SMS marketing is a powerhouse for driving sales, but are you making the most of it?

The key is A/B testing—tweaking your messages to see what actually gets people to click, buy, and stay engaged.

49 SMS A/B Testing Ideas For eCommerce Stores
How Can You Implement These SMS A/B Testing Ideas?
FAQs – SMS A/B Testing Ideas For eCommerce Stores

49 SMS A/B Testing Ideas to Boost Conversions

eCommerce SMS Marketing Copy

eCommerce SMS copy is all about being quick, catchy, and straight-up irresistible. 

Whether you're dropping a promo, a cart reminder, or an exclusive deal, your SMS marketing needs to hit fast and feel personal. 

No boring stuff—just vibes, urgency, and a call to action that makes them tap that link ASAP.

1. Direct vs. casual tone in SMS marketing copy

Variation A: "Don’t miss out! Your cart is waiting for you. Complete your order here: [link]"

Variation B: "Hey, you left something behind! Let’s finish your shopping: [link]"

Language and tone matter a lot when it comes to SMS marketing copy.  

Direct tone often works best when you want quick, no-fuss action—think limited-time offers or reminders of what's about to expire.

A casual tone works when you want to build rapport and make the process feel less transactional and more like a friendly reminder.

2. Short vs. long SMS messaging copy 

Variation A: "Flash Sale! 50% off today only! [link]"

Variation B: "Huge savings today only! Take 50% off your entire order. Don’t miss this: [link]"

Most eCommerce stores think shorter punchier messages might get better results. 

However, if you launch a new product, shoppers might like to receive detailed SMS messages about the product and its features.

3. Discount vs. product-focused SMS copy 

Variation A: "Save 20% on your next order! Use code SAVE20: [link]"

Variation B: "Check out our new arrivals! Get 20% off your purchase: [link]"

See if emphasizing savings or highlighting new products resonates more with customers.

4. Emojis vs plain text 

Variation A: "Get the best summer styles 🌞 20% off all summer wear! [link]"

Variation B: "Shop our latest collection and save 20% on all items! [link]"

Using emojis in SMS messaging can significantly impact engagement, readability, and emotional connection.

SMS is a text-heavy medium, and emojis break up the monotony, making messages more visually appealing.

5. General holiday message vs personalized message 

Variation A: "Happy Holidays! Enjoy 25% off your order today: [link]"

Variation B: "This Holiday, treat yourself with 25% off everything: [link]"

Holiday-themed promotions feel exclusive and time-sensitive, encouraging quicker action.

Testing urgency-focused vs. warm-personalized messaging helps determine the best conversion driver.

6. Pop culture reference vs. standard discount

Variation A: "Squid Game vibes: Play & win up to 50% off! Tap to start: [Link]"

Variation B: "Get 25% off your order today! Limited-time deal: [Link]"

Using pop culture references in SMS marketing can help brands appear fresh, relevant, and engaging. 

A/B testing different references lets you gauge their effectiveness in boosting open rates, click-through rates, and conversions.

7. “Others are buying” social proof vs. generic sale

Variation A: "5,000+ people grabbed this deal today. Are you next? 20% off inside: [Link]"

Variation B: "20% off today only! Don’t miss out: [Link]"

Direct urgency can compel some shoppers to indulge in impulse buying. 

While some budget-conscious shoppers would refrain from it. 

8. GIF or animation vs. static image

Variation A: "Shop our latest sale—check out this product in action! [link]" (with animated GIF or video)

Variation B: "Shop now for 20% off—this product is all the rage: [link]" (with static image)

Some shoppers are more visually inclined and might respond more to dynamic visual content.

9. User-generated content vs. brand content

Variation A: "Our customers love this! See how they’re styling it: [link]"

Variation B: "Here’s how we’re styling it—shop now: [link]"

Many shoppers prefer getting reassurances about product quality from other customers.  

So, test if showcasing user-generated content (UGC) creates more engagement than traditional brand content.

eCommerce Promotional SMS Marketing

Promotional SMS marketing is the cheat code for eCommerce success. 

Wanna hype up a sale, drop an exclusive deal, or bring back cart abandoners? 

Slide into their texts with a fire offer they can’t ignore. 

No spam, no fluff—just straight-up value that gets clicks and cash.

10. Exclusive new customer welcome vs. standard discount

Variation A: "Exclusive offer just for you, [First Name]! Get 15% off your first order! [Link]"

Variation B: "Start shopping now and enjoy 15% off your first order! [Link]"

A friendly welcome can lead to repeat purchases, while a generic discount may attract one-time buyers.

Personalized “VIP” or “exclusive” offers feel special and encourage faster action.

11. New vs. returning customer focus

Variation A: "Welcome to [Store Name]! Get 20% off your first purchase: [link]"

Variation B: "Welcome back! Here’s 20% off your next order: [link]"

When it comes to user behavior, it differs according to new customers vs returning customers.

Tailoring messages based on customer type increases relevance. Testing helps balance new customer growth vs. retention efforts. New customers might respond better to discounts, while returning ones may prefer loyalty perks.

12. Early access vs. general release

Variation A: "You’re the first to shop our new arrivals! Get early access now: [link]"

Variation B: "Our new collection is live! Shop now: [link]"

Early access makes customers feel special, increasing engagement and FOMO. Rewarding loyal customers with early access fosters repeat business.

You can also gauge interest before a full launch, preventing stock issues.

eCommerce SMS Marketing Based on User Behavior 

Why send the same message to everyone when you can personalize it based on what your customers actually do?

Behavior-based SMS marketing = better timing, higher engagement, and more sales.

13. Urgency vs. convenience features

Variation A: "Hurry! Last chance for 30% off—ends at midnight: [link]"

Variation B: "You still have time! Shop 30% off at your leisure: [link]"

An ‘urgency’ push might compel customers to act faster, while convenience may appeal to those who need more time.

14. Location-based offer vs. demographic-based offer

Variation A: "Hey, [Name], enjoy 15% off just for being in [City Name]! [link]"

Variation B: "Based on your preferences, we’ve picked out your perfect items—10% off! [link]"

Test if location-based promotions (e.g., city-specific offers) resonate more with customers than demographic-based personalization (e.g., targeting based on gender, and age).

15. Browsing history vs. recent purchase

Variation A: "You left something behind! Complete your purchase now: [link]"

Variation B: "Based on your recent purchase, we think you’ll love these: [link]"

Test if targeting customers based on their browsing behavior (e.g., abandoned cart) works better than suggesting complementary products based on their last purchase.

16. Interactive Poll vs. immediate offer

Variation A: "Which product do you love most? Vote for your favorite and get 10% off: [link]"

Variation B: "Get 10% off your purchase now! Choose your favorites: [link]"

Compare if engaging customers through an interactive poll leads to more participation than offering an immediate discount.

17. Wishlist reminder vs. suggested picks

Variation A: "Hey [Name], the item you love is almost gone! Get it now: [link]"

Variation B: "We’ve handpicked items you’ll love, based on your wishlist! Shop now: [link]"

Test if reminding shoppers about items on their wishlist leads to more conversions, or if personalized product suggestions are more effective.

18. Behavior-based (abandoned cart)

Variation A: "You left something behind, [Name]! Your items are still waiting: [link]"

Variation B: "Looks like you’re still eyeing these. Here’s 10% off to make it yours: [link]"

Test whether simply reminding shoppers of their abandoned cart or offering a small discount (like 10% off) to close the sale works better.

19. Create your own bundle vs. a pre-made bundle

Variation A: "Create your own perfect bundle and save! [link]"

Variation B: "Save 20% on our pre-made bundles! [link]"

Some shoppers prefer creating their own product bundles over choosing pre-made ones with a discount.

20. Discount vs. free shipping

Variation A: "Get 15% off your order today! Use code SAVE15. Shop now: [Link]"

Variation B: "Enjoy FREE shipping on all orders today! No code needed. Shop now: [Link]"

Determines whether customers respond better to direct discounts or free shipping. 

21. Product quiz vs. direct discount

Variation A (Quiz): "What’s your perfect skincare match? Take our 30-sec quiz & get a special discount: [Link]"

Variation B (Direct Discount): "Save 20% on skincare today! Shop now: [Link]"

Test if engagement-based conversion (quiz) is more effective than a straight discount.

22. Customer review vs. regular promo

Variation A: "‘Best purchase I’ve ever made!’ - Sarah ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Get yours 20% off today! [Link]"

Variation B: "Get 20% off our best-selling items today! Don’t miss out: [Link]"

Test if social proof outperforms a standard promotion.

23. Charity tie-in vs. regular discount

Variation A: "Shop today & we’ll donate 10% of your order to [Charity]! ❤️ [Link]"

Variation B: "Get 10% off your order today! Use code SAVE10: [Link]"

Test if social responsibility messaging drives more purchases.

24. Reverse psychology CTA vs. standard CTA

Variation A: "🚨 Don’t click this unless you love saving money! (20% off) [Link]"

Variation B: "Enjoy 20% off today! Tap here to shop: [Link]"

Test if curiosity and rebellion triggers drive higher engagement than a direct CTA.

25. Frequency-based offer vs. behavior-based offer

Variation A: "You’ve shopped with us 3 times! Here’s 10% off as a thank you: [link]"

Variation B: "We noticed you’re eyeing this—grab 10% off now: [link]"

Test if rewarding loyalty with a frequency-based offer works better than a behavior-based offer (e.g., items they viewed).

26.  Product restock alert vs. cart recovery

Variation A: "Great news, [Name]! The item you wanted is back in stock: [link]"

Variation B: "Your cart is still waiting! Finish your purchase today: [link]"

Test if restocking alerts create more urgency and conversions than abandoned cart reminders.

Post-Purchase eCommerce SMS Marketing

Post-purchase SMS marketing is the secret sauce to turning one-time buyers into loyal fans. 

From order confirmations to shipping updates and surprise discounts, a well-timed text keeps customers hyped and engaged. 

It’s not just about the sale—it’s about building a connection that keeps them coming back.

27. Referral program vs. loyalty program

Variation A: "Share your code with a friend and earn rewards! [link]"

Variation B: "Earn points and save on your next order with our loyalty program! [link]"

Test if promoting a referral program (sharing with friends) works better than a traditional loyalty points system.

28. Order experience vs. product experience

Variation A: "Your order is almost ready to ship! Check your tracking here: [link]"

Variation B: "How would you style your new purchase? [image] [link]"

Test if focusing on the post-purchase experience (order tracking) enhances customer satisfaction or if engaging customers with the excitement of their product creates more value.

29. Return confidence vs. urgency in exchange

Variation A: "Worry-free returns: If it’s not perfect, just return it within 30 days! [Link]"

Variation B: "Get the right size or color—return within 30 days, no problem! [Link]"

Test whether focusing on the peace of mind from a no-worry return process or focusing on a no-questions-asked exchange provides more confidence for conversion.

30. “Tell us why you’re returning” vs. simply process the return

Variation A: "We’re sorry it didn’t work out! Could you tell us why you’re returning? [Link]"

Variation B: "Your return is now being processed. No need to explain—thanks for shopping with us! [Link]"

This tests if requesting feedback (which could lead to better customer insights) creates a more personalized experience versus just completing the return process.

eCommerce SMS Send Time Optimizations 

When it comes to eCommerce SMS marketing, send time can make or break your results. 

Hit customers at the right moment—whether it’s a morning drop, lunchtime deal, or late-night impulse buy—and watch engagement skyrocket. 

SMS send time optimization is all about knowing when your audience is most likely to tap, shop, and convert.

31. Daytime vs. evening sends

Variation A: "Good morning! Start your day with 15% off: [link]"

Variation B: "It’s almost bedtime! Grab 15% off before midnight: [link]"

Test if sending messages in the morning or at night results in higher open rates and engagement.

32. Weekend vs. weekday

Variation A: "Happy Friday! Start your weekend with 20% off: [link]"

Variation B: "It’s Monday—treat yourself with 20% off: [link]"

Test if weekend messages perform better than weekday messages for higher engagement.

33. Morning vs. afternoon

Variation A: "Rise and shine! Early birds get 20% off: [link]"

Variation B: "Afternoon! You’ve earned 20% off today: [link]"

Compare at what times shoppers respond better. 

34. Sunrise vs. midnight shopping appeal

Variation A: "🌙 Night owl? Get 25% off until 6 AM only! [Link]"

Variation B: "Shop anytime today and get 25% off! Don’t miss out: [Link]"

Late-night shoppers often feel special when targeted separately.

eCommerce SMS Marketing Optimizations 

eCommerce SMS marketing isn’t just about sending texts—it’s about sending the right texts at the right time. 

Optimizing your strategy means tweaking your messaging, testing different times, and tailoring your offers to what resonates best with your customers. 

With a few smart adjustments, you can unlock better engagement, more conversions, and happier customers.

35. Countdown timer vs. plain text

Variation A: "Only 12 hours left for 50% off! Shop now: [link]"

Variation B: "Hurry, time’s running out! 50% off today only: [link]"

A countdown timer might create more excitement than stating that time is running out.

However, a timer might not appeal to shoppers in eCommerce industries, such as grocery or food.  

36. Product tease vs. full details

Variation A: "Sneak peek! Our newest collection just dropped. Get first dibs here: [link]"

Variation B: "New arrivals are here! Check out the full collection now: [link]"

A sneak peek may increase curiosity, while full details provide clear information.

37. Limited quantity vs. limited time

Variation A: "Only 3 left in stock! Get it before it’s gone: [link]"

Variation B: "Only 24 hours left! Grab yours now: [link]"

Compare the effect of limited quantities versus a time-limited offer with urgency features.

38. Members-only vs. public offer

Variation A: "VIPs only: Early access to our sale! Shop now: [link]"

Variation B: "Everyone gets 20% off! Shop our sale today: [link]"

Test if exclusivity (VIP) performs better compared to an inclusive offer.

39. Savings vs. exclusivity SMS messaging 

Variation A: "Enjoy 15% off your order today! Use code SAVE15: [link]"

Variation B: "VIP-only offer: 15% off your purchase! Shop now: [link]"

See if exclusivity appeals more than a storewide savings discount.

40. Action-oriented vs. relaxed CTA

Variation A: "Hurry, your cart is waiting! Complete your order now: [link]"

Variation B: "It’s still waiting for you. Finish your checkout when you’re ready: [link]"

Test if an urgent, action-oriented CTA or a more relaxed one leads to better cart recovery.

41. Percentage Discount vs. dollar amount

Variation A: "Get $20 off your order of $50 or more: [link]"

Variation B: "Save 20% off your next order of $50+: [link]"

Some people resonate more with a percentage discount, and some shoppers like to be specific so a straightforward dollar discount works better. 

42. Buy more, save more vs. flat discount

Variation A: "Buy 2, get 20% off. Don’t miss out: [link]"

Variation B: "Get 20% off your order—no minimum required: [link]"

Test whether customers respond more to the “buy more, save more” offer or a simple flat discount.

43. Mystery discount vs. known discount

Variation A: "Your mystery discount is here! Find out what you got: [link]"

Variation B: "Get 20% off your next purchase—no mystery here! [link]"

Some shoppers enjoy the surprise of a mystery discount, while some need a guaranteed known discount.

44. Flash sale vs. flash product drop

Variation A: "Flash Sale: 30% off site-wide—limited time only! [link]"

Variation B: "Flash Drop! Limited edition item available for 24 hours: [link]"

Test if promoting a flash sale with site-wide discounts works better than highlighting a limited-time exclusive product drop.

45. Scarcity with countdown timer vs. scarcity without timer

Variation A: "Only 5 left in stock! Time is ticking, hurry: [link] (with countdown timer)"

Variation B: "Only 5 left! Get it before it’s gone: [link]"

See if adding a countdown timer alongside the scarcity creates more urgency and boosts conversions.

46. “Complete the set” vs. “discover new arrivals”

Variation A: "Complete your set! Add the missing pieces to your collection: [link]"

Variation B: "Explore our latest arrivals to complement your style: [link]"

See if encouraging customers to complete their existing purchase or collection works better than introducing fresh products.

47. “Sold out” countdown vs. “low stock” countdown

Variation A: "Hurry, only 2 left in stock! [link] (Count down starts now)"

Variation B: "Almost gone! 10 minutes left to secure your purchase: [link]"

Test if a “sold out” message (imminent unavailability) versus a “low stock” countdown creates more urgency.

48. Product benefits vs. product features

Variation A: "Feel the difference with our ultra-comfortable fabric! [link]"

Variation B: "This product features high-quality stitching for durability: [link]"

Test if focusing on the benefits (comfort, experience) rather than product features (durability, specs) resonates more with customers.

49. Price drop notification vs. “best value” messaging

Variation A: "Good news, the price dropped by 15%! Get it before it goes up again: [link]"

Variation B: "You’re getting the best value with this purchase! Save 15%: [link]"

See if customers respond better to a price-drop alert or the feeling of receiving a great deal through “best value” messaging.

How Can You Implement These SMS A/B Testing Ideas Effectively?

A/B testing is a powerful tool that helps you fine-tune your SMS marketing strategy by comparing different versions of your messages. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to implement it:

1. Set Clear Goals 🎯

Before you start testing, define what you’re aiming to improve. 

Are you looking for higher open rates, more clicks, or better conversions? Setting a goal ensures your tests are focused and measurable.

2. Test One Element at a Time 🔄

A/B testing works best when you only change one variable at a time. 

Whether it’s the subject line, the call-to-action (CTA), or the offer, isolate one factor so you can clearly see what’s making the difference.

3. Segment Your Audience 📊

Split your customer base into smaller, relevant groups based on behavior, demographics, or purchase history. 

Testing across different segments (e.g., new vs. repeat customers) can reveal what resonates best with each type of audience.

4. Timing and Frequency ⏰

Experiment with send times—early morning, midday, evening—and track which time frame leads to better engagement. 

Also, test frequency. 

For example, does sending one text a week work better than three? Find the optimal balance.

5. Test Different Offers and Incentives 💸

Change up the promotional offer: is a 10% discount more effective than a “Buy One, Get One” deal? Or does free shipping win out? 

Testing various incentives can help you pinpoint what drives the most conversions.

6. Track & Analyze Results 📈

Use SMS marketing analytics tools to track key metrics like open rates, click-through rates (CTR), conversion rates, and unsubscribe rates. 

Keep track of the performance of each version and analyze which version aligns best with your goals.

7. Iterate & Optimize 🔄

A/B testing is a continuous process. After identifying the most effective message, refine your strategy, then test again. 

Even after you find a winning formula, there’s always room for improvement!

Pro Tip: Always use a consistent sample size for your tests to ensure you’re getting accurate results. A/B testing is only reliable when you test on a significant number of recipients.

Recommended Reading:

eCommerce Email Marketing Automation: Do's and Don'ts for 2025‍

10 eCommerce brands winning at Social Commerce (+ Lessons we can learn from them)

19 CRO Testing Ideas for eCommerce Stores (+ Examples)

FAQs – SMS A/B Testing Ideas For Ecommerce Stores

1. What are some acceptable SMS frequencies from brands?

Here are stats to keep in mind when it comes to the eCommerce SMS messaging frequency, most shoppers like to receive:

• A few times a week: 32%
• Once a week: 27%
• A few times a month: 16%
• Once a day: 13%

2. When to send text messages to convert subscribers

Your SMS marketing is all about quick, direct communication and—let’s be real—getting those fast conversions. 

That’s why send time is super important when it comes to SMS (way more than with some other marketing channels).

But it’s not just about conversion—it’s also about compliance. 

Even though a lot of people (45%) are shopping via SMS in the evening, you've got to respect the “quiet hours” for text messages.

Now, here’s when people are most likely to make purchases via SMS:

• Evening: 45%
• Afternoon: 25%
• Midday: 13%
• Morning: 9%
• Late night: 8%

3. What makes people unsubscribe from SMS?

• Receiving too many messages: 61%
• Receiving the same message too many times: 57%
• Messages that don’t have a purpose: 53%
• Receiving messages on topics or products they’re not interested in: 46%
• Messages that don’t seem intended for them: 44%
• Receiving the same message by email and SMS: 37%
• Receiving messages at inappropriate times: 35%
• Only receiving messaging regarding discounts and sales: 17%

4. What are some eCommerce SMS marketing statistics to bookmark?

Shoppers want more of these SMS messages: 

• Shipment and delivery confirmations: 51%
• Coupons or promotional codes: 42%
• Order confirmations: 39%
• Birthday deals: 37%
• Promotion and sales announcements: 32%

Exclusivity-related SMS messages that work better than regular messaging:

• Birthday deals: 34%
• Loyalty program offers and benefits: 33%
• Early access to sales, product drops, and other VIP experiences: 31%
• Coupons or promotional codes: 31%
• Promotion and sales announcements: 26%

Shoppers would like to receive less of these SMS marketing types:

• Abandoned cart reminders: 37%
• Low inventory alerts: 34%
• Messages based on actions taken: 33%
• Interesting or helpful content with no sales component: 32%
• New product announcements: 32%

Final words

98% of visitors who visit an eCommerce site—drop off without buying anything.

Why: user experience issues that cause friction for visitors.

And this is the problem ConvertCart solves.

We've helped 500+ eCommerce stores (in the US) improve user experience—and 2X their conversions.

How we can help you:

Our conversion experts can audit your site—identify UX issues, and suggest changes to improve conversions.