Almost everyone reads their text messages. That's the simple secret behind SMS marketing: a channel where your message is opened within minutes, not days. Compared to email — where inboxes are crowded and open rates keep falling — a text message gets seen. Here's how to use it the right way.

Why SMS works

Open rates for SMS regularly reach 90–98%, with most messages read within the first few minutes. There's no spam folder, no algorithm hiding you, and no competing with dozens of other businesses for attention. For time-sensitive news — a sale, an appointment, a delivery update — nothing beats it.

1. Get permission first

The most important rule: never message people who haven't asked. Build your list with genuine opt-ins — a checkbox at checkout, a sign-up form, or "text YES to subscribe" — and always make it clear what they're signing up for. Permission isn't just about following the rules; people who opted in actually read and respond to your messages.

2. Keep it short and valuable

A text message is a headline, not an article. One clear offer, one clear action. Every message should answer the question a customer asks themselves: why should I care? If it doesn't offer value — a discount, useful info, an update — don't send it.

3. Time it well

A message about lunch specials sent at 7am is noise; the same message at 11am is useful. Think about when your customers are actually making decisions. For most businesses, late mornings and early evenings work better than early mornings or late nights — and always respect your audience's local time zone.

4. Include one clear call to action

What do you want them to do? Visit the store, redeem a code, call you back, reply to confirm? Keep it to one action per message and make it effortless. A short link or a simple reply like "Reply 1 to confirm" drives far more response than a paragraph of options.

5. Measure and improve

The beauty of SMS is that results are easy to read: who replied, who clicked, who used the code. Compare different offers and timings, keep what works, and let your list grow around the messages people actually respond to.

SMS is the closest thing to a direct line to your customer — treat it with respect and it will reward you.

Ready to send your first campaign?

Whether it's a two-for-one offer, a store-opening announcement or a payment reminder, SMS marketing pays for itself when done with care. Build your list, keep your messages focused, and send with confidence.