Key Highlights:
- Simple Texting: Best for easy-to-run SMS marketing campaigns.
- Textmagic: Best for quickly sending texts from an SMS service.
- Textla: Best for low per-text pricing.
- Slick Text: Best for collecting phone numbers and advanced marketing.
- Salesmsg: Best for small, local businesses using SMS.
- EZ Texting: Best for non-technical people who want guidance on SMS marketing.
What Makes the Best SMS Apps for Small Businesses?
I’ve been immersed in the world of technology for over a decade, with several years dedicated to rigorously evaluating and updating this list. Through extensive research and hands-on testing of numerous top SMS apps for small businesses, I’ve identified the cream of the crop. My selections for the best SMS marketing tools are based on these experiences.
How We Evaluate and Test Apps
Our “best apps” roundups are crafted by experts who’ve spent their careers using, testing, and writing about software. We dedicate countless hours to researching and testing apps, using them as intended and evaluating them against specific criteria. We maintain strict editorial independence; we’re never paid for app placement or links. Our commitment is to provide authentic evaluations you can trust.
The Power of SMS for Small Businesses
Which are you more likely to read: a text message or an email? The answer is clear. Text message open rates dwarf email open rates. Texts also offer unparalleled convenience for customer replies. Smartphone messaging apps are swift, user-friendly, and integrated into daily life, while email can often feel cumbersome.
Top SMS Apps for Small Businesses: Quick Comparison & Features
Best For | Standout Features | Pricing |
---|---|---|
Easy-to-run SMS marketing campaigns | Built-in apps and integrations for surveys, competitions, and automation | From $39/month for 500 credits |
Quickly sending texts from an SMS service | Intuitive web app and pay-as-you-go pricing | Starts at $0.049/text sent; dedicated virtual numbers from $10/month |
Low per-text price | Great onboarding so you can get started quickly | From $19/month plus $0.005/text |
Collecting phone numbers and advanced marketing | Opt-in web forms and pop-ups, loyalty programs | From $29/month for 500 texts and 2 textwords |
Outgoing SMS marketing | Super affordable pricing for outbound text messages | From $16/month for 500 messages sent or received |
Small, local businesses using SMS | Local numbers in the US and Canada, integrations with CRMs | From $25/month for 500 text messages and a single phone number |
Non-technical people who want some guidance | Onboarding and help docs, customer service available | From $25/month for 500 text messages and 1 textable number |
Customizing SMS marketing | Completely flexible and customizable, API for building custom apps | Text messages start at $0.0079/message sent and received; dedicated phone numbers from $1.15/month |
Quick Look: The 6 Best Texting Apps for Small Businesses
- SimpleTexting: Easy to send marketing texts to lots of people.
- Textmagic: Fast and simple to send texts.
- Textla: Cheap texting!
- SlickText: Great for getting phone numbers and doing advanced marketing.
- Salesmsg: Perfect for local small businesses.
- EZ Texting: Easy to use, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
What Makes a Good Texting App for Small Businesses?
I’ve looked at many texting apps. Here’s what I think makes the best ones:
- Easy to Use: You shouldn’t need a tech expert to set it up.
- Two-Way Talking: You should be able to have real conversations with your customers, not just send one-way messages.
- Works with Other Apps: It should connect with your other business tools.
- Affordable: It shouldn’t cost too much, especially for small businesses.
- Can Grow with You: It should let you send more texts when you need to.
Important: If you’re in the US, you need to register your business to send texts. These apps can help you with that.
Let’s Talk About the Apps:
1.SimpleTexting:
SimpleTexting Pros:
- Makes setting up a marketing list very easy
- Built-in apps and integrations allow you to run surveys, polls, and competitions, and automate everything
SimpleTexting Cons:
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- Sending individual messages is possible but not as intuitive
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Learn how to automate your SMS marketing with SimpleTexting.
2. Textmagic:
Textmagic Pros:
- The web app is very intuitive and easy to use
- Pay-as-you-go pricing means you aren’t locked into a plan
Textmagic Cons:
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- Automation features aren’t as advanced as some of the other picks
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Use: “Textmagic is flexible! See how you can send quick SMS alerts for your business with our guide.”
3.Textla:
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- It’s the cheapest for sending individual texts.
- Very simple to get started.
Use: “Want to save money? Textla’s low prices and Zapier integration are great! Find tips on affordable SMS campaigns here.”
4.SlickText:
SlickText Pros:
- Opt-in web forms and pop-ups make it easy to collect phone numbers through your website or social media accounts, plus you can use it to run a loyalty program
- Solid onboarding and helpful hints throughout the app make it easy to get started no matter how technical you are
Slick Text Cons:
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- Advanced features like workflows are pretty expensive
- Advanced features like workflows are pretty expensive
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Use: “Get more phone numbers with SlickText! See how to build your SMS subscriber list.”
5.Salesmsg:
Salesmsg Pros:
- Allows you to get a local number wherever you are in the US or Canada
- Integrates with HubSpot, Pipedrive, and other CRMs
- Offers an experimental AI bot
Salesmsg Cons:
- Web app is a bit simplistic
- Free trial requires a credit card number
Salesmsg is suitable for US- or Canada-based small businesses.
Use: “For local businesses, Salesmsg is powerful. Discover how to integrate SMS with your CRM.”
6.EZ Texting:
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- It’s super easy to use, even if you’re not good with computers.
- They give you lots of help.
Use: “New to SMS marketing? EZ Texting makes it easy. Find beginner’s guide to SMS marketing.”
In Simple Terms:
These apps help you talk to your customers through text messages. They’re easy to use, affordable, and can help your business grow. Choose the one that fits your needs best!