How to Use SMS Marketing for Successful Ramadan Campaigns

Ramadan is a high-impact season for businesses, as consumers actively seek special deals, promotions, and exclusive offers. With increased shopping activity and engagement, SMS marketing stands out as an effective and direct channel to reach customers instantly.

With over 90% of SMS messages opened within 3 minutes, businesses can leverage SMS marketing to boost sales, enhance brand engagement, and create meaningful connections during Ramadan. This article explores how to use SMS marketing strategically for successful Ramadan campaigns, specifically for the Saudi Arabian market.

Why SMS Marketing is Powerful for Ramadan Campaigns?

✅ High Open & Response Rates – SMS boasts a 98% open rate, far higher than emails and social media ads.
✅ Instant Communication – Messages reach customers within seconds, making it ideal for time-sensitive offers.
✅ No Internet Required – SMS can reach all mobile users, even those without internet access.
✅ Highly Personalized – Businesses can tailor messages based on customer behavior and preferences.
✅ Cost-Effective & Scalable – SMS campaigns are affordable and can reach thousands of customers simultaneously.

💡 Fact: A study showed that SMS campaigns increase conversion rates by 35% during peak shopping seasons like Ramadan.

Effective SMS Marketing Strategies for Ramadan

Plan Your Ramadan SMS Campaign in Advance

Preparation is key! A well-structured Ramadan SMS strategy should align with key shopping periods:

📌 Before Ramadan (1-2 weeks prior):

• Introduce early-bird discounts and Ramadan product collections.
• Send out Ramadan Kareem greetings to engage your audience.

📌 During Ramadan:

• Promote special deals and discounts at key shopping times.
• Remind customers about flash sales and exclusive Eid offers.
• Share Iftar/Suhoor limited-time promotions.

📌 Before Eid:

• Announce last-minute Eid shopping offers and express delivery options.
• Send personalized Eid Mubarak messages with exclusive discounts.

Use Short, Clear & Engaging Messages

SMS is limited to 160 characters, so your message should be concise, engaging, and action-driven.

💡 Example SMS Templates:
✅ Welcome Message:
"Ramadan Kareem! Celebrate with special offers. Enjoy 20% OFF on all products. Shop now: [Link]"

✅ Flash Sale:
"Hurry! Flash Sale – 30% OFF for the next 2 hours only! Order now before it's gone: [Link]"

✅ Iftar Special Deals:
"Break your fast with savings! Get 25% OFF on all Ramadan essentials before Iftar. Order now: [Link]"

✅ Eid Shopping Reminder:
"Last chance for Eid gifts! Order today & get express delivery before Eid. Shop now: [Link]"

💡 Pro Tip: Add a sense of urgency by using words like "Limited Time," "Hurry," "Exclusive Offer," or "Today Only".

Personalize Your SMS Campaigns

Customers are more likely to engage with messages that feel personal. Use dynamic fields to include:
✔ Customer’s Name ("Hello Ahmed, enjoy 20% OFF!")
✔ Past Purchase History ("Based on your last order, we recommend these new Ramadan deals!")
✔ Location-Based Offers ("Exclusive Suhoor deals in Riyadh – Order now!")

📌 Example:
"Ahmed, get SAR 50 off your next Ramadan shopping! Limited time only. Shop now: [Link]"

💡 Fact: Personalized SMS messages have a 29% higher open rate than generic ones.

Use SMS for Order Confirmations & Delivery Updates

Enhance customer experience and trust by keeping them updated via SMS:
📦 Order Confirmation: "Thank you for shopping with us! Your order #[12345] is confirmed. Track your delivery here: [Link]"
🚚 Delivery Updates: "Your order is out for delivery and will arrive today. Enjoy your Ramadan shopping!"

💡 Pro Tip: Automated transactional SMS reduces customer inquiries and improves satisfaction.

Leverage SMS for Exclusive WhatsApp & App Engagement

Use SMS to drive traffic to your WhatsApp, website, or mobile app for deeper engagement.

📌 Example:
"Join our exclusive WhatsApp Ramadan deals! Click here to start chatting: [WhatsApp Link]"

💡 Fact: Adding a clickable link to SMS messages increases engagement rates by 25%.

6. Schedule SMS Messages at the Right Time

Timing is crucial in Ramadan marketing. Send messages when customers are most active:

🕐 Best Times to Send SMS During Ramadan:
✔ Before Iftar (3-5 PM): Consumers browse online for last-minute deals.
✔ After Taraweeh (10 PM - 1 AM): High shopping activity, especially for Eid preparations.
✔ Suhoor Hours (2-4 AM): Ideal for food delivery promotions and late-night shopping offers.

💡 Tip: Use A/B testing to determine the most effective timing and message style for your audience.

Implement Two-Way SMS for Customer Engagement

Encourage customer interaction by using reply-based SMS campaigns:
📌 "Reply YES to get an exclusive Ramadan deal!"
📌 "Reply with your favorite product, and we’ll send you a special discount!"

💡 Pro Tip: Two-way SMS builds engagement and increases conversion rates by 40%.

 Optimize SMS with Multi-Channel Integration

Combine SMS marketing with:
📍 Email Marketing – Send a follow-up email with detailed Ramadan offers.
📍 Social Media – Promote your SMS-exclusive deals on Facebook & Instagram.
📍 WhatsApp Marketing – Use SMS to direct customers to WhatsApp for real-time support.

📌 Example SMS:
"Unlock exclusive Ramadan rewards! Check your email for a special offer or visit [Website Link]."

💡 Fact: Multi-channel campaigns increase conversion rates by 30% compared to SMS-only campaigns.

Common SMS Marketing Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Sending Too Many Messages – Avoid overwhelming customers with frequent SMS messages. Stick to 2-3 messages per week.
❌ Lack of Clear CTA – Every SMS should have a clear call-to-action (CTA) like "Shop Now," "Claim Offer," or "Reply YES."
❌ Using Lengthy Messages – Keep it short, clear, and impactful within 160 characters.
❌ Not Tracking Performance – Use SMS analytics to measure open rates, click-through rates, and conversions.

Final Tips for a Successful Ramadan SMS Campaign

✔ Segment your audience – Target different customer groups with personalized messages.
✔ Use urgency & scarcity – Words like "Limited Offer" or "Only 2 Hours Left" drive action.
✔ Monitor & adjust – Track performance metrics to improve future campaigns.
✔ Offer value, not just promotions – Share Ramadan tips, reminders, and festive greetings to build engagement.
✔ Ensure compliance – Follow Saudi Arabia’s SMS marketing regulations and allow users to opt-out if they choose.

SMS marketing is a powerful tool to drive sales, engagement, and customer loyalty during Ramadan. With the right timing, personalization, and message strategy, businesses in Saudi Arabia can create highly effective Ramadan campaigns that convert.

🚀 Start your Ramadan SMS campaign today and make this season your most profitable one yet!