Why Bringing Back Business SMS Marketing Is Clutch in ’24

Have you ever wondered why you still receive SMS marketing from brands even though you have their app on your smartphone? Is SMS update still relevant to marketing? It’s time to take a moment and think again. SMS marketing with time has proven itself as one of the most effective tools for business looking to connect with customers. From the latest discount to small updates, SMS is the simplest way for brands to stay in touch with their loyal customers. 

But why SMS? Emails often end up getting ignored or buried in spam folders, SMS commands attention. For example, a retail brand can leverage SMS to notify customers of a flash sale, driving instant traffic and engagement. Isn’t it interesting, SMS marketing delivers immediacy, relevance, and results that are hard to beat. So, while it may seem like an old-school approach, its effectiveness has made it a modern marketing essential.  

With more people using smartphones than ever before and spending an average of 4.8 hours a day on their devices, SMS marketing in 2024 is not just useful—it’s a must-have for businesses looking to boost their reach and connect with customers. 

Here’s why SMS marketing is a must-have for your strategy

SMS is leading the charge in modern marketing trends, offering businesses an unbeatable combination of high engagement and instant communication. SMS has developed into a potent tool for efficiently and rapidly reaching audiences because of its nearly flawless opening rates and quick response times. 

Personalization and direct communication: Today’s consumers crave personalized, timely interactions, and SMS marketing delivers exactly that. By sending targeted messages directly to users, businesses meet the growing demand for relevance.  

A Salesforce survey revealed that 72% of consumers engage only with personalized content, and SMS platforms now provide advanced tools to segment audiences based on behavior, preferences, and demographics. Whether it’s a special birthday offer or a timely service reminder, SMS ensures a personal touch that stands out. 

Cost-effective outreach: As digital advertising costs continue to soar; SMS remains a budget-friendly marketing powerhouse. With costs ranging from $0.01 to $0.05 per text, businesses can launch large-scale campaigns without breaking the bank. This is especially impactful for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). For example, a local restaurant can promote a weekend special to 1,000 customers for as little as $20—a small investment with the potential for massive returns. 

Boosting engagement with high click-through rates: So, why SMS? Unlike emails that can be buried in spam folders, SMS demands attention with its near-perfect 98% open rate—far outshining email’s modest 20–25%. What’s more, 90% of SMS messages are read within three minutes, making it an ideal tool for time-sensitive campaigns. Whether it’s a flash sale notification or an urgent update, SMS ensures that your message gets seen and acted upon. 

Seamless Integration with Omnichannel Strategies: In 2024, businesses are embracing omnichannel marketing, and SMS is the perfect fit to tie everything together. Acting as a bridge between digital and physical channels, SMS enhances the customer journey with timely updates and exclusive offers.  

Brands are using SMS to: 

• Send order confirmations and shipping notifications
• Remind customers about abandoned carts
• Deliver mobile-exclusive discounts and promotions

Driving results with data: The rise of analytics tools in SMS platforms has made it easier than ever to measure performance and refine campaigns. Metrics like delivery rates, open rates, and conversions can be tracked in real-time, empowering businesses to optimize their efforts. For example, a fitness studio can evaluate the response to an SMS campaign offering free trial classes and adjust future messaging to maximize sign-ups. 

Here’s who has actually done business SMS marketing

SMS marketing has proven its value across industries, with numerous brands achieving remarkable results. Here are some standout examples: 

Domino’s Pizza: By sending personalized offers tailored to customer preferences, Domino’s saw a 23% boost in sales within just three months. This highlights the power of SMS in driving immediate action. 

Sephora: The beauty giant leverages SMS to deliver exclusive deals, personalized beauty tips, and timely reminders. This approach has led to a 20% higher retention rate among subscribers, showcasing how SMS can enhance customer loyalty. 

Airbnb: By using SMS for booking confirmations, reminders, and urgent updates, Airbnb has streamlined the customer experience, resulting in a 30% increase in customer satisfaction scores. It’s a perfect example of how SMS can build trust and improve user experiences. 

These success stories illustrate the versatility and effectiveness of SMS marketing, making it a vital tool for businesses to connect with their audience and achieve measurable results. 

Should you dip a toe into SMS Marketing this year?

As technology advances, the capabilities of SMS marketing are expanding. The introduction of Rich Communication Services (RCS) is transforming SMS into a multimedia-rich platform. With RCS, businesses can send messages that include images, videos, and call-to-action buttons, creating an interactive experience for users. Predictions indicate that RCS adoption will grow rapidly in the next year, opening new opportunities for creative campaigns. 

While SMS marketing offers immense benefits, it’s essential to approach it strategically. Here are some tips: 

• Build an opt-in list: Always get consent before sending messages. 

• Keep it concise: Use short and compelling text. 

• Time it well: Avoid sending messages late at night or early morning. 

• Test and optimize: Use A/B testing to find what works best for your audience. 

Cut to the chase 

With its high open rates, cost-effectiveness, and ability to drive immediate action, SMS marketing is a must-have in your 2024 strategy. Whether you’re an SME or a global brand, leveraging SMS can significantly enhance your marketing efforts and foster deeper connections with your audience.