11 Proven SMS Marketing Practices to Boost Engagement in 2025
With a 98% open rate, SMS marketing is a direct line to your customers. But success requires strategy, not just mass texting. This blog outlines 11 essential best practices, enriched with insights from industry experts, to drive revenue, enhance engagement, and grow your brand in 2025.
1. Segment for Precision Targeting
Tailor messages to specific audience segments to boost relevance and conversions. Use data like demographics (age, gender, location), behavior (purchases, browsing patterns), or timing (optimal send times).
Sheraz Ali of HARO Links Builder shared how they helped an e-commerce client: “We crafted seven distinct SMS flows based on browsing behavior and purchase history. SMS campaign revenue increased by 347% in four months.”
2. Build a Compliant Opt-In List
Secure explicit consent before sending SMS, using incentives like discounts or exclusive content via website CTAs, social media, or in-store sign-ups. Compliance with TRAI’s TCCPR 2018 is critical to avoid penalties.
Dwight Zahringer of Perfect Afternoon noted, “Opt-in clarity is critical. Subscribers need to know what they’re getting—SMS should feel like a VIP channel.”
3. Brand Every Message
Include your company name or website link in every SMS to build trust, as alphabetic sender IDs are restricted under TCCPR 2018.
Example: “Hi [Name], your [BrandName] order is on its way! Track it at [link].”
4. Keep It Short and Clear
Craft messages under 160 characters with a friendly, jargon-free tone. Focus on immediate value, like coupons or time-sensitive offers.
Lauren Gulli of High Caliber Digital Marketing Solutions shared, “Clarity and UX are everything. Simple language and one-tap actions like order tracking reduce friction.”
5. Use Attention-Grabbing Words
Hook recipients in 1–3 seconds with bold phrases like “EXCLUSIVE OFFER” or “LAST CHANCE.” Capitalize key terms, but ensure offers are genuine to maintain trust, says Rajesh of Startup Silicon.
6. Personalize for Impact
Address customers by name and tailor messages to their behavior or purchase history. Personalized SMS can boost engagement by up to 40%.
Firdaus Syazwani of Dollar Bureau noted, “Shifting to AI-driven segmentation for hyper-personalized SMS increased our client’s click-through rates by over 40%.”
7. Include a Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)
Guide customers with actionable CTAs, like “Use code SAVE20 today” or “Track your order here.” Make next steps effortless.
Jackie Sinclair of Jackie Sinclair & Co. shared:
To improve the customer experience, infuse transactional messages with tone, clarity, and optional content. Don’t just say “Your order shipped.” Say:  “Good news! Your content planning kit is on its way. Track here [link]. While you wait, want a free training on how to use it? [link]”
You’re already in their pocket—use that opportunity with care and creativity. That’s what makes it memorable.
8. Offer Easy Opt-Outs
Include clear opt-out instructions in every message, as mandated by TRAI. This respects customer choice and saves resources.
Example: “Reply UNSUB to stop messages or email info@digimiles.in.”
Nikita Sherbina of AIScreen noted, “Neglecting consent management damages trust. Always offer a quick exit.”
9. Time Messages Strategically
Send texts when customers are receptive, like mid-morning or early evening. Avoid early mornings or late nights to prevent opt-outs.
Sheraz Ali of HARO Links Builder shared, “Messages sent within 23 minutes of cart abandonment had 6.2x higher conversion rates than those sent two hours later.”
10. Avoid Over-Messaging
Limit texts to 2–3 per week with high-value content. Over-sending leads to unsubscribe rates as high as 40%.
Dwight Zahringer of Perfect Afternoon noted, “One client lost 17% of their list due to over-messaging. Weekly value beats daily noise.”
11. Test and Optimize Campaigns
A/B test messaging, timing, and CTAs to refine performance. Analyze open rates, click-throughs, and conversions to find what works.
Sheraz Ali of HARO Links Builder shared, “Behavior-triggered texts increased our client’s SMS revenue by 347% in four months through constant testing.”
Key mistakes to avoid in SMS marketing campaigns
Andrew Vttran‘s take is spot-on and highlights critical pitfalls in SMS marketing.
Generic, one-size-fits-all messages erode trust because they feel spammy and irrelevant. Failing to manage consent properly—ignoring opt-in/out preferences or over-messaging—can tank engagement and drive opt-outs.
He’s right that SMS is a high-trust, high-intent channel, so businesses must prioritize precise segmentation, timely messaging, and value-driven content to maintain user trust and build lasting engagement.
Integrating WhatsApp with SMS Marketing
WhatsApp complements SMS by enabling richer, two-way interactions, especially for post-purchase support or international audiences. APIs integrate both channels for seamless experiences.
Matthew Engelage of Chinmounts noted, “APIs sync SMS and WhatsApp. If a customer doesn’t respond on SMS, we follow up on WhatsApp with richer formats, cutting support tickets by 22%.”
What works best is not treating WhatsApp as a replacement for SMS, but as a complement. You keep SMS for time-sensitive alerts. Use WhatsApp for richer, two-way conversations that feel helpful, not intrusive, says Alec Loeb of Ecoatm.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I send SMS messages?
Aim for 2–3 high-value texts per month, depending on your audience. Test rigorously to find the sweet spot that works for both your audience and you.
2. Can I send SMS without opt-in consent?
No, it’s illegal under TRAI regulations and risks fines. Always secure explicit permission.
3. Is SMS enough as a standalone marketing channel?
No, combine SMS with email, social media, and WhatsApp for a cohesive strategy. Read more at How to Build SMS into Your Omnichannel Marketing Strategy
Conclusion
SMS marketing is a powerful tool when done right. By segmenting audiences, personalizing messages, timing them strategically, and respecting consent, you can maximize engagement and ROI. Integrate WhatsApp for richer interactions and continuously test to optimize results. Ready to elevate your campaigns? Explore our SMS plans at Digimiles.
If you’re currently using another SMS vendor and considering switching, explore How to Shift from Your Existing Bulk SMS Service Provider to Digimiles.
