What is SMS marketing?
SMS marketing is the practice of sending text messages to customers and leads who have agreed to receive them. Businesses use it for offers, reminders, order updates, and follow-ups, because text messages are short and tend to be read quickly.
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How SMS marketing is used
Common uses include appointment reminders, shipping updates, limited-time offers, and quick follow-ups after a lead enquiry. Messages are short, so each one should have a single purpose.
Consent and compliance
Marketing texts generally need clear, recorded consent, and rules vary by country and region. Always give people a simple way to stop messages, and have a legal professional check your process. In the US, carriers also require businesses to register before texting from a standard 10-digit number, and unregistered messages may be blocked.
Doing it well
Send only what's useful, keep the frequency reasonable, and identify your business in each message. Segment your list so people get texts that match their interests, and track replies, clicks, and opt-outs.
Common questions
Do you need permission to send marketing texts?
In most places, yes. You typically need clear consent before sending promotional texts, and the exact requirements depend on your location and your audience's.
What's the difference between SMS and MMS?
SMS is plain text messaging. MMS lets you include media such as images or short videos.
How does SMS marketing compare to email?
Texts are shorter and often read faster, but they're also more personal, so people are less tolerant of too many. Many teams use both, with each channel suited to different messages.
How do you measure SMS marketing?
Track delivery, link clicks, replies, conversions, and opt-outs. Compare the results with your other channels.
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