Are SMS Campaigns Worth Doing?

If email is your polite knock on the door, SMS is you walking right in with the offer in hand.

There’s no inbox filtering, no algorithm hiding your message, no hoping someone checks their spam folder. Just straight-to-the-pocket delivery that almost guarantees to get seen—and fast. We’re talking 98% open rates, with most messages read in under 90 seconds.

It’s the most underused and over-performing channel in digital marketing. And for local services, eCommerce, and appointment-based businesses, it’s your unfair advantage—if you use it right.

This guide breaks down how SMS works, why most businesses are sleeping on it, and how to use it for instant results and repeat revenue.

Why SMS Campaigns Are So Effective

Look at your phone. Now imagine your customer’s screen lighting up with your offer, appointment reminder, or reactivation message—while they’re on the couch, in line at the cafe, or about to forget about you.

That’s SMS power. It works because it:

✓ Cuts through the noise – no algorithm, no inbox competition
✓ Gets opened instantly – 98%+ open rates
✓ Feels personal – it’s in their messages, not their promotions tab
✓ Drives action – 30%+ click-through rates are common
✓ Fits any model – service business, eCom brand, B2B consultant

While other brands are still “warming up” leads with email #4, your SMS already booked the job.

When Should You Use SMS?

Here’s the key: SMS isn’t for content. It’s not a newsletter. It’s not a blog roundup. SMS is for moments that move the needle.

Use it when your customer needs to:

• Make a decision

• Complete a booking

• Revisit an abandoned cart

• Confirm a quote

• Leave a review

• Reactivate a service

• Redeem a time-sensitive offer

Think of SMS as your nudge to action button. Not always-on. But always effective when triggered at the right time.

SMS Campaign Examples That Actually Work

Service Business (Electrician)
“Hey Jake, still need help with the power issue? We’ve got a tech nearby today. Text back YES to lock it in.”
→ Follows up on a quote
→ Feels helpful, not pushy
→ Easy reply = low friction

eCommerce Brand
“Still thinking about those headphones? Here’s 10% off for the next 2 hours. Tap here → [link]”
→ Re-engages cart abandoner
→ Uses urgency with a timer
→ One action, one click

Booking Reminder
“Reminder: Your Cleaning appointment is tomorrow at 9am. Questions? Just reply here.”
→ Reduces no-shows
→ Gives a sense of care
→ Opens 2-way chat

Review Request
“Thanks for choosing Solarwise! Got 30 seconds to leave a quick review to help us grow.  → [link]”
→ Builds your online trust
→ Increases Google star ratings
→ Can trigger schema for your SERP listings

SMS Best Practices for Results (Not Regrets)

Bad SMS feels like spam. Smart SMS feels like service. Here’s how to get it right:

✓ Keep it short. One idea per message
✓ Be conversational. Write like a human
✓ Include a CTA. Reply, tap, confirm—make it clear
✓ Use personalisation. Names, products, job types = higher response
✓ Respect timing. No midnight messages
✓ Stay compliant. Get permission. Include opt-outs
✓ Use urgency wisely. Only when it’s real

If it wouldn’t feel natural as a text to a friend, don’t send it as a campaign.

How SMS Supercharges Everything Else You’re Doing

SMS isn’t a replacement. It’s a multiplier. Here’s how it fits into your funnel:

Pair It With Email
Email builds the story. SMS closes the deal.
→ Email: “Here’s what makes our offer valuable”
→ SMS: “Here’s your link. It expires in 2 hours.”

Re-Engage Cold Leads
Someone fills out a form, takes a call, then disappears? SMS brings them back.
“Still need help with your landscaping project? We’ve got a few openings this week. Want to book a quick chat?”

Increase Local Visibility
Use SMS to follow up from:

• Google Business Profile leads

• Missed calls

• Walk-ins who didn’t convert

Automate It with CRM Flows
Tools like GoHighLevel and ActiveCampaign let you build flows:

• Post-purchase review requests

• Cart abandonment

• Missed-call reactivation

• Cold lead revival

Once it’s built, it works 24/7.

SMS Tools That Actually Deliver

GoHighLevel – Ideal for lead gen, tradies, and real-time follow-ups
Klaviyo – The go-to for Shopify brands and eCommerce re-engagement
Podium – Best for service businesses looking to scale reviews
ActiveCampaign – For more advanced funnels with CRM syncing
Twilio – Flexible for developers and custom integrations

Choose a platform that plugs into your funnel—don’t bolt on something clunky.

What Not To Do with SMS

🚫 Blast your entire list with the same promo
🚫 Skip opt-ins or legal compliance
🚫 Write essays—SMS is not email
🚫 Confuse people with multiple links or vague CTAs
🚫 Message too often—2–3 per week max

Bad SMS = opt-outs and spam complaints
Good SMS = clicks, bookings, repeat business

Why Most Businesses Get SMS Wrong

They either don’t use it at all… or they use it like a megaphone.

SMS should feel like a helpful reminder, a personal nudge, or an exclusive offer—not a cold broadcast. If you’re still chasing leads with only email and Facebook Ads, you’re burning time and money.

That ghosted quote? One text away.
That 5-star review? One message away.
That upsell you never asked for? One follow-up away.

SMS isn’t magic. It’s just the most ignored goldmine in your funnel.

FAQs About SMS Campaigns

How often should I send SMS?
1–2 times per week max unless your audience expects more. Make it timely, not spammy.

Do I need permission to send texts?
Yes—opt-in is non-negotiable. No consent = blocked numbers and legal headaches.

Best time to send SMS?
Mid-morning or early afternoon. Avoid early mornings, late nights, and weekends unless it’s a true offer people care about.

Can I use SMS for cold outreach?
No. Never. This is a trust channel. Cold SMS gets blocked and damages your brand.

What’s a good click rate?
15–30% is solid. If your links aren’t getting tapped, your message or offer needs work.

Should I automate SMS?
Yes—and combine it with manual messages for high-touch follow-up. Automation handles volume. You handle closing.

Can I use shortened links?
Yes, but make them clean and branded if possible. No shady URLs.

Biggest mistake with SMS?
Treating it like email. SMS should feel like a smart, helpful text—quick, clear, and action-oriented.

Final Thoughts: So… Are SMS Campaigns Worth Doing?

Absolutely. If you're not using SMS, you’re not closing as many leads, booking as many jobs, or building as much loyalty as you could be.

It’s not about volume—it’s about precision. SMS works best when it's smart, timely, and personal.

Want help setting up SMS flows that actually get replies, bookings, and revenue?
Book a Free Strategy Session → Let’s plug SMS into your funnel the right way and turn those unread emails into instant actions.