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SMS marketing isn’t dead, it’s alive and kicking! Nearly 6.648 billion people use a smartphone globally. If your current marketing strategy does not leverage business texting, you’re missing out on a significant opportunity for growth.
SMS messages are one of the most private communication channels, boasting a 98% open rate. People read 95% of text messages within five minutes of delivery. The figures are significantly higher than other marketing channels like email marketing.
Texting is increasingly becoming a core feature of every successful digital marketing strategy. So let’s look at the top SMS marketing statistics that can influence your text message marketing.
66% of Americans Check Their Phones 160 Times on Average
Nearly 3/4th of American citizens check their phones 160 times daily. In fact, Americans are so fond of mobile devices that 65% sleep with their phones at hand every night.
If you think that’s insane, 33% of survey respondents would instead give up sex than mobile phones. If you’re still not convinced about the potential impact of mobile messaging, you should seriously reconsider!
84% of the Global Population Are Smartphone Users
SMS marketing statistics for 2022 show that 83.72% of the global population are mobile users. Almost 2.98 billion people got their hands on a smartphone since 2016. This is excellent news for business owners who have been hesitant to implement a mobile marketing strategy.
SMS marketing campaigns are one of the best tools for mass outreach. You’re trailing the competition if you aren’t using SMS marketing messages to send business appointment reminders, drop mass alerts, or follow up with prospects.
9 in 10 People Open Text Messages
SMS marketing statistics don’t like. By directly comparing the two marketing channels, the disparity is evident. Text messages have a 98% open rate compared to a meager 22% for email marketing. So, your audience reads almost every text message while only reading 1/4th of your emails.
The entire context of text messages is visible since they utilize push notifications by default, so people naturally tend to read text messages. On the other hand, reading emails is cumbersome as people must go to their inbox to read the whole thing. Don’t let your messages be ignored; have your messages where people look.
Over Half the Couponers in the US Use Mobile Coupons
Couponing isn’t new. Americans have been couponing for the past couple of centuries. Coca-Cola was the first company to incentivize the marketing method. Cereal companies quickly jumped on the bandwagon.
More than 140 million Americans use coupons, and over 70% are mobile coupons. The trend is increasing, and experts believe over 200 million Americans will use mobile coupons at least once in 2022.
72.3% of Women and 61% of Men Below 44 Years Prefer Business Texts over Other Marketing Channels
SMS was once the preferred communication channel among teenagers, with the older generations wondering how a person could type 200 words per minute! These vibrant youngsters have now entered their forties and retain their youthful habits.
Better yet! 3/4th of respondents below 44 want businesses to contact them via text messages. So, if you still don’t have an SMS marketing strategy for your business, you’re missing out on a golden opportunity.
Retailers Increased Their Investments in SMS Marketing by 56% in 2020
While SMS marketing stats predicted a 51% increase in investments in 2020, the actual figures are higher! Startups and businesses increased their investments in text marketing by 56% post-COVID.
As the pandemic hit, businesses had to look for new ways to reach potential customers, and SMS messages was the obvious answer. Retailer’s investment increased by 5% to leverage the marketing tool to its fullest potential. Since people tend to continue using services they are used to, these figures will only increase.
45% of the Audience Responds to Branded Messages
Nearly half your intended audience will respond to branded SMS text messaging. The trick is to stick to the point and not invade their personal space.
By including your brand name, you help the audience separate the messages in their heads and prioritize your company over other businesses. Your audience is more likely to respond to text messaging as they grow familiar with your company.
Only 13% of Companies Let the Audience Respond via Text Messages
While several companies send business texts to existing and potential customers, most of them don’t leave room for a response. Business texts are often accompanied by phrases like “Do Not Reply” or “Do Not Respond,” which is a bummer.
Customer engagement is good for business. Create opportunities for customer interaction by encouraging them to respond to your texts. Leverage the high open rate of SMS text messages to initiate a response from the customer at every opportunity.
15% of customers would love to respond to a text. Most of them have generic questions about your brand, like “how to place an order,” while others want to share their feedback. Either way, it’s an excellent opportunity for customer engagement.
66% of Marketers Will Likely Adopt SMS Marketing in the Future
Latest SMS marketing statistics revealed that nearly a third of marketers not using SMS marketing want to implement this strategy in the future. A growing number of respondents look forward to adopting an effective yet affordable strategy.
32.4% of the respondents are very likely to implement an SMS strategy, while 33.8% are likely to follow suit. 18.3% are unsure about future strategies, while 15.5% are unlikely to capitalize on text message marketing at all.
10,000+ People Used Giant Eagle’s SMS Updates to Learn How to Shop without Entering the Store
The American supermarket chain, Giant Eagle, took a novel initiative during the pandemic by notifying customers about outlets where the staff tested positive. Instead of shutting down the stores temporarily, the management devised a way for consumers to pick up groceries and other goods without entering the store.
Giant Eagle used business texts for bulk SMS messaging. Over 10,000 people signed up for the subscription list. So, if you’re still contemplating launching texting initiatives, we bring proof to help make the decision easier.
44% of Companies Using SMS Marketing Are Unfamiliar with the TCPA
44% of brands currently using text message marketing are unaware of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). The US Congress passed the Act in 1991 to protect consumers from unwanted texts and phone calls.
According to a 2020 survey, nearly half of the respondents admitted to texting customers without prior consent. Companies failing to adhere to TCPA regulations incur expensive penalties.
91% of Customers Want to Sign Up for Text Message Marketing Initiatives
91% of people surveyed revealed they would love to receive regular updates and notifications from their favorite brands. And nearly half of them confirmed signing up for SMS notifications.
Companies are expected to increase investments as more customers sign up for SMS marketing. However, there is a shocking disparity between projected investment growth and actual figures. Businesses must steadily increase investments to reap the full benefit of SMS technology. Don’t fall behind the competition and benefit from every innovation an ever-evolving marketing tool offers.
88% of Mobile Users Check Their Phones within 30 Minutes of Waking Up
Conversely, 74% of respondents revealed that they pick up their phones before sleeping. Cell phone usage increased substantially in the past few decades, and the trend grew stronger during the pandemic, as people checked up on friends and family first thing in the morning and several times throughout the day.
This is all the more reason to invest in SMS marketing campaigns. As almost 90% of people check their mobile phones in the morning, your messages will make the maximum impact. Find ways to add value to your texts so your audience looks forward to reading your messages every morning.
97% of Americans Use Mobile Phones
Around 92% of senior citizens in the US and 97% of those between 50 and 64 years own a cell phone. Meanwhile, most citizens aged below 45 own one or more smartphones. The figures have significantly increased in the past decade, up from 35% in 2011.
The smartphone owners’ demography is equally vibrant, with users differing in age, education, and income. It’s safe to say that SMS marketing services isn’t just beneficial for approaching a younger audience. Brands can reach people regardless of age with text marketing.
51% of Marketers Agree They Aren’t Utilising the Full Potential of Text Marketing in Every Region
While marketers are interested in developing SMS marketing strategies that deliver better results with minimal investment, they aren’t quite there yet. 51% of marketers agree they are using the full potential of text message marketing in some regions only.
Barely 22% of marketers use the full potential of text marketing in every region, while 26.4% think they need to do more to maximize value. Text message marketing can only flourish when combined with other potent marketing channels. If your business doesn’t have an effective SMS marketing campaign, consult a professional today!
58% of Consumers Believe Text Messages Are the Most Effective Business Communication Tool
Text message marketing statistics show that the majority of consumers believe texting is the most convenient business communication tool. Consumers prefer SMS messages to other marketing channels because it is simple and efficient. And this trend became more apparent after the pandemic.
Companies have increased their digital marketing budget since COVID-19, leading to an influx of push notifications, emails, etc. More traffic made it difficult for brands to stand out in the crowd. But text messaging is an effective way to solve the problem.
69% of Customers Would Interact with Companies via Text Messaging
People have been communicating over texts long before messaging apps. Texting facilitates two-way communication using 160 characters or less, so messages must be to the point. Brands leverage text message marketing to send the audience precise and concise updates and offers. And audiences appreciate marketing messages that don’t waste their time.
Customers prefer this sort of interaction with brands. Nearly 70% of customers agreed they would like to connect with companies or receive customer support via SMS messages. At the same time, an additional 24% would consider it.
96% of Marketers Using SMS Strategies Said It Helped Improve Revenue Streams
Nearly every marketer using SMS strategies said business texting outperformed every other marketing strategy. 60% of the respondents said SMS marketing messages helped get their business off the ground and drastically increased revenue streams.
SMS marketing provides a high engagement rate at low costs, which is convenient for small, medium, and large businesses. Research suggests brands get $71 for every dollar invested in text message marketing.
Text Message Marketing Has Six Times the Engagement of Email Marketing
Latest SMS marketing stats show that despite the entire world being connected via the internet, emails aren’t as popular. Mobile marketing stats show consistently high open and read rates for SMS marketing, while the same metrics for email marketing hover around 20%.
Because customers are more likely to open and see your text messages, they are more likely to take action, converting your investment into revenue. No other marketing channel offers the same level of access and effectiveness.
Most Consumers Prefer Four to Six Texts from Brands Every Month
Customers value important messages sent frequently from companies they like. Over 42% of customers want to receive brand updates once or twice a week, while another 18% wish to receive one promotional text messaging daily.
SMS marketing statistics help understand the big picture, and companies must experiment with texting strategies to determine what works best for their audiences. Book a demo and start your experiment with Textback.ai analytic tools today!
Market Share Analysis of SMS marketing
As of 2020, the global SMS market is valued at $5.6 billion, projected to reach $24.7 billion by 2028. That is an impressive average CAGR of 20.40%. The increasing use of social media, deals, and discounts on customer purchases, and the higher impact of marketing campaigns are some of the crucial factors behind the growing trend.
As companies rely on SMS marketing strategies to meet their goals, the figures are bound to increase substantially. Several socio-economic factors play a critical role too. For instance, growing disposable incomes, busier professional lives, and fast-paced lifestyles forced the general public to rely on mobile devices to stay connected.
SMS has a higher Click-through Rate (CTR) than every other marketing tool, and text messages excel in areas like fewer customer complaints and higher open rates. Combined, these factors should boost the text message market in the coming years.
How Well Does SMS Marketing Convert?
SMS marketing statistics show a massive potential for conversion. According to current reports, SMS marketing stats has an impressive 32% conversion rate. Email marketing stats, in comparison, average about 3%. By texting potential and existing customers, brands have a higher chance of convincing them to take favorable actions. For instance, you can send an SMS asking the audience to sign up for something, click on a link to redeem coupons, etc.
Another reason SMS marketing works is that you’re reaching a highly engaged audience. Since text message marketing involves getting the customer’s permission in advance, people that sign up for your subscription list want to be notified of the latest updates and essential communications.
Unlike email marketing, people think twice before sharing their number with a business. So, when they sign up for your subscription list, they are interested in what you offer. This makes it much easier to convert readers into loyal customers. Creating a marketing program targeting a particular audience comes naturally with SMS marketing. And since you can easily send personalized messages, your texts will have a higher conversion rate, increasing your chances of getting new customers.
SMS Marketing vs. Email Marketing, Which One Results Better?
Both SMS and email marketing have their pros and cons. And if you’re asking which one you should apply to your business, we suggest utilizing both for the best results. At the end of the day, the purpose of digital marketing is to maximize Return on Investments (ROI). If combining text message marketing with email marketing does the trick, there is no reason to pick one over the other.
We recommend implementing a mobile-first strategy for both channels, coupled with the right frequency and timing for maximum impact. Leverage the potential of omnichannel marketing practices to achieve your business goals and build a stronger bond with the customer.
FAQ
How much does SMS marketing convert?
Text messages have an impressive conversion rate of 32%. The figure is much higher than other marketing channels like email, social media, etc. For comparison, 3.26% of email campaigns convert, while the conversion rate for Facebook and Google ads are 9.21% and 3.17%, respectively.
What do customers think of SMS channels?
Most customers prefer receiving updates from their favorite brands via SMS since the message reaches them quicker than other marketing channels. Users find value in text messages that are optimized for their taste. Relevance is a crucial factor motivating people to sign up for your SMS subscription list.
Is SMS marketing still effective?
Yes! With an impressive 98% open rate, text messages are the most effective form of communication. 95% of text messages are read within five minutes, which doesn’t get any better!
What businesses can use SMS marketing?
SMS marketing works wonders in any consumer-focused industry where a brand is trying to expand its outreach, convert leads into customers, or keep existing clients interested in its products or services. Real estate, legal, automotive, financial services, and healthcare industries are some of the top examples.
Does SMS marketing convert better than email marketing?
Text marketing has a 32% conversion rate compared to 3% for email marketing. SMS marketing converts better than email marketing. However, both have specific uses in the real world. And an ideal marketing strategy leverages the benefits of both to maximize conversion.
What percentage of people use SMS adblocker?
Around 46.2% of internet users use ad blockers to prevent spam. SMS marketing is an excellent workaround for the problem since marketers explicitly ask the audience for permission before texting. People who have signed up for your subscription list are interested in what you’re offering and look forward to receiving your texts.
What age group are SMS marketing audiences?
In the US alone, 92% of senior citizens, 97% of people aged between 50 and 64, and almost everyone below 45 uses a mobile phone. So, SMS marketing doesn’t just reach the younger crowds.
References
- Texting Customers Is No Longer Taboo When Everyone Is Stuck at Home – The Wall Street Journal
- How Many People Have Smartphones in 2022? – Oberlo
- Worldwide Texting Statistics – vermont.gov
- 69% of Consumers Prefer Communicating with Brands over Text Messages Rather Than Calls – yougov.co.uk
- Consumers Who Ever Use Coupons for Shopping in the United States from 2017 to 2020 – Statista
- SMS Marketing Software Market Size by Deployment Model, by Marketing Campaigns, by Industry Vertical, by Geographic Scope and Forecast – Research and Markets
- How Many Smartphones Are in the World? – BankMyCell
- 61% People Check Their Phones within 5 Minutes after Waking Up – The Economic Times
- Mobile Fact Sheet – Pew Research Center
- Texting Still the Most Effective Way to Spread Awareness: State of Texting in 2021 Reveals – Spiceworks
- SMS Marketing 2021 – eMarketer
- SMS Versus Email Marketing – Business2Community
- 2022 Cell Phone Usage Statistics: How Obsessed Are We? – Reviews.org
- Why SMS Is The Marketing Tool Of The Future – Forbes
