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Debunking the SMS Myth: Why SMS Marketing Converts Just as Well in the UK as in the US

By Susana Dias on Sep 12,2024

Debunking the SMS Myth: Why SMS Marketing Converts Just as Well in the UK as in the US

Why SMS Marketing Converts Just as Well in the UK as in the US

 

There’s a common belief that SMS marketing performs far better in the US than in the UK, so we sent our team to investigate, and it turns out that the truth tells a different story.  

As brands look to grow their digital presence, SMS is proving to be a key driver of engagement and conversions in both markets, and it’s equally effective in helping businesses boost their sales, no matter where they’re based.  

 

Let’s mull through some numbers: 

SMS marketing has been embraced by: 

  • 86% of US businesses, with 71% of consumers opting in to receive texts from their favourite brands.  
  • UK consumers are just as engaged, with 71% of them also opting in, showing that SMS is not a US-only phenomenon.  

 

One of the reasons SMS is so powerful is its immediate and personal nature:

  • SMS click-through rates hover around 19%, which is significantly higher than email’s 2-3% rate  
  • Brands using SMS have seen an ROI of £5-6 for every pound spent - proof that this channel drives serious results. 

  

How Juno + Shopify, Attentive, and TikTok Boost Conversions 

At Juno, we help brands unlock the full potential of their Shopify stores by integrating SMS marketing with partners like Attentive. This combination ensures timely, personalised messages, whether for abandoned cart reminders or exclusive discounts. 

When you add TikTok into the mix, the results get even more impressive. Brands that combine SMS with social commerce have seen conversion rates increase by 91% 

For instance, after engaging with a TikTok video, a customer can receive an SMS that offers a timely incentive—such as a discount—creating a seamless path to purchase. 

 

The Rise of SMS in the UK 

The old idea that SMS marketing is just for the US is outdated. In the UK, 45% of shoppers have made a purchase after receiving an SMS offer.  

The UK market is catching up quickly, and at Juno, we’ve seen how effective SMS can be when paired with other channels like email and social media. 

The secret is in personalisation.  

UK consumers, much like their US counterparts, respond well to timely, relevant messages that add value to their shopping experience. And with the right strategy, SMS can become a key part of any brand’s growth plan. 

At Juno, we make sure to partner with the best technologies to scale your business with a proven strategy for your industry vertical.  

By coming through us, we ensure perks like priority support and a curated go-to-market strategy. Want to know more? Get in touch. 

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