What Does Text Message Marketing Cost?
Text message marketing ranks among the most powerful promotional channels thanks to its affordability and ease of use. It’s no wonder that an increasing number of brands and entrepreneurs are embracing it.
Before you dive in, however, it pays to understand the expenses involved. This overview breaks down SMS marketing fees and shows you how to gauge the ROI of your texting campaigns.
1. Core SMS Marketing Fees
For a small business, getting a handle on all potential charges is crucial. Key elements include:
- Per-message rate
- Keyword setup fees
- International texting surcharges
- Dedicated number leasing costs
- Optional carrier-validation charges
These components together establish your overall spend on SMS marketing.
1.1 Per-Message Rates
Your cost per text varies by region, carrier, and platform. For example, in the U.S. with a typical SMS provider you might see:
- Outgoing SMS: \$0.049/message
- Outgoing MMS: \$0.080/message
- Incoming SMS: free
- Incoming MMS: \$0.080/message
So sending 1,000 standard texts would cost about \$49 (1,000 × \$0.049). MMS messages run higher because they accommodate up to 1,600 characters (and media), which requires more bandwidth.
1.2 Dedicated Number Fees
In many markets, businesses must use special business lines (like toll-free or 10DLC) for mass campaigns. Typical charges include:
- Monthly lease for the dedicated number (usually higher than a regular long code)
- One-time registration fee (depending on the carrier)
- Carrier validation (optional, often around \$0.04/validation) to verify your number and boost deliverability
While these dedicated lines cost more, they enhance brand recognition and ensure compliance.
2. Optional Carrier Validation
Some providers offer an add-on validation service—commonly \$0.04 per check—to confirm your number’s eligibility before sending. This extra step can reduce undelivered texts and keep your overall costs efficient.