Discover tips for choosing the perfect SMS marketing platform in 2025. Learn how to evaluate features, compare services, and select the right platform for your business texting needs.
So, you’ve decided that sending SMS online is the ideal tool to help you grow your business, send bulk SMS, or keep your customers informed and engaged.
Congratulations – choosing a business SMS solution can be an incredibly powerful tool, enabling growth, success, and better communication.
However, you can’t do it alone. You need to choose an SMS platform that integrates with your workflows and empowers you to enjoy all the benefits of SMS marketing.
The good news? There are plenty of providers to choose from. The bad news? Not all providers are created equal. Some lower-quality platforms may cost you time and money without delivering the ROI you need. Let’s look at seven critical considerations to help you select the best SMS marketing platform.
1. Message Delivery: The Foundation of Success
Your platform must excel at deliverability and reliability. Superficially, this means getting your message to your intended recipients, but there’s more to it than that.
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Speed: How quickly can the provider deliver your texts? Timeliness is crucial for notifications, promotions, or time-sensitive updates. Late delivery can cost you sales or frustrate your audience.
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Accuracy: How many messages are sent to incorrect or invalid phone numbers? Ensure your provider offers tools for routing and validation to maintain accuracy.
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Reliability: Consistency matters. An SMS provider’s reliability must hold steady over time to support growing campaigns.
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Delivery Regions: Does the platform support your use case and reach customers in your key markets? For international businesses, this is non-negotiable.
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Open Rates: Look for providers with metrics boasting 98% or higher open rates for their SMS messages.
2. Scalability and Ease of Use
As your business grows, your SMS platform must grow with you. Scalability ensures you can start with essential features and expand as your needs evolve.
Ease of use is equally important. Look for platforms with:
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An intuitive dashboard for creating and managing campaigns.
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Options to schedule messages or create custom workflows.
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Tools for segmentation and personalized messaging.
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The ability to preview and test messages before sending.
Sakari’s SMS Automation is designed to scale seamlessly while remaining user-friendly, making it ideal for small businesses and enterprises alike.
3. Integration with Existing Tools
Chances are, you already use tools like a CRM or customer support software. The best SMS marketing platform should integrate seamlessly with these systems.
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CRM Integrations: Platforms like Sakari connect with popular CRMs such as HubSpot and Salesforce, ensuring all customer data is synchronized.
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Apps and APIs: Look for platforms offering API access and integrations with tools like Zapier, Microsoft Teams, or social platforms like LinkedIn and Messenger.
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Web-Based Access: Ensure you can manage campaigns on the go via mobile or desktop browsers.
Explore how Sakari supports advanced integrations.
4. Adherence to Best Practices
Compliance is non-negotiable. Your SMS service must follow industry regulations like GDPR, TCPA, and double opt-in requirements to ensure your campaigns are legally compliant.
For example:
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Opt-In Requirements: Ensure customers explicitly agree to receive your marketing messages.
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Opt-Out Options: Make it easy for subscribers to opt out, maintaining transparency and trust.
Learn more about best practices for SMS marketing.
5. Analytics and Reporting: Tracking Success
The right SMS marketing software offers robust analytics to measure your campaign's success. Look for:
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Metrics like delivery rates, response rates, and click-through rates.
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Customizable reports for deep insights into campaign performance.
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Tools to analyze engagement and improve future campaigns.
See how Sakari provides detailed analytics.
6. Test Drive Before You Commit
Always try before you buy. Many top platforms, including Sakari, offer a 14-day trial to test the system’s functionality.
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Ensure you can evaluate features like two-way messaging,bulk SMS delivery, and workflow creation.
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Test the platform’s interface and integration capabilities with your existing tools.
Start your Sakari trial today to experience a user-friendly SMS platform.
7. A Good Reputation
Finally, trust matters. Look beyond testimonials and explore online reviews, forums, and social media discussions about the platform.
For example:
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Check for complaints about the API, deliverability, or customer support.
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Look for endorsements from reputable businesses in industries like healthcare, retail, or small businesses.
Learn why Sakari is trusted by businesses globally.
Bonus: Advanced Features to Look For in 2025
Today’s top platforms go beyond basic functionality. Consider advanced features like:
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Short Codes: Enhance campaign efficiency and engagement.
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OTP and Authentication: For secure customer interactions.
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Omnichannel Capabilities: Integrate SMS with email, social media, or chat.
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Templates and Docs: Save time with ready-to-use templates.
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Routing and Scalability: Manage large campaigns effortlessly.
See Sakari's advanced capabilities.
Ready to Find Your Perfect SMS Marketing Platform?
Choosing the right SMS marketing platform can transform your customer engagement strategy. Whether you need a solution for bulk SMS, personalized notifications, or automated workflows, Sakari delivers.
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User-Friendly Design: Streamlined for ease of use.
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Seamless Integrations: Connect with CRMs, APIs, and third-party tools.
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Scalable Solutions: Perfect for businesses of all sizes.
Try Sakari’s SMS platform free for 14 days and discover why it’s a top choice for 2025.