Best Times to Send SMS Marketing Messages for Higher Engagement

In SMS marketing, timing plays a crucial role in capturing attention and driving engagement. For independent musicians, record labels, and podcasters, sending messages at the right moment can mean the difference between strong audience interaction and being overlooked. So, when is the best time to send SMS campaigns to maximize open rates and conversions? Let’s dive in.

Why Timing Matters in SMS Marketing

Unlike email, which may sit unread in an inbox for hours (or days), SMS messages are typically opened within minutes. This makes choosing the right time crucial. A well-timed message ensures your audience is available to engage, rather than being distracted or asleep.

Best Times to Send SMS Marketing Campaigns

1. Late Morning (10 AM - 12 PM)

Many people check their phones mid-morning after tackling early tasks. Whether they’re commuting, taking a break, or settling into their day, this window often sees high engagement. It’s a great time to send promotional messages, tour updates, or exclusive offers.

2. Early Afternoon (1 PM - 3 PM)

After lunch, people tend to scroll through their phones while easing back into work or other activities. This period is excellent for reminders, episode releases, and new music announcements.

3. Early Evening (5 PM - 7 PM)

As the workday winds down, people check their phones more frequently. This is a prime time for event reminders, ticket sales, and fan engagement campaigns. If you’re announcing an upcoming song release or podcast episode, this can be an optimal time.

4. Weekend Midday (10 AM - 2 PM)

On weekends, people wake up later and are more relaxed. Midday SMS messages on Saturdays or Sundays tend to perform well, especially for promotions, giveaways, and exclusive fan content.

Worst Times to Send SMS Campaigns

• Early Morning (Before 8 AM): No one wants to wake up to a promotional text.

• Late at Night (After 9 PM): Messages sent too late may be ignored or even lead to unsubscribes.

• Rush Hours (7 AM - 9 AM, 4 PM - 6 PM): People are usually commuting and less likely to engage.

The Power of Scheduling SMS Campaigns

One of the best ways to ensure consistency in your SMS marketing is by scheduling messages ahead of time. Scheduling allows you to:

• Plan campaigns strategically without last-minute stress.

• Reach your audience at peak engagement times, even if you’re unavailable.

• Maintain consistency in your messaging, which is crucial for audience retention.

Many tools allow you to schedule SMS campaigns in advance. Platforms like Sonikit make it easy to set up messages for specific dates and times, ensuring your texts go out when your audience is most likely to engage.

A/B Testing for Optimal Results

While these time slots are generally effective, every audience is different. The best way to determine your ideal timing is through A/B testing. Try sending messages at different times and track open rates, click-through rates, and conversions. Over time, you’ll refine your approach for maximum impact.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right time for your SMS marketing campaigns can significantly boost engagement and conversions. By following these best practices, scheduling your messages, and continuously testing, you can maximize the impact of your outreach. Whether you're announcing a new song, a podcast episode, or an exclusive offer, timing can make all the difference.

Want to take the guesswork out of SMS marketing? Set up a free Sonikit account to see if it's a good fit for your next campaign.