In a world where inboxes are cluttered and cold emails go ignored, businesses are turning to a different kind of messaging, one that cuts through the noise instantly.
Enter SMS marketing for lead generation — a channel that’s not just alive and well in 2025, but thriving. With open rates still holding strong at around 98% and the majority of messages read within minutes, texting is the most direct, attention-grabbing way to start a conversation with a lead.
But SMS is no longer just a tool for last-minute flash sales or appointment reminders. According to Chris Brisson, founder of Salesmsg, SMS has evolved into a full-funnel, conversion-driving engine, one that smart businesses are now using to engage, qualify, and close leads in real time.
Want to hear the full breakdown directly from Chris?
🎧 Listen to or watch the full episode on the Beyond a Million Podcast to dive deeper into his strategies, stories, and real-world use cases.
How to Use SMS Marketing Across the Full Lead Generation Funnel
Chris Brisson calls it “Text-ize your business”, a strategy rooted in one belief: conversations drive revenue.
The idea is simple. Wherever you’re collecting leads (whether through web forms, social media, or QR codes) you can instantly trigger a text to start a dialogue. That initial message might be automated, but it should feel human: something as simple as, “Hey! Got your request, are you looking for residential or commercial services?”
From there, the conversation unfolds. You can qualify the lead, ask follow-up questions, push them to a meeting scheduler, or even close a deal — all via SMS. When done right, this approach turns your phone number into one of your most valuable marketing assets.
Rather than seeing texting as just another channel, Chris frames it as the backbone of your SMS marketing for lead generation strategy, embedded at every touchpoint.
Using AI in SMS Marketing to Automate Lead Qualification and Booking
One of the biggest concerns businesses have with SMS is scalability. What happens when you get 500 replies? Who handles that?
That’s where AI-powered SMS marketing makes a major impact.
Salesmsg now offers AI agents that:
- Start the conversation.
- Ask qualifying questions.
- Sync details with your CRM.
- Schedule meetings automatically.
It’s fast, frictionless, and fully integrated. These agents respond with natural tone and timing, creating authentic conversations that convert without needing a human on standby.
This is what makes SMS scalable and keeps you competitive.
Why SMS Should Be Your First Follow-Up in Every Lead Generation Campaign
When a new lead opts in or fills out a form, most businesses still reach for email first. But SMS should be your go-to first touchpoint.
Why? Because it’s immediate.
“SMS is going to be the fastest way to get a response and for people to respond back to you,” Chris explains.
A quick text like “Got your request. Can we chat today or tomorrow?” gets attention. It gets replies. And it sets the tone for a responsive, high-converting relationship. Compared to email, where replies can take hours or days (if they happen at all), SMS gives you the edge.
Using SMS marketing for lead generation at this first interaction can drastically reduce no-shows and dramatically increase booked calls or demos.
Build a Complete SMS Marketing System to Drive More Leads and Sales
If you’re only using SMS for promotions or appointment reminders, you’re missing its full potential. The most effective SMS marketing for lead generation systems are proactive, conversational, and automated.
Here’s what that looks like:
- Use forms, QR codes, or social prompts to collect numbers.
- Send personalized, automated texts that drive response.
- Deploy AI agents to handle volume and book calls.
- Follow up post-sale to request reviews, referrals, or repeat purchases.
Texting isn’t just a tool. It’s a lead generation system. And with platforms like Salesmsg, it’s never been easier to implement.
