Using Triggered Messaging for E-Commerce: Abandoned Carts to Repeat Sales.
December 23, 2025
written by Maingi

Kenya’s e-commerce landscape is growing rapidly. More people are shopping online, comparing prices digitally, and discovering products through social platforms. But there’s a big problem:
👉 Up to 70% of Kenyan shoppers abandon their online carts before completing a purchase.
Delivery costs, distractions, payment issues, or simple indecision often stop customers mid-journey.
This is where triggered messaging becomes a game-changer.
With SMSLeopard, e-commerce brands can automatically send timely, personalized SMS and WhatsApp messages based on customer behavior—turning lost opportunities into conversions and first-time buyers into loyal, repeat customers.
What Exactly Is Triggered Messaging?
Triggered messaging is automated communication that’s sent when a customer performs (or fails to perform) a specific action.
Examples:
Customer adds an item to cart → send a reminder
Customer buys for the first time → send onboarding guide
Customer hasn’t purchased for 30 days → send a win-back offer
Customer browses a product page → send product info
Customer receives delivery → send review request
These timely nudges move people through the funnel without manual effort.
SMSLeopard makes it simple to create, automate, and scale these triggers through:
SMS WhatsApp ChatSasa flows Short links & tracking Segmentation E-commerce system integrations
Why Triggered Messaging Is Essential for Kenyan E-Commerce
Kenyan shoppers expect fast communication, reassurance, and convenience. Triggered SMS and WhatsApp messages bridge the gap between browsing and buying through:
1. Higher conversion rates
A simple cart reminder can recover 20–35% of otherwise lost revenue.
2. Consistent follow-up
Automation ensures every customer receives the right message at the right moment.
3. Personalization
Messages feel tailored—improving trust and click-through rates.
4. Better customer experience
Timely updates reduce confusion, increase satisfaction, and build loyalty.
5. Long-term retention
Triggered post-purchase sequences keep customers coming back again and again.
The Complete E-Commerce Trigger Strategy in Kenya
Below is the complete lifecycle and the triggered messages you can automate using SMSLeopard.
1️⃣ Abandoned Cart Recovery
Common reasons for drop-off in Kenya:
Delivery fees not clear
Payment failure (M-Pesa timeout)
Checkout confusion
Distracted mid-process
Trigger:
Customer adds item(s) to cart → doesn’t complete order after X minutes.
Automated SMS examples:
“Hey Mary, your items are still available! Complete your order now before they sell out: [short link]. Need help? Reply HELP.”
“Hi Brian, your cart qualifies for free delivery today. Finish checkout here → [short link].”
Impact:
Recovers lost revenue Helps customers finish transactions Encourages action without manual intervention
2️⃣ Browse Abandonment Messages
When a customer views a product but does not add it to cart.
Trigger:
Visited product page → no add to cart.
Automated SMS examples:
“Looking for [Product Name]? Here’s the price, features & delivery options: [short link]. Reply ORDER to buy.”
Perfect for fashion, electronics, cosmetics, home goods, and more.
3️⃣ Price Drop Alerts
Kenyan customers are very price-sensitive.
Trigger:
Item in wishlist or cart drops in price.
Message example:
“Good news! The item you liked is now discounted. Grab yours today: [short link].”
4️⃣ Back-In-Stock Notifications
Trigger:
Out-of-stock item becomes available again.
Message example:
“[Product Name] is now back in stock. Limited pieces available. Order now: [short link].”
5️⃣ Order Confirmation & Payment Success
Build confidence and reduce customer anxiety.
Trigger:
Order placed or M-Pesa payment confirmed.
Message example:
“Thank you Mary! Your order #4452 is confirmed. We’ll notify you when it’s dispatched.”
6️⃣ Delivery Updates & Rider Notifications
Kenyan buyers love real-time updates.
Trigger:
Order dispatched / Rider en route / Delivery completed.
Message example:
“Your package is on the way with rider Peter (0700 xxx xxx). Expected arrival: 2–4 PM.”
7️⃣ Post-Purchase Thank You & Upsell Messages
Triggered 3-7 days after delivery.
Message example:
“We hope you’re enjoying your purchase! You might also love these items: [short link]. Use code THANKYOU for 5% off.”
This increases repeat sales, which are far more profitable.
8️⃣ Review & Feedback Requests
Social proof is vital for Kenyan shoppers.
Trigger:
X days after delivery.
Message example:
“Rate your experience with us: [short link]. Your feedback helps us improve.”
9️⃣ Win-Back Campaigns for Inactive Customers
Trigger:
No purchase in 30, 60, or 90 days.
Message example:
“We miss you! Here’s a special offer just for you: 10% off your next order. Redeem here: [short link].”
These can revive cold customers and reactivate your database.
Advanced Tactics: What the Best Kenyan Stores Are Doing
Using SMSLeopard’s automation tools, top e-commerce brands are implementing:
Multi-step automated flows
Abandoned cart → reminder → offer → expiry notice
Segmentation by behavior
Frequent shoppers, discount seekers, VIPs, new leads, etc.
Personalized product recommendations
Based on browsing or past purchases.
Dynamic WhatsApp catalogs
Rich media → higher conversion.
Customer support triggers
“Reply HELP for assistance.”
This makes your store feel alive, responsive, and customer-focused.
Why SMSLeopard Is the Best Platform in Kenya for Triggered E-Commerce Messaging
SMSLeopard has become the go-to platform for modern online stores due to:
Automation that requires no coding High delivery rates across Safaricom, Airtel & Telkom Detailed analytics + conversion tracking WhatsApp API + ChatSasa for conversational flows Short links with click tracking 2-way SMS for customer interaction Custom triggers integrated with websites & apps Affordable bulk rates for growing stores
Whether you're selling fashion, electronics, groceries, cosmetics, furniture, or digital products—SMSLeopard scales with your business.
Final Word: Triggered Messaging Turns Browsers Into Loyal Customers
In Kenya’s competitive e-commerce market, you cannot afford to wait for customers to return on their own.
Triggered messaging helps you:
Recover abandoned carts Increase conversions Improve customer experience Drive repeat sales Build long-term loyalty
And with SMSLeopard, everything can be automated—so you make more sales while you sleep.