7 Revenue per SMS Subscriber Statistics For eCommerce Stores

April 28, 2025

SMS marketing has become a powerful tool for eCommerce businesses looking to drive revenue. With open rates reaching as high as 98% according to recent data, text message marketing offers direct access to customers in a way email simply cannot match. Businesses now attribute 11-20% of their revenue to SMS marketing strategies that focus on subscriber value.

The landscape of mobile marketing continues to evolve rapidly, with 84% of consumers having opted in to receive texts from businesses in 2025. For eCommerce marketers, understanding the revenue potential of each SMS subscriber has become increasingly important, shifting focus from simple ROI calculations to more sophisticated subscriber lifetime value metrics. This data-driven approach helps stores maximize their messaging effectiveness and build stronger customer relationships.

1) SMS marketing generates 11-20% of total revenue for eCommerce stores

Many businesses report that 11-20% of their revenue comes directly from SMS marketing efforts. This significant percentage shows why text messaging has become a crucial channel for marketers.

The direct and immediate nature of SMS helps drive conversions more effectively than many other marketing channels. Most text messages are read within minutes of being received, creating immediate engagement opportunities.

For eCommerce stores specifically, SMS marketing ROI is particularly impressive, generating an average of $73 for every $1 spent. This exceptional return outperforms most other digital marketing tactics.

Text message marketing has seen rapid adoption, with 66% of businesses now using SMS marketing software—a 55% increase in just four years.

2) Ecommerce brands experience a 27x ROI from SMS campaigns

SMS marketing delivers remarkable returns for online retailers. According to recent data, ecommerce SMS marketing campaigns generate an average 27x ROI, making it one of the most profitable marketing channels available.

This impressive return isn't just theoretical. Real brands are seeing these results. Urban Outfitters achieved a 27x ROI while experiencing a 230% year-over-year increase in sales through their text messaging initiatives.

What makes SMS so effective? The immediacy and directness of text messages creates urgency that email often lacks. With 98% open rates and most texts read within minutes, your marketing message reaches customers instantly.

For marketers, this data highlights the importance of incorporating SMS into your omnichannel strategy. The high engagement rates and direct nature of texting creates opportunities for both promotional messages and conversational marketing.

3) Average SMS revenue share of total store revenue is approximately 12.5%

SMS marketing continues to be a powerful revenue driver for eCommerce businesses. Data shows that for several stores analyzed over a six-month period, SMS revenue share percentages varied between 8%, 12.5%, 15%, and 22%.

The 12.5% average represents a significant portion of total store revenue that comes directly from SMS campaigns. This figure highlights the effectiveness of text message marketing as a sales channel.

For marketers looking to maximize their ROI, it's worth noting that nearly 22% of marketing professionals report that SMS accounts for over 20% of their total revenue. This demonstrates the potential for growth beyond the current average.

Text message campaigns offer marketers a direct line to consumers with minimal competition for attention compared to other channels.

4) SMS marketing drives 26% of all orders from just 13% of sends

SMS marketing shows impressive efficiency for eCommerce businesses. According to data, SMS accounts for 26% of all SMS orders from just 13% of sends, demonstrating its powerful conversion potential.

This means your SMS campaigns can deliver twice the results with fewer messages. For marketers, this represents a significant opportunity to maximize ROI while reducing the volume of communications sent to customers.

Automated SMS messages generate these impressive results because they're timely, personal, and action-oriented. They reach customers exactly when they're most likely to make a purchase decision.

The efficiency ratio makes SMS an essential channel for marketers looking to boost sales without overwhelming their subscriber base.

5) 84% of consumers have opted in to receive business texts in 2025

The growing acceptance of SMS marketing is evident in 2025, with 84% of consumers having received marketing text messages from businesses. This demonstrates the mainstream adoption of text messaging as a marketing channel.

For marketers, this statistic highlights an incredible opportunity to reach customers where they're most responsive. The high opt-in rate shows consumers are willing to engage with brands via text.

This trend aligns with broader consumer behavior changes, as 71% of people want to reply to businesses by text. Two-way texting is becoming the expected standard rather than a nice-to-have feature.

SMS subscriber lists represent a direct line to interested customers who've explicitly welcomed your communications. This makes them highly valuable assets for eCommerce marketing strategies.

6) 72% of consumers make purchases after receiving marketing SMS messages

Text messaging drives real results for businesses. According to recent data, 72% of people have made a purchase after receiving a text from a brand.

This number varies slightly by region. In Europe, the percentage is even higher at 74%, while in APAC regions it's slightly lower at 69%.

These high conversion rates show why text marketing statistics in 2025 continue to impress marketers. The direct nature of SMS creates immediate awareness and urgency.

For eCommerce stores, this presents a clear opportunity. When customers receive well-crafted SMS offers, nearly three-quarters take action by making a purchase.

7) US mobile users contribute significantly to SMS-attributed sales growth

The United States mobile market plays a crucial role in the success of SMS marketing campaigns. American businesses attribute 11-20% of their revenue to SMS marketing strategies, showing the significant impact of text messaging on sales figures.

US marketers have noticed that SMS drives substantial incremental revenue. In fact, 73% of SMS marketers report that text message campaigns directly boost their bottom line.

Mobile penetration in the US continues to rise, with text message marketing adoption growing alongside it. The average open rate for SMS is 95% among American consumers, making it one of the most effective communication channels for eCommerce businesses.

This high engagement translates directly to sales, with US-based subscribers demonstrating higher conversion rates compared to other marketing channels.

Key Factors Influencing Revenue per SMS Subscriber

Several core elements directly impact how much revenue each SMS subscriber generates for your eCommerce store. These factors can dramatically shift your return on investment when properly optimized.

Segmentation and Personalization Impact

Targeted message personalization has become essential for maximizing SMS revenue. When subscribers receive texts specifically tailored to their shopping habits, conversion rates jump by 25-30% compared to generic blasts.

Segmentation strategies that work best include:

  • Purchase history - Recommending products similar to past purchases
  • Browse behavior - Sending texts about items they've viewed but not purchased
  • Customer lifetime value - Creating special offers for high-value customers

Personalization increases perceived message value and prevents subscriber fatigue. Smart brands use first names in texts, but go further by referencing specific products the customer has shown interest in.

One retail brand saw a 41% increase in click-through rates after implementing dynamic product recommendations based on browsing history.

Timing and Frequency of Campaigns

The perfect balance of message timing and frequency can dramatically affect subscriber revenue. SMS open rates exceed 90% within minutes of delivery, making timing crucial.

Optimal send times vary by industry:

Industry                     Best Day                           Best Time

Fashion                           Friday                                12pm-3pm

Electronics                     Tuesday                            6pm-8pm

Beauty                           Saturday                            10am-1pm

Frequency matters just as much as timing. Data shows:

  • 1-2 texts weekly: Ideal for most eCommerce stores
  • 3+ texts weekly: Significantly increases unsubscribe rates
  • Less than 1 text monthly: Reduces brand recall and engagement

Brands that send messages within 30 minutes of cart abandonment see 40% higher conversion rates than those sending after 24 hours.

Offer Type and Call-To-Action Effectiveness

The specific offers and CTAs in your SMS campaigns directly influence revenue per subscriber. Limited-time discounts generate 3.5x more immediate sales than informational messages.

Most effective offer types by conversion rate:

  1. Flash sales (25-35% conversion rate)
  2. Free shipping thresholds (20-30% conversion rate)
  3. Buy-one-get-one offers (15-25% conversion rate)

Clear, urgent calls-to-action dramatically outperform vague messaging. CTAs using action verbs with time limits ("Shop now - ends midnight") convert at twice the rate of generic ones ("Click here").

The message length also matters. SMS campaigns with under 160 characters including a single, clear CTA perform 27% better than longer messages with multiple options.

Comparing SMS Subscriber Revenue to Other Marketing Channels

Marketing channels deliver different returns on investment. SMS marketing stands out in the eCommerce space with impressive revenue generation compared to more traditional channels.

SMS vs. Email Marketing Performance

SMS marketing generates significantly higher engagement than email marketing. While email marketing has an average open rate of 20%, SMS marketing boasts a 98% open rate. This dramatic difference translates directly to revenue potential.

For every dollar spent on SMS marketing, eCommerce companies generate $71 in return. This ROI outperforms email marketing in most direct comparison studies.

The response time for SMS also outpaces email significantly. Most text messages are read within 3 minutes of receipt, while emails might sit unopened for hours or days.

SMS conversion rates typically range from 29-45% compared to email's 2-5% average. This efficiency makes SMS subscribers particularly valuable assets in the marketing mix.

Integration with Paid Social and Search

When combined with paid digital channels, SMS marketing creates powerful revenue synergies. Marketers report that SMS is now among the top three revenue-generating channels for their businesses.

For 22% of marketers, SMS accounts for over 20% of their total revenue, making it comparable or superior to paid social and search campaigns in effectiveness.

Cross-channel integration strategies yield the best results. Businesses that use SMS as part of an omnichannel approach see 30% higher customer lifetime values than those relying solely on paid channels.

Customer acquisition costs through SMS tend to be 60% lower than paid social campaigns when targeting existing subscribers. This efficiency allows marketers to reallocate budgets toward higher-performing channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

SMS marketing delivers strong returns for eCommerce businesses with specific revenue metrics and performance indicators that marketers should understand to maximize results.

What average revenue can an eCommerce store expect from each SMS subscriber?

The average revenue per SMS subscriber for eCommerce stores ranges from $5-$15 per month. This figure varies based on industry, product price points, and campaign frequency.

Top-performing stores can see up to $25 per subscriber monthly when implementing advanced SMS marketing strategies and segmentation.

Seasonal peaks often drive these averages up by 30-40%, particularly during major shopping periods like Black Friday or holiday seasons.

How does SMS marketing ROI compare to email marketing for online retailers?

SMS marketing typically delivers a 27x ROI for eCommerce brands, significantly outperforming email's average 36:1 ROI in direct conversion metrics.

The immediate nature of text messaging creates faster purchase decisions, with 72% of consumers making a purchase after receiving a brand text compared to email's 21% conversion rate.

While SMS subscriber lifetime value exceeds email in the short term, the most effective strategy combines both channels for maximum impact.

What are the common benchmarks for SMS engagement rates in eCommerce?

Average SMS open rates in eCommerce reach 98%, dramatically higher than email's 15-25% open rates. Click-through rates typically range from 12-15% for promotional messages.

Response rates average 30-45% for interactive campaigns like polls or questions, making two-way SMS particularly valuable for customer feedback.

SMS unsubscribe rates hover between 2.5-3.5% monthly, substantially lower when segmentation is properly implemented.

What factors influence the effectiveness of SMS campaigns for eCommerce revenue?

Timing is crucial, with messages sent within business hours generating 25% higher engagement than after-hours texts. Geographic targeting that respects time zones increases conversion rates by up to 38%.

Message personalization including product recommendations based on past purchases lifts conversion rates by 41% compared to generic broadcasts.

Offer exclusivity and urgency elements like time-limited discounts drive 35% higher conversion rates than standard promotional messages.

What percentage of eCommerce sales is typically attributed to SMS marketing?

SMS marketing generates between 11-20% of total revenue for the average eCommerce store, with the median falling at approximately 12.5%.

High-performing brands that have built substantial subscriber lists see SMS contributing up to 26% of all orders from just 13% of their marketing sends.

The attribution percentage increases significantly during flash sales and limited-time offers, where SMS can drive up to 35% of daily revenue.

How do segmentation and personalization impact SMS marketing performance in eCommerce?

Segmented SMS campaigns deliver 38% higher revenue per message than broadcast texts to entire subscriber lists. Behavioral triggers based on browse and purchase history increase conversion rates by 62%.

Personalized product recommendations via SMS generate 54% higher average order values compared to generic promotional messages.

With 84% of consumers now opted in to receive business texts in 2025, strategic segmentation has become essential as SMS marketing statistics show customers expect relevant, tailored communications.

“Thought it was too good to be true until we hit 20x ROI. We tried other services like Opensend but they didn't work for our clients. One of our clients is getting over 150 new leads a day and a 20x return on their investment with Opensend.”

Nehal Kazim

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