Strategy
When SMS adds value alongside email.
SMS Marketing
Messages that get read in minutes.
Permission-based SMS campaigns and automations (offers, reminders and updates) that drive fast, measurable action.
Definition
What SMS marketing is.
In one paragraph
SMS marketing sends permission-based text messages to customers, such as promotions, reminders, order updates and personalised offers. Because texts are read quickly, SMS works best for time-sensitive messages and pairs well with email in automated customer journeys.
What’s included
Texts that customers welcome.
List growth
Compliant opt-in at checkout and on site.
Campaigns
Short, clear, action-led messages.
Automations
Abandoned cart, reminders and win-back.
Two-way SMS
Conversations and bookings by text.
Compliance
Consent and opt-out handled properly.
Why it matters
Fast, direct, personal.
- 01
Immediate
Texts are typically read within minutes.
- 02
High intent
Great for offers, reminders and urgency.
- 03
Complements email
Reach customers on the right channel.
Process
Launching SMS the right way.
- 01
Plan
Use cases and frequency.
- 02
Set up
Platform, consent and integrations.
- 03
Build
Flows and campaign templates.
- 04
Send
Targeted, segmented messages.
- 05
Optimise
Clicks, revenue and opt-outs.
Email & Lifecycle
Related services.
In depth
How effective SMS marketing works.
Short, timely, personal
Text messages are read quickly and feel personal, which makes them powerful and easy to misuse. The best SMS campaigns are short, timely and genuinely useful, such as order updates, reminders, exclusive offers and back-in-stock alerts.
Consent comes first
Under UK rules, marketing texts generally need the recipient’s prior consent, with a limited “soft opt-in” for existing customers who bought something similar and were given a chance to opt out. Every message must include an easy way to stop receiving texts.
Building your list properly
We help you collect SMS consent at checkout, on forms and in store, with clear wording about what people will receive and how often.
Segmentation and timing
Sending the right message to the right group at the right time matters even more with SMS. We segment by behaviour, location and purchase history, and send at sensible times.
Automation
Automated texts, such as abandoned basket reminders, appointment reminders and post-purchase follow-ups, deliver results without constant manual effort.
Working with email
SMS works best alongside email. We plan both together, so customers get the right message on the right channel without being overwhelmed.
Is it right for you?
Signs you need SMS marketing.
- 01
Email is getting crowded
Important messages get lost in busy inboxes.
- 02
Missed appointments
No-shows and late cancellations cost you money.
- 03
Abandoned baskets
Shoppers leave without buying and never come back.
- 04
Time-sensitive offers
Flash sales and events need fast, direct reach.
What we set up
SMS that customers welcome.
Consent capture
Clear opt-in forms and checkout options that build a compliant SMS list.
Automated flows
Welcome, abandoned basket, reminder and post-purchase messages.
Campaign messages
Launches, offers and events sent to the right segments.
Two-way messaging
Where useful, replies and conversations handled through your SMS platform.
How we work
Your first 90 days.
- 01
Weeks 1–2: Audit & plan
We review your consent, data, platform and goals.
- 02
Weeks 3–4: Set-up
Opt-in forms, segments and core automations are built.
- 03
Month 2: First campaigns
We launch campaigns and test message length, timing and offers.
- 04
Month 3: Optimise
We refine based on clicks, conversions and opt-outs.
Avoid these
Common SMS marketing mistakes.
Texting without consent
Sending marketing texts without proper consent risks complaints and regulatory action.
Sending too often
Too many texts lead to opt-outs. SMS should feel special, not constant.
Bad timing
Messages late at night or early morning annoy people. Respect local time.
No clear call to action
Every text needs one clear next step and a short, trackable link.
Forgetting the opt-out
Every marketing message must make it easy to stop receiving texts.
Use cases
Who SMS marketing suits.
Ecommerce stores
Abandoned basket reminders, launches and limited offers drive fast sales.
Clinics and salons
Appointment reminders reduce no-shows and fill last-minute gaps.
Hospitality
Event announcements and booking reminders fill tables and rooms.
Retail
Store events, local offers and loyalty updates bring people back in.
Service businesses
Booking confirmations and follow-ups improve the customer experience.
How we measure it
What success looks like.
- 01
Click-through rate
Share of recipients who click the link.
- 02
Conversions & revenue
Sales and bookings driven by SMS.
- 03
Opt-out rate
How many people unsubscribe after each send.
- 04
List growth
New subscribers with valid consent.
Our approach
Respectful, compliant, effective.
Consent records
We make sure you can show when and how each subscriber opted in.
Clear sender name
Messages show a recognisable sender name, so people know who is texting.
Short links you can track
Every link is tracked, so results are measurable.
Sensible frequency
We agree a sending limit that keeps subscribers engaged without annoying them.
Joined-up with email
SMS and email are planned together to avoid duplicate or clashing messages.
Free growth strategy call
See where your next customers will come from.
- A review of your search and AI visibility
- Your biggest quick wins, ranked by impact
- A clear, prioritised plan with no obligation
White-hat methods onlyMonthly reporting you can readNo long lock-in contracts
FAQ
Questions, answered.
Is SMS marketing legal in the UK?
Yes, with proper consent under PECR and UK GDPR, and a clear way to opt out.
How often should we send texts?
Sparingly: usually a few times a month at most, plus useful automated messages.
Which platforms do you use?
We work with leading platforms such as Klaviyo, Attentive and others that suit your stack.
Does SMS work for B2B?
It can for reminders and service updates, but it is most common in ecommerce and local services.
What is the soft opt-in?
It allows you to send marketing texts to existing customers about similar products or services, as long as they were given a clear chance to opt out when their details were collected and in every message.
How long can a text be?
A standard SMS is up to 160 characters. Longer messages are split and usually cost more, so we keep most texts short.
Can we send links in texts?
Yes. Short, tracked links are standard and let us measure clicks and conversions.
What sender name will customers see?
Usually your brand name, which builds trust and makes your messages easy to recognise.
Can customers reply?
With two-way SMS, yes. This is useful for confirmations, bookings and simple questions.
How much does SMS cost?
Costs depend on your platform and volume, as most providers charge per message. We help you choose a platform that suits your sending plans.
Can SMS be automated?
Yes. Welcome messages, reminders, abandoned basket texts and post-purchase follow-ups can all run automatically.
How do you measure results?
Through tracked links, platform reports and GA4, measuring clicks, conversions, revenue and opt-outs.
Can you integrate SMS with our store?
Yes. Most SMS platforms connect with Shopify, WooCommerce and common booking systems.
What happens when someone opts out?
They are removed from marketing sends immediately and should not receive further marketing texts.
Can we text international customers?
It is possible, but rules and costs vary by country, so we check requirements for each market first.
Should we use SMS or WhatsApp?
It depends on your audience. SMS reaches almost every phone, while WhatsApp offers richer messages but has its own rules and costs.
Do appointment reminders count as marketing?
Genuine service messages, such as reminders and confirmations, are not usually marketing, but adding promotions to them can change that.
How soon can we start?
Once consent and platform are in place, a first campaign can usually go out within a few weeks.
Do you write the messages?
Yes. We write short, clear messages in your brand voice and test different versions.
Can you clean an old SMS list?
Yes. We review consent records and remove numbers without valid consent or recent engagement.
Will SMS annoy our customers?
Not if it is used carefully. Customers who opt in, receive relevant messages and are not texted too often usually welcome SMS, especially for offers and reminders.
Can SMS work for B2C service businesses?
Yes. Reminders, confirmations, review requests and seasonal offers work well for clinics, salons, trades and other service businesses.
Do you check messages before sending?
Yes. Every campaign is checked for accuracy, links, timing and opt-out wording, and you approve it before it goes out.
Let’s talk
Ready to build a smarter growth engine?
Tell us where you are today, where you want to go, and we’ll identify the highest-impact opportunities.