1. Order confirmation

The first step is to send an order confirmation SMS as soon as the order is placed. This gives the customer reassurance that the order is confirmed. 

This message typically contains the customer name, order number, and product name. You can also provide some basic details on shipping or estimated delivery time in this message. 

2. Shipping update

You can send a shipping update once the order is dispatched. This message usually contains the order number, product name, tracking link, and expected delivery date. 

This proactive SMS ensures that customers are not left wondering where their order is. 

3. Delivery update

A delivery update is sent once the product is out for delivery. This message helps consumers plan their availability to receive the product. 

This typically contains the order number, product name, and estimated delivery time.

4. Delivery confirmation

A delivery confirmation SMS is sent after the order is delivered. It often includes a link with a feedback form or support number to contact in case of any issues. 

1. Choose an SMS marketing platform

The first step is to choose an SMS marketing platform to deliver the messages. Some key considerations to decide on an SMS marketing platform are:

• Can the platform be integrated with your eCommerce store?
• Is the pricing in your budget?
• Does the platform allow setting up automated SMS workflows?
• Is the SMS deliverability high and reliable?

2. Integrate with eCommerce platform

Once the SMS platform is finalized, you can integrate it with your eCommerce store. This integration will give the SMS platform access to the required data to send order updates. 

3. Set up automated SMS messages

Post integration, you define automated workflows to send messages when a new order is placed or the status changes of any existing order. In these automated workflows, you can set up trigger events and respective messages for the trigger. These trigger events would be:

• Order placed
• Order shipped
• Order out for delivery
• Order delivered

The platform will automatically send messages whenever a trigger hits.

4. Test and refine messages

You can track the key metrics to optimize your SMS updates further. These metrics can mainly be open rate or click rate.

1. Cover all order stages

Provide clear and consistent communication throughout the entire order process, from order confirmation to shipping and delivery, so customers are always aware of their order's status.

2. Keep the message concise and relevant

Customers want a quick note, so keep the message crisp with necessary details (Order number, estimated delivery date, tracking link).

3. Personalize message

For a better experience, personalize the message with specific customer/order information. 

For instance, don't just mention the order number in the message. Instead, add the product name so customers are aware of which order you're talking about in the message. 

4. Use a reliable SMS provider

You cannot afford poor deliverability in order status SMS. Imagine sending an order confirmation promising a shipping link upon dispatch, only for that crucial shipping update to go undelivered. 

That's not the type of experience customers expect, nor does any eCommerce platform want to deliver. This inconsistency frustrates customers and reflects poorly on your brand. To avoid such issues, you can choose an SMS provider with high deliverability. 

5. Add branding to SMS

Add brand details to SMS so customers can immediately recognize the brand. Some branding elements can be:

• Register your business name as the sender ID rather than using a general long code number
• Create brand voice guidelines for consistent tone and style for messages
• Start or end messages with your brand name