Turn every Shopify purchase into an SMS subscriber
Checkout is the highest-intent moment in the entire customer journey. The visitor is literally paying you money. They've committed to your brand, they're engaged, and they're already providing their contact information for order updates.
A dedicated SMS opt-in at Shopify checkout with a clear value proposition — "Get order updates, reorder reminders, and exclusive drops over text" — converts at a much higher rate than any pop-up or embedded form because the customer is already committed.
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How most Shopify brands handle checkout opt-ins
Most Shopify stores either don't have an SMS opt-in at checkout at all, or they use a generic "Subscribe to marketing" checkbox that lumps email and SMS together. The customer checks the box without thinking (or ignores it entirely), and the brand gets low-quality opt-ins from people who didn't consciously choose to receive texts.
Some brands add a phone number field at checkout but don't clearly explain what it's for beyond order updates. The customer enters their number to receive shipping notifications, but they don't realize they're also opting into marketing texts. This creates confusion and can lead to opt-outs later.
The result: checkout is a missed opportunity for high-quality SMS list growth. The brand has a captive, high-intent audience and wastes it with a vague or absent opt-in.
Dedicated SMS opt-in with clear value
A well-implemented Shopify checkout opt-in has a dedicated checkbox specifically for SMS, separate from email. The label clearly states what the customer is signing up for: "Get order updates, reorder reminders, and exclusive drops over text."
The customer sees exactly what they're opting into and why it's valuable. Order updates are table stakes. Reorder reminders solve a real problem (running out of product). Exclusive drops create FOMO. The value proposition is specific, not generic.
When the customer checks the box and completes their purchase, they're automatically added to the AudienceTap text list. They receive an immediate welcome message confirming their opt-in and setting expectations for what they'll receive. The entire flow is transparent, intentional, and high-converting.
Side-by-side comparison
| Aspect | Traditional | With AudienceTap |
|---|---|---|
| Opt-in clarity | Generic "subscribe to marketing" checkbox | Dedicated SMS checkbox with clear value prop |
| Customer understanding | Unclear what they're signing up for | Explicit — order updates, reorders, drops |
| Conversion rate | Low — vague or nonexistent | High — high-intent moment with clear value |
| List quality | Accidental opt-ins, future opt-outs | Intentional subscribers who know what to expect |
| Post-purchase engagement | Transactional emails only | Welcome series, reorder prompts, drop invites |
Who this is for
Any brand on Shopify that isn't already capturing SMS subscribers at checkout. This is the single highest-leverage point for SMS list growth because every purchase is an opportunity to gain a subscriber who has already demonstrated buying intent.
Where to use it
The opt-in checkbox should be positioned where the customer will see it without it feeling intrusive or mandatory.
Contact Information Step
Place SMS opt-in checkbox right below the phone number field — contextually relevant since they're already entering their number.
Shipping Method Step
Position opt-in near shipping options — "Get shipping updates and reorder reminders via text."
Order Review Step
Include opt-in on the final review page before payment — last chance to capture before they complete the order.
Thank You Page
If they didn't opt in during checkout, present a post-purchase opt-in on the thank you page with a click-to-join link or QR code.
Mobile-Optimized Placement
Ensure checkbox is large and easy to tap on mobile — 70%+ of Shopify checkouts happen on mobile devices.
Features that make it work
Related use cases
SMS Welcome Series That Drives a First Purchase
Convert new subscribers into first-time buyers with a welcome flow that closes the sale inside the text.
SMS Replenishment & Reorder Reminders
AI-timed reorder prompts that match real consumption — customers reply to restock.
Website Pop-Ups for SMS Capture
Convert website visitors into text subscribers with pop-ups that lead to exclusive drops and flash sales.
Related glossary terms
SMS Opt-In / Opt-Out
SMS Opt-In is how consumers give permission to receive business texts. Opt-Out is how they revoke it — typically by replying STOP. Both are required under TCPA regulations.
TCPA Compliance for SMS Marketing
TCPA compliance refers to the rules under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act that govern how businesses can send marketing text messages — including consent requirements, opt-out handling, and quiet hours.
Double Opt-In (SMS)
Double Opt-In is a two-step consent process where a subscriber provides their phone number, then confirms by replying to a verification text — providing stronger proof of consent.
Shopify Checkout Opt-In for SMS FAQ
Yes, as long as the checkbox is unchecked by default and the language clearly states what the customer is opting into. Pre-checked boxes or vague language can create compliance issues.
Unchecked by default. TCPA requires affirmative consent, which means the customer must actively choose to opt in. Pre-checked boxes don't meet this standard.
Not if implemented correctly. A single, clearly labeled checkbox doesn't add friction. In fact, customers appreciate knowing they can get reorder reminders and exclusive offers — it increases perceived brand value.
They receive transactional order updates only (shipping notifications, delivery confirmations). They do NOT receive marketing texts unless they explicitly opt in.
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