SMS Marketing 101: Reaching Customers Where They Already Are

TCPA compliance is non-negotiable: documented consent, clear opt-out (“STOP”), and no purchased lists. POS and web forms should separate SMS consent from general terms—customers should know they are agreeing to texts.

Best use cases

• Flash sales and slow-night fills with a single clear CTA.
• Appointment or pickup ready notifications.
• Back-in-stock for loyal customers who asked.
• Event RSVP reminders—not daily chatter.

Frequency and timing

One to four texts per month is plenty for most retailers and restaurants. Send mid-afternoon for dinner promos, mid-morning for service businesses. Respect quiet hours; local goodwill evaporates with 10 p.m. pings.

Measure redemption, not just clicks

Use unique codes or links tied to your POS when possible. If texts do not show up in sales, tighten offers or audience—not volume.

Croft Business Solutions helps with SMS and loyalty integrations aligned with your processing and POS through Croft merchant programs. We explain options in plain language, review statements when useful, and stay one call away, not a ticket queue.

SMS is a scalpel—high impact, high scrutiny. Earn the opt-in, send sparingly, and make every message worth the interruption.