SMS Marketing ROI: The Numbers Behind the Hype (2025 Data)

The SMS Marketing Opportunity

SMS marketing has become one of the most talked-about channels in ecommerce. Brands claim incredible results, but is it actually worth the investment? Let's look at the data.

The statistics from 2025 show that SMS isn't just hype—it's one of the highest-performing marketing channels available, especially for post-purchase engagement and retention.

The ROI Numbers

Multiple studies confirm SMS marketing's exceptional return on investment^[1][2][3]:

Open Rates: 98% vs Everything Else

SMS open rates are in a category of their own^[1][4]:

Why SMS Open Rates Are So High

• No Spam Folder

  SMS arrives directly in the message inbox—no filtering or promotions tab

• Lock Screen Visibility

  Notifications appear on the lock screen, impossible to miss

• Fewer Messages

  People receive far fewer texts than emails, so each stands out

• Personal Device

  Phones are always within reach; texts feel personal and immediate

Click-Through Rates

SMS click-through rates significantly outperform other channels^[1][3]:

The difference is stark: SMS click-through rates are 4-15x higher than email. When a customer opens a text, they're significantly more likely to take action.

Industry-Specific CTR

Some industries see even higher engagement^[3]:

• Finance: 20%+ CTR
• Hospitality: 20%+ CTR (69% of businesses report success)
• Retail/Ecommerce: 15-25% CTR
• Consumer Services: 20%+ CTR (67% report strong results)

Conversion Rates

This is where SMS truly shines—turning opens into sales^[1][4]:

Conversion by Campaign Type

SMS vs Email: Complete Comparison

Here's the full comparison between SMS and email marketing^[1][3][5]:

Combined Strategy Performance

The best results come from using both channels strategically^[1]:

• SMS + Email together boosts ROI by 56% compared to email alone
• Use SMS for immediate, time-sensitive messages
• Use email for detailed content and long-term nurturing

Best Use Cases for SMS Marketing

SMS excels in specific scenarios^[1]:

• Post-Purchase Upsells

  21-40% conversion rate. Send relevant product recommendations while excitement is high.

• Abandoned Cart Recovery

  24-39% conversion. Recover $3.46-$10.78 per abandoned cart message.

• Flash Sales & Limited Offers

  Time-sensitive offers thrive on SMS. 90-second read time ensures they see it in time.

• Order Updates + Cross-sells

  Shipping notifications have 98% open rates—add a product suggestion.

• Restock Reminders

  For consumable products, remind customers when they're running low.

• VIP & Loyalty Communications

  High-value customers appreciate the personal touch of SMS.

Optimal SMS Timing

When you send matters almost as much as what you send^[1]:

Best Times to Send

Post-Purchase Timing

For post-purchase upsells specifically:

• Immediately after purchase: Highest conversion (customer still engaged)
• Within 2 hours: Strong performance
• At shipping notification: 98% open rate opportunity
• At delivery: Customer excited about their order

Calculate Your SMS ROI Potential

Want to see what SMS marketing could generate for your store? Use our calculator to compare SMS vs email ROI with your specific numbers.

Conclusion

The numbers are clear: SMS marketing delivers exceptional ROI that outperforms every other marketing channel. With 98% open rates, 21-40% conversion rates, and $71 return per dollar spent, SMS is not hype—it's one of the most effective tools available to ecommerce brands.

Key statistics to remember:

• ROI: $71 per $1 spent (vs $36-42 for email)
• Open rate: 98% (vs 20-28% for email)
• Click-through: 10-36% (vs 1.2-5% for email)
• Conversion: 21-40% (vs 9-18% for email)
• Response time: 90 seconds (vs 90 minutes for email)

For Shopify stores looking to implement SMS marketing, Upsella provides AI-powered post-purchase SMS that runs automatically. No manual campaign management—just revenue from every order.