SMS marketing is one of the oldest digital marketing channels – yet it remains one of the most effective. While emails end up in spam and only a fraction of followers see posts on social networks, over 95% of recipients read SMS messages. Most of them within three minutes of delivery.
What exactly is SMS marketing
SMS marketing is a form of direct marketing where you reach customers via short text messages. It can be offers, discounts, event invitations, news, or reminders. Unlike email, an SMS message appears directly on the phone's lock screen – the recipient simply cannot miss it.
SMS marketing is not limited to large companies with budgets for expensive SMS gateways. Thanks to modern tools, anyone can send bulk SMS – from sole traders to small e-shops to municipal offices.
Why SMS marketing works so well
The numbers speak for themselves. SMS marketing has several key advantages over other channels:
Emails have an open rate around 20-30%. Social media posts reach 5-10% of followers. SMS is simply a different league. The message is delivered directly to the phone, does not require internet, and is not subject to any spam filter.
Examples of SMS marketing in practice
SMS marketing can be applied in many sectors and situations. Here are some examples that work:
Promotional campaigns and time-limited offers
This is the classic of SMS marketing. Do you have a seasonal sale, Black Friday or a birthday discount? Send an SMS with a discount code. The recipient will see it immediately and the time limit gives motivation to act quickly. Unlike email, which may be read two days later (when the deal has already ended), SMS arrives on time.
Event invitations
Organizing an open day, workshop, tasting, or concert? An SMS invitation has a much higher chance of being read than a poster on a notice board or a post on Facebook. And if you personalize the invitation with a name, it feels even more natural.
Loyalty programs
Do you reward loyal customers? SMS is a great way to send them a special offer. A message like "Thank you for your loyalty. You have a 15% discount on your next purchase with us" works better than any newsletter.
News and announcements
New product, new branch, change in opening hours. If you want your customers to really learn about it, SMS is a sure bet. An email can easily get lost among hundreds of others.
Who is SMS marketing suitable for
SMS marketing pays off virtually everywhere you have direct contact with customers and need to communicate with them quickly and reliably.
- Restaurants and cafes
- Hairdressers and salons
- Auto repair shops
- Pharmacies and clinics
- E-shops and brick-and-mortar stores
- Fitness centers and courses
- Real estate agencies
- Non-profit organizations and associations
You can read more about usage for specific industries on the pages SMS marketing and SMS for companies.
Practical tips for SMS marketing
Before you start sending, read a few proven tips:
- Be brief – SMS has a limit of 160 characters (or 70 with diacritics). Say the essentials and add a call to action.
- Personalize – addressing by name increases response. Most tools can do this automatically.
- Choose the right time – do not send at night or early in the morning. The best time is late morning or around lunchtime.
- Do not overdo the frequency – one SMS a week is the maximum for marketing. Otherwise you are bothering recipients.
- Measure results – track how many people respond. If you send a discount code, you can easily see how many people used it.
- Handle GDPR – for marketing SMS you need the recipient's consent. Keep records of consents and give people the option to unsubscribe.
How much does SMS marketing cost
That depends on the solution you choose. SMS gateways charge CZK 0.50 – 1.50 per message. With a thousand messages per month, you pay CZK 500 – 1,500 just for sending.
An alternative is sending from your own phone – you only pay for the software license and SMS are sent via your mobile plan. With an unlimited plan, you practically pay nothing extra for sending.
With SMS Sender Pro, you send marketing SMS directly from your own Android phone. You do not pay for each message, just the license. Recipients see your number and can call back. You can prepare your campaign on the web in a few minutes. See the pricing.
Conclusion
SMS marketing is simple, effective, and accessible. It has the highest open rate among all digital channels and is suitable for companies of all sizes. The key is to send relevant content to the right people at the right time. Start with a small group of customers, monitor results, and gradually expand.
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