Stop Debating SMS Marketing—Make It Standard
Too many companies still treat SMS marketing like a risky experiment. That hesitation costs growth, data, and customer loyalty. My stance is simple: SMS should be a default part of your tech stack. Not a maybe. Not a someday. A now.
I’ve built and scaled brands my whole career, and I’ve watched teams overthink simple wins. SMS is one of those wins. It’s direct. It’s measurable. It’s where your customers already spend time. If you’re serious about building a business, this is a box you need to check.
“Easy answer to SMS marketing… it should be just a part of the tech stack now.” — Erik Huberman
The Core Argument
SMS isn’t optional for growth-focused brands. It’s a channel that drives action and keeps you close to your customers. You don’t need to reinvent your strategy—just add the piece you’re missing and use it well.
Brands that integrate SMS do more than send messages. They build real retention by creating relevant, timely moments. You can measure engagement, segment audiences, and connect faster than email alone. That’s not theory. That’s practice.
“You’re trying to build a business… you should check these boxes.” — Erik Huberman
What Works—and Why
I’ve grown companies from zero to meaningful revenue fast by staying practical. SMS is practical. It keeps customers in the loop, prompts timely purchases, and extends the value of other channels like email and paid media. Add it, integrate it, and let the data guide you.
Tools that expand your audience and identify more of your traffic supercharge this. I called it out directly because it matters:
“You’re just capturing so much more data and so much more audience. Retention.com is another one… just do it.” — Erik Huberman
More audience identified equals more customers you can actually talk to. Pair that with SMS, and you’re not guessing. You’re communicating with intent.
Common Pushbacks—and Why They Don’t Hold
- “We don’t want to spam people.” Good. Don’t. Use permission-based lists, provide clear value, and pace messages. Respect earns replies.
- “We already have email.” Great. SMS doesn’t replace email. It supports it. One builds depth, the other drives speed.
- “We’re not ready.” If you can send an email, you can launch SMS. Start simple with cart reminders, order updates, and timely offers.
These concerns fade fast once you see responsible, consistent results from a tight, customer-first approach.
How To Implement Without Overthinking It
Keep it simple and aligned with what customers actually want. Build trust, then build frequency.
- Collect consent clearly at checkout and on your site. Set expectations upfront.
- Start with high-value flows: order updates, back-in-stock alerts, and cart recovery.
- Segment by behavior. Send different messages to loyal buyers, recent browsers, and lapsed customers.
- Measure replies and opt-outs, not just clicks. Feedback is your compass.
- Use identity tools to recognize more visitors and grow your list responsibly.
This isn’t about hype. It’s about responsible, direct communication that drives revenue and retention. The brands that win don’t wait for perfect—they ship the obvious moves, then optimize.
The Bottom Line
SMS belongs in your stack—no debate. Add it, connect it to your data, and use it to serve customers in real time. If you want growth, stop stalling. Build the system once and let it work every day.
Here’s my challenge: turn on SMS this week, launch three basic flows, and integrate a tool that identifies more of your traffic. Watch what happens when you actually talk to your customers where they pay attention. Then keep going.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the first SMS flow I should launch?
Start with cart recovery. It’s simple, relevant, and often delivers quick wins. Follow with order updates and back-in-stock alerts to add real utility.
Q: How often should I text customers?
Begin with essential flows and one to two campaigns per month. Let engagement guide frequency. If replies and conversions slip, dial it back.
Q: How do I avoid annoying my audience?
Get consent, set expectations, send value, and make opting out easy. Use segmentation so messages feel personal, not generic.
Q: Do I still need email if I use SMS?
Yes. Email is great for depth—newsletters, long-form content, and broad promotions. SMS drives speed and timely actions. They work better together.
Q: What tools help grow my SMS list responsibly?
Use on-site capture, checkout consent, and identity solutions that help recognize more visitors. The goal is a permission-based list with real reach.
