10 Proven Tips To Rapidly Grow Your SMS Subscriber List

If your SMS subscriber list feels like a ghost town, you’re not the only one. Most businesses know that texting is powerful, but building a list that actually works? That part can feel frustrating.

You might be asking: “How do I get people to sign up?”, “What if they think it’s spam?”, and “Will this even be worth the effort?”.

The answer is a yes across the board, and you’re about to see exactly why.

SMS marketing isn’t just “nice to have” anymore. It’s a high-converting, low-cost powerhouse. But none of that matters if no one’s on your list.

Here, we’ll walk you through why SMS subscribers matter so much, how you can grow your list quickly, and legally use strategies that actually work.

Why Growing an SMS Subscriber List Matters For Businesses Like Yours

• SMS Open Rates Surpass Email
• Better Conversions
• Customers Want It
• Lower Marketing Costs
• Instant Feedback
• Higher Retention and Loyalty

There’s a reason marketers keep talking about texting. It works better than almost anything else. Here’s a quick breakdown.

SMS Open Rates Surpass Email

Let’s compare:

SMS

98% open rate (within minutes, not hours), says Forbes

Email

Around 20%

, according to HubSpot

Most people check their texts immediately. Meanwhile, emails often sit in inboxes, unread, or get buried under promotions. So, if you want your message to actually get seen, texting is the way to go.

Better Conversions

More opens mean more clicks. More clicks mean more sales. In many industries, SMS drives up to 10 times the conversion rate of email. That’s because texts are short, punchy, and direct. There’s no fluff, no distractions, just action.

Customers Want It

Believe it or not, people want to hear from brands they care about. According to statistics, over 70% of consumers have signed up for texts from businesses. They like getting exclusive deals, reminders, and product alerts as long as they are relevant and not annoying.

Lower Marketing Costs

Once someone’s on your SMS list, you don’t have to keep paying to reach them like you do with ads. The cost per message is also super low, especially with a solid mass texting service.

You’re investing pennies to make dollars.

Instant Feedback

Want to know how your sales are performing?

Send a message. You’ll see replies and clicks in real time. Two-way SMS text messaging makes it easy to ask quick questions, run polls, or offer support, all with way less effort than email or phone calls.

Higher Retention and Loyalty

People who feel connected to your brand stay longer and spend more. SMS helps you build a connection that feels more personal and more direct. When you use texting thoughtfully, customers actually appreciate it.

However, do not forget that SMS laws are strict to protect you and your audience.

Growing your list the right way means:

• You’ll avoid fines.
• You’ll build trust with your audience.
• You’ll stay on the right side of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the Cellular Telephone Industries Association (CTIA) in the U.S., and the European Union’s (EU) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Getting permission and using a mass texting service that handles compliance will be highly beneficial.

Now, let’s get into the good stuff.

10 Proven Tips to Grow Your SMS Subscriber List

• Use Website Pop-Ups & Landing Pages
• Leverage Social Media & Paid Ads
• Offer Exclusive Incentives
• Promote SMS Sign-Ups in Emails
• Use QR Codes for Easy Opt-Ins
• Add SMS Opt-Ins to Checkout Pages
• Encourage Sign-Ups via In-Store Signage
• Host Giveaways & Contests
• Use Text-to-Join Keywords
• Partner with Influencers & Affiliates

Try these tips one at a time or combine a few for a faster boost. Each tip includes practical steps, real-world use cases, and ideas to test today.

1. Use Website Pop-Ups & Landing Pages

Think of your website as your best salesperson. If it’s not collecting phone numbers, you’re losing money.

High-converting pop-ups, which you can also set to trigger based on user actions like scrolling and exiting, often include: a bold headline (“Want 10% Off? Sign Up Now”), a single field (phone number only), and a short checkbox message (“Yes, I agree to receive text updates”).

Landing pages are great for ad traffic or specific promotions. For example:

New Product Launch

“Be the first to know—sign up for texts”

Seasonal Sale

“Get early bird access to Black Friday deals”

Pro tip: Test your copy and layout. Sometimes, one small change (like button color or headline wording) can make a big difference.

2. Leverage Social Media & Paid Ads 

Your followers already like your brand, which means all you have to do now is invite them in. A good rule of thumb is to set a regular schedule for posting about your SMS list.

Use captions like:

• “Our text club gets first dibs on drops 💥 Text CLUB to 12345.”
• “Want 20% off your next order? Tap the link and sign up for texts!”

Stories and reels work well for quick, visual reminders. You might also use paid ads on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, which can help you scale faster. Whatever method you choose, make sure your CTA (call-to-action) is clear. You should also be sending traffic to a mobile-friendly page, as nobody wants to pinch and zoom just to enter a number.

Want to dig deeper? Try testing lookalike audiences built from your current list, if you’re using the right tools.

3. Offer Exclusive Incentives 

People love perks, especially if they feel like they’re getting something others don’t.

Some popular SMS incentives include first-time buyer discounts, early access to limited drops, exclusive content (recipes, guides, etc.), and VIP-only events or experiences.

Let’s say you sell skincare. You could text subscribers: “Hey glow fam 🌟 VIPs get 15% off our new serum for the next 48 hours only.” Simple. Effective. Personal. Here, time-limited offers also work well, as they create urgency and increase sign-up rates.

4. Promote SMS Sign-Ups in Emails 

Don’t get the aforementioned statistics wrong—email still has its place. But don’t stop there. Use it to funnel people into your texting list, too. Every email campaign you send could include:

• A short promo at the top or bottom: “Want faster updates? Join our text list.”
• A clickable CTA button that leads to your SMS sign-up form
• A P.S. that says: “Texts = early access, VIP perks, and surprise deals. Tap here to join.”

Or, you can send a full campaign that promotes your texting list. Highlight the benefits, give a teaser of what they’ll get, and make it easy to join.

It’s a simple way to double the value of your current list.

5. Use QR Codes for Easy Opt-Ins 

QR codes are quick, visual, easy, and they’re back in style, especially post-2020.

They work great in: restaurants (menus, tables, or windows), packaging (thank-you cards, inserts, or boxes), in-person events (booths, merchandise, or flyers), and retail stores (doors, counters, receipts).

Here’s an example: “Scan to join our VIP text club & get 10% off today’s order!” Just make sure the link leads to a clean, mobile-first form with all legal opt-in language.

6. Add SMS Opt-Ins to Checkout Pages 

The best time to ask for something is right after a customer buys. They’re already saying yes to you, so it’s important to make it easy to say yes again.

On your checkout page, include a checkbox or short form that says: “Yes, I want text updates and exclusive deals,” or “Get order alerts and special offers by text.”

If you’re using Shopify, WooCommerce, or another major platform, there are plugins that make this simple. And if you send order updates by text, you can follow up with a friendly message later offering VIP access.

Make it feel seamless and not salesy.

7. Encourage Sign-Ups via In-Store Signage 

If you have a physical location, your foot traffic can become list growth fuel. Use signage that people can’t miss.

Think bold and simple.

Place signs near checkout counters, fitting rooms, windows or entrances, product displays, and waiting areas. Train your team to mention the sign-up too. A friendly, “Hey, have you seen our text club promo?” can go a long way. If you run a service-based business (like a salon or spa), include opt-in instructions on appointment cards, receipts, or tablets used for check-in.

The more natural and visible the reminder, the better your chances.

8. Host Giveaways & Contests 

People love winning things. That’s why contests are a powerful way to build your SMS list quickly, especially if you market it right. The best part? You don’t need a massive prize.

Some of the highest-converting giveaways offer: store credit, product bundles, free month of service, and exclusive one-time offers.

Structure it like this:

Entry method: Text a keyword to a short code

Example: “Want a chance to win a $100 gift card? Text WIN to 12345 by Friday.”

To boost signups, promote the contest across: Instagram Stories, email, website banners, and in-store flyers.

You can follow up with all entrants—win or lose—with a special offer. That turns your contest into a revenue driver. Here’s an example: “Thanks for entering! You didn’t win this time, but here’s 15% off, just for trying 🎁”

It’s low-pressure and keeps people engaged.

9. Use Text-to-Join Keywords 

These are magic, as all you need is one keyword and one number for instant opt-in.

The formula looks like this:

“Text JOIN to 12345 to get exclusive SMS offers.”

It’s easy to remember, say, and promote. You can print it on product packaging, business cards, stickers, event banners, and storefront windows. Say it as well in videos, podcasts, and social posts.

For even more clarity, add what they’ll get in return: “Text TREAT to 12345 for 10% off your first order!”

Make it feel like joining your club has perks, because it does. Once they’re in, use two-way SMS text messaging to welcome them with a message that actually feels human.

10. Partner with Influencers & Affiliates 

Influencers already have built-in trust with their audience, so tap into it. Find creators who match your brand vibe, whether that’s fashion, fitness, food, or something in between.

Then, make the partnership simple and clear.

Let them say: “I get early access to their drops through texts. Want in? Text VIP to 12345.” Or give them a unique link or landing page with a form to capture SMS opt-ins.

Meanwhile, affiliates can promote SMS sign-ups in the same way. You can even track who brings in the most subscribers and reward them accordingly. The key here is authenticity. No one wants to feel like they’re getting a corporate pitch from a trusted voice.

Let your partners share what they love about your offers, and let the SMS list be the gateway to more.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Your SMS List

• Buying SMS Lists
• Ignoring Compliance Rules
• Over-Messaging New Subscribers

Before you start collecting numbers left and right, take a moment to plan. Building your SMS list can be a powerful move, but there are some traps you’ll want to sidestep.

Buying SMS Lists

Even if someone offers you a list of “pre-verified leads,” it’s best to avoid it at all costs. People need to give explicit consent to receive texts from your brand, and sending texts to people who didn’t ask for them is illegal. It’s a quick way to get flagged, fined, and blocked.

Build your list from scratch. While it takes more effort, the results are real and the risk is low.

Ignoring Compliance Rules

There are strict rules around SMS marketing, and for good reason. You’ll need to abide by certain rules, such as the TCPA, CTIA guidelines, and the EU GDPR.

Here’s the gist:

• Get clear permission before texting anyone.
• Tell people what they’re signing up for.
• Offer a way to opt out (e.g., “Reply STOP to unsubscribe”).
• Store consent records in case you’re audited.

Good news: A reliable mass texting service will help with all of this automatically. Don’t skip this step. Fines can reach thousands per message if you break the rules.

Over-Messaging New Subscribers

When someone signs up, they’re interested, not obsessed.

Don’t send five messages in the first week, as you’ll annoy them and they’ll unsubscribe faster than you can say “limited-time offer.”

Instead, start with a warm welcome message, follow up with one to two relevant offers or updates per week, and monitor your unsubscribe rate (if it spikes, scale back). Give people value without overwhelming them. A little goes a long way.

Wrapping Up

You made it to the end and are now equipped with strategies that actually work.

Let’s recap some of the best ways to grow your SMS subscriber list:

• Add pop-ups and landing pages to your site
• Promote your list on social and through paid ads
• Offer incentives like discounts or early access
• Use your email list to promote your texting list
• Add QR codes everywhere your customers are
• Collect opt-ins at checkout and in-store
• Run giveaways that require SMS sign-ups
• Use clear, memorable text-to-join keywords
• Collaborate with creators and affiliates

Remember to always follow the rules, always respect your subscribers, and always send messages that people want to get. That way, you’ll receive faster growth, better conversions, and even stronger brand loyalty.

Ready to Put This Into Action?

If you’re serious about growing your list, you need the right tools. DialMyCalls makes it easy. You get: a trusted mass texting service, built-in tools for compliance, support for two-way SMS text messaging, easy-to-use signup forms, integrations, and more.

Try our tools for free and start building a list that works for your business.

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