How do I use SMS to support my email marketing strategy?
If you’re looking to get more from your email campaigns, adding SMS to the mix could be the missing piece. These two channels aren’t competitors—they’re teammates. When you pair them up, you reach people where they are, when it matters, and in a way that feels personal without being intrusive.
Why combine SMS with email for marketing?
SMS and email work best when they play off each other. Email gives you space to tell your story, explain an offer, or deliver value in a way that sticks around in someone’s inbox. SMS, on the other hand, is fast and grabs attention. When your campaign needs an immediate nudge—like a flash sale reminder or event update—SMS gets noticed. According to Salesforce research, SMS messages have a 98% open rate, while emails average around 20%. Using both ensures your message doesn’t get lost.
How can SMS boost email engagement?
Maybe you’ve spent time crafting a killer email campaign, but your open or click rates are stuck. Try this: send a well-timed SMS to give your subscribers a heads-up about the email or remind them about an offer. This gentle nudge can boost open rates and engagement because it prompts people to check their inbox for your message. A Campaign Monitor report found that SMS reminders can increase email engagement by up to 30%.
What are the best ways to blend SMS and email together?
It’s not about sending more messages—it’s about being strategic. Here are a few simple ways to pair them up:
- Event reminders: Email the details, then use SMS for a last-minute reminder.
- Abandoned cart recovery: Email first, then follow up with a quick text if the customer hasn’t purchased.
- Exclusive offers: Announce big promotions by email, but use SMS for early-bird access or final call alerts.
- Feedback and surveys: Email the survey link, then use SMS to encourage a response if they haven’t opened the email.
- Appointment confirmations: Use email for full details, then send a same-day SMS confirmation or reminder. (Surge makes this easy—see Calendars / Appointment Scheduling.)
How do I avoid annoying my customers with too many messages?
Nobody wants to be spammed. Balance is key. Here’s how you can keep your contacts happy:
- Let people choose: Offer easy options for contacts to set their preferences for both SMS and email frequency.
- Segment your lists: Use your CRM / Lead Capture tools to send the right messages to the right people.
- Time it right: Don’t send an SMS immediately after an email—give each message a chance to breathe.
- Provide value: Every message should be helpful, timely, or rewarding for the recipient.
If you use a platform like Surge by Thrive, you can manage all of this in one place—making it easy to automate, schedule, and keep your contacts happy.
What tools make SMS and email marketing work together?
A unified platform is your friend here. With Surge by Thrive, you can:
- Build and automate email and SMS campaigns from a single dashboard
- Use Custom Forms to collect mobile numbers and email addresses on your website
- Set up workflows and automations to trigger SMS reminders or follow-ups after emails
- Track results so you know which channel is working best
Instead of juggling a bunch of tools, you have one system that keeps it all running smoothly.
Can SMS help with lead nurturing and customer retention?
Absolutely. A thoughtful SMS can keep leads warm or bring customers back without coming off as pushy. For example, a quick check-in SMS after a purchase, or a “We miss you!” message if someone hasn’t engaged in a while, helps build relationships. These messages can also drive traffic to your site or prompt a review request—see Reputation / Review Management.
FAQs: SMS and Email Marketing Together
Can I automate both SMS and email together?
Yes, with Surge by Thrive you can easily build automation workflows that trigger both SMS and email based on user behavior.
Will using SMS hurt my email deliverability?
Not if you’re sending relevant content and respecting opt-in rules for both channels. In fact, SMS can improve engagement with your emails.
What about compliance?
Always get permission before texting anyone and provide clear opt-out instructions in every SMS. Compliance is built into Surge by Thrive’s tools.
How do I track results?
Surge gives you real-time analytics for both email and SMS so you know what’s working.
Ready to connect SMS and email for better results?
Pairing SMS with your email campaigns is a smart, modern move. You’ll reach more customers, boost engagement, and drive more action—without more hassle. If you want to see how Surge by Thrive can bring your SMS and email marketing together, request a live demo or contact us today.