Why growing your SMS list matters
SMS is one of the most powerful tools for event marketers today. To get the most out of it, you’ll want to continually grow a compliant list of contacts who have opted in. Below are some effective ways to track and grow your SMS list in Hive.
SMS marketing compliance
SMS opt-ins can come from many sources, and it’s important to understand the rules and regulations that apply. In Hive, all tools that collect mobile numbers and opt-ins (signup forms, contests, presale registration)are fully compliant—we take compliance seriously to ensure you’re set up for success.
If you’re collecting SMS opt-ins outside of Hive (such as through a native website form, on-site Wi-Fi, or ticketing platforms), we recommend double-checking that your opt-in flow follows the most up-to-date laws and regulations before sending.
How to keep track of your SMS subscriber list
You can view how many contacts have opted into SMS from several places in your Hive account—your contact list, while building a campaign, or on the segments page.
The easiest way to check this is through your Analytics page under Subscriber List Growth.
You'll see a chart showing your SMS subscriber growth, with the default view set to the last 7 days. You can adjust the timeframe to view a longer or shorter period. Hovering over any point on the graph will display the exact number of SMS subscribers for that date
How to grow your SMS list
Create a landing page or signup form
Add a signup link to social media (LinkTree, bios, stories, posts) or include a form on your website to capture subscribers consistently.
In Hive, the landing page tool lets you collect details like name, email, and phone number using compliant opt-in language. With all Hive landing pages, you are provided with a customizable URL.
Alternatively, you can embed a signup form directly on your site. This boosts SEO and keeps traffic on your own page, but may require help from your web team.
Learn more here:
Use keyword automation
Quick signups are essential, and Hive makes it easy with keyword automation. Create a keyword in your account (for example: “JOIN”), and when a contact texts it to your dedicated Hive number, they’re automatically opted in.
Every keyword automation also generates a QR code—perfect for on-site signage—and a URL you can use in email campaigns.
Set up a winback automation
Over time, some contacts stop engaging with your emails- it happens! Continuing to email them can hurt your domain reputation. Instead, Hive makes it easy to send them into a winback automation.
One effective approach is to use it to promote SMS:
“Is your inbox too full? Join our text club for exclusive updates and deals.”
Add a link to your SMS signup page or keyword automation so they can easily opt in. Just because they’ve tuned out of email doesn’t mean they won’t want to hear from you via SMS!
Add a banner in your email footer
A simple banner at the bottom of every email promoting your text club is an easy way to build your SMS list while continuing to engage subscribers through email.
Send a dedicated email campaign
If your SMS list is smaller than your email list (which is typical for most Hive accounts), consider running a dedicated email campaign to announce your text club. Highlight the benefits, create excitement, and include a clear call to action that links to your signup landing page or supports keyword automation.
Pro tip: When building your email campaign, be sure to exclude contacts who are already opted into SMS.
Learn more: How to send an email
Try contests and presales registration
Mixing things up keeps your marketing fresh. Contests and presales are great tools in Hive that both collect phone numbers and SMS opt-ins. Presales build anticipation and measure demand, while contests create fun engagement—and everyone loves a chance to win.
Learn more here: