SMS Marketing Guide for UK and EU Businesses: Explore the Best Platforms, Tools and Strategies

Why SMS Marketing Still Delivers

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SMS marketing might seem like an old communication channel, but it remains one of the most effective ways for UK and European businesses to reach customers directly. Text messages achieve open rates of around 98%, compared with an average of 20% to 25% for email, which explains why SMS message marketing consistently outperforms other channels for engagement and response.

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Across the UK, consumer appetite for SMS marketing is strong. Research shows that over 90% of people have joined or are willing to join an SMS marketing programme, making it one of the most accessible and responsive channels for small businesses, retailers, restaurants, travel agencies, and service-based companies. With GDPR and data privacy rules firmly established, businesses that follow consent and opt-in best practices can use SMS marketing to build trust and long-term customer relationships.

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The trend is similar across Europe. Studies show that nearly three-quarters of consumers in countries such as France, Spain, Germany, and Italy have made a purchase after receiving a brand SMS, underlining how mobile SMS marketing has become a core part of the customer journey. Whether you’re running promotions, sending booking reminders, supporting online sales, or running automated SMS campaigns, the channel continues to deliver fast, measurable results for businesses of all sizes.

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What Is SMS Marketing, and How Does It Work?

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SMS marketing is a direct mobile marketing strategy that enables businesses to send text messages to customers who have actively opted in to receive them. Unlike social platforms or paid ads, SMS is a permission-based channel; customers opt in, usually by filling out a form, texting a keyword, or signing up through a website or checkout flow. Once they’ve given explicit consent, you can send messages straight to their phone’s inbox with no app downloads, login steps, or algorithms in the way.

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Businesses typically use three core types of SMS message marketing:

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• Transactional messages: Order confirmations, delivery updates, booking details, and service alerts.
  
  
• Promotional messages: Discounts, seasonal offers, product launches, VIP sales, and time-sensitive promotions.
  
  
• Automated messages: Appointment reminders, abandoned-cart nudges, renewal prompts, and personalised follow-ups triggered by customer behaviour.

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While email marketing platforms allow for rich, long-form content, SMS offers something different: immediacy. Messages are delivered instantly, read within minutes, and reach customers on any mobile phone, no apps, accounts, or smartphone features required. This makes SMS one of the most reliable channels for fast response, high engagement, and real-time customer communication.

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To send marketing messages legally in the UK and EU, businesses must follow GDPR rules, including gaining clear opt-in consent and offering an easy opt-out. The advantage is that your SMS subscriber list is made up entirely of people who want to hear from you, making it one of the highest-quality and highest-converting audience groups available to marketers today.

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Why SMS Marketing Is a Leading Marketing Strategy

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SMS marketing remains one of the highest-performing channels available to UK and European businesses, and the data is remarkably consistent. Text messages achieve open rates of around 98%, and response rates averaging 45%. By comparison, most email campaigns struggle to exceed single-digit engagement. This level of visibility gives SMS a clear advantage for urgent, time-sensitive messages.

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Conversion rates for SMS marketing campaigns typically range between 21% and 40%, and more than 72% of consumers worldwide say they have made a purchase after receiving a brand SMS. In Europe specifically, that figure rises to 74%, showing that mobile SMS marketing continues to influence real buying behaviour across the region.

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One of the reasons SMS is so effective is the built-in sense of immediacy. When customers receive a text about a flash deal, appointment reminder, or limited-time offer, they understand instantly that action is required. SMS cuts through noise in a way few channels can, which is why retailers, restaurants, travel brands, and small businesses consistently rely on it for fast outcomes.

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Financially, SMS marketing campaigns deliver strong returns. Many businesses report earning £4 for every £1 spent, and the ROI increases even further when campaigns use personalisation, behaviour-based triggers, and SMS marketing automation to send messages at the exact moment customers are most likely to act.

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How to Start an SMS Marketing Campaign (Step-by-Step)

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Launching an SMS marketing campaign is straightforward, but success depends on planning, compliance, and choosing the right tools. Here’s how to build a campaign that works for UK and European audiences.

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Step 1: Define your goals clearly

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Every SMS marketing campaign starts with a simple question: What are you trying to achieve?

Your objectives will shape your messaging, targeting, and automation rules. Common goals include:

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• Increasing footfall to stores or restaurants

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• Driving online sales

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• Boosting repeat purchases

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• Recovering abandoned carts

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• Growing your SMS subscriber list

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• Improving customer engagement alongside existing email marketing platforms

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Clear goals make it easier to measure success and choose the right SMS marketing strategy.

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Step 2: Collect phone numbers legally and transparently

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Strong SMS marketing begins with a compliant subscriber list. Under GDPR, customers must willingly opt in and understand what they are signing up for.

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Effective ways to gather subscribers include:

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• Website forms: Add SMS opt-ins at checkout, newsletter sign-ups, or on landing pages.

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• In-store sign-ups: Capture numbers via POS systems, QR codes, or digital kiosks.

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• Double opt-in: Send a confirmation text so the subscriber can verify their consent.

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• Incentives: Offer discounts, loyalty points, or early sale access in exchange for sign-ups.

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• Existing customer data: Add phone numbers from your email list only if explicit SMS consent is recorded.

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Clear explanations of frequency, content type, and opt-out options build trust and reduce unsubscribe rates.

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Step 3: Choose the right SMS marketing platform

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Your SMS marketing tool determines how easily you can segment audiences, automate messages, send bulk SMS marketing campaigns, and analyse performance.

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When comparing platforms, consider:

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• Two-way messaging capabilities

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• Integrations with your CRM, e-commerce system, or booking platform

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• Automation features for behaviour-based triggers

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• Bulk SMS delivery reliability

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• Pricing based on volume and region

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• GDPR and EU data-storage compliance

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The best SMS marketing platform for your business will depend on campaign volume, industry (e.g., SMS marketing for restaurants or retail), and whether you need advanced automation.

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Step 4: Write short, clear, high-impact messages

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SMS gives you roughly 160 characters, so clarity is everything.

Your message should include:

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• Personalised hooks

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• Clear offers or updates

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• Urgency where appropriate

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• A simple call to action

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• Shortened links

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Examples:

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• Hi Jamie! Get 25% off all pizzas tonight from 5 to 7 pm. Order now: [link]

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• Flash sale is live! Save 30% on selected items today only. Shop now: [link]

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Keep it human, concise, and relevant to the subscriber’s interests.

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Step 5: Automate your SMS marketing and monitor performance

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Automation is where SMS marketing becomes truly powerful. Use triggers and workflows to send messages automatically:

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• Abandoned cart SMS after 30 minutes

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• Welcome messages immediately after sign-up

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• Re-engagement campaigns after 30 days of inactivity

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• Appointment reminders 24 hours before a booking

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Track key metrics to refine your approach:

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• Delivery rate

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• Click-through rate

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• Conversion rate

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• Unsubscribe rate

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These insights help you understand what drives engagement and which SMS marketing campaigns deliver the highest ROI.

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How can businesses build their SMS subscriber list?

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This section answers real-world queries like: “How do I get telephone numbers for SMS marketing?” and “How can I grow my SMS list legally?”

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The best ways to grow an SMS subscriber list

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• Website registrations: Include SMS opt-ins at checkout, in sign-up forms, or on pop-ups.
  
  
• In-store collection: Use POS prompts, QR codes, and tablets to capture numbers on-site.
  
  
• Double opt-in: Confirm subscriptions to reduce spam complaints and stay GDPR compliant.
  
  
• GDPR-friendly incentives: Offer vouchers, exclusive deals, early access, or loyalty points.
  
  
• Existing customers (with consent): Only use numbers from your CRM or email list when SMS opt-in is explicitly approved.

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SMS Marketing Automation and Personalisation

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Automation removes manual work and ensures messages reach customers at exactly the right moment. SMS marketing automation uses real-time customer behaviour, captured through your CRM or marketing platform, to automatically trigger SMS messages. Whether it’s cart abandonment, a birthday, or hitting a loyalty milestone, each SMS is delivered instantly and tailored to the customer’s context.

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Personalisation is now far more advanced than simply adding a name. You can customise messages based on purchase history, browsing activity, location, or customer lifetime value. High-value customers might receive VIP previews or exclusive rewards, while first-time buyers may get a welcome offer to encourage a second purchase.

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Common automation workflows include abandoned cart recovery, appointment reminders, birthday discounts, and post-purchase follow-ups. For example, sending an abandoned cart SMS within an hour of someone leaving your site can remind them of the product, highlight its benefits, and include a small incentive. This simple workflow can significantly improve cart abandonment rate and help retailers recover meaningful revenue that would otherwise be lost.

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Appointment-based businesses also benefit from automation. Dentists, salons, and service providers can send reminder texts 24 hours before a booking to reduce no-shows. After a customer makes a purchase, automated follow-ups can request reviews, collect feedback, or recommend complementary products. Birthday messages, meanwhile, deliver personalised offers that reliably increase engagement and repeat spending.

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Where SMS truly excels is when it works alongside other marketing channels. Email provides richer, long-form content, while SMS delivers urgency and immediate action. Push notifications keep app users engaged, and SMS still reaches those who aren’t using the app at all. When integrated with e-commerce cart recovery tools, SMS automation sends perfectly timed nudges around the clock, boosting conversions without any manual input.

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Best SMS Marketing Tools and Platforms (UK and Europe)

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Choosing the right SMS marketing platform is essential for reaching customers at scale, automating campaigns, and ensuring GDPR-compliant delivery across the UK and Europe. Below is an overview of leading SMS marketing tools used by UK retailers, restaurants, travel agencies, small businesses, and enterprise brands looking for reliable bulk SMS marketing and advanced automation features.

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SaleCycle

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SaleCycle is a leading eCommerce-focused SMS marketing company known for its sophisticated cart recovery and behavioural remarketing tools. It unifies email, SMS, and on-site messaging to automatically re-engage customers who leave their shopping journey. With strong personalisation, precise timing, and seamless integration with eCommerce checkout systems, SaleCycle is ideal for retailers looking to recover lost revenue and run automated SMS marketing campaigns at scale.

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Twilio

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Twilio is one of the most powerful programmable communications platforms globally. It’s highly flexible and well-suited to businesses with technical resources or development teams. Twilio’s APIs allow you to build fully customised SMS workflows, from transactional alerts to two-way customer service messaging. Large enterprises rely on Twilio for international SMS delivery, omnichannel messaging, and integration into complex technology stacks.

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TextAnywhere

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TextAnywhere is a long-established UK SMS marketing provider that prioritises security and compliance. With ISO 27001 certification and full GDPR adherence, it is trusted by regulated industries including healthcare, government, and financial services. The platform offers bulk SMS tools, two-way messaging, and straightforward integrations, making it a strong option for UK organisations where data protection is essential.

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FireText

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FireText is another popular UK-based SMS marketing platform, especially among SMEs. Like TextAnywhere, it holds ISO 27001 certification and offers GDPR-compliant delivery routes using UK carrier connections. FireText’s interface is intuitive, fast to learn, and supported by responsive customer service. Having delivered more than 7 billion SMS to date, it is a reliable choice for small and medium-sized businesses that need an easy-to-use bulk SMS marketing tool.

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Attentive

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Attentive is rapidly expanding across Europe and is particularly strong for SMS marketing in France and other EU markets. Known for its AI-driven personalisation, Attentive helps brands move beyond basic broadcasts by supporting conversational SMS, tailored recommendations, and advanced segmentation. It integrates with major eCommerce platforms and is well-suited to growing DTC brands and retailers.

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Mailchimp

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Mailchimp has added SMS capabilities to its well-known marketing suite, allowing businesses to manage email, SMS, and automated customer journeys in one platform. SMS delivery is now available in several European markets, including France, Spain, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and Austria. This makes Mailchimp an attractive option for small businesses that want to integrate SMS into their existing email workflows without switching platforms.

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Voodoo SMS

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Voodoo SMS is a UK-based bulk SMS provider designed for high-volume sending at competitive rates. With ISO 27001 certification and direct network connections, it offers fast, dependable delivery for promotions, alerts, and transactional messaging. It suits UK companies that need affordable, large-scale SMS sending and straightforward campaign management tools.

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ManyChat & SlickText

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ManyChat and SlickText are user-friendly SMS marketing platforms catering to small businesses, creators, and service-based industries. They offer simple automation, two-way messaging, and affordable pricing tiers, making them ideal entry points for businesses new to SMS marketing or those looking for lightweight online SMS marketing services.

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SMS Marketing Platforms: A Comparison

Choosing the right SMS marketing platform depends on your business size, technical requirements, industry, and regional compliance needs. Below is a clear comparison of leading providers used by UK and European businesses, presented in an easy text format with the categories: Platform, Ideal for, Main Features, and Region.

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Twilio

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Ideal for: Large enterprises and technically advanced teams

Main features: Robust APIs, flexible automation, scalable global delivery, developer-friendly integrations

Region: Global

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Twilio is designed for organisations that need a highly customisable SMS infrastructure. It slots easily into complex systems and offers worldwide reach for transactional and marketing SMS campaigns.

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SaleCycle

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Ideal for: Online retailers, eCommerce brands, and businesses focused on conversion recovery

Main features: Abandoned cart recovery, behavioural SMS automation, identity resolution, multi-channel remarketing

Region: UK/EU

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SaleCycle specialises in helping retailers recover revenue lost through abandoned journeys. Its platform uses customer behaviour and intelligent triggers to send perfectly timed SMS messages that re-engage shoppers.

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TextAnywhere

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Ideal for: SMEs and regulated sectors such as healthcare, finance, and public organisations

Main features: Strong GDPR compliance, ISO 27001 certification, secure messaging routes

Region: UK

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TextAnywhere is a trusted UK provider known for its secure infrastructure. It integrates seamlessly with systems that rely on verified customer data platforms, making it suitable for industries with strict data requirements.

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FireText

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Ideal for: Local businesses, agencies, and SMEs needing fast setup and reliable UK delivery

Main features: Simple onboarding, strong compliance, UK support, ISO 27001 certification

Region: UK

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FireText offers an intuitive dashboard and responsive support, making it ideal for organisations that want reliable, easy-to-use bulk SMS marketing tools without technical complexity.

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Attentive

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Ideal for: Modern eCommerce brands and retailers looking for advanced personalisation

Main features: AI-driven two-way messaging, dynamic segmentation, deep eCommerce integrations

Region: Europe (especially strong in France and the wider EU market)

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Attentive helps brands build conversational relationships through tailored SMS experiences and predictive AI features.

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Mailchimp

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Ideal for: Businesses running multichannel or omnichannel marketing campaigns

Main features: Combined SMS and email marketing, automation flows, audience management

Region: UK/EU

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Mailchimp allows marketers to coordinate SMS with email campaigns from one dashboard, making it a convenient choice for small businesses already using its email services.

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ManyChat

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Ideal for: Growing businesses, creators, and service providers

Main features: Easy-to-use interface, automation workflows, integrations with social platforms

Region: Global

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ManyChat is a good entry-level SMS option for businesses that want automation without steep learning curves.

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SlickText

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Ideal for: Small businesses wanting affordable bulk SMS marketing

Main features: Simple setup, accessible pricing, templates, link tracking

Region: Global

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SlickText is built for small businesses and offers straightforward tools for running consistent, compliant SMS campaigns.

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What Is the Best SMS Marketing Software or App?

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There is no single “best” SMS marketing platform; it depends on your business needs:

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• For compliance-first UK businesses: FireText and TextAnywhere are trusted for strong GDPR alignment and secure routing.

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• For advanced personalisation and conversational SMS: Attentive is a standout choice across Europe.

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• For multichannel coordination (email + SMS): Mailchimp offers seamless integration for omnichannel strategies.

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• For revenue recovery and abandoned cart SMS: SaleCycle delivers some of the strongest results for eCommerce brands.

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• For total flexibility and global delivery: Twilio is unmatched for companies with development teams.

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5 Tips for Running Successful Bulk SMS Marketing Campaigns

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• Keep messages concise: Aim for 160 characters; every word must earn its place.

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• Use strong CTAs: Phrases like shop now, book here, or claim your offer boost action rates.

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• Personalise smartly: Use names and tailor messages based on customer behaviour and purchase history.

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• Send at the right time: Between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. typically delivers the highest engagement.

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• Manage frequency carefully: Sending one to four messages per week prevents opt-outs and maintains trust.

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SMS Marketing Pricing: What UK and EU Businesses Should Expect

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SMS marketing pricing varies depending on the provider, message volume, and the type of campaign you’re running. Most SMS marketing companies in the UK and Europe use one of three pricing models:

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1. Pay-as-you-go (per-message pricing)

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This is the most common structure. UK businesses typically pay between 2p and 8p per SMS, depending on the volume purchased.

For mid-range volumes, most companies land between 3p and 6p per message, with prices dropping significantly when you buy larger bundles of bulk SMS.

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2. Contact-based pricing

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Some platforms charge based on the size of your SMS subscriber list rather than the number of messages sent. This model benefits businesses that send fewer messages but have large databases collected through websites, in-store sign-ups, or checkout flows.

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3. Monthly subscription pricing

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Many SMS marketing platforms offer tiered monthly plans that include a set number of messages, advanced automation tools, two-way messaging, or integrations with CRMs and customer data platforms. These plans are ideal for businesses running regular SMS marketing campaigns or combining SMS with email or push notifications.

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What ROI can businesses expect?

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SMS marketing remains one of the highest-ROI channels for UK and European businesses. Depending on sector and campaign type, companies typically generate £4 to £71 in revenue for every £1 spent. Industries with strong repeat-purchase behaviour: retail, restaurants, beauty, and hospitality see the highest returns.

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SMS Marketing for Key Sectors: Real Examples from UK and European Businesses

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SMS marketing isn’t limited to one type of business; it works across retail, hospitality, travel, and services because it delivers fast, high-intent communication. Here’s how different industries in the UK and Europe successfully use SMS to drive engagement and revenue.

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1. SMS Marketing for Restaurants

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Restaurants and takeaways use SMS to increase bookings, fill quiet periods, and boost repeat orders.

Popular use cases include:

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• Reservation and table-ready alerts

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• Birthday promotions and personalised offers

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• Last-minute discounts during slow trading hours

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Domino’s Pizza reported a 25% redemption rate from SMS vouchers, far higher than typical email engagement. Pizza Hut UK also saw impressive results, with SMS geofencing proving 142% more effective at driving incremental sales than television advertising.

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2. SMS Marketing for Retail and E-commerce

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Retailers use SMS message marketing to create urgency around:

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• Flash sales and limited-time offers

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• Back-in-stock alerts

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• Loyalty programme updates

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• Click-and-collect notifications

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Fashion, beauty, and electronics brands commonly report higher conversion rates from SMS than from social or email because texts reach customers instantly and prompt immediate action.

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3. SMS Marketing for Travel Agencies and Tourism

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SMS marketing for travel agencies is especially effective for time-sensitive updates.

Typical messages include:

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• Booking confirmations

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• Flight delays and gate changes

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• Check-in reminders

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• Last-minute holiday deals

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These messages reduce inbound call volumes and improve customer satisfaction, particularly for travellers on the move.

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4. SMS Marketing for Small Businesses and Local Services

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Small businesses rely on SMS marketing because it reduces admin time and protects revenue.

Common examples:

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• Appointment reminders (dentists, salons, clinics, repair services)

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• Follow-up messages requesting reviews

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• Repeat-purchase incentives and loyalty offers

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Healthcare providers and service businesses using SMS reminders have seen no-show rates drop by up to 32%, preventing substantial revenue loss within just a few months.

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Tips for Running Effective SMS Marketing Campaigns

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Running a strong SMS marketing campaign depends on clarity, timing, compliance, and consistent optimisation. Here are the essential best practices that UK and European businesses rely on.

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Keep messages clear, concise, and compliant

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With a 160-character limit, every word must drive value. Keep messages brief, use personalisation where it adds relevance (such as including a first name), and always include a clear call to action.

Examples: “Shop now”, “Book here”, “Claim your offer”, “Reply YES”.

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Make sure customers can easily opt out by replying STOP. This isn’t just a legal requirement under UK and EU regulations; it also builds trust and improves long-term engagement.

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Send messages at the right time

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Messaging windows have a big impact on performance. Most businesses see the strongest engagement when sending SMS between:

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• 2 pm and 6 pm (high visibility during the day)

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• 6 pm and 9 pm (best overall engagement)

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Avoid very early or late messages unless your audience specifically expects them, this is essential for maintaining a positive user experience.

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Manage frequency to reduce opt-outs

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SMS is a powerful channel, but overuse leads to list fatigue.

Most successful SMS marketing campaigns send one to four messages per week, depending on the industry and the expectations set during opt-in. Restaurants, retail, and travel may send more frequent updates, while healthcare and professional services typically send fewer.

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Use a strong and specific call to action

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Your CTA should tell customers exactly what to do next.

Examples include:

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• “Reserve today”

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• “Order now for 20% off”

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• “Tap to view your offer”

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Clear instructions consistently produce higher response and conversion rates.

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Integrate SMS with CRM and analytics tools

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SMS marketing works best when combined with email, push notifications, and in-app messages as part of a unified SMS marketing strategy. Integrating SMS with your CRM or customer data tools ensures consistent messaging and allows you to track behaviour across channels, improving personalisation and campaign accuracy.

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Continuously test and optimise

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A/B test message length, tone, send times, offers, and CTAs. What works for a retail SMS campaign may not work for a restaurant or healthcare provider. Regular testing helps refine your approach and ensures your SMS campaigns keep improving over time.

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How to Measure SMS Marketing Success

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Measuring the performance of your SMS marketing campaigns is essential for understanding what works, what needs adjustment, and where you’re generating the best return. The following metrics are the core indicators UK and EU businesses track to evaluate SMS effectiveness.

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1. Delivery Rate

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A healthy delivery rate is typically above 99%. If delivery drops, it often indicates issues with number quality, unsubscribed contacts, or mobile network problems. Strong delivery confirms that your SMS subscriber list is valid and well-maintained.

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2. Click-Through Rate (CTR)

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CTR shows how many people tapped the link in your message. A strong CTR for SMS usually falls between 10% and 45%, reflecting how immediate and action-driven text messages are compared to other channels.

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3. SMS Conversion Rate

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Depending on your sector and offer, conversion rates commonly range from 21% to 40% for effective SMS marketing campaigns. This measures how many recipients completed the desired action, such as booking an appointment, placing an order, or redeeming an offer.

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4. Opt-Out Rate

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An opt-out rate below 3% suggests that your messages are relevant, timely, and aligned with subscriber expectations. If opt-outs rise, review your frequency, timing, or message value.

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5. Abandoned Cart Recovery Performance

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For eCommerce businesses, SMS abandoned cart recovery is one of the most important metrics. Well-timed messages can improve conversion rates by 24% to 39%, allowing retailers to recapture significant revenue that would otherwise be lost.

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6. Customer Lifetime Value and Repeat Purchases

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Modern SMS analytics tools now track not just quick responses but also longer-term behaviour. Key questions include:

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• Do recipients who click SMS links return and purchase again?

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• Which messages lead to repeat orders or long-term customer engagement?

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• How much does SMS raise customer lifetime value compared to other channels?

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By monitoring both immediate results and long-term impact, businesses can refine their SMS marketing strategy, personalise future campaigns, and increase overall ROI.

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Conclusion: Why SMS Marketing Is Essential for Growth in the UK and EU

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SMS marketing has become one of the most reliable and impactful ways to reach customers. The numbers speak for themselves: 98% open rates, 45% response rates, and ROI figures that consistently outperform most other digital channels.

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Operating within the UK and EU also brings a strategic advantage. Thanks to GDPR and strong data-privacy expectations, your SMS subscriber list is made up of people who have clearly opted in and genuinely want to hear from your business. This creates a high-quality audience that’s primed for engagement.

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In 2025, the businesses seeing the strongest results won’t treat SMS as a stand-alone tactic. They’ll position it as an essential part of their wider customer engagement strategy, integrating it with email, CRM systems, and other touchpoints. With SMS marketing automation, brands can deliver precisely timed, personalised messages that reach customers at the ideal moment.

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If you haven’t yet explored online SMS marketing services, now is the time. SMS works across every major sector: restaurants sending reservation reminders, retailers running flash sales, travel companies managing booking alerts, and small businesses confirming appointments. Whatever your industry, SMS delivers measurable, repeatable results and it's only becoming more important for growth.

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SMS Marketing FAQs for UK and EU Businesses

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Is SMS marketing legal in the UK and EU?

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Yes. SMS marketing is legal when you have explicit opt-in consent and provide a clear opt-out like STOP. UK and EU GDPR rules require transparency, lawful data use, and storing subscriber consent securely.

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Is SMS marketing GDPR compliant?

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It is, if you collect explicit consent, record it properly, and only message people who opted in. You must offer an easy opt-out and follow data-minimisation and privacy rules under GDPR.

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Is SMS marketing still effective in 2025?

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Yes. SMS delivers 98% open rates, high conversions, and strong ROI. UK and EU brands use SMS because messages are instant, trusted, and reach customers even when email or apps are ignored.

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How much does SMS marketing cost in the UK?

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Most businesses pay 3p to 6p per SMS, with lower rates for high volumes. Some platforms offer monthly plans or per-contact pricing. Costs vary by provider, volume, country, and required compliance features.

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How often should you send SMS marketing messages?

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Most brands send one to four messages a week to avoid opt-outs. The best engagement usually happens between 2 pm and 6 pm. Over-messaging quickly reduces trust and increases unsubscribe rates.

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How do I build an SMS subscriber list legally?

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Use opt-in forms on your website, checkout pages, in-store prompts, or loyalty programmes. Offer incentives, use double opt-in, and only add existing customers if they've given explicit SMS consent.

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What is the best SMS marketing platform in the UK?

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It depends on your needs. FireText and TextAnywhere suit compliance-focused UK brands. SaleCycle is ideal for eCommerce recovery, while Attentive excels in personalisation across Europe.

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What are the benefits of SMS marketing for small businesses?

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SMS helps small businesses increase bookings, reduce no-shows, promote offers quickly, and reach customers without big budgets. It’s fast, accessible, and easy to automate with simple tools.

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How do I measure SMS marketing success?

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Track delivery rate, click-throughs, conversions, and opt-outs. Strong campaigns show 10% to 45% CTR and low unsubscribe rates. Monitor revenue impact and repeat purchases from SMS traffic.

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Can SMS marketing improve abandoned cart recovery?

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Yes. Timed SMS reminders can lift conversions by 24% to 39%. Messages sent within an hour of abandonment perform best, especially when personalised with products or incentives.

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What industries benefit most from SMS marketing?

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Retail, restaurants, travel, healthcare, salons, and service businesses. They use SMS for reminders, flash sales, booking alerts, and loyalty updates, often seeing fast engagement and measurable ROI.

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Do customers still like receiving brand SMS messages?

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Yes. When messages are relevant, timely, and valuable. UK and EU consumers prefer SMS for urgent updates, discounts, and reminders, with most opting in when the value is clear.

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