Death of SMS? Premature indeed.

I’m forever reading articles declaring SMS is dead. It always confuses me because I see just the opposite. But the argument they make usually has something to do with the growth of instant messaging apps, or in app notifications. Many predict that apps are, or will be, the preferred mobile form of interaction with brands. It’s an argument for sure, and it may be true in some sectors. But it ignores one single truth about SMS messaging: it works on any type of mobile, no app required.
You can reach anyone with a simple SMS message. All you need is their mobile number (and their permission if you’ll be using it for direct marketing). You don’t have to ask them to download an app. You don’t have to ask them to open the app to see your messages. And you don’t have to rely on them reading through a list of notifications that pop up when their phone or app isn’t on (where it’s likely your message will get lost amongst a slew of emails or other app notifications).
When you’re trying to connect with people, you want to keep it as simple as possible. Whether you’re looking to increase sales, keep your organisation updated on a project, or improve attendance at Sunday services, a single SMS message can reach everyone. And they don’t have to do anything other than read the message. They’ll see it, and they’ll read it. No extra steps needed.
If you’re an app advocate, you may think I’m oversimplifying or just not up on the latest trends. Apps certainly have their purposes. I’m a fan of apps too. But if you’re interested in mobile marketing, SMS is the place to focus. And it’s not just me saying that.
An article in Mobilemarketingwatch.com reported on a recent study done by the Mobile Marketing Association. The results of that study showed 90% of mobile marketing revenue was driven by SMS. They looked at all channels including mobile video ads and other forms of mobile advertising. But as the article states, “SMS is ‘cleaning up’”.
If SMS could talk, I think it would be quoting Mark Twain:
“The report of my death was an exaggeration.”
Related Articles
Proof SMS Messaging Gets Results: Opt-Ins
SMS messaging is one of the most effective mobile marketing channels. The proof is in the data, of course. In this blog post, you’ll discover how many opt ins businesses get, and how quickly they get them once they give SMS messaging a go.
Why People and Companies Prefer SMS Messaging for Customer Support
People like SMS messaging. They really do. In a variety of surveys and studies, consumers continue to say they like it when companies use SMS to communicate with them. Let's look at some of the data that proves it to be true, and also how to make sure your company is using it correctly for customer support communications.
70% of Employees Want Their Employers to Use SMS Messaging
SMS messaging is a terrific way of keeping in touch with employees. Confirm work schedules, notify employees of payroll transfers, chase deadlines and more. What's really great is that the employees themselves really want employers to communicate the way.
Do Your Customers Want Emoji in their SMS Messages?
Emoji are showing up everywhere. Should you be using these cute, fun, and illustrative icons in your SMS marketing? Your customers probably want you to. Around 72% of people have positive feelings about brands who use emoji. But before you get started, you’ll want to find out the details in this blog.
Have IM Apps Made SMS Messaging Irrelevant?
Earlier this year there was big news. WhatsApp users were sending more messages each day than SMS users were sending. According to the Telegraph, WhatsApp was 50% more popular than SMS messaging. And the truth is the number of SMS messages sent each day has declined over the last few years. In the UK it was down almost 25% from 2012 to 2013. But is that the whole picture?
3 Reasons SMS Messaging is Good For The Environment
Many organisations are looking to operate in a more environmentally friendly way. This includes everything from their office supplies, materials used in creating their products, and also choosing suppliers and vendors that are also environmentally aware. And now, SMS.
5 Simple Steps to Improve Your SMS Marketing with A/B Testing
Do you ever wonder if your SMS marketing campaigns could be even more successful? Of course, you do! Find out how to put A/B testing to work in your campaigns by following our five simple steps and see your ROI increase
Older Generations and SMS Messaging
50% of people between 55 and 64 own a smartphone and 18% of people over 65 do too. If you’re trying to reach out to these older demographics, it might be time to consider mobile marketing. But what kind should you choose?
3 SMS Marketing Metrics That You Need to Know
SMS marketing is one of the most effective mobile marketing channels available. It’s also one of the easiest to measure your performance for every campaign, even every message. Read the full blog to discover the three of the basic metrics you’ll need to know to evaluate your success.