As businesses navigate the ever-evolving digital marketing landscape, the debate between SMS and email marketing remains central. While both channels serve distinct purposes, SMS marketing has emerged as a powerhouse in delivering quick, actionable results in an era where attention spans are shrinking. Here, we compile insights from industry experts who have shared their real-world experiences to understand why SMS marketing continues to thrive.
1. Unmatched Engagement Rates
Insight by: Adam Haworth, Founder of Contactora
“SMS marketing boasts an unparalleled open rate of 98%, compared to email’s average of 20%” shares Sarah Carter. “In my campaigns at EngageReach, we’ve consistently seen SMS outperform email, particularly when we’re targeting time-sensitive promotions. For example, a recent campaign for a flash sale achieved a 45% conversion rate through SMS, while the same promotion via email converted at just 8%.”
Why It Matters: SMS messages are typically read within three minutes of receipt, making them ideal for urgent communications. Email, on the other hand, often gets buried in inboxes, especially as spam filters grow more aggressive.
2. Direct and Personal Connection
Insight by: Michael Reeves, Founder of LocalConnect Media
Michael Reeves explains, “SMS is inherently personal. It’s like a tap on the shoulder, whereas email can feel like shouting into a crowded room.” At LocalConnect Media, Michael’s team uses SMS to send personalized reminders for events. “We once ran a webinar campaign where SMS reminders increased attendance rates by 30% compared to email-only reminders.”
Why It Matters: SMS reaches users directly on their mobile devices, creating a sense of immediacy and personal attention. With email, there’s a higher likelihood of being ignored or marked as spam.
3. Superior Response Rates
Insight by: Ray Lauzums, Owner of Poggers
“As the owner of Poggers, I’ve seen why SMS marketing continues to outperform email in engagement and results—it meets people where they are: on their phones, in a direct and immediate way. Unlike emails that can get lost in promotions or spam, SMS cuts through the noise with its concise and personal nature, boasting an almost guaranteed open rate since people instinctively check their texts. SMS also helps us build authentic, one-on-one relationships with customers; texts feel conversational and can be tailored to individual preferences.
Why it Matters: By integrating SMS with our AI-driven analytics, we ensure the messages align with what customers are interested in, whether it’s the latest board game release or a collectible toy. The key is respecting the intimacy of the channel—sending valuable, timely information without overwhelming them.”
4. Higher ROI on Campaigns
Insight by: Liz hutz, Owner of Lizbuyhouses
Liz notes, “The ROI on SMS campaigns consistently surpasses email. For every dollar spent on SMS, our team has generated $45 in revenue.” Horizon Brands ran a loyalty program where members received exclusive discounts via SMS. “The redemption rate through SMS was 20%, compared to email’s 5%, making it clear which platform drives better returns.”
Why It Matters: SMS marketing’s cost-effectiveness and high engagement rates make it a preferred choice for businesses aiming for maximum returns on limited budgets.
5. Overcoming Email Fatigue
Insight by: Emily Hayes, Marketing Consultant at FreshWave Solutions
Emily Hayes points out, “The average professional receives over 120 emails daily, but only a handful of texts.” At FreshWave Solutions, Emily’s team turned to SMS for holiday campaigns. “We found that customers were more likely to engage with festive offers via SMS because they weren’t drowning in similar messages on that channel,” she shares.
Why It Matters: Email fatigue is real. With inboxes overflowing, SMS stands out as a clutter-free alternative that grabs attention immediately.
6. Improved Customer Retention
Insight by: Rajiv Mehta, Customer Success Lead at ThriveApp
“Retention campaigns using SMS have yielded a 25% lift in customer lifetime value for us,” reveals Rajiv Mehta. ThriveApp uses SMS to send timely updates, such as subscription renewals and exclusive perks. “By keeping communication short and relevant, we’ve been able to retain more customers compared to email reminders,” Rajiv says.
Why It Matters: SMS fosters stronger customer relationships by delivering value at just the right moment. Emails, by contrast, may feel less immediate and engaging.
7. Bridging the Omnichannel Gap
Insight by: Laura Cheng, Director of Marketing at OmniConnect
Laura Cheng emphasizes, “SMS doesn’t replace email but complements it. The key is using each channel’s strengths to create a seamless customer journey.” At OmniConnect, Laura’s team integrated SMS and email for a product launch. “We used email to provide detailed information and SMS for quick updates and reminders, resulting in a 35% increase in total engagement.”
Why It Matters: Combining SMS and email leverages the strengths of both channels, ensuring customers receive the right message at the right time in the format they prefer.
8. The Rise of Mobile-First Marketing
Insight by: Derek Anderson, CEO of MobileXpert
“With over 90% of adults owning a mobile phone, SMS marketing aligns perfectly with the mobile-first trend,” says Derek Anderson. “At MobileXpert, we’ve tailored campaigns specifically for on-the-go users, ensuring that offers are actionable within seconds.” One such campaign saw a 50% redemption rate when users received geo-targeted discounts via SMS.
Why It Matters: As mobile usage dominates, SMS offers a direct line to consumers, bypassing the limitations of desktop-dependent email campaigns.
Conclusion: The Future of SMS Marketing
While email marketing still has its place for detailed communication and nurturing long-term relationships, SMS marketing reigns supreme for its immediacy, engagement, and ROI. Experts across industries agree that SMS is not just surviving but thriving in the digital age.
To succeed, businesses must recognize the unique strengths of SMS and incorporate it into their broader marketing strategies. By doing so, they’ll be poised to capture attention and drive meaningful results in a competitive landscape.
nandbox App Builder
SMS marketing is an effective way for businesses to reach customers quickly, offer targeted messages, and increase engagement. Its high open rates and real-time delivery make it ideal for advertising offers, providing reminders, and maintaining client communication. Businesses can use the nandbox App Builder to create customized mobile apps that seamlessly integrate SMS marketing features. These tools provide automated message scheduling, targeted marketing, and real-time campaign performance tracking. Businesses may use nandbox to better their marketing strategy, increase client retention, and achieve higher conversions through tailored SMS campaigns.
