SMS marketing for agencies

How Agencies Can Use SMS Marketing to Boost Client ROI

In today’s digital world, agencies are under serious pressure. Clients don’t just want engagement metrics anymore; they want cold, hard results. Conversions. Sales. Customer retention. ROI, they can show their bosses or investors.

And while most agencies are already running social media, email campaigns, and maybe even paid ads… Many are overlooking one surprisingly effective channel:

SMS marketing.

Yes, SMS, the good old text message. It’s not just for telecoms or e-commerce brands anymore. It’s becoming a serious conversion tool for marketing agencies looking to boost results for their clients.

If you’re an agency in Nigeria, and you’re not using SMS yet, you might be leaving ROI on the table.

In this article, we’ll break down:

  • Why SMS marketing works so well

  • 5 creative ways agencies can use it to deliver results

  • What to look for in an SMS tool (like Yournotify)

  • Real-world best practices that work in Nigeria

The Growing Pressure to Show ROI

Marketing is no longer about “vibes”.

Brands are now obsessed with performance—and rightly so. Budgets are tight, goals are aggressive, and CEOs want to see what they’re paying for.

That means agencies can’t just deliver content calendars or vanity metrics. You need strategies that move numbers.

Here’s the good news: SMS marketing is still one of the most effective yet underused ways to drive action.

Let the numbers speak:

  • 98% open rate for SMS messages (vs. 20-30% for emails)

  • Most texts are read within 3 minutes

  • Higher conversion rates, especially when combined with other channels

That’s not just potential. That’s power.

Why Agencies Should Take SMS Marketing Seriously

Think SMS is old-school? Think again.

SMS is one of the few channels that gives you direct access to your clients’ customers—instantly. No algorithms, no spam folders.

And it works across the board, not just for e-commerce:

  • Banks use it for transaction alerts and promos

  • NGOs use it to mobilise donors or volunteers

  • Edtech platforms remind students about deadlines or webinars

  • Startups onboard new users or announce features

  • Retail brands drive foot traffic during sales

Here’s why SMS should be in every agency’s toolkit:

  • Immediate delivery: Reach customers in real time

  • High engagement: People read texts faster than emails

  • Easy to track: Most tools let you monitor delivery, clicks, and responses

  • Low cost: You don’t need huge budgets to run successful SMS campaigns

5 Ways Agencies Can Use SMS to Boost Client ROI

Now let’s get practical. Here are five proven ways your agency can use SMS to drive results for different clients.

1. Flash Campaigns for Sales & Events

Client type: Ecommerce, events, edtech, product-based startups

Text campaigns are perfect for time-sensitive announcements—product launches, discounts, flash sales, or webinars.

Example:
“Flash Sale Alert! 🎉 50% off all items till midnight. Tap to shop now 👉 [link]”

This creates urgency and drives immediate clicks—ideal for short-term ROI boosts.

2. Follow-Up Reminders for Leads

Client type: B2B businesses, coaches, real estate, finance firms

Sometimes, leads go cold—not because they’re not interested, but because they got distracted.

A simple follow-up via SMS can warm them up.

Example:
“Hi Tolu, it’s Blessing from XYZ Agency. Still thinking about our proposal? Let’s schedule a quick 10-minute call 👉 [link].”

It feels personal and gets attention—without clogging up inboxes.

3. Transactional + Promotional Pairing

Client type: Ecommerce, delivery services, logistics, fintech

This combo works like magic. You send a useful transactional message (like order confirmation) and sneak in a low-key promo.

Example:
“Your order #9981 has been shipped. Use code THANKYOU5 for 5% off your next order!”

It’s helpful, timely, and encourages repeat business.

4. Customer Feedback Collection

Client type: Service providers, tech startups, agencies

Instead of sending long survey emails, collect customer feedback instantly through SMS.

Example:
“Hi Dayo, How would you rate your experience with us? Reply with a number from 1 (bad) to 5 (excellent).”

You get real-time insight, and the client gets data to improve their service.

5. Upsell and Cross-Sell Campaigns

Client type: Subscription services, e-commerce, fintech, SaaS

SMS is excellent for reminding customers of what else they can buy or upgrade to.

Example:
“Hi, Amaka! You loved our face serum—want to try our new toner? Get 10% off if you buy today. 🛍️ [link]”

Simple. Personalised. High ROI.

What to Look for in an SMS Platform for Agencies

Before you jump in, make sure the SMS tool you’re using can handle agency-level workflows.

Here’s what to look for:

Multi-Client Campaign Management

Can you manage multiple brands or clients from one dashboard? You don’t want to be logging in and out of different accounts all day.

Delivery Reporting & Analytics

You need to prove ROI. That means tracking delivery, open rates, clicks, and responses per campaign.

Message Scheduling

Batch and schedule campaigns in advance—especially for flash sales or birthday messages.

Personalization Features

Your tool should let you insert the recipient’s name, location, or custom fields easily. Generic bulk texts don’t cut it anymore.

Reliability & Local Delivery

Ensure high delivery rates within Nigeria. Nothing hurts a campaign more than messages that never arrive.

Why Agencies Use Yournotify

If you’re wondering which tool checks all the boxes, Yournotify was built with Nigerian agencies in mind.

Here’s how:

  • Multi-brand support: Run multiple client campaigns from one dashboard

  • White-label options (if available) let you brand the messaging experience for your agency

  • Team permissions: Add your copywriter or media buyer with access control

  • Detailed analytics: Know which client’s campaign performed best

  • Affordable pricing: Designed to fit Nigerian marketing budgets

  • Reliable delivery: High success rates for local Nigerian numbers

In short, it helps you focus on results, not technical headaches.

Read more related articles: SMS Marketing vs SMS Advertising: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Use?

Best Practices for Agencies Running SMS Campaigns

To get the most out of SMS, follow these field-tested best practices:

Get Opt-In

Only text people who’ve agreed to hear from you or your client. Anything else is spam.

Don’t Over-Message

Stick to valuable messages. If you’re texting daily without a strong reason, you’re going to lose people.

Include a Clear CTA

Every SMS should tell the reader exactly what to do—buy, click, reply, call, etc.

Keep It Short

160 characters. That’s your playground. Be concise and persuasive.

Test & Tweak

Use A/B testing to try different times, messages, or tones. Let the data guide your next move.

Real Example: A Nigerian Agency That Got It Right

Agency: DigitGrow Media (Lagos)
Client: A fashion e-commerce brand launching a new collection

What they did:

  • Created a VIP SMS list of loyal shoppers

  • Sent an early access link via SMS 12 hours before public launch

  • Added a “First 20 orders get free shipping” line for urgency

Result:

  • 65% click rate

  • 37 new purchases in under 3 hours

  • Client signed a 6-month retainer for SMS campaigns

That’s ROI your clients will happily pay for.

Conclusion: Add SMS to Your Agency’s Toolkit

Look—SMS doesn’t replace your entire strategy. But it amplifies what you’re already doing.

It works beautifully with emails, ads, and organic content to create a full-funnel experience.

More importantly?

It helps you deliver results.

That’s what clients care about.

And if you’re looking for an SMS platform made for Nigerian agencies one that’s easy to use, affordable, and powerful, Yournotify is ready.

Want to offer SMS marketing as a service?
Start managing multiple client campaigns today with Yournotify. Sign up now – built for Nigerian agencies that want better ROI.

Tinuade

Marketing Content Strategist

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