When it comes to digital marketing, email has long been the go-to channel. But as inboxes become more crowded and open rates decline, savvy businesses are turning to SMS and WhatsApp automation to stand out and connect with their audience in a more direct, personal way.
In platforms like Go High Level, combining SMS and WhatsApp messaging with your funnels and automation sequences can completely transform engagement, reactivation, and sales results.
Let’s look at why these tools are becoming essential and how you can use them to wake up cold leads, re-engage customers, and share time-sensitive offers that actually get seen.
SMS and WhatsApp Crush Email for Open Rates and Engagement
The numbers speak for themselves:
Email open rates typically sit between 15–25%.
SMS messages have a staggering 98% open rate, with most read within 3 minutes.
WhatsApp messages enjoy a similar 95%+ open rate, and because the app is conversational, recipients are far more likely to reply.
That means your message isn’t just delivered — it’s noticed. Whether it’s a new offer, an appointment reminder, or a re-engagement campaign, SMS and WhatsApp cut through the noise instantly.
Re-engage and “Wake Up” Cold Opportunities
Every business has them: old leads that went cold, quotes that never converted, or customers who bought once and drifted away. Email reactivation campaigns can work, but they often get lost in spam or ignored entirely.
Using SMS or WhatsApp, however, you can bring these people back to life with a simple, human message like:
“Hi Sarah, just checking in, we’ve got a special offer running this week you might like. Want me to send you the details?”
It’s personal, low-friction, and feels like a real conversation rather than a broadcast. In Go High Level, you can automate these kinds of messages based on inactivity triggers — meaning your CRM can do the chasing for you, 24/7.
Perfect for Flash Sales and Special Offers
If you run an ecommerce or service-based business, timing is everything.
SMS and WhatsApp are unbeatable for promoting:
Flash sales and discount codes
Limited-time offers
Event reminders or booking windows
With automation, you can segment your list and send personalised discount codes instantly. Unlike email, where customers might see your message hours later (if at all), WhatsApp or SMS lands right where people are most active their phone.
Example:
"FLASH SALE: 20% off all bookings until midnight! Use code VIP20 and book online here: [link]”
This immediacy can create a sense of urgency and exclusivity that drives instant action.
Build Stronger Relationships
WhatsApp in particular allows you to use richer, more engaging content — images, PDFs, videos, and even interactive buttons. That means you can:
Share brochures or menus directly.
Send appointment confirmations with links or maps.
Continue conversations naturally after automated workflows.
And because WhatsApp supports verified business profiles, your messages carry credibility and brand trust from the first interaction.
Other Benefits You Shouldn’t Overlook
Two-way communication: Customers can easily reply, ask questions, or confirm something many email campaigns lack.
High deliverability: Messages don’t get caught in spam folders or promo tabs.
Multi-channel synergy: Combine WhatsApp or SMS with email for a powerful omnichannel follow-up sequence. For example:
Day 1: Send an email offer.
Day 2: Follow up with an SMS reminder.
Day 3: WhatsApp message with a “last chance” nudge.
Final Thoughts
SMS and WhatsApp marketing aren’t just modern alternatives to email they’re essential tools for keeping your audience engaged, reactivating dormant leads, and driving faster conversions.
With automation tools like Go High Level, you can blend these channels effortlessly into your marketing ecosystem nurturing leads, closing deals, and keeping your brand front of mind with every ping.
Ready to Power Up Your Marketing?
If your email campaigns are starting to fade and you’re ready to re-energise your audience, now’s the perfect time to explore SMS and WhatsApp automation.
Book a free marketing automation demo with us today and discover how easy it is to integrate messaging tools into your Go High Level system boosting engagement, recovering lost leads, and turning conversations into conversions.
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