The numbers speak for themselves: SMS messages have a 98% open rate and most are read within 3 minutes. Email, by contrast, averages around 20% open rates and messages can sit in an inbox for hours or days.
But that doesn’t mean email is dead. The two channels serve different purposes and work best together.
Use SMS for time-sensitive messages: appointment reminders, flash sales, order confirmations, and quick updates. Texts are short, immediate, and personal.
Use email for content that needs more depth: monthly newsletters, detailed promotions, educational content, and brand storytelling. Email gives you more space and supports rich formatting.
The most effective small business communication strategies use both channels in concert. For example, send a teaser SMS to drive traffic to a detailed email campaign, or follow up a promotional email with a reminder text.
The key is matching the channel to the message. Short and urgent? Text it. Detailed and educational? Email it. When you get this right, you reach customers on the right channel at the right time.
Ready to improve your business communication?
See how Scaling Systems helps Canadian small businesses grow with professional websites and smart communication tools.
Back to Blog
