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Email Marketing Glossary.

Clear, no-fluff definitions of every email marketing term that matters—from open rates to double opt-in. 

 

SMS Marketing

SMS marketing is the practice of sending promotional and transactional text messages to customers who have opted in. Its high open rates make it a powerful complement to email.

Also known as: text message marketing, SMS, text marketing

Text messages get read — fast. SMS marketing reaches customers directly on their phones with open rates far above email, making it a strong partner channel for time-sensitive messages.

How does SMS marketing work?

Customers opt in to receive texts, and you send campaigns or automated messages — order updates, shipping alerts, flash sales, back-in-stock notices — often coordinated with email.

SMS and email together

The strongest programs use both: email for rich, detailed content and SMS for urgent, concise nudges. Coordinating them across a single customer view avoids over-messaging.

SMS marketing best practices

Get explicit opt-in (SMS consent rules are strict), keep messages short and timely, respect frequency, and always include opt-out instructions.

Related terms

Omnichannel Marketing

Related reading from Drip

7 Proven SMS Marketing Ideas You Can Steal 14+ SMS Marketing Statistics You Need to Know

Frequently asked questions

What is SMS marketing?
SMS marketing is sending promotional and transactional text messages to customers who have opted in. Its very high open rates make it a powerful complement to email marketing.
How does SMS marketing work?
Customers opt in to receive texts, and you send campaigns or automated messages such as order updates, shipping alerts, flash sales, and back-in-stock notices, often coordinated with your email program.
How do SMS and email marketing work together?
The strongest programs use email for rich, detailed content and SMS for urgent, concise nudges. Coordinating both from a single customer view keeps messaging relevant and avoids overwhelming people.
What are SMS marketing best practices?
Get explicit opt-in, since SMS consent rules are strict; keep messages short and timely; respect a sensible frequency; and always include clear opt-out instructions in your texts.
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