Smarter Banking starts with SMS: Boost Footfall and Basket Size with Targeted Messaging

Why SMS for Banks?

SMS remains one of the most effective and reliable communication tools for banks. Here's why:

Direct & Personal: Unlike emails that often get buried in crowded inboxes or app notifications that can be muted or ignored, SMS delivers messages directly to a customer's phone, ensuring greater visibility and engagement..

Enhanced Security: SMS is widely used for two-factor authentication (2FA), fraud alerts, and transaction confirmations, helping strengthen account security and build customer trust.

Here’s how SMS marketing can help banks drive footfall and increase basket size.

Imagine receiving a message like:
"Hi Sarah! Schedule your free consultation with one of our financial advisors this week and be in with a chance to win €250 toward your savings goals!"

SMS enables banks to send timely, relevant offers that encourage customers to take action. These personalised messages help:

• Promote key services such as mortgage consultations, investment planning, or financial reviews.

• Strengthen customer relationships through targeted, value-driven engagement.

SMS ensures these offers stand out, delivering the right message to the right customer at the right time.

Promote Campaigns and Offers Effectively

Banks often run product promotions, limited-time offers, or customer education initiatives, but without effective communication, many customers may miss them.

SMS fills this gap with brief, impactful messages that drive awareness and participation.
Example: “Special offer: Open a new savings account this week and earn a bonus interest rate. Tap here to learn more.”

With SMS, banks can:

• Highlight ongoing promotions.

• Encourage uptake of relevant products and services.

• Reinforce their role as a helpful and proactive financial partner.

Grow Basket Size Through Targeted Cross-Selling

SMS is a highly effective tool for encouraging customers to explore additional products and services, enhancing the overall value of their relationship with the bank.

Such as encouraging current account holders to open savings or investment accounts.

Instead of generic upselling, SMS enables personalised outreach such as:

"Hi John, combining your mortgage with a savings plan could save you €300 per year. Schedule a quick 10-minute consultation at your branch today."

Appointment Reminders and Queue Management

Banks can enhance the in-branch experience with SMS-based appointment scheduling, reminders, and even queue alerts. These reduce friction, improve customer satisfaction, and make visits more purposeful, encouraging repeat engagement.

“Reminder: Your appointment with Aoife at our (location) branch is tomorrow at 2:30 PM. Reply YES to confirm.”

Reinforcing Trust with Secure Messaging

Using Phonovation’s secure, GDPR-compliant SMS solutions, banks can reassure customers that their information is managed with care, especially when dealing with financial products. This trust is vital in encouraging branch visits for sensitive conversations, such as wealth planning or loan restructuring.

Designed for secure communication.

At Phonovation, we understand that banks are navigating a complex digital transformation, streamlining operations online while still needing to foster in-person relationships. SMS marketing offers the perfect bridge, helping banks bring customers back into branches, increase the value of each interaction, and build lasting trust.

Curious how intelligent SMS solutions can elevate your branch strategy?
Reach out to the Phonovation team at sales@phonovation.com and take the next step toward smarter, more effective customer engagement.