Using Email and SMS Together for Better Results
TL;DR:
- Email works best for detailed content like newsletters and guides
- SMS is perfect for urgent messages, reminders, and time-sensitive offers
- Schedule messages carefully to avoid overwhelming your audience
- Use tools like QuickSMS to sync contact lists and prevent message fatigue
- Time SMS follow-ups a day or two after emails for best results
Email and SMS work brilliantly together when you play to each channel's strengths. The trick is knowing when to use which one and how to coordinate them properly.
Getting the Balance Right
Email gives you space to tell a proper story. Use it for newsletters, product updates, detailed guides, or anything that needs explaining. People expect longer content in their inbox and they'll take time to read it when it suits them.
SMS cuts straight to the point. It's your go-to for appointment reminders, flash sales, delivery updates, or anything that needs immediate attention. Most people read text messages within minutes of receiving them.
Timing Your Messages
The biggest mistake is sending both channels at the same time. Your audience doesn't want to get an email and then immediately receive a text saying the same thing.
Instead, use SMS as a follow-up. Send your detailed email first, then follow up with a short SMS reminder a day or two later. This approach reinforces your message without being annoying.
For example, send an email about your weekend sale on Thursday, then send a quick SMS reminder on Saturday morning saying "Weekend sale ends tonight – 20% off everything."
Managing Your Contact Lists
Keep your email and SMS lists in sync to avoid sending conflicting messages. Tools like QuickSMS help you manage both lists from one place and prevent message overload.
Set clear rules about frequency. If someone gets your weekly newsletter on Monday, don't send them three SMS messages that same week unless it's genuinely urgent.
Practical Examples
Product launches: Send a detailed email with photos and full product information, then follow up with SMS when the product actually goes live.
Event promotion: Use email for the full event details and registration link, then send SMS reminders as the event date approaches.
Customer service: Email the detailed response to their query, then send SMS when their order ships or their appointment is confirmed.
Sales campaigns: Email the full catalogue or offer details, then use SMS for last-chance reminders or flash sales.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Don't just copy your email content into an SMS. Text messages need to be much shorter and more direct.
Watch your timing across time zones. An SMS that arrives at 2am isn't doing you any favours, even if your email timing is spot on.
Keep track of unsubscribes from both channels. If someone opts out of SMS, respect that and stick to email only.
FAQs
How do I sync my email and SMS contact lists?
Use a platform like QuickSMS that manages both channels from one dashboard. This prevents you from accidentally sending too many messages to the same person and keeps your contact data organised.
What's the best gap between sending an email and SMS follow-up?
Give it at least 24-48 hours. This gives people time to see and act on your email before the SMS reminder arrives.
Can I automate both email and SMS together?
Yes, most modern marketing platforms let you set up automated sequences that include both channels. You can trigger these based on customer actions or set time intervals.
How do I know if I'm sending too many messages?
Watch your unsubscribe rates and engagement levels. If people stop opening your emails or clicking your SMS links, you're probably overdoing it.
Jargon Buster
Multichannel messaging: Using different communication methods like email and SMS together to reach your audience.
Message fatigue: When people get fed up with receiving too many messages and start ignoring or unsubscribing from them.
SMS automation: Setting up text messages to send automatically based on triggers like customer actions or specific dates.
Contact synchronisation: Keeping your email and SMS contact lists aligned so you can coordinate messages properly.
Wrap-up
Email and SMS each have their place in your messaging strategy. Email handles the detailed stuff while SMS gets attention for urgent matters. The key is timing them right and not overwhelming people with too many messages.
Start simple – pick one campaign and try adding an SMS follow-up to your usual email. Track how it performs and adjust your timing from there. With the right coordination, you'll see better engagement across both channels.
Learn about QuickSMS: https://www.quicksms.com/