5 reasons your business needs SMS marketing (yes, in 2025)

I don’t need to tell you that we live in the era of overloaded inboxes and all-consuming social media algorithms that decide who sees what.

But what if I told you there was a solution? Except, this solution is kind of like one your parents would give you when you’re complaining about being bored or tired – you’re not going to like it. And this is going to be a colossal hear me out, so stay with me:

SMS marketing remains one of the most direct and effective ways to reach your audience.

It’s fast, personal, and has an open rate that email marketers would kill for. But there’s a fine line between engaging customers and annoying them into opting out. And when I say fine line, I mean the finest, thinnest, almost microscopic line you could ever possibly think of. That being said, I truly believe the risk is worth the potential reward.

So, here’s why your business should be using SMS marketing in 2025 (and how to do it without being annoying as hell):

1. Sky-high open rates

Let’s talk numbers. SMS messages have an open rate of 98%, while emails often struggle to hit 20%. People check their texts almost immediately—on average, within three minutes of receiving them. If you want your message seen (and fast), SMS is the way to go.

How not to annoy customers: DO NOT – and I repeat – DO NOT SPAM. Send messages with real value, like order updates, exclusive deals, or time-sensitive offers. If it feels unnecessary, it probably is.

2. Unbeatable engagement and response rates

Text messages don’t just get opened—they get acted on. SMS has a 45% response rate, compared to email’s 6%. Whether you’re running a flash sale or a customer feedback survey, SMS is genuinely your best bet for actual engagement.

How not to annoy customers: Keep it SIMPLE, STUPID. Whether it’s your customers or your situationship, nobody wants to read a novel via text. Stick to one clear message and a strong CTA.

3. People prefer it (when done right)

Contrary to what you might think, customers like getting texts from brands they trust. Studies show that 75% of consumers are comfortable receiving SMS messages from businesses—as long as they opt in.

How not to annoy customers: Consent is everything. Make opting in easy and opting out even easier. No shady tactics, please.

4. It cuts through the noise

With email, you’re battling spam filters and overflowing inboxes. With social media, you’re at the mercy of algorithms. But with SMS? Your message lands directly in front of your customer, no middleman involved.

How not to annoy customers: Timing is key. Nobody wants a promo text at 3 AM. Respect time zones and daily habits.

5. Perfect for personalised, real-time marketing

AI-powered SMS marketing allows for hyper-personalisation—think abandoned cart reminders, birthday discounts, and geo-targeted offers. It’s the closest thing to tapping your customer on the shoulder and saying, “Hey, this is for you.”

How not to annoy customers: Don’t overdo it. Personalisation is great, but being too familiar can feel creepy. Use data wisely.

SMS isn’t dead. It's just evolved.

SMS marketing is no longer about bombarding people with generic messages. We have matured since then. Nowadays, it’s about smart, strategic communication that adds value. If you can respect your customers’ time, preferences, and boundaries, SMS can be one of the most powerful tools in your marketing arsenal.

-Sophie, Writer