Smartblasts vs SMS Marketing: Which Outreach Method Works Better?


SMS marketing is widely used for direct communication. It offers high open rates and immediate visibility, making it attractive for businesses that want fast engagement.
Smartblasts takes a different approach. Instead of sending messages to mobile numbers, it delivers outreach through business website contact forms. Below is a clear comparison of how both methods work and where each fits best.
How SMS Marketing Works
SMS marketing involves sending promotional or outreach messages directly to a prospect’s mobile phone number.
Businesses typically use SMS platforms to distribute messages at scale, often for promotions, reminders, announcements, or follow-ups.
Strengths
- Extremely high open rates
- Immediate visibility
- Direct and personal channel
- Effective for time-sensitive offers
- Simple short-form communication
Limitations
- Requires phone number collection and consent
- Strict compliance regulations
- Per-message sending costs
- Limited message length
- Can feel intrusive if unsolicited
- Not ideal for B2B prospecting without prior opt-in
SMS marketing works best when you already have an engaged audience that has opted in to receive communication.
How Smartblasts Works
Smartblasts delivers outreach by submitting messages through business website contact forms.
When a message is submitted, it is processed and delivered by the recipient company’s own email infrastructure. The notification is sent from their website system directly to their internal inbox.
This means outreach happens through an official communication channel that businesses already monitor.
Smartblasts does not rely on collecting phone numbers or managing telecom infrastructure.
Strengths
- No phone numbers required
- No telecom compliance management
- No per-message carrier fees
- Delivered through official business channels
- Suitable for B2B outreach
- Scalable without mobile database building
Limitations
- Limited formatting
- Character restrictions
- No attachments
- Not designed for urgent, time-sensitive alerts
- Not ideal for direct consumer promotions
Smartblasts focuses on business-to-business visibility rather than consumer engagement.
Direct Comparison
| Factor | SMS Marketing | Smartblasts |
|---|---|---|
| Open visibility | Very High | High |
| Requires opt-in consent | Yes | No |
| Compliance complexity | High | Low |
| Per-message cost | Ongoing | Minimal |
| Database building required | Yes | No |
| Best for B2C promotions | Yes | Limited |
| Best for B2B outreach | Limited | Strong |
| Delivery method | Mobile carrier networks | Recipient’s own website system |
Which Should You Choose?
SMS marketing works best when you already have an opted-in audience and need immediate, time-sensitive communication.
Smartblasts works best when your goal is to reach new businesses without building phone databases, managing telecom compliance, or paying per-message carrier fees.
Some companies use SMS for customer communication and Smartblasts for new business outreach.
Final Take
SMS marketing is powerful for engaging existing audiences quickly.
Smartblasts is designed for scalable B2B outreach through official business communication channels. By leveraging website contact forms, it removes the need for phone number collection, carrier relationships, and opt-in management.
If your goal is to reach new businesses without building a mobile database or navigating telecom compliance, Smartblasts offers a streamlined alternative.
About the Author

Ian Mokua is a marketing strategist and builder at Smartblasts, focused on creating campaigns that cut through noise and drive real results. He works at the intersection of data, automation, and creativity to help brands grow faster and smarter.