Introduction

In 2025, SMS marketing remains one of the most effective ways to reach and engage customers, boasting an impressive 98% open rate. However, with increasing competition and changing consumer behaviors, businesses must optimize their SMS strategies to get the best return on investment (ROI).

This guide outlines 10 proven SMS marketing tips to help businesses drive engagement, increase conversions, and maximize the value of their SMS campaigns.

1. Keep the SMS Short and Straight to the Point

Unlike emails, SMS messages have a strict 160-character limit, making brevity essential. Customers expect quick, clear, and actionable messages. Avoid unnecessary words and focus on delivering the key message directly.

Example:✅ "John, your 20% off discount expires tonight! Shop now: bit.ly/xyz"

🚫 "Hi John, we wanted to remind you that our store has an ongoing sale with a 20% discount. Be sure to check it out before it ends. Here’s the link: bit.ly/xyz"

2. Include Call to Actions (CTAs) in Text Messages

The SMS message culture has changed globally most people no longer actively respond to messages unless they contain a clear and compelling CTA. Whether it’s a link to shop, a request to reply, or a promo code to use, your message should always guide the recipient toward the next step.

Effective CTAs include:

• "Click here to claim your offer"

• "Reply YES to confirm your order"

• "Use code SAVE20 at checkout"

  
  

3. Choose a Platform That Includes an Unsubscribe Option

SMS marketing must comply with global regulations such as GDPR, TCPA, and CAN-SPAM. Always provide an easy opt-out option to maintain trust and avoid legal penalties.

Example: "Reply STOP to unsubscribe."

Using an SMS platform with built-in compliance, such as Trembi Campaigns, ensures that your SMS marketing remains effective while staying legally compliant.

4. Personalize Your SMS Campaigns

Customers engage more with messages that feel tailored to them. Personalization goes beyond just using a recipient's name it involves segmenting audiences based on behavior, preferences, and past interactions.

Example: "Hi Sarah, your favorite sneakers are back in stock! Order now before they sell out: bit.ly/shoes"

Platforms like Trembi Campaigns offer personalization. Using prompts like #[Name] automatically bring the recipients name even when your message is being delivered to millions of people. This makes the person feel like the message is meant for them

5. Timing is Everything

The success of an SMS campaign depends on when it's sent. Messages should arrive when customers are most likely to engage typically between 10 AM and 8 PM, avoiding early mornings and late nights.

Best times to send SMS:

• Retail & E-commerce: 11 AM - 1 PM (lunch break) or 6 PM - 8 PM (after work)

• B2B Services: 10 AM - 12 PM (mid-morning)

• Appointment Reminders: 24 hours before the scheduled time

6. Use SMS Alongside Other Marketing Channels

SMS is most effective when combined with email, social media, and WhatsApp marketing to create a seamless omnichannel experience.

Example:

• Send an email announcing a sale → Follow up with an SMS reminder.

• Advertise an event on social media → Send an SMS to registered attendees.

• Send an SMS with a WhatsApp link for customer service assistance.

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7. Leverage Automation for SMS Campaigns

Automation saves time and ensures timely follow-ups. AI-powered platforms like Trembi Campaigns allow businesses to set up SMS workflows that trigger messages based on user actions (e.g., cart abandonment, new sign-ups, or appointment reminders).

Automated SMS examples:

• "Thanks for signing up! Here’s your 10% discount code: WELCOME10"

• "You left items in your cart. Checkout now and get free shipping: bit.ly/cart"

RELATED: What is marketing automation?

VIDEO ON HOW AUTOMATION WORKS

8. Use Shortcodes & Trackable Links

Using short URLs and dedicated shortcodes makes SMS messages more concise and trackable. Link tracking helps measure engagement and ROI.

Recommended tools:

• Trembi Campaigns (built-in link tracking)

• Bit.ly (URL shortening)

• Rebrandly (custom branded short links)

9. A/B Test Your SMS Messages

Testing different versions of your messages helps optimize content, timing, and CTAs. A/B testing involves sending two variations to a small segment of users and analyzing which performs better before rolling it out to a larger audience.

Elements to A/B test:

• Message length

• Personalization

• Call-to-action wording

• Sending time

10. Track Analytics

Measuring success is essential for improving SMS marketing effectiveness. Key metrics to track include:

• Delivery rate (messages successfully sent)

• Open rate (high for SMS, typically 98%)

• Click-through rate (CTR) (if links are included)

• Conversion rate (sales, sign-ups, etc.)

Platforms like Trembi Campaigns provide in-depth analytics, helping businesses refine their SMS strategies based on real-time data.

Conclusion

SMS marketing continues to be one of the most powerful tools in 2025, but businesses must adapt to changing consumer behaviors, personalize messages, and leverage automation to maximize their ROI. By following these 10 tips and utilizing SMS marketing automation platforms like Trembi Campaigns, businesses can drive higher engagement and sales through SMS marketing.

Ready to supercharge your SMS marketing? Try Trembi Campaigns today and start automating your SMS campaigns for maximum impact!