10 Reliable SMS Marketing Companies for Growing Businesses

Most businesses don’t struggle to send text messages, but rather how to manage them well.

Some SMS platforms only allow one-way messages. Others don’t offer automation or make it hard to manage replies. Without tools for scheduling, tracking, or segmenting contacts, simple communication can quickly become complicated.

These limitations often slow teams down, create missed opportunities, and make it harder to stay organized.

That’s where the right SMS marketing company can make all the difference. A strong platform supports your entire communication flow and helps you stay connected without juggling multiple tools or losing track of important touchpoints.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at what separates a basic tool from a business-ready solution and how SMS tools are helping service-based teams simplify communication while driving stronger results.

Agencies vs. Software: What’s the Difference?

When starting with SMS marketing, you’ll need to choose between hiring an agency or using an SMS software platform.

Both options can help your business connect with customers, increase engagement, and support growth. However, the way they work is very different, and the right choice depends on how much control, time, and support you want.

How Agencies Work

Agencies manage the SMS process for you. Their team handles the strategy, writes your messages, sets schedules, and monitors performance. This allows you to focus on your business while relying on their expertise.

They are useful for businesses that don’t have the staff or time to manage texting in-house. Agencies can be helpful when you need full-service marketing support across several channels, not just SMS.

However, using an agency also means less flexibility. You may need to wait for edits, approvals, or campaign adjustments. Costs are also usually higher, and control is more limited.

How SMS Software Works

SMS software platforms give you full control. You create the campaigns, choose who receives them, schedule the send times, and track the results yourself. This setup is better suited for businesses that want to manage campaigns in-house without relying on outside help.

Textellent is an example of an advanced SMS marketing platform built for this kind of hands-on control. It supports scheduling, automation, appointment messaging, and segmentation.

The system helps your team stay organized and in control without needing to hire a full-time agency. If your team is ready to manage campaigns directly, software like Textellent gives you the tools to do so.

Which One Should You Choose?

If your business needs someone to run campaigns for you, and you’re not ready to handle the work internally, an agency might be a better fit.

If you prefer to write your own messages, track performance, and make fast changes when needed, then a software platform is more appropriate.

Textellent provides businesses with the flexibility to manage campaigns, personalize messages, and automate follow-ups, all within a user-friendly system. It’s ideal for teams that want results without relying on outside providers.

The right choice depends on your internal resources and how much control you want over your messaging. For growing businesses that value flexibility and ownership, SMS software is the smarter long-term solution.

5 Best SMS Marketing Tools

If you prefer doing things yourself and want more control over timing, budget, and message content, then a do-it-yourself tool might be a better fit.

These text message marketing platforms let you create, send, and track messages without needing a full-service team. You get access to features like templates, automation, and reports.

1. Textellent

If you’re looking for a platform that does more than just send SMS messaging, Textellent delivers that. It combines advanced messaging features with smart automation, personalized communication, and full appointment management.

From lead generation to long-term customer engagement, Textellent supports every stage of the customer experience while keeping things simple, reliable, and fully aligned with your brand.

Maintain Brand Recognition

Many platforms require a new number or rely on generic short codes, which can confuse recipients or look impersonal. Textellent allows you to send SMS and MMS messages from your existing SMS service number.

This approach preserves your brand identity and creates a consistent communication experience for your customers. When they see a message from your familiar number, they are far more likely to open and respond.

Create Visual Impact

Modern communication is not limited to text alone. With Textellent’s MMS capabilities, your business can include high-quality images or videos in your outreach.

Whether you want to send a product showcase, a promotional flyer, or a service walkthrough, visuals increase engagement and help convey your message better.

Establish a Personal Connection

Unlike other SMS marketing services that rely on anonymous shortcodes or shared numbers, Textellent gives your business the ability to assign personalized keywords to real, recognizable phone lines.

When recipients reply to your messages, they interact with a real number, which feels more human and trustworthy. This subtle yet powerful detail contributes to higher engagement rates and a more responsive customer base.

Centralize Appointment Scheduling and Follow-Up

Service-based businesses benefit significantly from Textellent’s integrated SMS marketing campaign tools. You can schedule and automate reminders, confirmations, and follow-ups before and after every appointment.

These messages are fully customizable and can be triggered by time, date, or customer action. Unlike third-party tools that only handle booking logistics, Textellent offers a complete communication cycle, which keeps your clients informed and reduces no-shows.

Choose Seamless Integration

Textellent is designed to support integrated and independent workflows. For teams that use CRMs, calendar systems, or sales software, the platform connects with most tools through APIs or direct integration.

However, if you prefer a simpler setup, you can operate Textellent as a fully functional standalone solution. It makes sure you can adopt the platform without overhauling your existing systems or needing technical expertise to get started.

Advanced Targeting Tools

Segmenting your audience is key to improving the effectiveness of your campaigns.

Textellent allows you to tag contacts based on behavior, purchase history, service preferences, or campaign engagement. These tags help you send SMS marketing automation messages that feel relevant and timely to each recipient.

Automate Lead Nurturing

Turning a new lead into a loyal customer requires more than just one message. Textellent makes it easy to build automated drip campaigns that respond to key triggers, such as new inquiries, completed purchases, or changes in customer preferences.

These campaigns are personalized and timed to keep your business top of mind without requiring manual input. Maintaining regular and relevant contact can build trust, stay connected, and guide your leads naturally toward the next step.

Measure Campaign Performance

Understanding how your campaigns perform is essential for long-term success. Textellent provides clear, actionable metrics such as open rates, response rates, link clicks, and conversion data.

These reports allow you to evaluate what’s working, identify areas to improve, and make informed decisions about future campaigns. The platform gives you the clarity and control needed to fine-tune your messaging strategy and increase overall ROI.

Get a Head Start With Built-In Message Templates

Creating high-impact iOS and Android app campaigns does not need to be time-consuming. Textellent includes a library of professional, ready-to-use templates for promotions, follow-ups, appointment reminders, and customer updates.

You can customize these templates to suit your tone and goals, which allows your team to stay consistent, efficient, and focused on execution rather than content creation.

Support Every Stage of the Customer Lifecycle

From the first touchpoint to long-term relationship building, Textellent is built to support the full customer journey. It allows you to attract new leads, follow up at key moments, confirm appointments, send marketing messages, and maintain regular contact.

End-to-end communication flow helps businesses stay organized, improve customer satisfaction, and increase retention while using a single platform.

Sign up for a free trial or request a demo consultation and see how easy it is to run smarter, more organized SMS campaigns in-house!

2. SimpleTexting

SimpleTexting is an SMS platform that offers all the core features you need to run effective text campaigns. You can send mass texts or have two-way conversations via an inbox, run drip campaigns, and even shoot out MMS.

Image Source: simpletexting.com

The platform makes it easy to collect subscribers. You can set up keywords and use web signup forms to grow your contact list​. The platform comes with handy templates and scheduling so you can plan messages in advance.

It also integrates with over 100 apps, such as Shopify, HubSpot, and Mailchimp, which is great for syncing your customer data​. Key standout features include “text-to-vote” polls and “text-to-win” contests for engagement, as well as a built-in SMS inbox to manage replies in one place​.

However, some users have reported that the platform has limited reporting capabilities, especially for more complex analytics needs​.

If you’re looking to dive deep into customer behavior or run intricate multi-step automation based on user activity, SimpleTexting might feel a bit basic in those areas.

Another drawback is that its MMS support, while present, has some restrictions (like a cap on image size), which could affect campaigns that rely on visuals.

3. Textedly

Textedly is a cloud-based SMS platform that gives growing businesses a way to manage outreach at scale with unlimited contacts. It offers an intuitive dashboard where you can compose messages and schedule them on a built-in calendar view.

Image Source: textedly.com

Textedly can send extended messages by stitching together multiple SMS segments, so they appear as one to the recipient​. This is useful if you have a lot to communicate without resorting to MMS.

One limitation of Textedly is that the entry-level plans are somewhat limited in terms of features or add-ons​. For example, lower-tier plans might have fewer keywords available or not include certain integrations, which can prompt users to upgrade as soon as their needs grow even a little​.

Some users have also noted that Textedly’s reporting and analytics are quite minimal, as you get basic delivery and opt-out numbers. But insight into click-through rates (if you include links) or granular engagement tracking isn’t robust.

Textedly, it also doesn’t have as many direct integrations as some competitors. If you want to connect it to a CRM or another marketing platform, you might need to use Zapier or manual methods to move data.

4. SlickText

SlickText is an SMS marketing service that supports everything from mass messaging to customer polls and contests, with a user interface that allows for one-on-one conversations and simple list building.

A fun feature many marketers like is the “Text-to-Win” contest, where customers can text in to enter a raffle, and SlickText manages the random winner selection for you​.

Image Source: slicktext.com

While SlickText offers a lot of features, some users report that managing large contact lists can be a bit cumbersome on the platform​. If you have many different segments or need to move contacts between lists often, the interface might not be as simplified for those tasks.

Another limitation some mention is that the native reporting dashboard could use a more modern facelift and deeper customization.

5. EZ Texting

EZ Texting is an SMS marketing platform for businesses to send mass texts and engage their audience. It’s often praised for its user-friendly interface that doesn’t require any tech expertise to navigate​.

Image Source: eztexting.com

With EZ Texting, you can easily launch campaigns such as promotional blasts, emergency alerts, or event reminders. The platform supports group messaging and two-way texting, so you can receive replies and have conversations when needed​.

One issue noted with EZ Texting is that it can be slightly harder to integrate into certain custom workflows compared to some newer platforms​. While it has many integrations, the depth of those integrations might not be as extensive.

If you are looking for cutting-edge features like AI-driven personalization or advanced segmentation based on user behavior, you might find EZ Texting a bit basic. The reporting is also relatively simple; it covers key stats but doesn’t delve into advanced analytics or visualization.

5 Best SMS Marketing Agencies and Services

If you’re running a business and don’t have time or desire to learn software and manage message schedules, you might want a full-service SMS marketing company. These agencies do the work for you, from writing and sending messages to reporting on how your campaigns perform.

1. SmartSites

SmartSites is a digital marketing agency that includes SMS marketing as one of its offerings. They are known for marketing strategies and copywriting, and they bring that creativity into SMS campaigns as well​.

Image Source: smartsites.com

They integrate SMS with email and pay-per-click campaigns. For example, following up a Google Ads lead with a quick text or using texting to re-engage website visitors.

Because SmartSites is a full-service agency that handles everything from websites to PPC, SMS marketing is just one of many services they juggle​.

They do have dedicated email/SMS teams, but if you’re looking for an SMS-only specialist, you might feel that the platform’s attention is split across too many areas.

2. MuteSix

MuteSix is a performance marketing agency that offers comprehensive SMS marketing services alongside other channels. They focus on innovative text messaging strategies and have a strong track record of delivering impressive ROI for clients​.

Image Source: mutesix.com

It partners with top SMS platforms to execute campaigns, which helps businesses send targeted promotions, cart reminders, and personalized offers via text.

As with many agencies, SMS is only a piece of MuteSix’s offerings and not its sole specialization​. It’s convenient if you want one agency for all marketing, but it also means their resources are spread across multiple services.

In terms of cost, MuteSix tends to work with larger ad budgets, so smaller businesses may find their pricing on the higher side due to the scope of work involved.

3. Evestar

Evestar was established as an SMS and email marketing agency with a focus on scaling e-commerce brands. They take a well-rounded approach, not just running text campaigns but also considering other factors that drive online store growth​.

Image Source: evestar.com

Evestar’s team leverages data to design effective SMS promotions and automated flows that complement paid ads and email. Clients often see Evestar as a growth partner since the agency brings experience in startup growth and product marketing to its SMS strategy.

But, it’s important to note that Evestar’s approach isn’t limited to SMS alone, as they pitch a holistic marketing strategy. This broader scope may be more than you need.

Their services, while effective, come as part of a larger marketing package, which can mean higher starting costs and a required commitment.

4. Hustler Marketing

Hustler Marketing is a boutique agency that specializes in retention marketing, primarily email and SMS for e-commerce companies. They take charge of crafting tailored SMS campaigns and the automated text flows aimed at engaging customers and driving repeat sales​.

Image Source: hustlermarketing.com

As a specialized agency, Hustler Marketing may not publish standard package prices. They usually customize plans per client, which means you’ll need to schedule a call to get a quote. 

This lack of upfront pricing transparency can be a hurdle for smaller businesses budgeting for marketing.

Additionally, because they focus mainly on e-commerce email and SMS, Hustler might be less familiar with industries outside of online retail. If your business isn’t e-commerce, you’ll want to ask how their experience can translate to your field.

5. Thrive Internet Marketing Agency

Thrive is a full-service digital marketing agency that includes SMS marketing among its many offerings. They are known for creating data-driven, personalized campaigns across digital channels.

When it comes to SMS, Thrive helps clients with everything from growing a subscriber list to crafting the messages and automating their delivery.

Image Source: thriveagency.com

They integrate SMS with email marketing. An email campaign might be supplemented by a follow-up text for those who didn’t open the email, thereby increasing reach. Thrive’s SMS strategies typically involve segmenting audiences so that customers get texts tailored to their interests.

SMS marketing is only a small piece of Thrive’s extensive service menu, which can be both an advantage and a disadvantage.

If you engage Thrive, be clear about how much emphasis you want on the SMS portion of your campaign. Since they are a larger agency, the cost structure for SMS is not standalone, as you’re usually looking at a broader retainer where SMS is included.

Common Campaigns Handled by SMS Companies

If you’re new to SMS marketing, one of the first questions you probably have is: What kind of messages should I send?

The good news is that SMS marketing companies handle a variety of campaign types. They can be part of your full marketing campaign, which helps you connect with customers at the right time.

Let’s walk through the most common campaign types businesses like yours use and how SMS marketing services can support each one.

Promotions and Sales Alerts

This is the most common use of text marketing. These campaigns focus on offers, discounts, and limited-time deals.

Customers receive short messages that encourage immediate action, such as making a purchase or using a coupon. This campaign type is ideal for retail, ecommerce, or restaurants looking to increase short-term sales.

Most platforms now offer tools that work smoothly across mobile apps to schedule and send promotions efficiently.

Appointment Reminders and Confirmations

Service-based businesses rely on appointments. These campaigns help reduce no-shows and improve schedule accuracy. Messages are typically sent a day before the appointment.

It is commonly used by clinics, salons, auto repair shops, and home service providers. These reminder campaigns often support incoming messages so customers can reply to confirm or reschedule.

Order and Delivery Updates

These messages keep customers informed about their purchase status. It helps reduce the number of support requests and builds trust.

This campaign type works well for online stores and any business offering delivery or pickup. It’s especially useful for a small business that needs to provide clear updates without using a separate communication system.

Two-Way Customer Service Conversations

Instead of phone calls or emails, customers can use SMS to ask questions or resolve issues. Many text messaging platforms support this with shared inboxes.

The two-way messaging feature is helpful for real estate agents, local shops, and service businesses that want to handle quick questions on the go. It’s a great way to stay connected with SMS subscribers who prefer fast, direct support.

Internal Staff Notifications

Messages aren’t just for customers. You can use SMS to communicate with staff, especially those who don’t work at a desk. These alerts are short and useful for daily coordination.

It helps keep teams informed without relying on email or apps that may go unchecked. The ability to push updates through a web app makes operations even more efficient.

Event Invitations and Reminders

Businesses promoting live events, webinars, or in-store launches can use SMS to boost attendance. Messages may include RSVP links or reminders just before the event.

SMS is useful for timely updates, especially when combined with QR codes or sign-up links. It also works well for potential customers who opt to use their personal phones, making it a direct and fast reminder method for event organizers.

Customer Feedback and Surveys

After a purchase or service visit, you can ask for feedback through SMS. A short text like “How did we do? Reply 1–5” gets more responses than an email, and it helps you improve your marketing service over time.

Pro tip: Follow up with a thank-you or discount if someone takes the time to reply. Platforms that allow recurring messages can help automate this process so you don’t miss follow-ups after each transaction.

What to Look for in the Best SMS Marketing Company

Choosing the right SMS marketing company can have a direct impact on how your business communicates with customers and increases revenue. However, not all providers offer the same tools, support, or flexibility.

You need to look beyond surface-level features and consider what matters for performance, compliance, and long-term growth.

Strong Messaging Capabilities

You need to start with the basics. The platform should allow for both SMS and MMS messages, which gives you the option to send plain texts or rich content like images and videos.

Also, look for features like message templates, scheduling, and automation tools that allow you to build timely campaigns without needing to start from scratch every time. 

It’s even better if the tool supports interactive links to landing pages where customers can learn more or complete a purchase.

Two-Way Messaging and Conversation Features

Two-way messaging is also important. If a customer replies, your team should be able to respond directly through a shared inbox or centralized dashboard. It helps turn texts into real conversations instead of one-sided alerts.

For added convenience, platforms that support call forwarding give your team the flexibility to escalate conversations when needed.

Easy Integration With Your Existing Tools

A strong SMS platform should fit into your existing systems. You must look for services that integrate with your CRM, calendar, email marketing software, and e-commerce platform.

For example, connecting your calendar allows you to automate appointment reminders. Syncing with your CRM lets you personalize messages based on purchase history or service preferences.

If you don’t want to integrate anything, the platform should still work well as a standalone solution. Seamless integration with tools like web forms also helps with new lead capture.

Flexible Segmentation and Personalization

The best SMS marketing companies give you full control over how you group and target your audience. You should be able to tag contacts based on location, interests, past behavior, or stage in the buying process.

With smart segmentation, you can send highly targeted campaigns that feel personal and relevant. 

SMS personalization features like first name tags or order references help your texts stand out in a crowded inbox. To do this at scale, you’ll want tools that help you collect phone numbers consistently and legally.

Compliance and Opt-In Management

SMS marketing comes with legal rules, especially in the U.S. under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). You need a platform that makes it easy to manage opt-ins, includes required disclaimers, and handles STOP/HELP replies automatically.

Look for companies that stay up to date with carrier regulations and help you maintain SMS compliance without added stress. A user-friendly dashboard makes it easier to access and manage compliance settings without technical help.

Reliable Customer Support

Even the best software will need support at some point. Whether you are launching your first campaign or managing a high-volume strategy, a responsive and knowledgeable support team is key.

You should look for companies that offer live chat, onboarding assistance, and clear help documentation.

Providers that include list growth tools in their onboarding process can help you set up faster and make sure your first campaign reaches the right audience.

Scalable Pricing That Fits Your Budget

Whether you’re sending 500 or 50,000 messages per month, the pricing should match your business needs.

You need to look for platforms that offer tiered or usage-based plans without hidden fees. It should be easy to adjust your plan as your list grows or your campaign needs change.

Some providers offer an all-in-one solution with messaging, automation, tracking, and integrations built into one system, so you don’t have to pay extra for separate tools.

If your business already uses systems like, say, Constant Contact, make sure your SMS provider can work alongside or within those tools so your team doesn’t need to switch platforms.

How to Get the Most From SMS Marketing Companies

Once you’ve chosen an SMS marketing company, success doesn’t just come from signing up. It comes from using the platform the right way with a strategy focused on engagement and long-term value.

Set Clear Goals for Every Campaign

Before you send a single message, decide what you want to achieve. Are you trying to increase bookings, promote a sale, follow up on leads, or drive repeat visits? 

Your goal will determine everything from the message content to the timing, frequency, and audience.

Without clear goals, even the best features and tools won’t deliver strong results. 

You can start simple, measure what matters, and adjust based on how your audience responds. Some platforms offer a unified platform so you can manage campaigns, contacts, analytics, and templates in one place.

Keep Your Messages Short

SMS is not the place for long-form content. Every message should be easy to read and drive one clear action. If you want customers to click a link, confirm an appointment, or reply to a question, you must focus your text around that goal.

You must use direct language, avoid filler, and include a clear call to action. A well-written message can outperform a long one every time. Tools that allow you to receive messages in real-time can also help you keep the conversation going and improve engagement.

Segment Your Audience for Better Results

Not all customers are the same. That’s why sending the same message to your entire list rarely performs well. You should use tags, lists, or custom fields to group contacts by behavior, interest, or purchase history.

Segmenting helps you send targeted messages that feel relevant and timely. The more personalized your campaigns are, the higher the engagement and conversion rates. Look for platforms that support API access to sync data with your CRM and segment dynamically.

Use Automation to Stay Consistent

Manual campaigns take time and leave more room for error. Most SMS platforms offer automation tools like drip sequences, appointment reminders, and behavior-based messages. 

For example, when a lead opts-in, you can schedule a series of follow-ups that guide them toward booking a service or completing a purchase. You can set it once, and your texts keep working behind the scenes.

With smart features that automate responses, you reduce manual follow-up and stay connected without extra effort.

Follow Compliance Rules Every Time

Staying compliant is mandatory. Make sure your opt-in process is clear and documented. Include language like “Reply STOP to unsubscribe” in your messages, and always respect opt-out requests.

A good SMS platform will help you manage this automatically, but it’s still your responsibility to follow the rules. 

Keeping your list clean and your practices legal protects your reputation and keeps your deliverability high. Most tools that offer chat support can guide you through compliance setup if you’re unsure where to start.

Measure Performance and Make Improvements

After each campaign, review the results. You need to look at delivery, open, and click rates. Monitor how different segments respond. If a message performs well, build on it. If it doesn’t, revise and test something new.

Successful SMS marketing comes from continuous learning. The data is already there; use it to guide your content, timing, and targeting moving forward. 

Platforms that offer reports across all the services in your account make it easier to understand how SMS compares to your other channels.

Test Frequently to Find What Works Best

Even small changes can make a difference. Test different messages, send times, or call-to-action formats. One version may drive better responses than another, but you won’t know until you test.

Most SMS platforms offer A/B testing tools or message history that lets you compare past performance. You can use that to make smarter decisions over time. Make sure the platform works seamlessly across mobile device types to reach customers wherever they are.

Get Full Control Over Your SMS Strategy With Textellent!

If you’re serious about using text to drive revenue and simplify day-to-day communication, Textellent offers a purpose-built solution made for service-based businesses.

Textellent gives you complete control with features like appointment scheduling, message templates, contact tagging, and automated drip campaigns. 

You can send texts from your existing business number, personalize replies, and include images or videos with MMS while tracking performance in real-time.

The platform is easy to use yet powerful enough to manage everything from first touch to long-term customer care without extra tools or complicated integrations.

If you are comparing SMS marketing companies and need a solution that goes beyond simple tools, Textellent is the platform to choose. It combines automation, personalization, and reliability in one system that helps you grow stronger customer relationships while saving time.

Sign up for a free trial or request a demo consultation to experience how smart SMS marketing works!

FAQs About SMS Marketing Companies

What is the best SMS marketing platform?

Some platforms are built for do-it-yourself campaigns, while others offer full-service solutions. If you want full control, advanced features, and automation tools, Textellent will offer all of that in one dashboard.

You need to look for platforms that support contact segmentation, drip campaigns, two-way messaging, and strong reporting tools.

Is SMS marketing legal in the USA?

Yes, SMS marketing is legal in the U.S., but it’s highly regulated. Businesses must follow the TCPA, which requires consent from recipients before sending any marketing messages.

Customers must opt-in first, and you must give them a clear way to opt-out. Any text messaging service you use should help you manage compliance with features like opt-in tracking and auto-handling of STOP or HELP responses.

How much does SMS marketing cost?

SMS marketing cost varies depending on the platform, the number of messages you send, and the features you use. Most platforms charge on a per-message or monthly plan basis.

Some offer discounts as your message volume increases, especially if you’re using a mass texting service for large-scale outreach. If your business sends high-volume messages regularly, look for a provider with scalable pricing.

What are SMS marketing services?

These services help businesses communicate with customers through text. They may include tools for scheduling campaigns, collecting opt-ins, automating replies, and tracking performance.

Some platforms specialize in high-volume blasts, while others focus on conversations and relationship-building. The best mass texting service should support both one-time promotions and recurring messages.

The best SMS marketing service makes it easy to manage contacts, create targeted messages, and drive consistent engagement from a single platform.