(2025) How to Choose the Best SMS Marketing Platform

An SMS marketing app is like having a direct line to your customers’ pockets. With a whopping 98% open rate (crushing email’s measly 20% average), it’s a ridiculously effective platform for generating sales through promotional campaigns and sending reminders.

But with hundreds of SMS apps out there, finding the right one can truly feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll break down how to choose the best SMS marketing app for your business, including:

• Must-have features and benefits
• Compliance considerations for SMS marketing
• Checklist for selecting the right SMS marketing app

Spoiler – Our buying guide points to TxtCart’s conversational SMS as being the SMS marketing app of choice for businesses that want to send eerily human-like text messages to customers and drive record-breaking sales.

TL;DR

• Must-have features: Ease of use, compliance tools, two-way messaging, automation, and integrations. Make sure your chosen platform has ’em all.
• Advanced features for pros: AI-powered personalization, omni-channel sync, and dedicated support can take your campaigns to the next level.
• Compliance is key: Don’t get slapped with fines. Choose a platform with built-in compliance tools (like TxtCart).
• Pricing varies: Pay-as-you-go, subscriptions, and even performance-based options are available. Find one that fits your budget.
• Compare the top contenders: We’ve broken down the pros and cons of leading platforms like TxtCart, SimpleTexting, Attentive, and Yotpo.
• Use our handy checklist: Tick all the boxes to ensure you’re choosing the right platform for your needs.

What is an SMS Marketing App?

An SMS marketing platform is a software tool that lets businesses send text message campaigns to customers. While basic platforms handle mass texting, modern SMS platforms offer features like automation, segmentation, and two-way messaging. The success of your SMS campaigns depends heavily on choosing the right platform features.

Why SMS Marketing Should Be Your Next Power Move

1. Incredible ROI from recovered carts and reminders:
   • TxtCart helped Joyride rake in $1.8M+ in SMS revenue
   • Organi Grow Hair recovered $25K monthly in abandoned carts (16.9x ROI)
   • Haute Home LA boosted revenue by $15K in 5 days
2. SMS crushes traditional marketing – The numbers don’t lie:
   • 98% open rate vs email’s 20%
   • 90% of texts get read within 3 minutes
   • 75% of consumers actually want SMS offers from brands
3. Why businesses love SMS marketing:
   • Real conversations: Answer questions and solve problems in real-time
   • Smart targeting: Send personalized birthday deals, flash sales, and VIP offers
   • Data insights: Track what works and build better customer relationships
   • Built-in trust: SMS rules mean you’re always playing fair with customer privacy

The Must-Have Features in an SMS Marketing App

Choosing an SMS marketing software can be overwhelming. To help you navigate the sea of options, we’ve compiled a list of must-have features:

• Intuitive Campaign Builder should let you easily create SMS campaigns on abandoned cart sequences, VIP flows, post-purchase upsells, and welcome series and preview live mockups before sending. There should also be audience segmentation filters based on behavior and purchase history, and the ability to schedule messages by timezone.
• Built-in Compliance Suite that protects your business with automatic TCPA compliance, double opt-in verification, quiet hours enforcement, instant unsubscribe handling, and consent tracking across all campaigns.
• AI-Powered Conversations – There are SMS apps out there making waves with AI. You’ll have a clear advantage of handling customer questions instantly using your brand voice, pulling answers from your knowledge base, and cutting response costs by 32x compared to human agents.
• Multi-Media Messaging Suite takes your texts beyond plain words. Add product photos, unboxing videos, and eye-catching GIFs to capture attention. Drive higher engagement rates with customer testimonial clips and visual product demos that stand out in crowded inboxes.
• Expert Support Team available 24/7 through live chat and email, with dedicated strategy calls to help set up campaigns, troubleshoot issues, and share winning tactics from other successful brands.
• Advanced Analytics Dashboard tracks message open and click rates, revenue attribution by campaign, customer lifetime value, list growth and churn rates, A/B test results, conversion tracking, ROI by message type, and engagement time trends.
• Offers an ROI Guarantee backs performance promises with refunds for qualifying stores. Top SMS platforms offer at least a 5X ROI guarantee – anything less might leave money on the table.

In short, consider factors like ease of use, compliance features, two-way messaging capabilities, subscriber collection tools, automation, integration options, analytics, and scalability when making your decision.

Cost and Pricing Models for the Best SMS Marketing Platforms

How much will this SMS marketing solution cost me?

The good news is that there are a few of pricing models out there, so you can find one that fits your budget and needs. But beware of hidden fees that can sneak up on you.

Pricing Structures

Here are some common pricing structures you’ll encounter:

• Pay-as-you-go: You pay per message sent. This is great for small businesses or those just starting out.
• Monthly subscriptions: You pay a fixed monthly fee for a certain number of SMS messages or credits.
• Volume-based tiers: The more marketing messages you send, the lower your per-message cost. This is ideal for high-volume senders.
• Performance-based Plans charge a small percentage of the sales your texts generate, eliminating upfront costs and aligning the platform’s success with yours.

Hidden Fees: Watch Out for These Sneaky (But Necessary) Costs

Before you sign on the dotted line, be sure to ask about hidden fees, such as:

• Carrier fees: These are fees charged by mobile carriers for delivering your messages.
• International messaging fees: Sending messages to international numbers can cost extra.
• MMS costs: Sending multimedia messages (MMS) usually costs more than regular SMS.
• API fees: If you’re using an API to integrate with other SMS marketing services, there might be additional fees.

Pro Tip:To calculate long-term costs, factor in your projected message volume, potential growth, and any anticipated feature upgrades. This will help you avoid surprises down the road.

Choosing a Cost-Effective Option: Finding the Right Fit

The best pricing option for you will depend on your business size, usage volume, and growth plans.

• Small businesses: Pay-as-you-go or a low-tier monthly subscription might be sufficient.
• Growing businesses: Consider a volume-based tier or a mid-range subscription with room to scale.
• Enterprise-level businesses: A high-volume plan with dedicated support and advanced features is likely the best bet.

The Best SMS Marketing Tools to Consider in 2025

1. TxtCart: Stands out with AI-powered conversations that feel human, automatic cart recovery, and a 10X ROI guarantee. Their visual campaign builder handles everything from segmented flows to timezone scheduling. Plus, real customers report $1.8M+ in SMS revenue after a quick setup.
2. Postscript: Solid automation and segmentation tools, though analytics could be more robust. Their pricing jumps significantly with message volume, and some users note issues with rollover credits. SMS features are reliable but lack the AI-driven personalization of newer platforms.
3. Attentive: Strong on compliance and segmentation for enterprise brands, but the complex interface can overwhelm new users. Premium pricing puts it out of reach for growing stores, and some customers report difficulties when transitioning away from the platform.
4. SMSBump by Yotpo: Impressive review count and multimedia messaging capabilities, but MMS costs add up quickly. While automation is decent, it lacks the advanced AI conversational features that modern platforms offer for customer engagement.
5. Omnisend: Good for basic multi-channel marketing, combining email and SMS. However, SMS features feel secondary to email capabilities, and users note the pricing structure recently shifted to charge based on subscriber count rather than message volume.

Read more: We Tried The 10 Best SMS Apps for Shopify (Our Review)

Make Sure the Text Message Marketing Service is Compliant

When you’re excited about SMS marketing, compliance might feel like a buzzkill. But here’s the deal – it matters a lot. Breaking rules can lead to lawsuits, service suspensions, and damaged customer trust. Let’s break down what you need to know:

Playing by the Rules (Because You Have To):

• Every text needs explicit permission (nope, email opt-ins don’t count)
• Tell subscribers what they’re signing up for
• Make opting out easy
• Respect quiet hours (no 3 AM texts!)

Here’s the Good News: TxtCart handles all this behind the scenes. Our built-in compliance tools automatically:

• Track consent and opt-ins
• Manage quiet hours by timezone
• Process unsubscribes instantly
• Keep records of all subscriber permissions

Pro tip: While compliance sounds scary, our platform makes it painless. You focus on sending great messages – we’ll keep you on the right side of the law.

Why TxtCart is Probably Your Best Bet for SMS Marketing

Listen, we’re obviously biased here (it’s our platform, after all). But we’re confident for good reason. The numbers speak for themselves:

• Joyride Harness turned SMS into a $1.8M revenue stream
• Organi Hair generated over $1M through strategic SMS campaigns
• CROSSNET unlocked $453K in revenue after just 10 minutes of setup

What sets us apart? We’re not just another bulk SMS tool. Our platform combines:

• Next-Level AI Chat: Our conversational AI creates eerily human-like experiences that get customers clicking and buying from your SMS marketing campaigns.

• Smart Cart Recovery: Automatically brings shoppers back with personalized reminders that hit their inbox at just the right time

• Data-Driven Campaign Tools: Segment subscribers, schedule by timezone, and watch your ROI climb as you test and optimize.

• Visual Flow Builder: Create abandoned cart sequences, VIP offers, and post-purchase campaigns with drag-and-drop ease.

The cherry on top? Our 10X ROI guarantee.

But hey, don’t just take our (admittedly biased) word for it. Here’s what store owners say:

• “Honestly like a money printer for us…” said TxtCart customer, Gamenetics. “Within the first 45 days we’ve been able to add an additional $8,500 in revenue to our bottom line with only a small list of SMS subscribers.” (Source: Shopify App Store)
• “I’ve used the app for 2 weeks now and already see a 400% ROI.” – Dreamwrap Sleep’s review on Shopify App Store

Two small catches: We’re expanding internationally (some features might be limited in certain regions), and like all SMS platforms, carrier fees apply.

Starting is simple:

• 14-day free trial
• Plans from $29/month
• Performance-based pricing (we win when you win)
• 24/7 expert support

How to Get the Most Out of Your SMS Platform

You’ve got your SMS platform – now let’s make it work for you:

• Set Clear Goals First: Focus on specific targets like sales or list growth, then pick your key metrics (ROI, click rates, conversions). Add timelines and track how AI features impact your results.
• Build Your List Smart: Place opt-ins on high-traffic pages, test different signup incentives, add QR codes to physical marketing, and cross-promote across your social channels and emails.
• Write Messages That Convert: Keep texts short and punchy with clear calls-to-action. Mix in photos and GIFs, and let our AI help perfect your message tone and timing.
• Test Everything: Experiment with different send times, message formats, and offer types. Track what drives actual sales, not just opens and clicks.
• Get Personal: Use shopping behavior and AI insights to customize conversations. Build VIP groups and ask customers directly about their preferences.
• Connect Your Stack: Link your Shopify store, email platform, and customer service tools. Import your product feed to keep everything in sync.
• Think Beyond Basic SMS: Look for a platform using AI to transform every aspect of SMS marketing – from personalized messages to smart timing to automated responses. The future of SMS is AI-powered conversations, not just bulk texts.
• Track and Optimize: Monitor your metrics regularly, learn from what works, and keep refining your strategy. Success in SMS marketing is all about continuous improvement.

Pro tip: Our AI helps optimize each step – from writing better messages to finding perfect send times. Need help? Our support team is here 24/7.

Checklist for Selecting the Right SMS Marketing App

Use this handy checklist to make sure you’re choosing a platform that meets all your needs:

1. Compliance and Regulatory Features

• ☐ Built-in tools for TCPA, GDPR, and CTIA compliance (e.g., double opt-in, opt-out management)
• ☐ Quiet hours settings to avoid sending messages at inconvenient times
• ☐ International compliance capabilities for brands with a global audience
• ☐ Clear opt-in/opt-out processes for subscribers

2. Ease of Use and Setup

• ☐ Intuitive user interface for easy navigation and quick setup
• ☐ Minimal technical requirements or coding knowledge needed for setup
• ☐ Onboarding guides, tutorials, or support for new users

3. Subscriber Collection Tools

• ☐ Multi-channel options for collecting subscribers (e.g., website pop-ups, in-store QR codes, and social media links)
• ☐ Options for segmentation during subscriber collection (e.g., adding tags based on acquisition source or demographics)

4. Two-Way Messaging and Conversational Capabilities

• ☐ Real-time, two-way messaging for engaging and responding to customers directly
• ☐ AI-assisted conversational tools that mimic natural conversations and help answer common customer questions
• ☐ Integration with a knowledge base or customer FAQ for automated responses

5. Automation and Triggered Messaging

• ☐ Automated workflows for common SMS campaigns (e.g., cart recovery, welcome messages, post-purchase follow-up)
• ☐ Options for triggered messages based on customer behavior, like cart abandonment or site browsing history
• ☐ Drip campaign setup for nurturing subscribers over time

6. Personalization and Segmentation

• ☐ Advanced audience segmentation options (behavioral, demographic, psychographic)
• ☐ AI-driven personalization for targeting based on customer preferences and past interactions
• ☐ Message templates with dynamic personalization fields (e.g., first name, purchase history)

7. Analytics and Reporting

• ☐ Real-time analytics for tracking key metrics: open rates, click-through rates (CTR), conversions, and opt-outs
• ☐ Revenue attribution to link SMS campaigns directly to sales outcomes
• ☐ A/B testing capabilities to test and optimize message content and timing

8. Integration with Tech Stack

• ☐ Seamless integration with existing CRM, eCommerce platforms (e.g., Shopify), email marketing tools, and analytics
• ☐ API access for advanced customization and customer data flows
• ☐ Cross-platform syncing for a unified multi-channel marketing experience

9. Scalability and Cost Flexibility

• ☐ Flexible pricing models (e.g., pay-as-you-go, monthly subscriptions, volume-based)
• ☐ Performance-based plans that charge a percentage of sales, offering a low-risk entry option
• ☐ Transparent pricing with clarity on potential hidden fees (e.g., MMS costs, carrier fees, international messaging)
• ☐ Scalability to accommodate growing subscriber bases or increased message volume

10. Support and Strategy Consultation

• ☐ Access to customer support (chat, email, phone) for troubleshooting and assistance
• ☐ Strategic consultation for larger accounts or enterprise-level clients to optimize campaigns
• ☐ Resource library or knowledge base for best practices and tips on SMS marketing

[Free] Download Checklist as PDF

Using this checklist, you can confidently evaluate different SMS marketing platforms and choose the one that best fits your business needs.

A Quick Recap for Choosing the Best SMS Messaging App

The SMS marketing service landscape is crowded with options, but not all platforms are created equal. As AI and automation reshape what’s possible with SMS, picking the right platform has never been more crucial. Here’s what matters most:

• Prioritize AI and Automation: Don’t settle for basic bulk texting. The future of SMS is AI-powered conversations that feel human, smart timing that knows when customers will buy, and automated flows that recover lost sales while you sleep.
• Make Compliance Automatic: Your platform should handle the legal stuff – TCPA rules, quiet hours, opt-ins, and consent tracking. One compliance mistake could cost you thousands, so don’t take chances with basic tools.
• Demand Proven Results: Look for platforms offering clear ROI guarantees and transparent pricing. The best SMS provider ties their success to yours with performance-based pricing and real case studies showing revenue impact.
• Think Beyond Today: Choose a platform that grows with you, from easy campaign builders to advanced segmentation to full tech stack integration. Your SMS marketing will evolve – make sure your platform can keep up.

Speaking of evolution, that’s why we built TxtCart with AI at its core. While most platforms still blast generic texts, our conversational AI helps stores like Joyride generate $1.8M+ in SMS revenue. Plus, with our 10X ROI guarantee for qualifying stores, you can test drive the future of SMS marketing risk-free. But hey, don’t take our word for it – start a free trial and see the results yourself.

FAQs

Which SMS app should I use?

The best SMS app for you depends on your specific needs and budget. Consider factors like ease of use, features, compliance tools, integrations, and pricing. Our comparison table above can help you narrow down your options. And, of course, we think TxtCart is a pretty awesome choice.

How to use SMS for marketing?

You can use SMS for everything from sending promotional messages and abandoned cart reminders to providing customer support and gathering feedback. Get creative and experiment to see what works best for your audience.

Is SMS marketing still effective?

With open rates that blow email out of the water, SMS marketing is a powerful way to reach your customers and drive engagement. Plus, it’s a great way to build relationships and foster loyalty.

How do I get more SMS subscribers?

Offer incentives. Promote your SMS list on your website and social media. Use pop-ups, QR codes, and other tools to make it easy for people to sign up. And most importantly, make sure you’re providing value and respecting your subscribers’ privacy.