Christmas, chances are your phone didn’t stop buzzing. Between friends, family, and businesses, most of us probably received dozens of messages – some thoughtful, some less so. Looking back, it’s easy to see how helpful intentions can quickly turn into noise.
The reality is most people do notice marketing texts. In the UK, about nine out of ten recipients at least open SMS messages from brands, which is far better than most other channels. But there’s a catch — if texts are too frequent or irrelevant, around a quarter of people will unsubscribe. Even well-meaning messages can backfire if not handled thoughtfully.
Here are a few tips to keep SMS effective in the year ahead:
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Think before you send. Make sure every message is genuinely useful or meaningful.
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Time it right. Avoid sending messages too early or late; even well-intentioned texts can feel intrusive.
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Don’t overdo it. One clear message beats multiple reminders that clutter inboxes.
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Keep opt-outs simple. If you’re sending messages for business, make it easy for people to say no thanks.
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Reflect and adjust. Review past messages. Which got engagement? Which felt like noise? Use that insight next time.
SMS is simple but powerful. Used thoughtfully, it keeps conversations meaningful and welcomed. Overused, it just becomes clutter. A little care goes a long way in making sure your messages are appreciated rather than ignored.