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In a world where customers scroll fast and expect faster responses, retention marketing isn't optional—it’s the secret weapon behind the most resilient, high-growth brands.
That’s where email and SMS automation come in.
When used together, these channels deliver more touchpoints—and smarter ones. From the automated email welcome sequence flow to strategic cart abandonment nudges and loyalty campaigns, the right mix of email and SMS drives results across the customer lifecycle.
Working with the right email marketing agency or SMS marketing agency ensures you’re not just sending messages, but sending the right messages to the right customers at the right time.
In this post, you’ll learn:
- Why email + SMS are better together
- The email SMS engagement strategy brands are using right now
- Real workflows that convert
- Tools and tips to streamline it all
Why Combining Email + SMS Matters More Than Ever
Modern consumers expect communication that feels seamless. That means a blend of immediacy, relevance, and brand consistency—delivered on their terms.
- Email shines when it comes to storytelling, content depth, and keeping your brand top of mind.
- SMS wins on urgency, speed, and cutting through the clutter.
And when you use both? Data shows combined email and SMS campaigns have 47.7% higher click-through rates than email alone (according to Klaviyo internal benchmarks).
These aren’t just vanity metrics. They translate directly to revenue, retention, and customer loyalty.
Core Use Cases for Email + SMS Automation
1. Welcome Series
- Email: Set the tone with your brand story, key value props, and product education.
- SMS: Deliver the welcome offer fast. Remind them before it expires.
2. Cart Abandonment
- Email: Include product images, customer reviews, and FAQ content.
- SMS: Send a short reminder with urgency and a direct link back to checkout.
3. Replenishment & Re-Engagement
- Email: Predictive timing based on order frequency and past behavior.
- SMS: Simple reorders via text—e.g., “Reply YES to reorder your last subscription.”
4. VIP & Loyalty Campaigns
- Email: Showcase tier benefits, exclusive perks, or early access content.
- SMS: Surprise-and-delight moments: early drops, limited stock alerts, or personalized gifts.
These workflows aren’t random. They’re examples of what’s working in real-world retention strategies—and a key part of what many would call the best email SMS workflow in today’s market.
Email + SMS Engagement Strategy Best Practices
To make email and SMS work in harmony—not chaos—follow these engagement rules:
- Use SMS sparingly. It works best for offers, restocks, and urgent updates.
- Use email consistently. Share education, product spotlights, and campaigns—even without a discount.
- Complement, don’t copy. Your email and SMS should work together, not say the same thing twice.
- Use predictive tools (like Klaviyo’s Smart Send) to determine which channel your customer prefers—and send accordingly.
- Personalize across both. Don’t stop at the first name. Include product preferences, order timing, and segmentation by intent.
If you're building your email SMS engagement strategy from scratch, always think in journeys, not blasts.
Tools to Power Omnichannel Automation
To get omnichannel marketing right, you need tools that do more than send messages.
We recommend Klaviyo as the best solution for brands on Shopify. Here’s why:
- Built-in email and SMS automation under one dashboard
- Unified customer profiles so you can personalize across every touchpoint
- Predictive analytics to fuel smarter flows and campaigns
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Same message on both channels? Customers tune out fast.
- Bad timing: Sending texts at midnight is a guaranteed opt-out.
- Over-sending SMS: Remember—every message costs. Segment smarter.
- No attribution tracking: Use 2-day click attribution for accurate insights.
- Multiple abandonment texts: In the U.S. and EU, that’s legally risky.
- No quiet hours: Keep SMS within 9 AM–7 PM (even though legal limits are 8–9, customer satisfaction drops outside that window).
Want to avoid these mistakes? Stimulate Retention Marketing Agency has worked with dozens of brands to implement high-performing flows on Klaviyo that increase retention and drive predictable revenue.
Final Thoughts
Email + SMS isn’t about flooding inboxes and phones but building a more innovative, connected retention engine. When used strategically, these channels create a full-funnel customer journey that deepens engagement, maximizes lifetime value, and drives real, repeatable revenue.
The brands leading the pack in 2025 aren’t just automating—they’re orchestrating. They use intelligent workflows, hyper-personalized touchpoints, and seamless channel sync to make every interaction count.
If you're serious about turning subscribers into loyalists and messages into money, you need to build a 24/7 system.
Book your FREE strategy call with Stimulate—the retention marketing agency scaling email + SMS programs for brands that want real results—no fees, no fluff—just expert insights and a custom plan tailored to your business.
It’s 100% free—and honestly, kind of a no-brainer. 💰
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