Why SMS is the marketing channel of the future 

Are you tired of your marketing messages getting lost in crowded inboxes? Don’t worry, there’s one channel that’s still standing strong – SMS marketing. 

SMS marketing has become a game-changer for businesses looking to engage with their target audience effectively. From high open rates to quick response times, SMS marketing has proven to be a powerful tool. 

So, if you’re looking for a reliable marketing channel that delivers results, keep reading to find out why SMS marketing is shaping up to be the channel of the future.

The growth of mobile usage

According to a report by We Are Social, over two-thirds of the global population now own a mobile phone, and more than half of those are smartphones. With internet access at their fingertips, people are now spending more time on mobile devices than ever before. Statista reports that in 2021, the average time spent on mobile internet was approximately 155 minutes per day.

This widespread adoption of mobile devices has transformed consumer behavior and expectations. Smartphone users have come to rely on their devices for virtually everything – from communication to shopping and entertainment. The always-on nature of mobile phones has conditioned users to expect information to be available instantly.

With more and more people relying on their mobile devices, there has been a shift towards mobile marketing strategies. From SMS marketing to social media campaigns, brands are using mobile marketing to cut through the noise and reach their target audiences on the go. 

6 reasons why SMS marketing is the channel of the future

Let’s explore the six key reasons why SMS marketing is ready to dominate the marketing landscape and become the top choice channel for brands worldwide.

1. High open rates and instant delivery

SMS messaging has proven to be an effective way of reaching out to your target audience. Unlike emails that can get lost in the inbox or even be marked as spam, text messages get immediate attention. Research shows that 98% of SMS messages are opened and read within minutes of being received. This is significantly higher than email marketing, where open rates are usually around 20-30%.

One reason why SMS is so effective is that people have their phones with them at all times. Studies indicate that the average person checks their phone up to 150 times a day. Therefore, when you send an SMS campaign, you’re almost guaranteed to reach your target audience.

Another factor contributing to high open rates is the sense of urgency created by text messages. Unlike emails that can be ignored or deleted without being opened, text messages pop up on the user’s screen immediately and demand attention.

2. Tailored messaging for personalized connection

When it comes to marketing, nothing beats personalization and convenience. With SMS marketing, you can create messages that cater to your customers’ individual preferences and needs, making them feel special and unique.

By collecting customer first and zero-party data such as names, birthdays, and purchase history, you can create SMS messages that truly resonate with your audience. This level of personalization can help you build a strong one-to-one connection with your customers, boosting their loyalty and trust in your brand.

And that’s not all. SMS is one of the most accessible and convenient communication channels out there. No need for an internet connection – your customers can simply receive, read, and reply to your messages by texting back directly. This seamless communication experience bridges the gap between your brand and your audience, making it easier for you to engage with them and drive results.

3. Enhanced customer engagement with SMS and marketing automation

Marketers can significantly improve customer engagement by combining SMS with marketing automation. With automation, you can send timely campaigns to your audience, triggered by customer behavior or actions. For example, if a customer abandons their shopping cart on your website, you can automatically send them an SMS reminder with a special offer to entice them back.

Another way of incorporating SMS into your automation programs is by using ‘resends.’ If a customer hasn’t opened an email within 24 hours, you can switch the channel and trigger an SMS message instead. This increases your touchpoints and the likelihood that your message will be seen. Features like Dotdigital’s one-click SMS tool help marketers save time while giving their carefully crafted campaigns increased exposure.

4. Dynamic and interactive campaigns

Whether you’re looking to drive immediate sales, grow your subscriber list, or promote an event, you can adapt your SMS marketing to your campaign’s goal. From limited-time offers and flash sales to conducting polls and surveys, SMS campaigns allow you to engage your audience directly and interactively, driving desired actions from your customers.

You could even integrate multimedia messaging service (MMS) into your strategy. This will allow you to incorporate visual messages along with text messages. MMS enables brands to create more engaging, attention-grabbing, and vibrant messages compared to standard SMS messages, making a lasting impression on your audience and enhancing their overall experience.

5. Targeted opt-in messaging

SMS marketing is based on the concept of opt-in marketing, meaning your messages are only sent to customers who have given their explicit consent. This ensures targeted communication, eliminates wasted efforts on uninterested users, and enhances your brand’s reputation by respecting customers’ privacy.

While it’s essential to focus on your opted-in customers, it’s equally vital to provide an easy opt-out process for those who no longer wish to receive communications. This demonstrates respect for customer preferences and contributes to a positive brand perception and customer satisfaction.

6. Sky-high ROI with SMS marketing

Achieving exceptional results is the primary objective of any marketing campaign, and this is where SMS marketing truly outshines the competition. SMS marketing consistently provides an impressive return on investment (ROI) for brands, making it increasingly popular among marketing professionals.

One significant factor contributing to its attractiveness is the low cost per text message sent, making SMS marketing an affordable option for businesses of all sizes. Additionally, the ability to track analytics with ease ensures that marketers can monitor the success of their campaigns and adjust strategies as needed.

Future-proof your campaigns with SMS marketing

SMS marketing has become a popular marketing channel for many reasons. It has high open rates, provides personalization, seamlessly integrates with marketing automation, offers dynamic campaign capabilities, allows for targeted opt-in messaging, and boasts an impressive ROI. As a result, it’s quickly becoming the future of marketing. By embracing the potential of SMS marketing, marketers can establish a direct and personal approach to communication and establish a genuine connection with their customers.