Why SMS Marketing’s Share of Online Sales Will Soar in 2025

October 13, 2025 Marketing

In the crowded digital marketing landscape, every channel claims to be “the one that converts.” But one platform continues to quietly — and measurably — drive revenue: SMS marketing.

Once seen as an optional add-on, SMS is now maturing into a core revenue stream for businesses of every size. According to Drips (2024), marketers currently attribute around 12.8% of their online revenue to SMS, with that figure expected to climb to roughly 17.4% in the coming years.

That’s not pocket change — that’s a meaningful shift in how customers interact, respond, and buy. And in 2025, that growth is accelerating.

The Rise of SMS as a Revenue Channel

Let’s unpack why that number keeps growing.

Multiple studies — including those from OptiMonk (2025), Notifyre’s Global SMS Marketing Report, and Constant Contact’s 2024 SMS Benchmarks — confirm a steady increase in both SMS adoption and performance metrics across industries.

Key trends show:

  • Open rates consistently above 95–98%, compared to email’s 20–25% (OptiMonk 2025).
  • Click-through rates (CTR) ranging between 18–30%, depending on the campaign type (Notifyre 2024).
  • Conversion rates frequently landing between 21–32%, particularly in eCommerce and service-based businesses (OptiMonk 2025).
  • 90% of SMS messages are read within 3 minutes of delivery (Drips / Constant Contact).

With performance like that, it’s no surprise marketers are doubling down. But it’s not just performance metrics driving growth — it’s behavioral.

Why Customers Actually Want SMS

Modern consumers are selective about who they let into their inboxes — and even more selective about who they allow into their text threads. That’s exactly what makes SMS marketing so powerful when done right.

SMS is inherently permission-based. Customers must opt in, meaning your audience is pre-qualified and already interested. Once they opt in, the immediacy of text creates a uniquely human connection.

Notifyre’s Global Report found that 68% of consumers prefer to receive time-sensitive updates by SMS over any other channel — including email and push notifications. Whether it’s an appointment reminder, an order update, or a personalized discount, SMS feels helpful, not intrusive.

That blend of utility and urgency is marketing gold.

The Strategic Shift: From Awareness to Action

As privacy laws and tracking restrictions reshape digital advertising, marketers are rediscovering the power of owned channels — platforms where they control both the audience and the message. SMS sits at the top of that list.

Unlike social media or PPC ads, SMS messages aren’t throttled by algorithms or lost in spam filters. They land directly in the customer’s most intimate digital space — their phone.

The shift is clear:

  • Brands that diversify into SMS see higher retention rates — up to 25% better than single-channel strategies (OptiMonk 2025).
  • Cost per acquisition (CPA) via SMS is often 20–40% lower than paid social or search (Notifyre 2024).
  • Customer lifetime value (CLV) increases when SMS is paired with email, suggesting synergy rather than cannibalization (Constant Contact 2024).

In short, SMS marketing is not just cost-effective — it’s compounding.

How Small Businesses Can Maximize SMS ROI

For small and mid-sized businesses, SMS marketing doesn’t need enterprise complexity to perform. Here’s a practical roadmap:

  1. Start with intent-based triggers — like cart recovery, appointment reminders, or review requests.
  2. Segment early. Group customers by location, purchase type, or engagement frequency.
  3. Use personalization at scale. Include names, past purchases, and timely relevance (e.g., “Hey Jordan — your order’s ready!”).
  4. Integrate SMS with email campaigns. Use text for immediacy, and email for depth.
  5. Track metrics that matter. Focus on response rate, CTR, and attributed revenue — not just list size.

When executed thoughtfully, even a modest list can deliver measurable results.

If 2025 is the year you plan to make every marketing dollar count, SMS is where you start.
Start your first campaign in minutes with Betwext.com — built for real-world marketers who value results, not complexity.

Sources:

Drips – SMS Marketing And Usage Statistics: Drips

OptiMonk – 43 SMS Marketing Statistics for 2025: Open Rates, CTRs & ROI: OptiMonk

Notifyre – SMS Marketing Statistics 2025: Trends, Insights, and Data: Notifyre

Constant Contact – SMS Marketing Strategy: Tools and Tips for Businesses: Constant Contact