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The Madison Avenue Field GuideA field guide to marketing & advertising, by Brandon Mina

GlossaryMobile & App MarketingSMS Marketing

Mobile & App Marketing

SMS Marketing

Sending opt-in promotional or transactional text messages to customers' phones, prized for very high open rates.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

SMS marketing is sending promotional or transactional text messages to customers' phones, with their prior opt-in consent. Messages can include offers, order updates, and reminders. It is prized for very high open rates and immediacy, but it is heavily regulated, so brands must manage consent, frequency, and opt-out requests carefully.