Constant contact sms messaging, grabbing your audience’s attention is more challenging than ever. With inboxes flooded and social media feeds scrolling endlessly, marketers are on a constant quest for new ways to break through the noise. Enter SMS marketing—a direct, instant, & personal communication channel with staggering open rates.
Among the leaders making SMS marketing accessible for small to mid-sized businesses is Constant Contact, a platform traditionally known for its robust email marketing tools. With its expansion into SMS messaging, Constant Contact is empowering businesses to connect with their customers on a whole new level. But what exactly does this mean for marketer? How does it work, & why should care?
In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into Constant Contact’s SMS messaging, explore its features, benefits, use cases, and how it stacks up in the broader marketing ecosystem. Whether you’re already a Constant Contact user or just curious about SMS marketing, this is your complete guide.
What is Constant Contact SMS Messaging?
Constant Contact SMS Messaging is an integrated service that allows businesses to send text messages directly to their subscribers’ mobile phones. These messages can be promotional, informational, or transactional in the natural.
Think flash sales, appointment reminders, event updates, or exclusive offers—delivered straight to a person’s most personal device: their phone.
Constant Contact’s SMS feature is designed to work hand-in-hand with its existing suite of marketing tools, making it easier for businesses to run multi-channel campaigns from one centralized platform.
Why SMS Marketing Matters
Before we zoom in on Constant Contact’s specific offering, let’s understand the broader landscape of SMS marketing.
Here are some compelling statistics:
- 98% of users’ SMS messages are open, often within a few minute of receipt. Compare that to email’s average open rate of 20–25%.
- 90% of users’ text messages are read in 3 minutes.
- Consumers are 6–8 times more likely to engage with SMS than email.
These aren’t just vanity metrics—they highlight a shift in how consumers prefer to receive and respond to information.
SMS marketing is instant, unfiltered, & attention-grabbing—something every marketer dreams of. With smartphone usage at an all-time high and attention spans decreasing, SMS cuts through the clutter like no other channel.
Key Features of Constant Contact SMS Messaging
Constant Contact’s SMS messaging isn’t just a basic text-blasting tool. It comes with a suite of features tailored for modern marketers:
1. Segmentation and Personalization
Just like with email, you can segment your audience based on behavior, location, purchase history, or engagement level. This allows for targeted messaging that feels relevant and personalized, increasing the likelihood of response.
2. Campaign Automation
Constant Contact offers automation workflows, so you can trigger SMS messages based on specific actions or timelines—like sending a birthday message or a reminder 24 hours before an event.
3. Compliance and Opt-in Management
SMS is heavily regulated. Constant Contact ensures your messages are compliant with TCPA and CTIA guidelines, automatically managing opt-ins and opt-outs, and maintaining audit trails.
4. Analytics and Reporting
Track click-through rates, delivery status, unsubscribes, and engagement metrics to evaluate your SMS campaign performance—just like you would with email.
5. Multi-Channel Integration
You can run coordinated emails and SMS campaigns from a single dashboard. For instance, send an email newsletter in the morning and follow up with an SMS reminder in the afternoon.
Use Cases: How Businesses Are Using Constant Contact SMS Messaging
Here are a few real-world ways businesses are leveraging SMS through Constant Contact:
1. Retail & E-commerce
- Flash sales and limited-time offers
- Abandoned cart reminders
- Order and delivery notifications
2. Events & Entertainment
- Event reminders and last-minute updates
- RSVP confirmations
- Post-event feedback requests
3. Healthcare & Wellness
- Appointment confirmations and reminders
- Prescription refill alerts
- Wellness tips and updates
4. Service-Based Businesses
- Schedule reminders
- Holiday hour updates
- Promotions for loyal clients
5. Nonprofits and Community Organizations
- Volunteer coordination
- Fundraising appeals
- Event registration reminders
The key is that SMS is instantaneous and highly visible, making it ideal for time-sensitive communications.
Getting Started: Setting Up SMS in Constant Contact
If you’re already using Constant Contact for email marketing, enabling SMS is straightforward. Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Enable SMS in Your Account
Navigate to the “SMS” tab in the Constant Contact dashboard & following the steps to enable SMS messaging. You may need to verify your business information and agree to compliance terms.
Step 2: Collect Phone Numbers and Opt-Ins
You’ll need to get express consent from customers before texting them. Constant Contact provides signup forms and landing pages you can use to collect numbers compliantly.
Step 3: Create Your SMS Campaign
Choose a campaign type (promotion, update, reminder), craft your message (160 characters max), and schedule the send time. You can also choose your audience segments if needed.
Step 4: Monitor and Optimize
After sending, track delivery rates, click rates (if links are included), and responses. Use A/B testing to refine your messaging strategy over-time.
SMS Best Practices with Constant Contact
To get the most out of SMS marketing with Constant Contact, follow these best practices:
1. Keep It Short and Sweet
Text messages are meant to be quick and digestible. Get to the point quick, & always includeing a clear call to action.
2. Use Links Strategically
Shorten your URLs and use trackable links to monitor engagement—direct users to a landing page, coupon code, or special offer.
3. Send at the Right Time
Avoid sending texts too early or late. Aim for business hours or known peak engagement times like lunchtime or early evening.
4. Respect Frequency
Don’t over-message. A couple of texts per week is often plenty—more than that can lead to unsubscribes or annoyance.
5. Always Offer Value
Every message should deliver value—whether that’s a deal, a reminder, or helpful information.
Constant Contact SMS vs. Other SMS Platforms
How does Constant Contact’s SMS solution compare to other tools like Twilio, Klaviyo, or EZ Texting?
| Feature | Constant Contact | Twilio | Klaviyo | EZ Texting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Very User-Friendly | Developer-Focused | Mid-Level | User-Friendly |
| Email Integration | Native Integration | Not Built-in | Seamless | Limited |
| Automation | Yes | Requires Coding | Advanced | Moderate |
| Segmentation | Strong | Custom Coding | Advanced | Moderate |
| Compliance Handling | Built-In | DIY | Built-In | Built-In |
| Ideal For | SMBs & Non-Tech Users | Developers | E-commerce | Local Businesses |
Constant Contact is ideal for non-technical users and SMBs who want a simple yet powerful way to add SMS into their existing marketing mix. If you’re already using their platform for email, it’s a no-brainer.
Pricing Overview
As of 2025, Constant Contact’s SMS pricing is usage-based, meaning you’ll pay based on how many texts you send. They offer tiered packages based on message volume, and pricing is competitive with other major SMS tools.
Here’s a rough estimate (subject to change):
- Starter Plans: $10–$25/month for low-volume users
- Business Plans: $50–$100+/month depending on volume and features
Most plans include free inbound messages, opt-in tools, and reporting.
Is SMS Marketing Right for Your Business?
If you’re still on the fence, consider these questions:
- Do you have time-sensitive offers or updates?
- Do you want a higher engagement channel than email or social media?
- Are your customers already providing phone numbers?
- Do you want a simple way to combine email + SMS campaigns?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above, SMS could be a huge win for your marketing strategy.
Final Thoughts: SMS + Email = A Winning Combo
SMS marketing isn’t here to replace email—it is here to enhance it.
Email is great for longer content, newsletters, and brand storytelling. SMS shines when you need to be quick, direct, and attention-grabbing. Together, they form a powerful one-two punch that can increase open rates, drive conversions, and strengthen customer relationships.
With Constant Contact, the barrier to entry for SMS marketing is low, the learning curve is minimal, and the results can be impressive. Whether you’re a local bakery, a wellness coach, or an online retailer, SMS can help you stay connected in a noisy world—and Constant Contact makes it easier than ever.