How to Build Loyalty Programs Using SMS and Voice Reminders

Why Use SMS and Voice for Loyalty Programs?

1. Direct and Guaranteed Reach

Unlike other marketing channels, SMS messages and voice calls reach customers instantly. Most customers read a loyalty text message within minutes, making these channels highly effective for ongoing interaction.

2. Higher Customer Engagement

SMS loyalty allows brands to send personalized messages, exclusive rewards, and flash sales—driving high engagement from loyalty program members.

3. Better Customer Data

Text-based loyalty programs give you access to purchase history, customer preferences, loyalty status, and customer behavior, helping you tailor rewards and improve customer experience.

4. Increased Customer Lifetime Value

A successful SMS loyalty program improves repeat purchases, boosts average order value, and grows customer lifetime value through strategic rewards programs.

Step-by-Step: How to Build Loyalty Programs Using SMS and Voice Reminders

Step 1: Set Clear Program Goals and Structure

Before sending any SMS campaigns, define your program structure:

• What rewards will you offer? (exclusive discounts, birthday rewards, earn points, exclusive access)
• Will you use a membership tier?
• How will customers earn rewards?
• Will rewards work in-store, online, or both?

A strong value proposition helps customers sign up quickly.

Step 2: Create an Easy Sign-Up Process

Make sign-ups simple using:

• SMS opt-in keywords
• A short sign-up form
• QR codes at checkout
• In-store tablets or POS prompts
• Website pop-ups

Your goal is to remove friction so potential customers become loyalty program members instantly.

Step 3: Encourage Customers With Personalized SMS Messages

Once customers join, send regular, well-timed loyalty text messages:

• Welcome texts explaining how your loyalty program works
• Points updates (“You earned 20 points today!”)
• Loyalty status reminders
• Exclusive rewards for the most loyal customers
• SMS coupons
• Birthday rewards
• Flash sale reminders

Use dynamic conversation flows and your existing CRM to personalize each message.

Step 4: Use Voice Reminders for High-Value Actions

Voice reminders are ideal for:

• Reminding customers to redeem points
• Alerting customers about expiring rewards
• Encouraging customers who haven’t purchased recently
• Promoting major events or VIP sales

These voice touchpoints create emotional connection—building customer loyalty and improving customer retention rate.

Step 5: Reward Customers to Drive Engagement

A successful loyalty program motivates customers to return more often. You can reward customers with:

• Points they can earn and redeem
• Exclusive discounts
• Early access to new product drops
• Free samples or gifts
• Tier upgrades for program engagement

This encourages repeat purchases and strengthens building customer loyalty over time.

Step 6: Combine SMS and Voice With Other Marketing Channels

SMS loyalty works even better when combined with:

• Email campaigns
• Social media
• In-app push notifications
• Marketing campaigns and content funnels

This creates a seamless customer journey across all marketing channels.

Step 7: Track Performance Metrics and Optimize

Monitor:

• SMS subscriber growth
• Program sign-ups
• Customer retention rate
• Program engagement
• Average order value
• Redemption rates
• Unsubscribe rate
• Customer lifetime

Then optimize your SMS marketing messages and voice reminders to improve results.

Best Practices for a Successful SMS Loyalty Program

✔ Keep Messages Short

A single SMS should communicate one idea. Avoid sending the same message repeatedly.

✔ Personalize Using Customer Data

Use purchase history, behavior, and preferences to tailor your offers.

✔ Send at the Right Time

Send SMS messages when customers are most likely to engage.

✔ Give Exclusive Rewards

Customers love exclusive access, VIP offers, and surprise bonuses.

✔ Maintain Ongoing Interaction

Consistent touchpoints build trust and drive customer retention.

Examples of SMS Messages for Loyalty Programs

Welcome message:
“Welcome to our Rewards Program! Earn points every time you shop. You already earned 20 points just for joining!”

Birthday reward:
“Happy Birthday! Enjoy a special birthday reward—20% OFF just for you 🎉”

Points reminder:
“You have 100 unused points waiting! Redeem before they expire.”

Exclusive access:
“VIP Early Access: Shop our new collection before anyone else!”

FAQs

1. How do you build a loyalty program using SMS?

You build an SMS loyalty program by creating an easy opt-in, sending personalized rewards, updating customers about points, and using SMS marketing messages to drive engagement and repeat purchases.

2. What makes a successful SMS loyalty program?

A successful program includes personalized messages, relevant rewards, regular reminders, and a simple program structure that encourages customers to earn and redeem points easily.

3. Why are SMS and voice reminders effective for customer retention?

SMS and voice reminders are direct, immediate, and personal. They help remind customers about rewards, encourage purchases, and maintain ongoing interaction—boosting retention and lifetime value.

4. What types of messages should be sent in a text message loyalty program?

Brands can send welcome texts, points updates, birthday rewards, exclusive discounts, flash sale alerts, and reminders to redeem points.

5. How do loyalty programs improve customer engagement?

Loyalty programs keep customers involved through rewards, status updates, exclusive offers, and personalized messages—leading to higher engagement and more frequent purchases.

6. How do you measure loyalty program performance?

You track sign-ups, customer retention rate, purchase frequency, average order value, reward redemptions, and overall customer lifetime value.