SMS Marketing

SMS Marketing refers to sending commercial text messages to customers who have given verifiable opt-in consent. With a 95% open rate and an average read time under 90 seconds, SMS is one of the most powerful channels for time-sensitive communication in e-commerce.

What is SMS Marketing?

SMS Marketing is the use of text messages (SMS) for business purposes – promotions, notifications, reminders, alerts – sent to customers who have given prior consent (opt-in). Despite the rise of messaging apps like WhatsApp, SMS remains one of the highest-performing marketing channels – because it works on every mobile phone, without an app and without an internet connection.

Compared to email, which often disappears into a Promotions tab, SMS messages are typically read within 90 seconds of receipt. This immediacy makes SMS marketing particularly valuable for time-sensitive messages.

SMS Marketing Metrics

  • Open rate – 95% (Gartner / CTIA), vs. 20–25% for email
  • Click-through rate (CTR) – 19–36% (CTIA / Gartner)
  • Read time – Under 90 seconds after receipt
  • ROI – €71 per €1 invested (Juniper Research)
  • Cost – approx. €0.02–€0.05 per message in most Western markets

GDPR Framework for SMS Marketing

SMS marketing is strictly regulated by the GDPR and local legislation in most EU markets. Key rules:

  • Documented opt-in (double opt-in recommended) before any commercial send
  • Clear sender identification in every message
  • Easy unsubscribe option (e.g., STOP keyword) in every marketing SMS
  • Respect sending time windows (in practice: 8am–8pm on weekdays)
  • Retain consent records and documentation

Typical Use Cases

SMS Marketing is especially effective for:

  • Flash sales and time-limited offers – high urgency, instant visibility
  • Appointment reminders – medical practices, salons, workshops
  • Shipping notifications and delivery status alerts
  • Loyalty offers for existing customers – personalized discount codes by SMS
  • Win-back campaigns – reactivating inactive customers
  • Abandoned cart reminders – as fallback when no WhatsApp opt-in exists

SMS Marketing with SendSeven

SendSeven integrates SMS into its Unified Inbox platform – alongside WhatsApp, email, Telegram, and other channels. Send SMS broadcast campaigns or automated transactional messages through the same interface. Global coverage, transparent pricing (plans from €49/month, Basic), automatic opt-in and opt-out management for GDPR compliance.

Learn how Contact Management manages opt-in status per channel, automatically creates contacts from incoming SMS, and segments recipient lists for targeted campaigns.