Top SMS marketing platforms for businesses in 2024
Nowadays, there are a ton of SMS marketing platforms available in the market. Often, it becomes really confusing for marketers to choose the right SMS platform for their business.
Every SMS marketing platform is different from the other. Some SMS marketing solutions come with basic features while others are advanced with segmentation and personalization features.
However, you need to look for a platform that helps meet your specific business needs. Not every business needs a highly advanced platform.
For example, a logistics business that needs to send simple security code messages to customers doesn’t require a too advanced platform.
Here, in this blog, we will discuss in detail the best SMS marketing platforms. You’ll get to know about their features and pricing plans.
Types of SMS marketing software
SMS marketing can help businesses to reach out to customers directly. Now, we will tell you about the types of SMS marketing software so that you understand which will be a suitable match for your business.
1. Legacy platforms
Legacy platforms are complex and require you to put in too much effort to understand them. They are also quite expensive and thus can’t be used by small businesses and individuals.
These SMS marketing tools are also difficult to implement and use. It requires months to install them which wastes the time of the marketing team.
Since the legacy solutions offer limited data storage and computing capacity, they run quite slowly and take a lot of time to do processes. Also, the customization and maintenance charges are too high for legacy platforms.
2. Point SMS solutions
Point SMS solutions are the platforms that only provide a single service like SMS marketing services and not email marketing, push notifications, etc.
Most brands that are trying out SMS marketing platforms for the first time and want to check it’s potential for their brand use point SMS solutions.
However, there are many drawbacks to using point SMS solutions like they don’t connect to many other marketing channels.
Also, you only get basic features like data gathering and cross-channel reporting in point SMS solutions.
3. Unified marketing platforms
A unified marketing platform is one that offers SMS marketing services with other marketing features like email.
It allows you to not only automate text messages but also measure the performance of other marketing channels.
However, there are many benefits to using unified marketing platforms like it saves time and effort of your team.
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What to look for in an SMS marketing platform?
The SMS marketing platform is not just about sending bulk messages to customers. Many other features in it can help you enhance customer experience.
Now, we will tell you the key features that you must look for in the top SMS marketing platform.
1. Bulk messaging
Bulk messaging refers to sending a message to a large number of people. It is one of the key features of all the best SMS marketing tools.
You just need to create or have a list of phone numbers of your target audience. Then, you can reach out to these customers with a compelling message promoting your products or services.
2. MMS
MMS stands for Multimedia Messaging Service. MMS allows you to send multimedia files like images, videos, and audios in messages.
By sending multimedia content, you can engage customers easily. Therefore, you should always look for an SMS marketing platform that offers MMS features.
You may not be focusing on MMS right now but in the future, you might think of going beyond text marketing.
Thus, you should always look for a platform that offers features that you might need in the future.
3. Two-way conversation
You should always look for an SMS marketing platform that allows you to engage in two-way conversations.
This will allow your customers to respond to your messages and improve their experience with your brand.
4. List building
Search for SMS marketing software that allows you to build contact lists. The three main ways through which you can build your contact lists are:
- Manual import: This is the simplest way of adding phone numbers to your lists. You can enter the recipient’s information in the database. It is a common feature in all SMS marketing platforms.
- SMS opt-in: It should allow people to subscribe to the list by sending a short message (keyword) to a phone number ( shortcode). For example, people can subscribe to the SMS channel by sending the keyword “Offers” to 888889 to receive discount offers via SMS. This list-building feature should be offered by
- Online forms: Let people subscribe to a list by submitting an online form on a website or social media channels. This is a good way to get your website visitors and email subscribers on your SMS list.
5. Keywords
Keywords are short words that people can send to a phone number to subscribe to your email list. Keywords make it easy for people to opt-in for SMS.
6. Shortcodes
Shortcodes are short phone numbers of 5-6 digits that are used to send and receive SMS or MMS. Typically phone numbers are of 10 digits which makes them difficult to remember.
Shortcodes are short and simple to remember for customers. Keywords and shortcodes are an important part of an SMS list-building campaign.
7. Opt-out management
Good SMS marketing platforms let your customers unsubscribe easily. Customers should be able to unsubscribe with links and keywords from your SMS marketing list.
8. Segmentation
Segmentation is a good way to personalize your customer experience. Segmentation in SMS marketing software allows you to do targeted marketing and send messages to customers based on their traits.
You can personalize your text messages for different segments and enhance customer experience. You can create SMS marketing campaigns based on distinct criteria such as interests, last purchase, and so on.
9. Automation
Automated text messages can help you save time and increase efficiency. Autoresponders can help you to reply to customers’ messages quickly.
You can create and automate workflows for appointments, abandoned carts, sales, events, etc. This way you can ensure that customers get messages for their every action.
10. Analytics and link tracking
Analytics and link tracking are features that you must look for in SMS marketing platforms. It helps you analyze what’s working and what’s not working in your SMS marketing campaigns.
You can get answers to important questions like:
- How many people in your SMS list have opened your message?
- How many messages were delivered in the campaign?
- How many people have clicked links in the SMS?
You should ensure that the SMS marketing platform you choose has analytics and link-tracking features.
11. Integrations
SMS marketing automation is only possible when your SMS marketing platform is connected to other platforms.
For example, you can send an abandoned cart message only if your website is connected to the SMS marketing platform.
12. API
API stands for “Application Programming Interface”. SMS API allows you to integrate your SMS marketing platform with other apps. These SMS marketing platforms come with API documentation that can help you with this.
Best 10 SMS marketing platforms that you can consider
There are many SMS marketing automation tools available in the market to choose from. Different SMS marketing platforms come with distinct features and capabilities. You can select the SMS marketing platform that best suits your needs and is affordable.
1. WebMaxy Marketing Automation
WebMaxy Marketing Automation helps you to automate not only SMS campaigns but Email and WhatsApp campaigns as well. This tool comes with a segmentation feature that allows you to segment your target audience based on their traits.
You can set up automated workflows and target customers with personalized messaging. Reach out to customers with the relevant messaging and improve their experience. This can also help you save time and effort of your marketing team.
- Marketing Automation pricing plan: WebMaxy’s Marketing Automation paid plan starts at $48/month.
2. Klaviyo
Klaviyo is a unified marketing platform that allows you to do SMS and Email marketing. Its user-friendly interface is easy to operate for anyone.
It provides various sending options such as shortcodes, toll-free numbers, vanity codes, and branded sender IDs.
There are many features in this SMS marketing tool like segmentation, automatic consent management, personalization, A/B testing, attribution options, etc.
- Klaviyo pricing plan: The paid plan starts at $60/month. The pricing plan depends on the number of contacts that you have in the database.
3. EngageBay
EngageBay is a CRM solution that comes with SMS and Email marketing features. You can segment your customers based on behavior and automate SMS marketing campaigns.
This tool not only lets you automate SMS campaigns but personalize them as well. You can send relevant offers to customers based on their buying journey.
There are many other features in this SMS marketing tool such as sales & marketing automation, landing pages, pop-ups, forms, and so on.
- EngageBay pricing plan: EngageBay pricing plan starts at $12.74 per user/month. Their pricing plan is based on the number of contacts and users.
4. SimpleTexting
SimpleTexting is one of the best SMS marketing platforms that helps you create campaigns and send personalized messages to people. It allows you to create SMS and MMS campaigns.
Also, you can create custom keywords through which people can join your subscribers’ list. This way you can easily send relevant offers to customers based on their interests and preferences.
This SMS marketing platform is scalable and you can execute mass texting easily. There are many other features in this tool such as customer segmentation, drip campaigns, two-way messaging, analytics & reports, and so on.
- SimpleTexting pricing plan: SimpleTexting pricing plan starts at $29/month. They also offer a 14-day free trial in which you get 50 free messages.
5. SlickText
SlickText is among the best SMS marketing platforms that comes with many features. You can create keywords and shortcodes that encourage people to take action.
You can create automated workflows and set message sequences. This way customers who take certain actions will be engaged with further messages.
The key features of SlickText are SMS automation, MMS marketing, shortcodes, integration with other tools, and more.
- SlickText pricing plan: SlickText paid plan starts at $29/month. You can take a 14-day free trial which gives up to 50 free text messages.
6. Textedly
Textedly is counted in the top SMS marketing platforms as it provides all the standard features. It offers mass texting, MMS marketing, autoresponders, drip campaigns, analytics, etc.
You can make people join your subscribers’ list based on their interests and preferences. For example, you can create custom keywords like offers so that when a customer subscribes to your list, you can send them offers and discount coupons.
One of the best features of this platform is that it includes a toll-free number. This way your subscribers can easily text you back. If you want you can also activate the voice calling option then customers will be able to directly call your business.
- Textedly pricing plan: Textedly pricing plan starts at $26/month in which you get around 500 text messages. You can also take a 14-day free trial to know its features better.
7. EZ Texting
EZ Texting is a good SMS marketing software that comes with many advanced features. It has many different features such as contact management, segmentation, campaign automation, analytics & reports, and integrations.
The best feature is its Shutterstock integration which lets you add high-quality images to your messages. The team management feature helps you streamline communication between the team and clients.
If you are new to SMS marketing platforms then EZ texting is a good choice for you. This tool offers you all the prompts that you need to follow to execute SMS marketing.
- EZTexting pricing plan: EZ Texting pricing plan starts at $25/month for up to 500 contacts. They also offer a free plan that comes with basic features.
8. Attentive
Attentive is one of the best SMS marketing platforms that lets you engage with customers at every stage of the buying journey. You can send different types of text messages to customers such as promotional and transactional.
This SMS marketing platform offers segmentation that helps you conduct personalized marketing. It has a comprehensive dashboard that uses AI to provide you with information like the best time and content for different audiences.
There are many features in Attentive like SMS automation, MMS marketing, segmentation, personalization, Business Intelligence, integrations, etc.
- Attentive pricing plan: Attentive offers a custom pricing plan. You need to request a demo to get the exact pricing plan for your business.
9. TextMagic
TextMagic is among the best SMS marketing platforms as it allows you to send messages globally. You can send bulk messages through their web app and engage customers easily. You can personalize the messages based on the name, phone, email, company name, etc.
One of the best features of TextMagic is Email to SMS. This feature enables you to convert your emails to text. You can also remove invalid phone numbers or email addresses with their validation service.
There are many features in this SMS marketing platform such as personalized messaging, scheduled messaging, templates, SMS surveys, and Zapier SMS integration.
- TextMagic pricing plan: TextMagic paid plan starts at $0.049 per text. You can also take their 30-day free trial to test out all their features.
10. Sender
Sender is listed in the best SMS marketing platforms as it helps you to create and execute SMS campaigns easily. It comes with a drag-and-drop builder that makes it easy to create SMS and Email workflows.
This SMS marketing platform comes with many pre-built templates that you can use directly in your campaigns. You can also edit these templates as per your requirements and boost engagement.
The real-time analytics and reports help you improve your email and SMS campaigns. This tool comes with many other features such as contact management, message customization, automation & scheduling, integrations, etc.
- Sender pricing plan: Sender paid plan starts at $15/month for 2500 subscribers with 30,000 emails per month.
Best practices for SMS marketing
Above, we gave you information about the top 10 SMS marketing platforms. Now, we will tell you the best practices that you can implement for SMS marketing.
1. Personalize your messages
Customers want to feel special and valued by businesses. By tailoring your messages as per the customer’s needs, you can deliver them a personalized experience.
You can segment your customers based on their interests and preferences. Then, you can craft a different message for each customer segment. This way you’ll be able to deliver relevant messages to customers.
2. Keep it short and crisp
The character limit for SMS is 160 characters. This is why it is important to keep your messages short and crisp. You should try to make your messages interesting so that they grab the attention of people immediately.
Convey your messages in as few words as possible. You can also include links that provide more information to people. For example, you can ask people to take a survey and provide a link where they can take the survey.
3. Integrate with other channels
You can make the most out of SMS marketing by integrating it with other channels. For example, you can use SMS marketing along with your email campaigns. This way you’ll be able to deliver an omnichannel support experience to customers. You can use social media profiles to encourage people to join your subscriber list.
4. Send SMS at the right times
Most of the time SMS notifications are enabled on people’s phones. Therefore, you must make sure that you send SMS to customers at the right times otherwise you’ll end up irritating them.
For example, you can send an SMS to customers with a discount code after they have abandoned the cart on your website. By sending SMS at the right time with relevant messages, you can entice people to make purchases.
5. Include a clear CTA
Make sure that you’re giving the right prompts to customers in your text messages. Give a clear CTA and a link in your messages.
Give a brief to people about what will happen if they click on the link. For example, ‘Buy now’, ‘Learn more’, ‘Take the survey’, etc. Giving clear instructions makes people trust links and click them.
How to choose the right SMS marketing platform for your business?
Every business is different and so are their needs & preferences. You must choose an SMS marketing platform that not only suits your needs but fits into your budget as well. Here, we will guide you in selecting the right SMS marketing platform for your business.
1. Define your objectives and goals
You should first evaluate why you need an SMS marketing platform and how it can help your business. Determine the objectives that you want to achieve by implementing an SMS marketing platform.
For example, some businesses use SMS marketing to send promotional messages while some use it to just send delivery codes to customers. You should decide what objective and goals you want to accomplish by using an SMS marketing platform.
However, remember to keep your expectations and goals realistic. If you keep your goals too high then you’ll be disappointed if you aren’t able to attain them in one go. You can start by applying SMS strategies gradually and scaling them as you get results.
2. Look for features and functionalities
Before choosing an SMS marketing platform you should see what features you need the most for your brand. For example, if you’re using an SMS marketing platform for personalizing your customer experience then you should see if it offers segmentation and customization features.
Several SMS marketing platforms specialize in certain features. It’s not necessary to have a tool with many features but a tool that offers the features you need. You should search for an SMS marketing platform that comes with the features and functionalities that can help you achieve your goals.
3. Decide your budget
Depending on your budget you can see which SMS marketing platform is a perfect fit for your business. Consider different SMS marketing platforms and their plans that you can afford. See which SMS campaign tool is offering the maximum features at a cost-effective price.
There are SMS marketing platforms that charge a lot for some basic features while there are tools that don’t even take a penny. Therefore, you must carefully research and find the tools that come with the best features at a good price.
4. Security and Compliance
When you are selecting an SMS marketing platform, make sure it complies with security and privacy laws in your country. This is especially important if you’re planning to use sms otp as part of your authentication process. Also, see if it can work with your existing systems and processes. This will help you know if a specific SMS marketing platform is compatible with your business or not.
5. Ask for a demo and free trial
Before investing in an SMS marketing platform completely, you should try and test it out. Many SMS marketing solutions offer a free demo to give an overview of the tool. They also give a free trial that you can take to understand its features and functionalities.
However, ensure the SMS marketing platform you choose is easy to use for everyone in your team. By taking a trial, you’ll be able to understand if a particular SMS marketing platform is apt for your business or not.
The Conclusion
SMS marketing platforms can help you conduct SMS campaigns. You can reach out to customers directly on their mobile devices and encourage them to take action. You can deliver personalized messages and enhance the experience of your customers.
WebMaxy Marketing automation helps you automate your SMS, Email, and WhatsApp campaigns. You can set automated workflows and reach out to customers at the right time with relevant messages.
Schedule a demo with our experts to learn more about WebMaxy Marketing automation and its features, you can connect with us at info@webmaxy.co.
SMS marketing platform FAQs
An SMS marketing platform helps you plan and execute SMS marketing campaigns. You can use text messages to target your customers and entice them to make a purchase. However, for conducting SMS marketing, you need to build a list. You need to ask customers to opt-in to receive messages from you.
Nowadays, there are many SMS marketing platforms available in the market. However, you can choose the best SMS marketing platform by following the steps given below:
– Define your objectives and goals
– Look for features and functionalities
– Decide your budget
– Security and Compliance
– Ask for a demo and free trial
The SMS marketing cost per SMS depends on several factors such as the SMS provider, the number of messages you send, and its location (local or international). However, in the US per SMS, the cost ranges from $0.01 to $0.05. The SMS marketing platform monthly plan starts at $25/month for 500 messages.
Sending text messages to customers can help you connect with them directly. There are many benefits of using a text message marketing platform that we have mentioned below:
– High engagement rate
– Personalization
– Automation
– Reports and analytics
WebMaxy Marketing automation is the best SMS marketing software that allows you to automate SMS, Email, and WhatsApp campaigns. You can create customer segments and send personalized messages to them. You can create automated workflows with different marketing platforms and provide an omnichannel experience to customers.
Adam Wilson
Adam Wilson comes with an experience of 12+ years in the IT industry. As a Customer Success Manager, he has been researching and trying to understand the customers’ behavior in different scenarios. He has also studied human psychology to relate it to the purchase journey of the customers. His published books on customer psychology and behavior have received many honors and awards from various enterprises.
