Boost Your WooCommerce Sales: A Step-by-Step Guide to Sending Twilio SMS Notifications

Initially, we were amazed to discover that customers preferred receiving updates via text messages rather than emails.

Since implementing Twilio across multiple online stores, we have consistently noticed an increase in customer satisfaction and a decrease in support inquiries.

The main issue many store owners encounter is not recognizing the benefits of SMS notifications, but rather figuring out how to implement them without needing a developer.

After years of assisting WooCommerce users, we have streamlined the setup process into simple, easy-to-follow steps that anyone can manage.

In this guide, we will demonstrate how to seamlessly integrate Twilio SMS notifications with your WooCommerce store.

Why Should You Add SMS Notifications to WooCommerce?

SMS notifications provide the most effective way to keep your customers informed about their orders. Text messages are personal and are typically read within seconds of being received.

You can utilize SMS notifications to keep your customers updated on their orders, including order confirmations and shipping notifications.

SMS notifications also serve as a creative strategy to drive traffic to your store and increase sales. For instance, you can send coupon codes or reminders about abandoned shopping carts through SMS.

In this guide, we will demonstrate how to send SMS notifications for WooCommerce using Twilio. You can use the following quick links to navigate through the steps:

Let’s get started!

Step 1: Create Your Twilio SMS Account

First, you will need to create a Twilio account.

Twilio is an online platform that provides phone, voice messaging, and SMS services compatible with applications like WordPress and WooCommerce.

Twilio offers a free trial, allowing you to set up your account and explore the service at no cost. To begin, visit the Twilio website and click on ‘Start for free.’

On the registration page, you will need to provide your personal information to create your Twilio credentials.

Next, you will need to verify your email address and phone number.

First, choose the product you wish to utilize, specify your intended use, and identify the organization for which it will be used.

This guide will focus on ‘SMS’, ‘Alerts & Notifications’, and ‘Sole Proprietor/Self-Employed’.

After entering your details, scroll down and select ‘No Coding Required’.

Next, click on ‘Get Started with Twilio’.

Once you create your account, you will be directed to the Twilio dashboard.

To acquire a phone number for your account, click the ‘Get Phone Number’ button.

Now, scroll down to the ‘Account Info’ section.

Your account SID, authentication token, and new Twilio number will be displayed here. Keep this tab open for future reference.

Step 2: Install and Activate Uncanny Automator

While there are various WooCommerce extensions available to integrate Twilio with WooCommerce, we have found that using an automation plugin is the most effective method.

This plugin will link Twilio with WooCommerce, automatically notifying Twilio to send SMS messages for specific activities occurring in your online store.

Uncanny Automator is the leading automation plugin for WordPress, enabling you to design efficient workflows that save time and minimize mistakes without any coding required.

We have conducted extensive testing, and it integrates smoothly with a variety of WordPress plugins and external tools. For a detailed overview of this tool, check out our comprehensive review of Uncanny Automator.

Consider it a WordPress equivalent of Zapier.

To follow this tutorial, you will need the Pro version of the Uncanny Automator plugin, as it allows integration with WooCommerce. The free version supports Twilio integration but does not connect with WooCommerce.

If you require assistance with installing the plugin, please refer to our guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.

Next, please follow our guide on creating automated workflows in WordPress using Uncanny Automator.

Step 3: Connect Twilio and Set Up a New Automation Recipe

Uncanny Automator operates by creating ‘recipes,’ which are straightforward automated workflows.

Each recipe consists of at least two components: a ‘Trigger,’ which is the event that initiates the automation, and an ‘Action,’ which is the task that is executed.

Once you activate Uncanny Automator, you can start creating a recipe. First, connect your Twilio account to the plugin by navigating to Automator » App Integrations.

In the left-hand menu, select ‘Twilio.’ Here, you can input your ‘Account SID,’ ‘Auth Token,’ and Twilio ‘Active Number.’

After entering your details, click the ‘Connect Twilio Account’ button.

Next, go to Automator » Add New.

You will be prompted to choose between ‘Logged-in users’ or ‘Everyone.’ Select ‘Everyone’ to ensure that all customers receive SMS notifications, even those checking out as guests.

Once that’s done, click ‘Confirm.’

Now, you can name your recipe by entering a title in the ‘Title’ field. This is for your reference, so feel free to use any name you prefer.

Step 4: Set Up the WooCommerce Trigger

Then, click on ‘WooCommerce’ in the ‘Select an Integration’ section.

Now, choose your trigger, which is the event that initiates the recipe.

From the dropdown menu, select the option: ‘A guest completes, pays for, lands on a thank you page….’

First, open the ‘Trigger condition’ dropdown menu and select ‘completes’ to ensure the workflow activates whenever a customer finalizes a purchase.

Remember to click ‘Save’ to apply your changes.

Next, you can associate this recipe with a specific product.

To ensure the recipe runs for any product purchased, select ‘Any product’ from the dropdown menu and then click ‘Save.’

Step 5: Configure the Twilio SMS Action

Uncanny Automator will now save your trigger settings, allowing you to proceed to the ‘Actions’ section.

Here, click the ‘Add action’ button to begin.

You will now see a list of integrations available in Uncanny Automator, including ActiveCampaign and Instagram.

In this section, click on ‘Automator’ to continue.

The next step is to choose an action from the dropdown menu.

You can select the ‘Call a custom function/method’ option.

To begin, enter a name for the custom function you wish to create.

You might use a name like ‘sms_notification.’

Next, click on ‘Add a variable.’

Now, click the asterisk ‘*’ symbol next to the empty field to specify all the data you want to include in your recipe.

In the search bar, type ‘Billing first name’ and select it from the suggestions. This enables you to personalize your message with the customer’s first name.

After that, click on ‘Save’ to store your changes.

Next, click the ‘Add action’ button again and choose the ‘Twilio’ integration.

From the dropdown menu, select ‘Send an SMS message to a number.’

This will open a new box where you can enter the ‘To’ address and the content of your SMS.

In the ‘To’ field, click the asterisk ‘*’ button and select ‘Billing phone’ from the dropdown options.

Now, create the text message for your customers in the ‘Body’ section. You can use the asterisk ‘*’ button to include the shopper’s order details, such as the total amount and delivery date.

Once you’re satisfied with your message, click ‘Save.’

Then, go to the ‘Recipe’ box and toggle the ‘Draft’ switch to ‘Live.’

Your recipe is now live, and Uncanny Automator will automatically send SMS notifications to your customers via Twilio each time they make a purchase.

Bonus Tip: Leverage SMS Marketing to Strengthen Customer Relationships

Starting with Twilio SMS notifications for your WooCommerce store is just the first step in SMS marketing. To enhance your efforts, consider utilizing specialized marketing tools.

For instance, OptinMonster is a great tool for collecting phone numbers from your website visitors through popups and forms. Additionally, services like Nextiva can help you manage contacts and execute bulk SMS marketing campaigns.

SMS marketing extends beyond just sending order notifications. It can strengthen customer relationships by keeping buyers informed about upcoming promotions and distributing feedback surveys to enhance their shopping experience.

To set up SMS marketing for your WooCommerce store, explore our curated list of the top SMS marketing plugins available in the market.

Common Questions About WooCommerce SMS Notifications

Here are some frequently asked questions from our readers regarding the process of sending WooCommerce SMS notifications to customers:

What is the cost of sending WooCommerce SMS notifications?
Twilio charges on a per-message basis, with typical rates around $0.0075 per SMS in the U.S. and approximately $0.02 to $0.07 in various Latin American countries. Uncanny Automator Pro requires an annual subscription, and Twilio provides a small free trial balance to allow you to test the service before incurring any costs.

Is it possible to send other types of notifications through WooCommerce?
Absolutely. You can set up SMS notifications for nearly any event in WooCommerce, such as order shipments, new account registrations, or abandoned shopping carts. If WooCommerce tracks the event, you can automate a notification for it.

Can customers respond to the SMS messages I send using Twilio?
Not with the standard configuration. These SMS notifications are one-way only, unless you implement a more complex integration that allows for incoming replies.

Is a developer necessary to configure WooCommerce SMS notifications?
No, you don’t need a developer. With platforms like Uncanny Automator and Twilio, you can set up SMS notifications without any coding. The setup process is straightforward, guided by user-friendly forms and dropdown options in your WordPress dashboard.

Can I send SMS notifications to customers outside my country?
Yes, Twilio allows you to send messages to most countries, and WooCommerce will automatically include the customer’s phone number in the automation. Just keep in mind that international SMS rates can differ by location.

We hope this article has helped you understand how to send Twilio SMS notifications from WooCommerce. You might also find our guide on creating an email newsletter and our expert recommendations for the best WooCommerce points and rewards plugins for your store helpful.

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