An SMS list of people who asked to hear from you outperforms any bought list — and keeps you on the right side of Kenya’s Data Protection Act. Here’s how to build one.
1. Ask at checkout
Add a tick box: “Send me offers by SMS”. Leave it unticked by default, and store the answer with the customer record.
2. Text-to-join keyword
“Text JOIN to 22384 for weekly deals.” A short code keyword makes signing up instant and proves consent.
3. QR codes in store
A QR code on the counter or menu that opens a sign-up form or a pre-filled SMS.
4. Website and social media
A simple form with a clear promise: what you’ll send and how often.
5. Events and activations
Collect numbers with consent at events, and send a welcome SMS the same day.
6. Guest WiFi
Offer an optional SMS sign-up on your WiFi login page.
7. Referrals
Reward customers who invite friends — the friends still opt in themselves.
Record consent properly
- When and where the person opted in.
- What they agreed to receive.
- Opt-outs, stored on a suppression list.
Send a welcome message
“Welcome to BRAND deals! Expect 2 offers a month. Reply STOP to opt out.” It confirms the sign-up and sets expectations.
Next: keep people subscribed, the SMS marketing guide and data protection rules.
Get started
Create a Connect Media account — SMS from KES 1.0, no minimum top-up, credit that never expires, and one account for Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom. Call +254 707 339 945 or email info@connectmedia.co.ke.
