5 benefits of SMS marketing for your small business Marketing through a phone is not limited to social media. Will Jackson explains the value of SMS marketing and why it can be so crucial for finding new customers. Written by Will Jackson Updated on 10 October 2023 Our experts We are a team of writers, experimenters and researchers providing you with the best advice with zero bias or partiality. Written and reviewed by: Will Jackson Direct to your inbox Sign up to the Startups Weekly Newsletter Stay informed on the top business stories with Startups.co.uk’s weekly email newsletter SUBSCRIBE Effective marketing strategies and tools are essential in today’s dynamic business landscape for capturing and retaining the attention of potential customers. SMS marketing stands out as a powerful tool in the armoury of modern marketing tactics that may revolutionise the way in which businesses communicate with their customers. In this page Phone fetish 1. Instant & direct communication 2. Increased conversion rates 3. Cost effectiveness 4. Personalised customer engagement 5. High open rates & engagement Final thoughts Phone fetishAs consumers become more reliant on their mobile devices, the power of SMS communication cannot be overstated. SMS marketing provides a unique opportunity in this digital age, where messages can easily get lost or disregarded in busy feeds and inboxes. It provides a direct and instant connection with your target audience. Understanding how SMS marketing can elevate your business is critical whether you’re a startup wanting to build a name for yourself or an established brand looking to fine-tune your methods.Join us as we look at five benefits of SMS marketing and why it deserves a prominent place in your marketing toolkit:Instant & direct communicationIncrease conversion ratesCost effectivenessPersonalised customer engagementHigh open rates & engagement 1. Instant & direct communicationA core benefit of SMS marketing is that it provides businesses with a significant edge by allowing for direct and immediate communication with their target audience and customers.Text messages, unlike other marketing methods that may get buried in cluttered inboxes or social media feeds, have an amazing capacity to cut through the noise and instantaneously grab users’ attention.You can be assured that your communications are received quickly due to the fact that ‘97% of text messages are read within 15 minutes of delivery’. This rapid reach is especially useful for time-sensitive offers, announcements or event promotions. SMS marketing ensures that your message reaches your clients directly and swiftly, building a sense of urgency and engagement that few other strategies can match, whether it’s a flash sale, limited-time discount, or breaking news. 2. Increased conversion ratesAnother benefit of SMS marketing is that it can lead to an increase in conversion rates. SMS marketing isn’t about just sending messages; it’s about motivating people to take action.Businesses have discovered that SMS messages have the ability to drastically increase conversion rates. You can build a streamlined path to action by sending brief and compelling messages directly to clients’ mobile devices. The direct nature of SMS communication promotes a stronger feeling of urgency and swift response, whether it’s urging consumers to make a purchase, sign up for an event, or take advantage of a limited-time offer.SMS messages have been found to result in faster decision-making and a higher possibility of completing the targeted action due to their urgent nature. As a result, SMS marketing is an efficient strategy for attaining conversion targets and increasing the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns. 3. Cost effectivenessAnother benefit and one of the most appealing aspects of SMS marketing is its low cost, particularly for small businesses.Traditional marketing strategies may involve substantial costs for printing, communication, and advertising space. SMS marketing, on the other hand, eliminates such expenses, allowing you to reach your target demographic for a fraction of the cost. With the increasing number of mobile devices, the reach potential is massive, and SMS campaigns may be carried out without the need for expensive design or production.In addition, SMS messages’ high open rates and engagement levels make every communication matter, guaranteeing that your investment converts directly into customer engagement. SMS marketing stands out as a cost-efficient yet highly effective choice for small to medium-sized businesses looking for significant marketing solutions without breaking the bank. 4. Personalised customer engagementAnother benefit of SMS marketing is that it provides businesses with a unique opportunity to establish personal ties with their customers. You can adjust material to individual interests and behaviours by using segmentation and targeted messaging.You can establish a sense of value and exclusivity by contacting users by name and providing relevant offers based on previous interactions. This personalised touch builds deeper customer relationships and promotes engagement. Customers are also more likely to respond positively to messages that are relevant to their interests and requirements.SMS marketing allows you to develop a deeper link with your audience, resulting in increased customer loyalty and satisfaction, whether it’s a birthday discount or a product recommendation based on previous sales. 5. High open rates & engagementAnother benefit of SMS marketing is its exceptional open and engagement rates that are challenging to match in other communication channels.SMS marketing has a very powerful ability to capture the attention of the target audience when you consider that ‘55% of all SMSes are read [while] 100% of SMSes are viewed’. SMS’s simplicity and private nature encourage receivers to read and interact with what you send. In addition to this, the compact structure of SMS encourages users to swiftly digest and respond to information, resulting in increased levels of engagement.SMS marketing is a highly efficient approach to ensure that your messages are not only received but also actively engaged with by your target audience because of this direct and quick engagement. Final thoughtsThere are many marketing strategies and tactics that have varied success rates depending on the industry in which your business operates. We hope that this article has highlighted why SMS marketing should be a core tool in your business’s marketing toolbox, and the many benefits that it can provide. Will Jackson - Account Assistant for Mobilesquared Mobilesquared is a business messaging intelligence service that allows you to understand your messaging opportunities, backed by data. Their market intelligence is referenced by The Financial Times, CNN, BBC, The Wall Street Journal and Marketing Week. Mobilesquared Share this post facebook twitter linkedin Tags Expert Opinion Written by: Will Jackson