YES.According to the 2024 GAMA (Global Analytics & Marketing Association) Report, SMS marketing remains a highly effective and reliable channel for businesses globally, with compelling data-driven evidence:
1. Exceptional Open Rates & Instant Reach
- 98% open rate: SMS far outperforms other channels (e.g., 20% for email, 15% for social media ads), with 90% of texts read within 3 minutes of delivery (GAMA, 2024).
- 99% delivery rate: SMS bypasses algorithmic filtering (common on social media) and spam folders (a risk for emails).
2. Industry-Leading Conversion Efficiency
- Average CTR of 35%: Over 10x higher than email (3%).
- 5-10x higher conversion rates vs. email, especially for time-sensitive promotions, thanks to SMS's short, direct call-to-action.
- Mobile commerce alignment: 76% of consumers click SMS links to complete purchases (GAMA survey).
3. Low Cost, High ROI
- Cost per SMS: As low as $0.01–$0.05 USD, with an average ROI of 45:1 (vs. 3:1 for digital ads).
- Reduced retention costs: SMS retains existing customers at 5–7x lower cost than acquiring new ones (GAMA case studies).
4. Consumer Preference & Compliance
- 72% of consumers prefer SMS for brand updates (e.g., promotions, shipping alerts) due to its “no-login, clutter-free, and ad-free” nature.
- Enhanced compliance: Global privacy regulations (GDPR, TCPA) have driven stricter opt-in processes, reducing SMS spam complaints to <0.1% (GAMA, 2024).
5. Industry-Specific Impact
- Retail/E-commerce: SMS campaigns boost sales by 30% and repeat purchases by 25%.
- Services: Appointment reminders reduce no-shows by 40%.
- Finance: Transaction alerts achieve 89% customer satisfaction, while fraud alerts see 98% open rates.
Conclusion
SMS marketing’s unmatched reach, immediacy, and ROI solidify its role as a critical channel in 2024. GAMA recommends integrating SMS into automated cross-channel strategies (e.g., AI-personalized campaigns, app/email synergies) to maximize customer lifetime value (LTV).