SMS text message marketing

By definition, SMS marketing allows businesses to reach out to customers through SMS text messages. SMS, an acronym for “short message service,” has become an increasingly popular way for companies to build more direct relationships with new and existing customers—especially with the near-ubiquity of mobile phones.

However, SMS marketing has become synonymous with marketing on other messaging channels such as RCS marketing, MMS marketing, or WhatsApp marketing.

Yes, text messages, whether by SMS, RCS, or MMS, can be a highly effective marketing channel. Industry studies show open rates averaging 98%. Additionally, 90% of users read their messages within three minutes of delivery, making it a fast way to reach customers.

Text message marketing makes customer communication easy with fast delivery, near immediate viewership, high open rates, and high click-through rates. It can be personalized which is important for today’s customers who increasingly expect value and relevance from communications. Additionally, many customers prefer SMS over traditional marketing channels.

SMS marketing can be used for loyalty campaigns, welcome messages, product announcements, time-sensitive promotional offers, abandoned cart notifications, and more. Personalized SMS campaigns are also highly effective. (Like offering a discount code to customers for a product they’ve shown interest in previously.)