sms app on shopify

This section compares market-leading SMS apps for Shopify and recommends when each one is a fit. The list includes feature highlights, pros and cons, and who should pick each app.

SMS apps reviewed:

• Klaviyo SMS
• Postscript
• SMSBump by Yotpo
• Attentive
• Omnisend
• Tobi

Klaviyo SMS

• Strengths: Deep email + SMS integration, advanced segmentation, flow building inside one platform.
• Pricing model: Platform fee based on profiles plus per-message SMS credits. Per-SMS costs typically range from $0.007 to $0.03 depending on destination and volume.
• Best for: Stores that already use Klaviyo for email and want unified customer profiles.

Postscript

• Strengths: Shopify-first UX, good checkout opt-in flows, phone number validation, templates.
• Pricing model: Tiered plans with message credits; starter plans typically include platform access and a per-message fee.
• Best for: Shopify merchants who want a focused SMS tool with strong Shopify integrations.

SMSBump by Yotpo

• Strengths: Built-for-Shopify automation, affordable pay-as-you-go credits, powerful segmentation.
• Pricing model: Free plan available; paid plans and SMS credits scale by volume. Typical per-SMS price range $0.005 - $0.03.
• Best for: Small to mid-size stores needing low-cost entry and solid automation.

Attentive

• Strengths: Enterprise-grade personalization, real-time segmentation, robust support.
• Pricing model: Enterprise pricing with higher minimum spends and negotiated rates.
• Best for: High-growth brands with significant SMS budgets and need for dedicated support.

Omnisend

• Strengths: All-in-one email and SMS with omnichannel campaigns, simple automation.
• Pricing model: Email-first platform with SMS credits sold separately; per-SMS costs vary by market.
• Best for: Stores using omnichannel campaigns and wanting simple integrations.

Tobi

• Strengths: Chatbot-style flows, Messenger and SMS combined, good for conversational commerce.
• Pricing model: Subscription + per-message charges depending on plan.
• Best for: SMBs wanting conversational flows and two-way messaging.

How to choose

• If you use email automation heavily and want unified profiles, choose Klaviyo.
• If you need the cheapest entry point and Shopify-native workflows, choose SMSBump.
• If you plan enterprise scale with strict SLAs and personalization, evaluate Attentive.
• If you want omnichannel campaigns across email, SMS, and push, evaluate Omnisend or Klaviyo.

When to add SMS to your marketing stack and ROI expectations

Timing matters. Add SMS when you have predictable traffic and conversion pathways that justify message volume.

When to start

• You have at least 1,000 monthly visitors and a repeat purchase cycle under 90 days.
• Your average order value (AOV) is above $30 and margins tolerate incremental acquisition.
• You can capture consent at checkout or via onsite popups at a 1-5% opt-in rate.

Estimated timeline to first results (sample 8-week plan)

• Week 1: Select SMS app, set up account, choose phone numbers (10DLC vs short code).
• Week 2: Install Shopify app, configure opt-in points, and verify compliance settings.
• Week 3: Build 1-2 flows (welcome, abandoned cart), design templates.
• Week 4: Soft launch to 500-1,000 opted-in customers; monitor deliverability.
• Week 5: Analyze metrics and iterate on content and timing.
• Weeks 6-8: Scale campaigns, segment VIPs, and add promotional cadences.

ROI examples using conservative assumptions

Assumptions:

• Store monthly visitors: 10,000
• Opt-in rate: 2% -> 200 subscribers
• Monthly sends per subscriber: 3 messages
• Conversion rate per campaign: 4%
• AOV: $60
• Per-SMS cost average: $0.02
• Platform fee: $49 per month (estimate)

Monthly revenue from SMS:

• Number of recipients reached per campaign: 200
• Conversions per campaign: 200 * 4% = 8 sales
• Revenue per campaign: 8 * $60 = $480
• Three campaigns per month revenue: $1,440

Monthly SMS costs:

• Messages sent: 200 recipients * 3 sends = 600 messages
• SMS cost: 600 * $0.02 = $12
• Platform fee: $49
• Total cost: $61
• Revenue minus cost: $1,379 -> ROI very high

These numbers are illustrative but show how even modest lists can produce strong ROI if messages are targeted and compliant.

Implementation checklist and setup steps

Below is a practical checklist to launch a compliant and effective SMS program on Shopify. Follow these steps and timeline for a 4-6 week launch.

Week 0 - Planning

• Identify goals: acquisition, cart recovery, shipping notifications, VIP retention.
• Estimate monthly send volume and budget.
• Review compliance requirements for target countries (TCPA, GDPR, CASL).

Week 1 - Select and configure app

• Choose a vendor and sign up for a trial.
• Select phone number type: 10-digit long code (10DLC) for US, toll-free, short code for high-throughput.
• Verify Shopify integration and ensure your checkout can capture opt-ins (Shopify checkout scripts or Shopify Plus for customizations).

Week 2 - Consent capture and list building

• Implement opt-in points:

• Checkout checkbox with clear disclosure.

• Mobile popup with SMS opt-in.

• Landing page and product pages with incentives (10% off for SMS).

• Add double-confirmation flows where required.

• Build an import of existing consented numbers with timestamped consent records.

Week 3 - Flows and templates

• Create core flows:

• Welcome flow: immediate message with promo and link.

• Abandoned cart: 10-30 minutes, then 24 hours follow-up.

• Shipping and delivery updates: automated on fulfillment events.

• Build message templates with dynamic tags (first name, product, discount).

Week 4 - Test and soft launch

• Send test messages to internal numbers.
• Run a soft campaign to a small segment (200-500 numbers).
• Monitor deliverability, carrier feedback, unsubscribe rates.

Week 5-6 - Iterate and scale

• Analyze open, click, and conversion metrics. Adjust timing and frequency.
• Add segmentation: VIP, frequent browsers, repeat purchasers.
• Schedule recurring campaigns and test A/B subject and message variations.

Ongoing

• Review deliverability and sender reputation quarterly.
• Refresh message copy monthly and rotate promo creative.
• Maintain clean lists and remove hard bounces.

Tools and resources

Below are specific apps and resource notes to compare features and typical pricing models. Prices change frequently; check vendor pages for up-to-date tiers.

• Klaviyo (Klaviyo SMS)

• Model: Profile-based monthly plan + SMS credits per message.

• Good for: Brands using advanced email segmentation.

• Typical costs: Platform starts free for small profiles; SMS rates variable $0.007 - $0.03 per SMS.

• Postscript

• Model: Monthly plan + included message credits or per-message fees.

• Good for: Shopify-first merchants.

• Typical costs: Starter to growth tiers; expect $25-$199+ per month plus message fees.

• SMSBump by Yotpo

• Model: Free plan + pay-as-you-go message credits; paid plans add automation and analytics.

• Good for: Low-cost entry with solid automation.

• Typical costs: Credits often $0.005 - $0.03 per SMS depending on destination and volume.

• Attentive

• Model: Enterprise pricing, minimum spends, high-touch support.

• Good for: Large brands with big SMS budgets and personalization needs.

• Typical costs: Requires a sales call; not built for low-volume merchants.

• Omnisend

• Model: Email plans with SMS credits purchased separately.

• Good for: Omnichannel campaigns that combine email and SMS.

• Typical costs: Per-SMS prices vary; platform tiers from free to growth pricing.

• Tobi

• Model: Subscription + per-message charges; strong chatbot features.

• Good for: Conversational commerce and two-way flows.

Additional resources

• Carrier registration information for 10DLC in the United States.
• TCPA compliance checklists and sample consent copy.
• Shopify docs on checkout customizations and API events.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Mistake 1: Treating SMS like email

• Problem: SMS requires different cadence and brevity; sending long, frequent messages will cause high opt-outs.
• Fix: Limit promotional SMS to 2-4 messages per month for general audiences and 1-2 messages per week for highly engaged segments.

Mistake 2: Skipping compliance and consent records

• Problem: Fines, carrier blocks, and damaged reputation.
• Fix: Store opt-in timestamps and source, include clear opt-in language, and provide easy opt-out instructions in every message.

Mistake 3: Choosing the cheapest provider without checking deliverability

• Problem: Low-cost providers can have higher complaint rates and weaker carrier relationships.
• Fix: Review carrier throughput, day-to-day deliverability metrics, and look for apps that support 10DLC and short codes for scale.

Mistake 4: Not segmenting audiences

• Problem: Sending the same message to everyone reduces relevance and increases opt-outs.
• Fix: Segment by purchase history, engagement, and lifecycle stage and tailor messages to each group.

Mistake 5: Ignoring analytics and A/B testing

• Problem: You waste revenue potential and cannot improve performance.
• Fix: Run A/B tests on send time, creative, and offers. Track revenue per message and cost per conversion.

Compliance essentials

Key laws and rules to follow:

• TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) - United States: Requires express written consent for promotional messages; must include opt-out instructions.
• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) - European Union: Requires lawful basis for processing personal data and the right to withdraw consent.
• CASL (Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation) - Canada: Requires consent and clear identification of sender.

Practical compliance checklist:

• Use opt-in checkboxes with clear language and dates.
• Store consent records with timestamps and source (checkout, popup, import).
• Include “Reply STOP to unsubscribe” in all promotional messages.
• Honor opt-outs immediately and remove numbers promptly.
• Use phone number validation to reduce hard bounces.

Message templates and examples

Use short, clear copy and a single call to action.

Abandoned cart - example

• Message 1 (10-30 minutes): “Hi [FirstName], you left [ProductName] in your cart. Save 10% with code CART10. Shop now: [short link] Reply STOP to opt out.”
• Message 2 (24 hours): “Still thinking? [FirstName], your [ProductName] is waiting. Free shipping ends today. [short link]”

Welcome flow - example

• Immediate: “Welcome to [Brand]! Use WELCOME10 for 10% off your first order. Shop: [short link] Reply STOP to opt out.”

Shipping update - example

• On fulfillment: “Good news! Your order #[OrderNumber] shipped and will arrive in 3-5 days. Track: [link]”

Best practice for links

• Use short links with UTM parameters to track SMS campaign traffic.
• Avoid long URLs that dilute the message.

Comparison checklist: choose by priorities

Use this checklist to compare apps when you evaluate demos.

• Integration
• Does it sync with Shopify orders, customers, and events in real time?
• Automation
• Can it build multi-step flows (welcome, abandoned cart, reorder)?
• Segmentation
• Does it support behavioral and lifecycle segmentation?
• Deliverability
• Does the provider support 10DLC and short codes for US traffic?
• Two-way messaging
• Is reply handling and keyword automation supported?
• Pricing transparency
• Are per-message rates and monthly fees clearly documented?
• Compliance features
• Does it store consent records and provide opt-out mechanisms?
• Reporting
• Does it show revenue per message and conversion attribution?

Pricing scenarios: three examples

Scenario A - Small store: 1,000 monthly visitors

• Opt-ins: 2% -> 20 numbers
• Messages per month: 3 per subscriber -> 60 messages
• Per-SMS cost assumption: $0.02
• Platform fee estimate: $19/month
• SMS cost: 60 * $0.02 = $1.20
• Total monthly cost: $20.20

Scenario B - Growing store: 10,000 monthly visitors

• Opt-ins: 3% -> 300 numbers
• Messages per month: 3 -> 900 messages
• Per-SMS cost: $0.02
• Platform fee: $49/month
• SMS cost: 900 * $0.02 = $18
• Total monthly cost: $67

Scenario C - High volume brand: 200,000 monthly visitors

• Opt-ins: 5% -> 10,000 numbers
• Messages per month: 4 -> 40,000 messages
• Per-SMS cost: $0.012 average (volume discounts)
• Platform fee: negotiated enterprise plan $1,000+/month
• SMS cost: 40,000 * $0.012 = $480
• Total monthly cost: $1,480+

These scenarios illustrate how SMS scales. Small stores can start for under $50 per month; enterprise brands should expect five-figure monthly costs when including dedicated short codes and registration.

Measuring success and KPIs

Track these metrics from day one:

• Opt-in rate: percentage of visitors who subscribe.
• Delivery rate: percent of messages delivered (target >95%).
• Click-through rate (CTR): click rate on links (target 15-25%).
• Conversion rate: purchases per click.
• Revenue per message: total revenue attributed to SMS divided by number of messages sent.
• Opt-out rate: unsubscribe rate per send (target <1% for promotions).

At 30, 60, and 90 days

• 30 days: Validate deliverability and start tracking CTR and opt-out rates.
• 60 days: Analyze conversion and revenue per message by flow.
• 90 days: Scale proven flows and invest in segmentation and personalization.

FAQ

How Much Does It Cost to Run SMS on Shopify?

Costs include platform fees and per-message charges. Small stores can start under $50 per month, while high-volume brands often pay $1,000+ per month when including dedicated numbers and registration fees.

What is 10DLC and Do I Need It?

10DLC (10-digit long code) is a U.S. carrier-approved number type for business A2P (application-to-person) messaging. You need it for consistent deliverability at scale in the U.S. and for carrier compliance.

Can I Send SMS Campaigns Without Explicit Consent?

No. Laws like TCPA require express written consent for promotional SMS in many jurisdictions. Collect clear opt-ins at checkout and store consent records.

Which App is Best If I Already Use Klaviyo for Email?

Klaviyo SMS is typically best for brands that already use Klaviyo email because of unified profiles and combined automation capabilities.

How Often Should I Message Customers?

For general promotional audiences, 2-4 messages per month is a safe starting point. For high-intent segments you can send 1-2 messages per week, but monitor opt-outs closely.

How Do I Measure SMS ROI?

Track revenue per message by using UTM-tagged links and platform attribution. Compare incremental revenue against platform and message costs to calculate ROI.

Next steps

• Choose one or two candidate apps from this guide and sign up for trials this week.
• Implement opt-in capture at checkout and one on-site popup within 7 days.
• Build and test an abandoned cart and welcome flow in weeks 2-4.
• Run a small pilot campaign to 200-500 contacts, measure CTR and conversion, then scale the winning message within 2-6 weeks.

Further Reading

• Best Shopify Sms Marketing App Guide
• Best Shopify Sms App Guide for Shopify Stores
• Best Shopify Pop Up App Guide 2025
• Best Shopify Checkout App Guide