Creative SMS Drip Marketing Campaign Ideas for Every Industry

Savvy marketers know how important it is to deliver personalized content at the right time to the right audience. It helps to capture customers’ attention along with dollars! Here is where drip marketing campaign ideas come in handy. Of course, drip marketing is not the new marketing strategy. Brands have been using it for decades in email marketing. However, they have started sending drip campaigns via SMS due to the high rate of open (98%) and response (45%) to text messages.

This guide explains everything that a business wants to know about SMS drip campaigns, along with SMS drip campaign examples and use cases. Let’s first start with understanding what an SMS drip campaign is.

What is an SMS Drip Campaign?

An SMS drip campaign is a sequence of time-delayed text messages which are automatically sent to subscribers at predetermined intervals. These drip messages keep customers engaged, help nurture leads, and boost business ROI by increasing customer retention rates.

Let’s learn how different industries can use these automated messages to drive results and engagement with drip texting.

Creative SMS Drip Marketing Campaign Ideas

1. Real Estate Drip Campaigns

If you’re into a real estate business, you can set real estate SMS drip campaigns for new property listings, buyer/seller guides, and virtual tours and send personalized messages.

Here is an example of a real estate drip campaign you can set when a customer shows interest in a property, nurture them, and close the sale.

For example,

Trigger – A customer shows interest in a property

Send them a message to build a connection.

Hey [Name]! Thanks for showing interest in the [Property Name]! This stunning (No of bedrooms) property has so much to offer. Let us know if you want to schedule a tour! – [Real estate firm name].

Wait for 1 Day

Send a follow-up message.

Hey [Name], Just checking in! Do you have any questions about [Property name]? We would love to help you get closer to the next step of finding your dream home. – [Your company name]

After waiting for one day, if you don’t get any response, send one more message to build excitement.

[Name], properties like [Property name] are moving fast. Let’s schedule a tour before it’s gone. Reply with your available time and date. – [Your real estate firm name].

Wait for one day and send a message.

Hey [Name], [Property Name] has some exciting offers for this month. Let’s discuss how you can make this dream home yours. Call at [phone number] or Reply DISCUSS. [Your real estate company name].

2. Insurance Drip Campaigns

Insurance business owners can set drip campaigns to send policy renewal reminders, claim assistance, give expert advice, and share educational content about various coverage options. This way, they can nurture leads and encourage them to take desired actions.

Let’s understand this through the simple SMS drip campaign example of a policy renewal SMS drip campaign.

Trigger: A customer’s policy is expiring in 10 days.

Send them a message to encourage them to renew their policy.

Day – 10 – Hey [Name]! This is [Insurance agent Name] from [Insurance company Name]. Your [Policy Name] is expiring on [Date]. Renew now to continue enjoying peace of mind. It takes only a minute! [Link to renew].

Day – 7 – Hi [Name]! Only 7 days left to renew your [Policy Name]. Stay protected without any interruptions. Renew today and secure your coverage. [Renew Link].

Day – 3 – Hey [Name]! Just 3 days to go! Renew your [Policy Name] to avoid any lapse in the coverage. Need any assistance? Call us at [Phone Number]. [Renew Link].

Day – 1 – Hi [Name], your [Policy Name] expires tomorrow! Renew today so as not to lose benefits. [Renew Link].

Day Of Expiry – Hey [Name], your [Policy Name] expires today! Act now to renew it instantly. Don’t lose coverage. [Renew Now Link]. Have any questions? Call us at [Contact Info].

After Expiry Day – 2 – Hi [Name], we noticed your [Policy Name] has expired. It’s not too late! Renew today and get back on track with uninterrupted coverage. [Renew Link].

3. Solar Drip Campaigns

Solar companies can use drip campaigns to inform customers about energy savings, financing options, system installation processes, and maintenance tips. They can even set up follow-up SMS drip campaigns to guide customers from inquiry to installation.

Here is a drip SMS campaign example of follow-up, which will help convert interested customers to install a solar system.

Trigger: Customer has shown interest in installing a solar system in their home. Wait for 1 hour and then send a follow-up message.

Hey [Name]! Thanks for showing interest in going solar with us. Did you know you could save up to [XX%] on electricity bills? Let’s explore options together! Revert ‘YES’ to schedule a FREE consultation.

The next day, you can send a follow-up message that highlights the benefits.

[Name], ever wondered if you can increase your home’s value and reduce the carbon footprint? We make it happen. Reply ‘READY’ for the personalized quote.

Wait for 2 days and then send a message that shows social proof.

Hey [First Name]! Many people like you’re switching to solar with us. Here’s what one of our happy customers said: Our bills dropped by 50%, and the process was so smooth! Reply ‘MORE’ to hear other success stories or ‘START’ to start your journey today.

After 2 days, you can send a follow-up message that addresses concerns.

Thinking about solar but unsure if it’s the right fit? Let’s answer your questions! We will cover everything from the installation cost. Reply ‘HELP’ to chat with our experts or schedule a call.

Send them a message that evokes urgency and encourages them to take action with some lucrative offers.

Hey [Name]! Install solar this month and get $[X] off. Reply ‘DEAL’ to claim your spot. Let’s power your home the smart way. 

4. Hotel & Hospitality Drip Campaigns

In the hotel business, owners can use an SMS drip campaign to send information regarding pre-arrival tips, special deals, local attractions, etc. Besides, to learn about the customer’s experience, they can use automated messages. In the following example, a hotel tries to collect feedback from the customer who is satisfied with their service.

Trigger – A customer checks out from the hotel. After waiting for an hour, send them an SMS.

Hey [Name]! Thank you for choosing us. We hope you had a great time. How would you rate your stay (1-10, with 10 being extraordinary).

Tirgger – Customer responds with 10

Thanks, [Name], for your valuable feedback! Would you leave a review about your memorable experience? [Link].

Wait for 2 days and send them a reminder message.

Hey [Name]! It’s a gentle reminder! Kindly leave a review about your stay experience at [Hotel Name]. It means a lot to our hotel. [Link].

5. Car Dealership Drip Campaigns

Do you want to promote special offers, want to send test drive reminders, or send information regarding new car model launches? This is possible by setting up drip SMS campaigns.

In the following example, we will discuss how a car dealership can set up a promotional drip SMS campaign to advertise their limited-time offer. It will help increase conversion by encouraging customers to buy with tempting offers. Here, the dealership sends the first message when the limited-time sale/offer starts.

Trigger – Limited-time sale starts.

Hey [Name]! [Car Dealership Name] is running the New Year Sale. Get [%X] off if you buy a [Car Model Name] between December 25 – January 1. [Address Link].

Wait for 1 day and then send a reminder message.

[Name], there are only 4 days left to save with our New Year Sale. Claim [%X] off on [Car Model Name]. Visit today. [Address Link].

Wait for 2 days and send a reminder message again.

[Car Dealership Name]: Hurry, [Customer Name]! Only a few hours left to buy that [Car Model Name] set at [%X] off. Buy Now. Visit us : [Address Link].

6. E-commerce Drip Campaigns

Running an eCommerce brand? You can set up the eCommerce drip SMS campaign for abandoned cart follow-ups, promote special offers, or send product recommendations.

Let’s understand how eCommerce store owners can use this drip marketing campaign idea to reduce the abandoned cart rate by sending follow-up messages.

Trigger – Potential customer abandons cart

Wait for 2 hours and send a message.

Hey [Customer Name]! It seems like you left your favourite products in your cart. Click here to check out – [Link].

Wait for 1 day and send a follow-up message again.

[Customer Name]! You have a great taste! Continue to check out and get 20% off with code – DISCOUNT20 – [Link].

Wait for 2 days and send a reminder message.

Hey [Customer Name]! Your exclusive 20% discount expires in 48 hours. Grab your favourite items before they run out of stock – [Link].

7. Non-Profit Drip Campaigns

Non-profit organizations can set the SMS drip campaign template to send donation reminders, event invitations, volunteer opportunities, and share success stories.

In the following SMS drip campaign example, we will learn how non-profit organizations can set automated messages to remind customers about donations.

Trigger – A supporter shows interest in donating by visiting the donation page but does not complete the process.

After 24 hours, send a message and encourage them to complete the process.

[Name], we noticed you showed interest in making a difference on our donation page. Your small contribution can change someone’s life! Are you ready to take the next step? – [Donation Link].

Wait for 2 days and then again send a follow-up message.

Change begins with you [Name]! Your [$amount] can help [cause/misson]. Let’s make the difference together. Donate now: [Link].

Wait for 3 days and send them a message that shows a sense of urgency.

Hey [Name]! Time is running out. Let’s help us meet our goal for [cause/mission]. You can be the reason we can impact lives. Donate by [Date]: [Link].

Wait for 4 more days and then send a final push message.

Hi [First Name], this is your last chance to help us with [cause/mission]. Your support can make a difference. Don’t miss this golden chance. Let’s make a lasting difference together: [Link].

8. Healthcare Drip Campaigns

Healthcare practitioners can set up automated SMS drip campaigns for appointment reminders and follow-up reminders and even educate them. It helps reduce no-shows, improves patient engagement, and simplifies appointment scheduling and management.

Let’s understand this through the SMS drip campaign example that shows how you can set up a drip campaign for appointment reminders. This SMS drip campaign encourages a patient to schedule a checkup.

Trigger – Patient’s annual checkup is due.

Hey [Patient Name]! It’s time for your annual health checkup. Reply ‘SCHEDULE’ or call us at [Phone Number] to schedule your appointment.

Wait for three days and then send a follow-up message.

[Name], just checking in! Are you interested in scheduling an appointment for your annual health checkup? We’ve a few spots available for next week!.

Trigger – patient schedule an appointment.

Hey [Patient Name]! Your annual health checkup appointment with [Dr. Name] at [Clinic Name] is scheduled for January 25 at 5 pm.

Wait till January 23 and then send a reminder message.

Hi [Patient Name]! Gentle Reminder! Your appointment with [Dr. Name] is on January 23 at 5 pm. See you soon!.

9. Restaurant Drip Campaigns

Restaurants can set up automated SMS drip campaigns to build long-term customer relationships. They can use the drip campaign to share loyalty program updates, special event notifications, exclusive offers, and personalized meal recommendations. It helps encourage repeat visits.

In this example, we will discuss how restaurants can use the SMS drip campaign to message customers about reward points, milestone rewards, birthday rewards, or any other benefits.

Trigger – A customer signs up for the loyalty program.

Send them a welcome message.

Hey [Name]! Welcome to [Restaurant Name]’s Loyalty Club! You’re on your path to earning delicious rewards. Your first benefit? 15% off your next visit! Show this text while paying the bill. See you soon!.

Wait for 1 day and then send an SMS that highlights rewards.

[Name], did you know? Every $1 you spend earns you points to get free meals and exclusive offers. Next time, whenever you crave our [popular dish name], let’s treat you right. Start earning today. 

Wait for 2 days and then send an offer reminder.

Hey [Name]! We missed you! Dine with us this weekend and earn double points on your meal. Grab this yummy offer today. Offer ends [Date, time]!

10. Travel and Tourism Drip Campaigns

Running a travel agency? You can set up an SMS drip campaign to share trip-planning tips, local events, special travel packages, and post-trip surveys. It helps build long-term relationships with customers through informative and personalized messages.

Let’s understand how a travel agency can set up a drip campaign to share tips about trip planning.

Trigger: A user signs up to get trip planning tips through the website or text keyword “PLANTRIP.”

Immediately after signing up, send a welcome message to a user.

Hey [First Name]! Are you planning your dream trip? Here is the first Tip – Start with your favourite destinations and list them down. Keep it simple. Reply with your dream place!

On the second day, send another tip message.

[First Name], Hi! Tip – 2 – Check the best travel times for your chosen place. Avoid peak seasons to save your hard-earned money and enjoy stress-free travel. Do you need help? Text back ‘SEASONS’ to get ideas.

Wait for 1 day and then send a third tip message.

Hi [First Name]! Tip – 3 – Book early for flights and hotels to grab the best deals! Early booking = cheaper rates. Have you locked your dates?.

Wait for 2 days and then send a fourth tip.

[First Name]! Here is Tip – 4 – “Make a list of essentials, so you won’t end up in an overstuffed bag. Reply ‘PACKING’ to get the ready-made checklist.

Wait for another 2 days, and send a message about the final tip.

It’s a final tip [Name]! Download maps and essential travel apps for hassle-free trips. All set? Let us know where you’re planning to go. We will help you with customized travel packages!.

Wrapping It Up!

SMS drip campaigns let you send personalized messages to your target audience at the optimal time. It helps in brand awareness, increases sales, stays on top of customers’ minds, and cuts churn. All you need is the right automated SMS marketing platform like Textdrip for it. With impressive features like drip campaigns and reminder drip, the platform lets you set automated SMS quickly and hassle-free. So, keep the above-discussed drip campaign examples and drip marketing campaign ideas in mind and create and automate SMS drip campaigns with a few clicks.

Take a FREE trial of Textdrip, set up automated texts, and get first-hand experience of how it can increase your business ROI.