SMS marketing | SMS advertising

SMS marketing FAQs.

• What is SMS marketing?

  SMS marketing, also known as text message marketing, is a digital advertising strategy where businesses send promotional messages, updates, or information on incentives directly to customers’ mobile phones via SMS (Short Message Service). This method enables companies to communicate quickly and efficiently with their subscribers, delivering offers, reminders, or news straight to their devices.

  By utilising our SMS marketing platform, businesses can personalise and schedule messages, manage campaigns, and track their effectiveness. Features like branded sender IDs help ensure that customers recognise the brand immediately, enhancing engagement and response rates.

  Overall, SMS marketing is a powerful tool for any businesses of any size to connect with customers in a timely and direct manner, adopting better relationships and driving sales.

• How can I use SMS message marketing?

  One of the best aspects of SMS marketing is its flexibility; it can be as straightforward or as advanced as you’d like.

  Some of the best ways to utilise business SMS marketing include:

  Promotional text messages – Enhance customer engagement and drive sales by sending your subscribers discounts, special offers, announcements of new product launches, and details of upcoming marketing campaigns.

  Timely alerts – Notify your customers promptly about sales events, special offers, last-minute availability, or when a popular product is back in stock.

  Personalised vouchers or codes – Create branded vouchers to reward your customers, to help adopt loyalty and encouraging repeat business.

  Event reminders – Send information for upcoming events to ensure your customers and subscribers don’t miss out.

  Surveys and feedback requests – Engage your audience by soliciting their opinions through surveys, helping you gather valuable insights to improve your services.

  By incorporating these strategies, you can effectively leverage SMS marketing to build stronger relationships with your customers and boost your business’s success.

• What do I need to send SMS marketing?

  Before sending UK SMS marketing messages, it’s essential to follow these legal requirements:

  Consent – Obtain clear permission from individuals before sending them marketing texts. This consent must be explicit, informed, and freely given. It also must be recorded in a format that is accessible.

  Opt-out option – Include a simple way for recipients to opt out of future messages, such as replying ‘STOP’. Process these opt-out requests promptly to respect their preferences.

  Message format – Clearly identify your business in the message. Ensure the content is honest, not misleading, and relevant to the recipient.

  Contact details – Provide your contact information within the body of the message, or sender ID allowing recipients to reach you easily if needed.

  Offer transparency – Clearly state any terms and conditions, or a web-link related to offers or promotions in your message to avoid confusion.

  By adhering to these guidelines, you ensure your SMS marketing campaigns are compliant and respectful of your customers’ rights. More information on PECR and your legal obligations can be found here: ICO.

• Who can I send SMS marketing to?

  When it comes to UK SMS marketing, it’s important to know the rules about who you can send messages to. The Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) set clear guidelines to ensure businesses respect customers’ preferences while staying compliant.

  First and foremost, you can only send SMS marketing messages to people who have given their explicit consent. This means they’ve clearly and freely agreed to receive marketing texts from your business, specifically for the type of communication you’ll be sending.

  There’s also a helpful exception called the soft opt-in. This applies to your existing customers if:

  1 – You got their contact details during the sale of a product or service (or when discussing a potential sale).

  2 – The messages you send are about similar products or services.

  3 – You offered them a clear and simple way to opt out of marketing both when you collected their details and in every message you send.

  It’s important to note that the soft opt-in only applies to individuals (not businesses) and only when their contact details were provided directly to you.

  In simple terms, you can send SMS marketing to people who’ve said ‘yes’ to getting your texts. If they haven’t, you might still be able to use the soft opt-in. This means if they’ve recently bought something from you and haven’t opted out, you can send them messages about similar products or services. Just make sure every message includes a simple way for them to opt out.

  For those interested in sending SMS marketing internationally, please get in touch with one of our experts. Although similar consumer protections are in place worldwide, each country has their own specific rules and regulations to follow.

  For more information on consent for SMS marketing purposes please visit: ICO.

• Do you offer multichannel engagement?

  Multichannel engagement means connecting with your customers through various channels like email, SMS, social media, and websites. However, with this setup, each channel works independently. This means interactions on one platform don’t carry over to others, which can sometimes leave customers with an interrupted experience, or a lack of continuity in their communication.

  That’s where omnichannel engagement steps in. This approach brings it all together, integrating SMS, email, and messaging apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, Viber, and Telegram into one seamless system. The result? A consistent and smooth experience for your customers, no matter how they choose to connect with you.

  The best part about this unified approach is that it allows businesses to personalise communication using a full view of customer data, making every interaction more relevant and engaging.

  While it might sound tricky to set up, it doesn’t have to be. We offer straightforward options to help you explore and implement the right omnichannel strategy for your needs. Traditionally, this has been a solution for larger organisations with complex communication demands. But as technology evolves and costs come down, it’s becoming more accessible for smaller businesses too.

• What should I look for in an SMS marketing service?

  When choosing an SMS marketing service, consider the following key factors:

  Genuine need – We’re upfront about what we do and genuinely believe that text message marketing is one of the most effective ways to boost sales and enhance customer communication. That said, we understand it’s not the right fit for every business. If SMS advertising doesn’t bring real value to your organisation, it might not be worth your time or investment—and that’s okay.

  Clear guidance – There are more rules to follow when it comes to SMS marketing compared to notification texts. That’s why it’s important to get straightforward advice on how to format your marketing messages properly and know exactly who you’re allowed to send them to.

  Features and functionality – Look for services that offer more than just sending and receiving messages. Additional features like mini-URL tracking, real-time reporting, and keyword management can enhance your campaigns.

  Cost transparency – Ensure the pricing structure is clear, with no hidden fees or unexpected charges. Opting for a pay-as-you-go option can provide flexibility, especially if you’re new to SMS marketing.

  Reliability and security – Verify that the service uses dependable networks to send messages and has robust security measures in place to protect your data.

  Customer support – Responsive and helpful customer support is crucial for addressing any issues or questions that may arise. A dedicated account manager can be a valuable resource.

  Scalability – Choose a service that can grow with your business, accommodating increasing message volumes and expanding feature needs over time.

  By evaluating these aspects, you can select an SMS marketing service that aligns with your business goals and provides a solid foundation for your marketing efforts.

• What results can I expect from SMS marketing?

  Across industries, SMS message marketing consistently outperforms other communication methods in terms of open rates, engagement, and conversions. These success stories highlight its versatility and effectiveness when used strategically.

   

  Retail

  Case study:
  A major clothing retailer launched an SMS campaign offering exclusive discounts to subscribers. Customers received a 20% off coupon via SMS with a direct link to shop online.

  Results:
  18% increase in online sales during the campaign.
  98% open rate or the SMS messages, with most opened within 3 minutes.
  22% of recipients clicked the link, and 12% made a purchase.

  Industry statistic:
  Retail SMS campaigns see an average click-through rate (CTR) of 19%, compared to 2.5% for email.

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  Hospitality

  Case study:
  A hotel chain used SMS to remind customers of their upcoming bookings and offer last-minute upgrades.

  Results:
  15% increase in room upgrades during the promotion.
  95% of customers confirmed their bookings via SMS, reducing no-shows by 20%.

  Industry statistic:
  SMS reminders in the hospitality industry can reduce no-shows by up to 30%.

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  Healthcare

  Case study:
  A dental practice implemented SMS reminders for patient appointments.

  Results:
  No-show rate dropped from 18% to 8%.
  Over 85% of patients confirmed or rescheduled appointments via SMS.

  Industry statistic
  Appointment reminder texts improve attendance rates by 25-30%.

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  Food & beverage

  Case study:
  A restaurant used SMS to promote a special “Buy One, Get One Free” offer for their loyalty program members.

  Results:
  24% increase in foot traffic during the offer period.
  35% of SMS recipients redeemed the offer.

  Industry statistic
  Food and beverage businesses report an average redemption rate of 15-25% for SMS-exclusive deals.

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  eCommerce

  Case study:
  An online store launched an abandoned cart recovery campaign via SMS. Customers who left items in their carts received a friendly message with a discount code to complete their purchase.

  Results:
  21% recovery rate on abandoned carts.
  Revenue from SMS campaigns increased by 15%.

  Industry statistic:
  Abandoned cart SMS reminders have a conversion rate of 14-20%, far higher than email.

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  Fitness

  Case study:
  A gym chain sent SMS alerts about new classes and membership promotions.

  Results:
  Membership renewals increased by 25%.
  New sign-ups for classes rose by 30%.

  Industry statistic:
  Fitness centres see a 45% engagement rate with SMS campaigns.

   

• Is SMS marketing expensive?

  SMS marketing is a cost-effective and powerful way to reach your customers directly. These days, sending a text via a UK Direct route usually costs between 3p and 7p per message, depending on your provider and how many messages you send.

  Compared to other marketing channels, SMS often delivers a higher return on investment (ROI). For example, while social media advertising typically brings in £5 for every £1 spent, SMS marketing can deliver an impressive £71 for every £1 spent.

  Traditional methods like printing flyers or brochures can be more expensive when you factor in design, printing, and distribution costs. Digital channels like social media ads and Google Ads need ongoing budgets to stay effective. Email marketing is usually affordable and can get high open rates, but it doesn’t offer the immediacy or personal touch that SMS marketing provides.

  In short, SMS marketing is a budget-friendly and efficient way to connect with your audience, often outperforming other marketing channels.

• How do I get started with your SMS message marketing?

  Sign-up and choose how to connect – The first step is to register for our SMS messaging service. Click ‘connect’ to get started and choose how you’d like to link up with our platform—whether it’s via our SMS API, email to SMS, or Oello, our code-free SMS app.

  Setting up your account – Once we’ve got your details, we’ll begin creating your new account. As part of the process, we’ll give you a quick validation call to confirm your details and chat about your SMS needs.

  Understanding your marketing needs – If you’re planning to use SMS for marketing, we’ll ask a few simple questions to get a clear picture of your plans. We’ll need to know which countries you want to send messages to and your estimated message volumes. This helps us secure the best rates and give you the right advice.

  Final checks and testing – We’ll complete your account setup and run a few quick tests to make sure everything is fully connected and ready to go.

  Compliance made simple – To keep your campaigns on the right side of the law, we’ll guide you through the SMS marketing rules set by the ICO. This includes covering topics like data safety, consent, and legal requirements. If you’re sending messages outside the UK, we’ll also provide advice on any relevant local regulations.

  Reviewing your contacts – Next, we’ll help you review your current contact list to ensure you have the proper permissions in place. We’ll go over how you’ve recorded opt-ins and provide tips on how to manage and document new subscribers for your SMS marketing campaigns.

  Perfecting your message – Once your audience is sorted, we’ll guide you through the best practices for structuring your SMS marketing messages. This includes adding your business name, ensuring your offers are clear and valid, and including an easy opt-out option for recipients.

  Managing opt-outs – Finally, we’ll explain how to handle opt-out requests. Depending on how you’re connected to our platform, opt-out blocks can be automated, stopping messages to anyone who sends a STOP request. We’ll also show you how to monitor opt-outs in real-time and highlight your obligations to respect these requests.

  We know this might sound a bit complicated, but don’t worry—it’s not! We’ve streamlined the process to make it as straightforward as possible while ensuring everything is done correctly. SMS marketing is an incredible tool for reaching your audience, but it’s important to do it right. Our compliance process ensures your campaigns are not only effective but also fully compliant with all regulations. Let’s get started!

• How secure is your SMS marketing platform?

  Text messages are typically more secure than emails, but as with any online service, no system is entirely risk-free. That said, we take your security very seriously.

  With Faretext’s SMS marketing platform, sensitive details like passwords, usernames, and API keys are only issued to authorised individuals who genuinely need them. These credentials are securely stored and only visible to you during the initial setup of your account. After that, our system keeps everything private, so even you won’t see these details again.

  We’ve designed our platform to ensure your data stays safe and secure while you focus on connecting with your audience. Rest assured, with Faretext, you’re in safe hands when it comes to SMS marketing.

• Which industries benefit the most from SMS advertising?

  SMS marketing is a powerful tool that many industries are using to connect with their audiences. Here’s a quick look at some sectors that are seeing great results:

  Retail and eCommerce – Retailers are leveraging SMS to send exclusive deals, order updates, and personalised promotions, leading to increased sales and customer loyalty.

  Healthcare providers – Medical practices, pharmacies, and dentists use SMS to remind patients of appointments, share health tips, and provide test results, enhancing patient engagement and reducing no-show rates.

  Estate agents –  Keep clients informed about new listings, visitations, and market updates through SMS, ensuring timely communication in a fast-paced market.

  Hospitality – Hotels and restaurants send booking confirmations, promotional offers, and event announcements via SMS, improving guest experiences and encouraging repeat business.

  Independent home services – Businesses like cleaning and repair services use SMS to confirm appointments, provide service updates, and request feedback, leading to better customer satisfaction.

  In a nutshell, industries that thrive on timely and direct communication find SMS marketing especially beneficial. It’s all about reaching people where they are—right on their phones.

• Can I use SMS marketing internationally?

  If you’re connecting to our SMS messaging platform through our SMS API or email-to-SMS services, the answer is yes – you can send SMS marketing messages internationally!

  While there are stricter rules around sending marketing texts compared to notification messages, this applies everywhere. The UK has some of the toughest regulations to protect consumers, but that’s actually a good thing. These rules are designed to safeguard both you and your customers. Many of our clients start with UK-based campaigns and then expand to other countries. By following best practices around consent and SMS subscriber management, they’ve found it easy to take their campaigns global.

  Each country has its own specific rules, but don’t worry – once you let us know you’re interested in sending international marketing messages, we’ll give you everything you need to stay compliant.

  If you’d like to explore SMS marketing across multiple countries, just mention it during your account setup call. We’ll walk you through the process, including pricing and country-specific guidelines, so you can start reaching customers wherever they are.

  Take a look at our pricing page learn more about international pricing.