Ever texted a fan about an upcoming show or a new release? If not, you might be missing out on one of the most direct ways to connect with your audience. But is SMS marketing really worth the effort? Do fans even want to get texts from their favorite artists? And when’s the right time to hit send?

Let’s break it down, step by step, so by the end of this, you’ll know whether SMS marketing is your new secret weapon — or just another thing to cross off your list.

Why SMS Marketing Is So Effective For Musicians

We’re all glued to our phones. So it’s no surprise that SMS boasts an open rate of 98%. (Compare that to email’s 20-30% and social media’s algorithm roulette.)

When you text your fans, it’s personal. It’s direct. You’re competing with zero distractions. Just you, your message, and a clear path for fans to click, buy, or show up.

And with tools like ForeverFan’s SMS Campaign Builder, you can:

• Send messages instantly or schedule them for later.

• Tailor texts to specific audience segments for more personalized communication.

• Use ready-made templates or create custom messages that truly resonate.

Whether you’re dropping a new single or announcing a show, SMS gets the message exactly where it needs to go: your fans’ pockets.

When Should You Start SMS Marketing?

Thinking about dipping your toes into SMS? Here’s when to go all in:

• You’ve got a loyal fanbase. Even a small group of superfans is enough to get started.

• You’re launching something new. Tickets. Merch. An album. SMS is perfect for time-sensitive updates.

• You’re already using email marketing. Combine the power of SMS with email for a well-rounded fan engagement strategy.

Ready to take the leap? ForeverFan’s Welcome Sequences make it easy.

• Set up automated messages to welcome and engage new fans from the moment they sign up.

• Combine SMS and email campaigns to create a curated fan journey that runs on autopilot.

• Never let a fan fall through the cracks — build connections while you sleep.
  
  

Case Studies: Artists Who Nailed SMS Marketing

1. The Merch Drop Mastermind: An indie artist used ForeverFan’s geofiltering feature to announce exclusive merch to fans in their hometown. Result? Sold out in hours.

2. Tour Pre-Sales Done Right: Another artist used SMS to share pre-sale codes with their most loyal fans, selling 50% of tickets before the public launch.

3. Welcome Journey That Converts: With ForeverFan’s automated welcome sequences, a band turned casual listeners into superfans by sending personalized updates about their music journey.
   
   

   

How to Use & Grow Your SMS List

1. What to Text Your Fans

Not sure what to say? Here’s some inspiration:

• Announcements: “You’re the first to know — new single drops Friday. Pre-save here: [link]”

• Event Promos: “Tour tickets go live tomorrow. Check your inbox for the pre-sale code!”

• Exclusive Content: “Behind the scenes from the studio 🎤🔥 Watch here: [link]”

• Engagement Messages: “Quick Q: What’s your favorite song of mine? Reply and let me know!”

2. Rewards & Incentives

People need a reason to sign up. Offer them:

• Exclusive Pre-Sales: “Get early access to tickets before anyone else.”

• Discounts: “Sign up for my SMS list and get 10% off your first merch order!”

• Behind-the-Scenes Access: “Join my VIP list for exclusive content and updates.”

3. Promote Your SMS List

Fans won’t join if they don’t know about it. Here’s how to spread the word:

• On Social Media: Post Stories with a CTA like, “Want first dibs on tickets? Text me at [number]!”

• Via Email: Invite your email subscribers to join your SMS list for exclusive perks.

• At Live Shows: Promote your SMS list on stage or at your merch table.
  
  

Level Up with ForeverFan’s Audience Insights and Geofilter

Once you’ve built your list, it’s all about targeting the right fans with the right messages:

• Use Audience Insights to segment fans by streaming platform, location, presave status, and more. You’ll know exactly who your most engaged fans are—and how to reach them.

• Leverage the Geofilter Tool to create location-specific campaigns. Drawing circles on a map lets you target fans in key areas for tour stops, events, or local promotions. Imagine selling out an entire West Coast tour—just from one geofenced text campaign.
  
  

  

Make It Personal with Custom Numbers and Global Reach

Ever feel like mass texts can come off… corporate? Not with ForeverFan. Our custom phone number feature gives you your own dedicated number — separate from your personal cell. This way, fans feel like they’re hearing directly from you, not some faceless company.

It’s the perfect blend of professional and personal. You can maintain your privacy while keeping the messages intimate. Plus, your texts will stand out, making fans more likely to engage.

And here’s the kicker: ForeverFan supports international texting, so you can connect with fans worldwide. Whether they’re in L.A. or Sydney, your updates will hit their inbox instantly.

So, Is SMS Marketing Still a Thing?

Absolutely. And with the right tools, it’s not just a thing—it’s the thing that could take your fan engagement to the next level.

ForeverFan gives you everything you need: campaign builders, automated sequences, audience insights, and more.

Click here to sign up for ForeverFan today for a free 14 day trial. Don’t wait for social media to decide your fate. Take control of your fanbase today.