Email might be your marketing workhorse, but when speed and urgency matter, Mailchimp text messaging is the secret weapon you didn’t know you needed.
If you’re already running email campaigns, adding Mailchimp text messaging to your strategy can increase engagement, recover lost sales, and get your message seen fast. We’ve helped dozens of clients at Chimp Essentials successfully layer Mailchimp texting into their marketing, and we’re sharing exactly what you need to know to make it work for your business.
What Is Mailchimp Text Messaging?
Mailchimp SMS is Mailchimp’s built-in text messaging feature. It lets you send short, targeted text messages directly from your Mailchimp account, with no extra software or subscription required. It’s perfect for:
- Flash sales
- Abandoned cart reminders
- VIP promos
- Time-sensitive updates
📈 Bonus:
Text message open rates are over 90%, and usually within 3 minutes. That’s way faster than email.
What You Need to Start Using Mailchimp Text Messaging
To use Mailchimp SMS, make sure you have the following:
- A Standard or Premium Mailchimp plan
- A contact list with SMS opt-in consent collected through Mailchimp forms or integrations
- Alcohol industry? Age verification is required: If you market beer, wine, spirits, or other alcohol products via SMS, mobile carriers require age-gating. Mailchimp now supports this natively. Learn how Mailchimp SMS age-gating works.
- Phone numbers from supported countries (Mailchimp SMS only delivers to numbers in specific regions)
- Prepaid SMS credits, as texts are billed separately from your regular Mailchimp subscription
Within your account, Mailchimp text messaging is available as a step within Automation Flows, Mailchimp’s modern drip campaign builder. You can also send standalone SMS campaigns.
Best Ways to Use Mailchimp Text Messaging
Mailchimp texting gets results when used sparingly and strategically. Here are a few uses we have seen produce results:
- Recover abandoned carts: Trigger an SMS 1–2 hours after a customer leaves your site.
- Promote flash sales: A quick text with a discount code gets attention fast.
- Reward VIPs: Send exclusive SMS-only offers to your best customers.
- Remind and confirm: Nudge customers about upcoming events or appointments.
Because Mailchimp SMS connects your contact data and automation flows, you can get incredibly targeted. For example, reach text-only subscribers who have not opened the last five email campaigns or made a purchase in the past 30 days.
Things to Know Before Using Mailchimp SMS
Let’s keep it real: while Mailchimp texting is powerful, there are a few limitations to know upfront:
- It’s not free: SMS messages are charged separately from your regular plan.
- Available in select countries: Mailchimp SMS is currently supported in the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, and several European countries. Availability depends on local regulations and the type of messaging.
- Opt-in required: You must obtain explicit permission from each contact before sending text messages.
- Limited formatting: Keep it to plain text. Emojis and links work, but no images or buttons.
That said, when used in conjunction with email, Mailchimp SMS can significantly enhance your engagement and conversion rates, ultimately driving revenue and sales.
Tips for Better Mailchimp Text Messaging Results
Want to get the most out of Mailchimp SMS? Keep these best practices in mind:
- Keep it short and to the point. Aim for 160 characters or fewer to ensure messages are delivered cleanly and clearly.
- Be clear about who you are. Identify your brand, the purpose of the text, and what action the recipient should take.
- Send at the right time. Weekday mornings typically perform best, but remember, SMS is a conversational medium, so be prepared to monitor and respond accordingly.
- Always include opt-out instructions. These are required for compliance. A simple “Reply STOP to unsubscribe” works well.
- Use SMS to complement your email campaigns. Don’t copy and paste your email content; instead, use SMS for quick reminders, urgent updates, or time-sensitive offers.
💡Pro tip:
You can A/B test your email, then follow up via SMS with the top-performing subject or CTA.
Mailchimp SMS vs. Standalone Text Tools
You could use a separate SMS platform. But if you’re already using Mailchimp for email, here’s why Mailchimp SMS is worth considering:
- No extra integrations or syncing contacts
- Unified reporting (see SMS + email in one place)
- Simple setup inside Customer Journeys
- Legal compliance is built-in, including native SMS age-gating for alcohol brands
If you’re already investing in Mailchimp, it makes sense to use Mailchimp text messaging as part of a cohesive strategy.
Final Thoughts: Is Mailchimp Texting Right for You?
Not every business needs texting, but many overlook its potential, which could have a significant impact on their business goals.
Use Mailchimp text messaging if you:
- Have time-sensitive offers or events
- Want to recover lost sales quickly
- Already use Mailchimp for email campaigns
- Need a mobile-first way to reach customers fast
🍺 Marketing alcohol via SMS?
Mailchimp now includes built-in age verification for alcohol industry SMS programs — no third-party tools needed. Read our full guide to Mailchimp SMS Age-Gating →
Need help getting started with Mailchimp SMS or building out automations that include text messaging? We offer 1-on-1 support, training, and a done-for-you SMS setup, so you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
