EpicTexting
A text gets read in a way email rarely does, which is exactly why people are careful about who gets their number. Growing an SMS list isn't about collecting numbers. It's about giving people a clear reason to say yes, and making saying yes easy. Here are eight ways that work, roughly in order of how quickly they pay off.
Consent comes first
Every method below collects a real opt-in. That protects you and keeps opt-outs low. A good opt-in has:
- A checkbox that is not ticked by default.
- Your business name and what you'll send (offers, reminders, updates) and roughly how often.
- “Msg & data rates may apply” and how to stop: Reply STOP to opt out.
- A record of when and where each person signed up. A timestamped Google Form response does this for you.
In the US, marketing texts need prior express written consent under the TCPA, and carriers also require your sending number to be registered (A2P 10DLC). Rules differ by country, so check yours. This guide isn't legal advice.
1. Invite your email list
People on your email list already like hearing from you, so they are the easiest yes. Send one short email with a link to your sign-up form:
Hey {name}, it's {sender} from {brand}. Since you like our emails, you might like our texts too. We'll only send the important stuff and SMS-only offers, about twice a month. Join here: {link}
Send it again a month later to the people who opened but didn't join.
2. A free Google Form that fills a Google Sheet
You don't need a paid pop-up tool to start. Create a Google Form with three questions: first name, mobile number, and the consent checkbox. Then:
- In the form's Responses tab, link it to a Google Sheet.
- Make the phone question a short answer with a hint like “+1 415 555 0123” so you get the country code.
- Share the form link everywhere you mention texts: email, bio, receipts and your website.
Every sign-up lands as a new row with a timestamp, ready to text with the EpicTexting Google Sheets add-on.
3. Add it to checkout and booking
The moment someone buys or books is when they're most engaged. Add an optional “Text me order updates and offers” checkbox under the phone field at checkout or in your booking form. Appointment businesses can ask “Want a reminder text the day before?”, which is a useful opt-in people actually tick.
4. QR codes where customers are
Put a QR code that opens your sign-up form on the counter, receipts, packaging, menus and event banners. Make the card say what they get (“Scan for 10% off and first dibs on new stock”), not just “Join our SMS list”.
5. Social posts and your link in bio
Post about your text list now and then, especially before a drop or sale (“Text subscribers get it 24 hours early”). Keep the form link in your bio permanently.
6. Give an SMS-only reason to join
People join lists for something they can't get elsewhere. Some offers that work:
- A one-time discount code in the welcome text.
- Early access to launches, restocks or booking slots.
- Last-minute openings (“Cancellation at 3pm today, first reply gets it”).
- Practical alerts people want, like class changes, weather closures and order updates.
7. Events, waitlists and pre-orders
Anyone waiting for something wants to be told when it happens. Offer “text me when it's back” on sold-out products, take numbers for event check-in, and invite waitlist sign-ups to opt in to updates.
8. Ask subscribers to share
Once in a while, ask your list to forward the sign-up link to a friend, with a small thank-you for both. A warm referral from a friend converts far better than any ad.
Send a welcome text right away
The first text sets expectations. Send it soon after someone joins, and include who you are, what they get, and how to stop:
Hi {Name}, you're on the Bloom Studio list! Here's 15% off your next order: BLOOM15. We text about twice a month. Reply STOP to opt out.
Sending to your list
Keep your list in a Google Sheet and text everyone with the EpicTexting add-on, with each person's name filled in. For smaller groups you can paste names and numbers into ChatGPT and send from there. See how to send SMS from ChatGPT.
Frequently asked questions
What is an SMS list?
An SMS list is a list of people who have agreed to receive text messages from you, usually with their name and mobile number, kept in a spreadsheet or a texting tool.
Can I add my customers' numbers to my SMS list without asking?
Not for marketing. In the US, marketing texts need the person's prior express written consent under the TCPA, and most countries have similar rules. Transactional texts, like an appointment reminder they asked for, are treated differently, but marketing needs an opt-in.
How fast can I grow an SMS list?
Inviting an existing email list is usually the quickest start. After that, list growth tracks how often you ask: every checkout, booking and event is a chance to add an opt-in.
Where should I store my SMS list?
A Google Sheet works well for small and medium lists. Connect a Google Form to it for sign-ups, and use the EpicTexting add-on to text everyone on it.
How often should I text my list?
Tell people when they sign up (for example, about 2 texts a month) and stick to it. Fewer, more useful texts keep opt-outs low.