AI Summary:
SMS marketing is one of the most effective ways to reach your customers in 2025, with 95%+ open rates and responses in under 90 seconds. This blog unpacks guidelines, costs, frequency, scripts, funnels, proof options, and the best use cases for service-based and e-commerce businesses. You’ll also see how OBMHub helps you manage SMS alongside your email, funnels, and CRM for maximum impact.
Why SMS Still Wins in 2025
Unlike email or social media (where messages get buried), SMS is instant and personal. It’s the channel people check first. Used correctly, it helps businesses fill calendars, recover abandoned carts, and nurture loyalty without spending thousands on ads.
SMS Guidelines You Can’t Ignore
- Consent first – Only send to those who opted in.
- Transparency – Say what they’ll get (reminders, deals, alerts).
- Keep it short – Under 160 characters with one clear link.
- Frequency – 2–4 per month is ideal. Daily feels spammy; quarterly gets forgotten.
- Timing – Stick to business hours (9am–7pm).
- Opt-out always – “Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”
- Brand first – Always open with your business name.
Overcoming the “Who’s This?” Objection
One reason people ignore SMS is they don’t recognise the sender. Fix this by:
- Opening with your business name: “Hi, it’s [Brand]…”.
- Using a dedicated business number or verified sender ID.
- Leveraging OBMHub’s built-in SMS so replies connect directly to your CRM, no more “mystery texts.”
The Cost of SMS Marketing
In Australia, SMS costs $0.07–$0.12 per message. When one 10-cent message leads to a $120 sale or prevents a no-show, the ROI is massive. Compare this with ads costing $3–$8 per click, and SMS is one of the lowest-risk, highest-reward channels available.
Best Uses for SMS Marketing (with Examples)
1. Appointment Reminders
- Example: “Hi [Name], your physio session at Allied Health is tomorrow at 10am. Reply YES to confirm.”
- Result: Fewer no-shows, more engaged clients.
2. Cart Abandonment Recovery
- Example: “Hey [Name], your cart at [Brand] is still waiting! Checkout today for free shipping: [link].”
- Result: Recovered sales without spending on retargeting ads.
3. Flash Sales & Promotions
- Example: “48hr Sale. 20% off all services this weekend only. Book now: [link].”
- Result: Quick revenue boost and urgency-driven sales.
4. Event Reminders & Links
- Example: “Hi [Name], your webinar with [Brand] starts in 1 hour. Join here: [link].”
- Result: Higher attendance rates and fewer missed opportunities.
5. Lead Nurturing / Follow-up
- Example: “Great chatting today, [Name]. Here’s the next step in your marketing plan: [link].”
- Result: Faster conversions and warmer leads.
6. VIP or Loyalty Programs
- Example: “VIP Early Access. Shop our new drop before anyone else: [link].”
- Result: Builds loyalty and repeat purchases.
7. Order & Service Updates
- Example: “Hi [Name], your order has shipped! Track it here: [link].”
- Result: Increased trust and customer satisfaction.
Service-Based Funnel Example
Funnel: Facebook Ad → Booking Page → SMS Confirmation + Reminders.
- Confirmation: “Thanks for booking, [Name]! Confirm here: [link].”
- Reminder: “See you tomorrow at [time] for your session.”
- Follow-up: “Loved meeting you today. Ready to get started? Book here: [link].”
E-Commerce Funnel Example
Funnel: Opt-in for Discount → Cart Abandonment → VIP SMS Club.
- Welcome: “Thanks for joining [Brand]! Here’s your 10% off code: WELCOME10. Shop now: [link].”
- Abandoned Cart: “Hi [Name], your cart is still waiting! Checkout today with free shipping: [link].”
- VIP Club: “VIPs only! New arrivals are live now. Grab yours here: [link].”
How to Get Started with SMS Marketing
- Pick your platform – OBMHub makes it easy to send, track, and automate SMS with your CRM.
- Collect numbers legally – Add mobile fields to forms and checkouts, and offer clear value.
- Segment your audience – Send the right message to the right group.
- Write clear scripts – Always short, branded, and action-driven.
- Test & refine – Track ROI (conversions, bookings, sales) inside OBMHub.
Other Australian SMS Provider Options
While OBMHub is ideal for businesses wanting an all-in-one system that combines SMS with CRM, email, funnels, and automations, some Australian businesses may prefer stand-alone SMS providers. Popular alternatives include:
- Burst SMS – Easy-to-use bulk SMS platform with scheduling and reporting.
- MessageMedia – Well-known for appointment reminders and transactional SMS.
- ClickSend – Offers SMS, email, fax, and letters in one platform.
- SMS Broadcast – Low-cost, straightforward bulk SMS service.
These providers can be good entry-level options if you’re only using SMS. However, if you want SMS fully integrated with your funnels, marketing automations, and client management, OBMHub saves you from
Final Thoughts
SMS isn’t about blasting promotions. It’s about meaningful, timely communication that earns trust and drives results. With messages costing cents and delivering some of the highest engagement in marketing, SMS is a must-have in 2025.
With OBMHub, you can integrate SMS seamlessly into your marketing system, alongside email, funnels, and automation, so nothing slips through the cracks.
Ready to build a system that fills your pipeline without relying on ads? Download Hot Leads on Repeat today and discover the exact framework. Then, book a call and let’s map out your SMS funnels and marketing plan your VA can run confidently.
