In the fast-paced world of eCommerce, the checkout process stands as a pivotal factor as the sales volume you’ll process in your storedepends on the effectiveness of your checkout. It's where potential buyers either seal the deal or abandon their carts. Thus, checkout optimization has long been the holy grail of eCommerce businesses. 

Shopify, with a range of powerful tools for checkout optimization, has long been a go-to platform for online store owners. One such tool, the one-page checkout, was once an exclusive privilege reserved for Shopify Plus users. However, here's theexciting news: this feature is now accessible to online store owners across all Shopify plans!

In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the topic of one-page checkout, exploring the strategies to create and optimize them for your Shopify store. We'll unveil the secrets to boost conversions, reduce cart abandonment, and enhance the overall shopping experience for your customers. Let's embark on this journey to a more efficient, profitable online checkout process together.

Ahoy there, matey! If you're ready to set sail on the high seas of SMS marketing, you better make sure your ship is TCPA compliant. 

Don't worry, it's not as complicated as it sounds! We've got your back and won't let you sink! In fact, it's super easy with our happy and upbeat guide to TCPA-compliant SMS marketing. So, let's get started and keep your text message marketing fun, happy, and compliant!

What is TCPA-compliant for SMS Marketing?

You might wonder what TCPA is. Let me wrap all in this story for you. 

"You - a man trying to sell aroma oil and candles for ladies - those who are ready to pay $60 (even more) for a candle. Karen - who just fills in your checkout form to check the shipping fee then dip (aka. abandoned cart). So now you send her a message to tell her to checkout now with a discount code. 

So if things go well, Karen rushes to checkout with your discount. Easier huh? But (yeah things often don’t flow the way we want) if Karen is not in the mood right now and feels like such an invasion of her privacy. She sues you - the owner of the aroma store, with proof of TCPA Violations and you might pay up to $1500 per violation. Ouch!"

TCPA compliance requires businesses to obtain prior express written consent before making telemarketing calls or sending text messages to consumers. 

It also mandates certain disclosures and opt-out mechanisms and imposes penalties for violations.

Why do I have to comply with the TCPA?

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), which was signed into law in 1991, is federal legislation pertaining to telemarketing. That law sounds like an ancient story, but it bites nowadays marketers and businessmen.

To simply put, you must ensure that your messaging content and contact list are in compliance with TCPA guidelines as well as all applicable State and Federal laws because subscribers can sue you if you don’t adhere to these guidelines. Hence those who send unwanted messages can be hit with fines up to $1,500 per text message per customer. Ouch. ?

How can you ensure your SMS marketing campaigns are TCPA compliant? 

• Get permission: Don't be a spammer. Make sure you have explicit consent from customers before sending SMS messages. You must regularly review and update their policies to align with TCPA regulations. You can try this template for your policy.
• Be upfront: Don't be a liar. Be transparent about what type of messages customers will receive, how often, and how they can opt out. It's like dating. You wouldn't want to lead someone on or hide your intentions, would you?
• Identify yourself: Don't be a mystery. Every SMS message you send must include the identity of the sender, such as your business name or phone number. It's like introducing yourself to someone. You wouldn't want to have a conversation with someone without knowing who they are, right? 
• Don't be robotic: Don't be a robot. Don't use auto-dialing or pre-recorded messages without explicit consent. It's like trying to have a conversation with a robot. No one likes that. So, make sure you're sending personalized messages manually or with the customer's consent.
• Honor opt-outs: Don't be a stalker. If a customer opts out, immediately stop sending messages to them. 

Here is a checklist for keeping you and your eCommerce safe and sound

To ensure proper consent under TCPA regulations over time, businesses should take more of these steps.

• Get consent from your customers to receive any information from your business via SMS. 
• Keep records of consent clear on your website. (Privacy Policy and Terms of Services)
• Disclose easy and accurate opt-out instructions, such as a “STOP” keyword
• Disclose that normal messaging and data rates may apply.
• Only message people between the hours of 9 am and 9 pm (appropriate timing)
• Be specific about what you’re offering. Use a short code (type YES to opt-in) or shortened link.

In conclusion, keeping your SMS marketing campaigns TCPA compliant is crucial to avoid any legal issues and maintain a positive relationship with your customers. By obtaining consent, identifying yourself, providing value, keeping records, and following the rules, you can ensure that your SMS marketing campaigns are safe, effective, and enjoyable for everyone involved. Remember, a compliant campaign is not only good for avoiding legal trouble, but it's also a way to show your customers that you value their privacy and respect their preferences. So, keep your SMS marketing TCPA compliant, and keep sending those messages with confidence!

Are you feeling like a zero when it comes to SMS marketing? Don't worry, you're not alone. 

According to recent statistics, only 29% of businesses use SMS marketing to reach their customers, despite the fact that SMS messages have a 98% open rate. That means there's a huge opportunity for businesses to become heroes with successful SMS Campaigns

But don't worry, you don't need to be a genius to be a SMS guru. With a little bit of know-how and a sense of humor, you can go from zero to SMS hero in no time. 

In this post, we'll cover a beginner's guide for SMS with some protips to help you become a marketing superhero. So, put on your cape and let's get started!

1. TCPA compliant for SMS Marketing

You might wonder what TCPA is. Let me wrap all in this story for you. 

"You - a man trying to sell aroma oil and candles for ladies - those who are ready to pay $60 (even more) for a candle. Karen - who just fills in your checkout form to check shipping fee and then dip (aka. abandoned cart). So now you send her a message to tell her to checkout now with a discount code. 

So if things go well, Karen rushes to checkout with your discount. Easier huh? But (yeah things often don’t flow the way we want) if Karen is not in the mood right now and feels like such an invasion of her privacy. She sues you - owner of the aroma store, with proof of TCPA Violations and you might pay up to $1500 per violation. Ouch!"

TCPA compliance requires businesses to obtain prior express written consent before making telemarketing calls or sending text messages to consumers. 

It also mandates certain disclosures and opt-out mechanisms and imposes penalties for violations.

So what you should do now:

1. Get permission: Don't be a spammer. Make sure you have explicit consent from customers before sending SMS Marketing messages. You must regularly review and update their policies to align with TCPA regulations. You can try this template for your policy.
2. Be upfront: Don't be a liar. Be transparent about what type of messages customers will receive, how often, and how they can opt out. It's like dating. You wouldn't want to lead someone on or hide your intentions, would you?
3. Identify yourself: Don't be a mystery. Every SMS message you send must include the identity of the sender, such as your business name or phone number. It's like introducing yourself to someone. You wouldn't want to have a conversation with someone without knowing who they are, right?
4. Don't be robotic: Don't be a robot. Don't use auto-dialing or pre-recorded messages without explicit consent. It's like trying to have a conversation with a robot. No one likes that. So, make sure you're sending personalized messages manually or with the customer's consent.
5. Honor opt-outs: Don't be a stalker. If a customer opts out, immediately stop sending messages to them. 

To ensure proper consent under TCPA regulations over time, businesses should take more of these steps.

2. Choose an SMS marketing platform

You can not just send every single SMS from your mobile. Like email marketing, you also need a tool that helps you send SMS. 

There are several SMS marketing platforms available, such as SMSGem, SMSBump, EZ Texting, and SimpleTexting. 

What should you think of when choosing a platform:

1. SMS pricing: Sending an email is free (theoretically), but with SMS, you have to pay for each SMS. So let’s take a look at SMS Pricing and see what fits your budget.
2. SMS template: With a proven template, you can save lots of time writing your own text or sending tests. 
3. SMS features: Personalized text or segmentation which helps your text win more.
4. SMS analytics: Tracking of SMS and its performance is a must for you to analyze what’s going right and wrong and optimize your campaigns 

3. Keep your text SHORT, SWEET and DIRECT

SHORT: SMS texts have a character limit of 160, so important to keep your messages short and to the point. Avoid using jargon or complicated language, and focus on delivering a clear message that is easy to understand. 

SWEET: Remember that we're talking to real people here! So, let's keep it human, shall we? Injecting a little bit of humor is a great way to make your message stand out and create a memorable experience for the recipient. 

Whether it's a playful emoji, a funny GIF, or a witty one-liner, adding a touch of humor can help create a more engaging and enjoyable experience for everyone. So, let's keep it fun - after all, who doesn't love a good laugh with their morning coffee?

DIRECT: Keeping it real and personal. No need for fancy marketing jargon or formalities - let's just call their names like we're chatting with a friend! And remember to tell you who you are.

4. Time to send SMS appropriately

Timing is everything when it comes to SMS Marketing. Avoid sending messages outside of business hours or during times when your customers are likely to be busy or distracted. Even to normal users, time is a so sensitive factor that Android helps users schedule messages to send later.

These are some tips for you to set the time perfectly:

• Think about when your target audience is most likely to be available to receive and respond to your message. 
• If you have a national or international audience, be mindful of time zones when scheduling your messages.
• The purpose of your message can also influence the best time to send it. For example, if you're sending a promotional offer, it may be best to send it during a time when people are more likely to be making purchasing decisions.
• Test and track: It's important to test different send times and track engagement metrics such as open rates and click-through rates to determine the best time to send SMS messages for your specific audience and purpose.

Overall, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the best time to send SMS messages. By considering your own target audience and with the help from SMS Marketing Platform to help you track for the best result. 

5. Analyze and optimize

Finally, you’d better understand what works and what doesn't with your campaign. When it comes to tracking and analyzing SMS Marketing messages, we know it can feel a little bit like stalking - but trust us, it's for a good cause!

By tracking engagement metrics such as open rates and click-through rates, we can better understand how our audience is interacting with our messages and make data-driven decisions on future campaigns. Plus, it's always satisfying to see those engagement numbers climb higher and higher! 

However, you’re sometimes overwhelmed by numbers and charts. So a platform that works hard for you is a need. SMSGem is so user-friendly, even your grandma could use it! So, no need to stress about tracking and analyzing your SMS messages - we've got you covered. Just sit back, relax, and let our SMS app do the heavy lifting.

Well, well, well - we made it to the end! Congratulations, you are officially an SMS Hero! We hope that this beginner's guide has been helpful in demystifying the world of SMS marketing for e-commerce. 

And if you ever need a little extra help, just remember - we're here for you, with our user-friendly SMS platform and our trusty detective hats (or magnifying glasses, if that's more your style). So, go forth and conquer the world of SMS marketing, and remember to always keep it human, keep it fun, and keep on texting!

Online merchants should make the most of eCommerce personalization to better the shoppers’ journey on your store. If you treat them like a VIP, you’ll be surprised by the outcomes.

So—you’ve got your eCommerce website, your Shopify apps, and your niche market selling smartphone accessories. Life is good. 

What’s even better is that the size of the US smartphone accessories market is forecast to grow to 74.43 billion U.S. dollars by 2026. To get a nice slice of this profitable pie, you need to do more than just dabble in website marketing. 

The goal of eCommerce marketing is to harness promotional tactics to generate awareness of your brand while increasing profits and sales. 

Happily, this guide is here to help. 

With eight steps to success in eCommerce website marketing, you’ll learn how to effectively promote your website, drive more sales, and become an overnight success (okay, perhaps not overnight, but this will definitely help).

Chat commerce history goes back a little over 20 years and is founded at the convergence of mobile phones and the internet. That convergence is now seamless, so it’s easy to forget that less than 25 years ago, phones and the internet were two very different worlds. Phones were for talking and texting, and the internet was for browsing and commerce. Phones and computers weren’t connected and didn’t interoperate. 

And then everything changed.

eCommerce has seen phenomenal growth & changes over the last few years, mostly because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The worldwide revenue of ecommerce amounted to more than 3.53 trillion USD.  It is projected to grow all the way to 6.54 trillion by the end of 2024. These numbers speak for themselves about the growth of global ecommerce. Here are some trends that your business should embrace to not fall behind.

1. The emergence of social commerce

One of the things that have always fascinated me about social media is the way it continues to adapt and evolve to changing consumer trends. Over the last 20 years, we’ve seen a progressive shift from simple, text-based updates, to increase visual and ephemeral content, championed by app-based platforms like Instagram and Snapchat. Now, shopping features are recently added to social platforms.

“Social commerce sells products directly through social media networks. It differs from social media marketing as you’re not redirecting users to an online store, but offering them the ability to checkout directly within the network they’re using at that moment.”

The key here is the opportunity it gives brands to create seamless e-commerce experiences directly within social channels, which happen to be some of the most popular destinations on the web. Rather than redirect users elsewhere (e.g to your website or a sales platform), users can often review and buy right there at the moment.

These are some things that your brand can do to embrace the trend:

• Focus on popular, lower-cost products (economical Products)
• Create a customized social shopping experience on Facebook
• Develop a visual social storefront
• Experiment with chatbots and ‘chat commerce’
• Collaborate With Micro-Influencers To Increase Reach 
• Descriptive Live-Streams To Engage & Sell More
• Gather Trust By Turning UGC Into Shoppable UGC

2. Chat commerce

As a sequence of social and mobile commerce, now it’s time for the show of chat commerce.
Chat commerce is the simple act of using your favorite chat app on your mobile phone to make a purchase, get a service, or request support. You simply send a message to query a bill, explore a product or service or make an acquisition.

Keep updated with the Chat Commerce report trend 2024! Download free.

Chat commerce, a form of digital commerce that’s still emerging in the U.S., enables brands to interact and transact with customers through messaging from anywhere as well as securely and in real-time.

More than half of US shoppers use only mobile to accommodate their shopping needs. And shopping cart abandonment rates in the mobile apps is 20% (desktop site 68%, mobile site 97%)

Get prepared for your store with Chat Commerce Solution - PingMe.

3. Brand building - Storytelling

It's easier and easier to become online retailers, hence more competitors and higher ads cost. While ads cost is climbing, brand building is helping attract and retain customers, and create long-term relationship with customers.
Customers now are having more than one information source for them to research any product. Create your own value proposition with outstanding storytelling.

A strong brand not only makes performance marketing more effective in the short term, but it’s also the foundation of sustainable growth. Businesses are overcoming the competition by investing in brand building, which increases customer lifetime value, boosts conversion rates in the short term, and attracts out-of-market buyers in the long term

Tip: There’s one more thing you can do is to diversify your ads and sales channels to lower the cost of advertisements such as radio channels or voice search engines.

4. Personalization

There is a wide range of understanding of the word personalization. Personalization often refers to personalized merchandising in e-commerce. Use various customer data points to personalize your website and deliver relevant products.

In simpler terms, improving the customer experience is WOW’ing the customer. Exceptional customer services, faster shipping, lower prices, easy-to-navigate website increases customer satisfaction.

Below are some tactics you can use to optimize your ecommerce website:

- Integrate AI to make personalization or hyper-relevant content 

- Create personalization in a brand new way with first-party data tracking

- Create an exclusive personalized experience with its loyal fan base

5. Green consumerism

Over recent years, green consumerism has become one of the biggest trends in the global market. An increasing number of people are looking to adopt sustainable lifestyle habits, which includes investing their time and money into brands that engage in eco-friendly practices and environmentally-friendly products. 

Some statistics from environmentally conscious consumers around the world on brand behaviors include: 

• 89% believe that companies should do a lot more to reduce the impact of carbon 
• 88% believe that sustainable practices should be treated as a standard business practice
• 88% believe companies have a responsibility to care for the planet and its people
• 86% expect businesses to play a part in climate change and other social justice issues 

In short, sustainable consumerism calls for businesses to adopt environmentally-friendly practices in four distinct areas: business philosophy, packaging, product manufacturing, and product delivery.

6. AR/VR (Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality)

AR/VR (Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality) is applied for product visualization - a long step that brings the online shopping experience closer to everyone.

Apple has introduced an AR kit for its new operating system iOS 11. In response to that, Google launched AR Core for Android smartphones. The Augmented Reality trends for product visualization will see a shift upward in 2019. The adoption of AR/VR-enabled smart devices will increase sharply leading to a change in global ecommerce trends.

For example, the new app by Ikea lets the users visualize furniture in their homes using the mobile’s camera. Now, how cool is that?

7. Buy now - Pay later

Buy now - Pay later (BNPL) is a flexible type of payment, promisingly changing the future of ecommerce.The Buy Now, Pay Later model allows shoppers to pay for products in regular installments, over a period of time. Shoppers often prefer this method over credit card payments, since BNPL agreements are typically interest-free.

Clearly, giving customers more choices to pay for their needs helps merchants increase sales, as shown below advantages:

• Better customer experience
• Reduces cart abandonment rate
• Boosts sales
• Speeds up the checkout process
• Increases order value size
• Higher customer lifetime value (LTV)

The growth of the BNPL market speaks of its convenience for the underbanked population, which means you can attract new customersand expand the market.

The retail sales model is one of the oldest business models in the world, but eCommerce is forever evolving. Understanding the latest trends will help you stay ahead of the competition, integrating those that work best for your brand and business model. Keep an eye on your competitors, observe the new techniques they use to reach customers, and prioritize changes that will deliver the greatest impact on your bottom line.