The sun might currently be in short supply but that’s no reason to skimp on offering hot deals this summer!

If you want to effectively engage with your customers and grab their attention with some sweet seasonal deals, you need to reach out on a channel they’re already on. With its 98% open rate, SMS should be your go-to choice if you want to cut through the seasonal noise and drive more sales.

Here are four ways that SMS can support your summer success.

Promote summer specials

The best way to attract your customers' attention during the summer, whether they’re home or away, is by offering them a hot summer offer. This could be anything from a special seasonal menu, a sea-breeze inspired scent, or an exclusive bundle to get holiday-ready.

SMS marketing enjoys a stellar open rate, so you know you’ll reach your audience regardless of where they are and what they’re doing.

Play with seasonal language to grab people’s attention and boost engagement. You could also consider using RCS (think SMS with superpowers) to add great graphics, images and action buttons too.

LAST CHANCE: You’ve only got [HOURS] until our 30% off summer sale ends. Act fast and save lots on your next adventure: [LINK]

Use SMS to launch a flash sale

If you don’t have a seasonal product or collection at the ready, you can still boost revenue with a seasonal flash sale.

A flash sale is a limited time offer intended to grab people’s attention. They usually attract customers because of the discounts on offer and by appealing to FOMO. The idea is to create a sense of urgency, encouraging customers to act fast and make a quick purchase.

And what better way to reach out to your shoppers and grab their attention than with straight-to-mobile SMS? With the help of our SMS cheat sheet, the perfect text message is just a click away!

Make sure to communicate that customers have a limited time to act with language like “Grab it now,” “While stocks last,” “Limited quantities,” etc.

If we do see an improvement in the weather, be sure to capitalise on it and consider sending out an SMS campaign with offers on themed products, such as cooling items, beach accessories, etc. With SMS you can react almost immediately as a simple text message can be sent at speed and do wonders for your sales:

“Beat the Heat with a 25% discount – all day today!”

“Cool off with 10% OFF sitewide!”

SMS for events, outdoor enthusiasts and back-to-school

If you’re looking for ways to make your promotions more engaging, you can link your offer to specific summer events.

Beauty brands, for example, can leverage International Self-care Day (July 24) to highlight special offers or pampering products. Fashion brands can use summertime to promote holiday-themed products such as swimwear, sunglasses, beach accessories etc. And with many choosing to ‘tie the knot’ during the summer months, remember wedding guests who will be looking for appropriate gifts plus outfits and footwear to dance the night away.

Avid gardeners, BBQ enthusiasts and children will also be spending more time outdoors. It's when many customers are at their most active hobby-wise so if you’re selling sporting gear and equipment or garden furniture you can actively drive more revenue to your store with a few well-chosen SMS promotions.

By the time the end of the summer is in sight, all thoughts return to going back-to-school or university, so it's an ideal time to target students and their parents.

Don't miss out on our 25% off Back to School sale, [FIRST NAME]!! Grab your bargain now...[url]

Upsell and cross-sell to maximise sales

As is the case in any season, it’s important to deliver upsell and cross selling summer campaigns. It’s hard enough to grab customers’ attention to start with so make sure when you have them engaged you do everything to encourage fuller shopping baskets!

This is where your SMS data comes into its own as you can use it provide your customers with a matching deal or a discount on a product they’ve previously looked at. Think about sending a relevant and personalised offer that complements something they’ve already purchased from you to improve your chances of conversion.

Grabbing a new shoppers' attention can do wonders for your business but by looking after your core group of loyal returning customers who consistently spend with you delivers real bottom-line security - and profit.

Have a stellar marketing summer

With competitively priced SMS you can afford to be creative, have fun and explore what summer themed promotions work best for you.

And as you head into the autumn, don’t forget to follow-up with brilliant aftercare and SMS customer communication that will keep you front of mind for customers and help you to strengthen long-lasting relationships.