The State of SMS Marketing and AI Integration

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May 8, 2025

SMS marketing remains a powerful and rapidly evolving channel for businesses to engage with customers, driven by its immediacy, high engagement rates, and cost-effectiveness. Recent reports and trends from 2024 and projections for 2025 highlight the current state of SMS marketing, its integration with artificial intelligence (AI), and its future outlook.

SMS marketing has seen significant growth in adoption across industries, driven by its ability to deliver direct, personal, and timely communication. The U.S. SMS marketing market was valued at USD 2.86 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 12.6 billion by 2025, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.3–20.8%. Globally, SMS marketing spending reached USD 327.1 billion in 2023, with projections to double by 2024.

In 2024, approximately 65–80% of businesses across various industries adopted SMS marketing, up from 55% in 2023 and 45% in 2022. 86% adoption, leveraging SMS for appointment reminders and patient engagement. E-commerce/Retail: 80–85% adoption, using SMS for promotions, order updates, and abandoned cart recovery. 81% adoption, focusing on customer support and loyalty programs.

91% of consumers want to receive text messages from businesses, and 81% have signed up to receive SMS from brands. SMS boasts a 98% open rate, with 90% of messages read within three minutes, far surpassing email’s 20–30% open rate. The average SMS response rate is 45%, compared to email’s 6%, making it one of the most engaging marketing channels.

Business Success Metrics

Businesses using SMS are 683% more likely to report digital marketing success compared to those that don’t. 91% of business owners report higher conversion rates with integrated SMS campaigns, with click-through rates averaging 21–35%. SMS marketing delivers up to a 2000% ROI during high-traffic events like Black Friday.

Discounts, flash sales, and special offers drive immediate action, with 43% of consumers making purchases after receiving SMS offers. Order confirmations, shipping notifications, and appointment reminders account for 40–45% of SMS volume, with high open rates due to their anticipated nature. SMS is increasingly used for inquiries and issue resolution, enhancing customer satisfaction.

40% of consumers value SMS for loyalty updates, fostering repeat engagement. Interactive polls and feedback requests improve customer insights. AI is transforming SMS marketing by enabling hyper-personalization, automation, and advanced analytics. In 2024, 47% of brands increased AI adoption in SMS campaigns, though an equal percentage cited implementation challenges. Below are the key ways AI is being integrated:

AI-driven predictive analytics tailor messages to individual preferences, increasing engagement by up to 30%. Dynamic content, such as referencing a customer’s name, recent purchase, or browsing history, is automated using AI, making messages more relevant. AI algorithms analyze customer data to segment audiences based on behavior, demographics, and purchase history, ensuring targeted campaigns.

62% of companies use automation solutions for SMS marketing, enabling timely messages triggered by customer actions (e.g., abandoned carts, order confirmations). AI-powered chatbots handle two-way SMS communication, responding to inquiries, providing recommendations, and engaging in human-like conversations. Sentiment analysis allows AI to detect customer intent (e.g., distinguishing between a thank-you message and an opt-out request), ensuring appropriate responses.

Data Integration and Analytics

AI integrates SMS platforms with customer relationship management (CRM) systems like Salesforce, Hubspot, and Mailchimp, enabling seamless data flow and personalized campaigns. AI analyzes campaign performance, optimizing messaging tactics and improving ROI. 78% of businesses integrate SMS with e-commerce platforms, enhancing cross-channel strategies. 35% of businesses lack the technical skills to implement AI effectively. 51% cite financial constraints as a barrier to AI adoption.

Only 32% of businesses mitigate risks related to AI inaccuracies, compared to 38% addressing cybersecurity risks. 56% of marketing teams report that generative AI adds strain to workflows, requiring oversight and operational adjustments. Several trends are redefining SMS marketing in 2024 and are expected to continue into 2025.

Omnichannel Integration: 78% of businesses integrate SMS with other digital channels (e.g., email, social media, CRM platforms), creating cohesive customer experiences. Omnichannel strategies increase digital marketing success by 20% and drive higher conversion rates. SMS complements email for detailed content and social media for broader reach, with 70% of consumers increasing spending with brands that implement smart omnichannel strategies.

Personalization and Segmentation: 54% of organizations use customer data to tailor SMS messages, boosting engagement by 30%. Data-driven segmentation enhances relevance, though 15% of businesses report challenges with personalization. RCS adoption increased by 25% in 2024, driven by Apple’s support, enabling multimedia-rich content like images, videos, and interactive buttons.

RCS traffic grew 500% globally in 2024, offering new possibilities for branded, engaging experiences. Interactive SMS campaigns, including polls, surveys, and two-way texting, grew by 20% in 2024. Over 60% of consumers want to communicate with brands via two-way texting, fostering stronger relationships.

Conversational marketing transforms one-way messages into dynamic interactions, improving conversion rates. Stricter regulations, such as mandatory 10DLC registration and enhanced opt-in processes, aim to combat spam and ensure transparency. Opt-out management is critical, with average opt-out rates ranging from 0–1.5%. Businesses prioritizing ethical practices build trust, as 10% of consumers worry about SMS spam.

Text-to-buy functionality is gaining traction, particularly among Gen Z, with 20% expressing interest. Voice-enabled SMS campaigns, integrated with smart assistants, improve accessibility by 15%. Eco-conscious SMS practices, aligning with consumer values, grew by 18%. Despite its effectiveness, SMS marketing faces several challenges.

58% of consumers unsubscribe due to annoying messages, 52% delete messages without reading, and 38% report them as spam. 28% of consumers purchase less or stop doing business with brands due to excessive texting. Dubious practices, such as buying customer data, damage the reputation of SMS marketing.

52% of marketers plan to increase SMS budgets, but 61% do not currently include SMS in their plans, citing cost concerns. In 2025, budget constraints will remain a challenge, pushing businesses to leverage automation for cost-efficiency. Stricter regulations require rigorous opt-in processes and campaign registration, increasing operational complexity.

Non-compliance risks penalties and loss of consumer trust. 15% of businesses struggle with personalization due to data limitations or technical challenges. Balancing personalization with privacy concerns is critical, as consumers demand transparency.

Future Outlook for SMS Marketing

The future of SMS marketing is bright, with advancements in technology, evolving consumer behaviors, and strategic integrations shaping its trajectory. The U.S. SMS market is expected to reach USD 12.6 billion by 2025, with global A2P messaging projected to grow from 2.2 trillion messages in 2024 to 3.4 trillion by 2028. Adoption will continue to rise, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), due to SMS’s cost-effectiveness.

AI will drive hyper-personalized campaigns at scale, with predictive analytics and chatbots enhancing customer engagement. Agentic AI, capable of autonomous decision-making, will streamline workflows, such as orchestrating marketing campaigns or simulating product launches. AI integration with CRM and e-commerce platforms will enable seamless, data-driven strategies.

RCS will complement SMS, offering richer, branded experiences while maintaining SMS’s reliability for basic messaging. Brands will increasingly adopt RCS for interactive campaigns, such as carousels and video-based promotions. Two-way texting and conversational marketing will become standard, with SMS evolving into a primary customer service channel.

Interactive features like MMS, chatbots, and surveys will enhance engagement, creating more dynamic customer experiences. SMS will play a central role in omnichannel strategies, integrating with email, social media, and emerging channels like WhatsApp and mobile apps. Unified data platforms will enable real-time, cross-channel personalization, driving revenue and customer satisfaction.

Stricter regulations will push businesses to prioritize transparency and ethical practices, such as clear opt-in processes and opt-out management. Brands that demonstrate respect for consumer preferences will differentiate themselves, building long-term trust.

SMS marketing in 2024 is a dynamic, high-ROI channel that continues to grow in adoption and sophistication. Its integration with AI enables hyper-personalized, automated, and data-driven campaigns, while emerging technologies like RCS and interactive features enhance engagement.

Despite challenges like regulatory compliance and consumer perception, the future outlook for SMS marketing is promising, with projections of continued market growth, deeper omnichannel integration, and innovative use cases like text-to-buy and in-store contextual marketing. Businesses that prioritize personalization, compliance, and strategic integration will be well-positioned to leverage SMS as a cornerstone of their marketing strategies in 2025 and beyond.

Why Use a No-KYC Crypto Wallet

By

TI Partners

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May 8, 2025

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As digital money becomes more common, it’s also becoming easier to monitor and harder to control on your own terms. What began as a way to move value freely is now being shaped by systems that ask for personal details, set limits on how you can use your assets, and quietly log every step along the way.

For many people, that defeats the purpose of using crypto in the first place.

Anonymous, or no-KYC wallets, work differently. They give you access without turning you into a profile. There is no sign-up process, no background check, and no one asking where the money came from or where it is going.

For anyone who wants to use crypto the way it was originally meant to work—without permission and oversight—this is where it starts to make sense.

The Practical Outcome of Full Autonomy

Most people do not notice how much control they have given up until something blocks a transaction, freezes a wallet, or denies access altogether. That is usually when the conversation shifts—when it becomes clear that simplicity means very little if the system decides you cannot use it at all.

The strongest tools are built to protect your privacy and give you real control over your money. They work without forcing you to verify your identity, which means there is no personal data to store, expose, or leak.

What matters more is how quietly they do it—allowing private transactions, connecting directly to Web3 apps, and working with a wide range of assets without asking for permission at any step.

What KYC Really Changes

Identity screening in finance didn’t evolve naturally—it was engineered in response to growing political and regulatory pressure. Around the turn of the century, the banking system became a tool of enforcement, and Know Your Customer rules were written into policy as a way to track who was moving money, where, and why.

The Wolfsberg Group, made up of major international banks, helped formalize early standards, while U.S. and European regulators built them into law.

At first, the goal was to stop money laundering and terrorism financing. But over time, KYC turned into a mechanism of control—one that affects ordinary users more than criminals. Today, even if you pose no risk, access often depends on how much personal data you are willing to give up.

What started as targeted regulation has become a requirement for almost every basic financial interaction.

How KYC Works and Why It Is Difficult to Avoid

Know Your Customer protocols were built to go far beyond a one-time identity check. The process begins with formal identification, where individuals must provide government-issued documents, residential details, and in some cases, biometric data such as facial scans.

That information is not collected for verification alone. It is passed through multiple systems—often involving both public registries and private firms—that assign risk scores based on patterns, location, and financial behavior.

You are not part of that evaluation, and in most cases, you are not even informed when something in your profile changes how you’re treated.

If the system marks you as high risk, access becomes conditional. Services might demand additional documents, explanations for your activity, or details about the source of your funds.

Even once access is granted, the scrutiny does not stop. Most platforms continue to monitor transactions in real time, flagging anything that does not fit within their internal thresholds.

At that point, restrictions are applied automatically, and accounts may be frozen without notice.

Stepping Outside the System

A proper wallet should not ask who you are or tell you what you can do with your own assets. It should hold your keys, process your transactions, and stay out of the way. That’s what separates a real non-KYC tool from one that’s a salesman’s Trojan horse.

Margex does the basics right. It supports multiple chains, gives you clear insight into what you hold, and lets you track what matters without tying that data to a personal account. You get structure without losing control.

Cypherock focuses more on freedom of movement. You can deposit almost anything, trade across different pairs, and avoid the usual limits most platforms have built in. The point isn’t complexity, but for users who care about security, the hardware option removes the single point of failure by splitting the key into parts and keeping the process easy to manage.

That way, a single mistake won’t wipe everything out.

What Most Wallets Still Don’t Solve

Non-KYC wallets give you control, but they do not eliminate the barriers that surround the crypto economy. Once you try to move back into fiat, whether through a centralized exchange or a regulated payment service, you run into checks that slow things down or block you completely.

You are asked to verify, to explain, to comply. And if something doesn’t fit their thresholds, access is either delayed or denied without warning.

That does not mean the wallet has failed. You can manage your assets freely inside the ecosystem, but once you reach for traditional infrastructure, the rules completely change.

Most people only realize this when the path narrows and the smooth experience they were promised suddenly depends on an identity check they never expected to face.

Where Pressure Builds Now

Regulations first aimed at exchanges have gradually extended to protocols and interfaces that were once considered neutral ground. It’s becoming clear that even self-custody tools are not immune to the growing demand for user profiling.

Several browser-based clients have introduced filters tied to location and usage history. Even tools that do not store user data are being pressured to log interaction details, pushing the entire stack closer to surveillance by design.

In April 2025, the United States Department of Justice dissolved the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team and transferred its responsibilities to broader financial crime divisions.

What looked like internal restructuring was, in effect, a signal that crypto had been absorbed into the mainstream apparatus of financial control, no longer siloed but folded into the same frameworks used to monitor banks and cross-border flows.

Where decentralisation promised neutrality, users now have systems that feel increasingly conditional, with access governed by compliance with evolving, invisible filters.

Continue as Guest

The point of non-KYC wallets was never to avoid scrutiny but to function without permission. That idea is now facing quiet resistance, as more platforms introduce background checks and silent restrictions that limit how and when you can take part.

According to recent projections, the global crypto wallet market is expected to reach $33.67 billion by 2033, showing that more people want control over their assets without outside restrictions.

What comes next will not be decided by policies alone, but by the tools people continue to use and trust. In an environment where more doors come with conditions, no-KYC wallets still offer one that lets you walk through without having to knock.

Register Your Staff for Tekedia Mini-MB With Corporate Growth Hour

By

Ndubuisi Ekekwe

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May 8, 2025

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Adam Smith provided some core elements for the operation of the industrial age economy. Today, those elements have morphed to include KNOWLEDGE, a critical and catalytic factor of production. People with knowledge will advance the missions of firms, as they can effectively combine and recombine factors of production, and business pillars of tools and processes, to turn raw materials and ideas, into products and services, towards fixing frictions in the market, for clients and customers.

For many years, Tekedia Institute has focused on one product and that is Knowledge. Through knowledge, we provide a system for the mastery of entrepreneurial capitalism and business systems, helping people build capabilities to use the mechanics of the market to improve communities and societies.

When you understand the physics of the market, you understand the abundance of the future, because all problems in societies are opportunities for the market. Yes, companies are vehicles to advance the progress of communities. We teach how to run, operare and make companies better.

We’re unalloyed on our mission to advance Africa. What we teach is the soul of business with African nativity using cases you understand. More and more companies send their team members here. I invite you to co-learn with us as you register your team for the next edition of Tekedia Mini-MBA which begins on June 9, 2025. Begin here and contact our team.

Overview of U.S. Latest Draft Bill on Crypto Market Regulations

By

Paul Ugbede Godwin

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May 8, 2025

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The latest draft of the U.S. crypto market structure bill, released by the House Financial Services and Agriculture Committees, builds on the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act (FIT21). It aims to clarify regulatory oversight by dividing responsibilities between the SEC and CFTC.

The SEC oversees digital assets classified as investment contracts until they are deemed decentralized, while the CFTC regulates digital commodities and spot markets. A decentralization test requires no single entity to hold unilateral control, with disclosures mandated for holders of over 10% of tokens in centralized projects. Transactions involving digital commodities are not classified as securities unless they grant ownership or profit-sharing rights, easing secondary market trading regulations.

The bill removes income and wealth limits for retail investors, eliminating accredited investor checks to broaden market participation. Stablecoins are defined without being categorized as securities, and non-custodial DeFi protocols are exempt from certain regulations. Project members must disclose token holdings above 1% of total supply to curb the influence of large firms. The SEC and CFTC are encouraged to collaborate on regulations, aiming for a cohesive framework.

The draft has sparked debate, with some Democrats planning to protest a related hearing due to concerns over provisions favoring certain interests, including those tied to President Trump’s crypto ventures. The bill faces a complex path through Congress, with potential Senate resistance and the need for bipartisan support.

The draft crypto market structure bill, released on May 5, 2025, carries significant implications for the U.S. cryptocurrency industry, investors, and regulators. Assigning the SEC to regulate digital assets as investment contracts and the CFTC to oversee digital commodities and spot markets reduces jurisdictional overlap, potentially fostering innovation by providing predictable rules.

The criteria for deeming assets decentralized, no single entity with unilateral control could encourage projects to prioritize decentralization, but the 10% token holder disclosure requirement may burden smaller projects. By removing accredited investor restrictions, retail investors gain broader access, potentially increasing liquidity and participation but also raising risks of uninformed investments.

Excluding digital commodity transactions from securities laws unless they involve ownership or profit-sharing rights simplifies secondary market trading, likely boosting platforms handling spot trading. Exempting stablecoins from securities classification and non-custodial DeFi protocols from certain regulations could spur growth in these sectors, positioning the U.S. as a hub for DeFi innovation.

Mandatory disclosures of token holdings above 1% may increase transparency but could strain smaller projects or startups with limited resources. Eliminating income/wealth barriers democratizes crypto investing, but without proper education, retail investors face higher exposure to volatile markets. Disclosure requirements for large token holders may reduce insider manipulation risks, enhancing investor confidence.

Political and Regulatory Challenges

Democratic opposition, partly due to perceived ties to Trump’s crypto ventures, could delay or derail passage, especially in the Senate, where bipartisan support is critical. Encouraging SEC-CFTC collaboration aims to streamline regulations, but differing agency priorities may slow implementation. Clear regulations could attract crypto businesses, countering the trend of firms moving offshore to jurisdictions like Singapore or Dubai.

If disclosure and compliance requirements are too stringent, smaller firms may struggle, potentially consolidating market power among larger players. Increased retail access and regulatory clarity could fuel speculative trading, inflating asset prices and raising bubble concerns. Until the bill is finalized and agencies issue detailed rules, market uncertainty may persist, affecting investor and business decisions.

The bill could transform the U.S. crypto landscape by fostering innovation, expanding access, and clarifying regulations, but its success hinges on navigating political divides and balancing investor protection with industry growth. Stakeholders should monitor Congressional debates and agency rulemaking for clarity on enforcement.

The Backbone of Modern Life: How Computers Power Everything

By

TI Partners

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May 8, 2025

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Just look?around: your phone, your laptop, and even your coffee machine likely have a computer chip inside. We inhabit a world where computers are no longer just machines that sit on our desks; they’re quietly woven into the fabric of just about everything?we use. From transportation, communication, entertainment, and education, computers have become the invisible fuel?that runs the contemporary world. But how, exactly, did we arrive at this point — and how far, exactly, does the power?of computing extend?

Business in the Digital Age: Smarter Payments, Smoother Operations

One of the biggest shifts computers have sparked is how businesses handle payments. Today, dozens of payment service providers (PSPs) operate using different gateways, often causing complex integration delays—especially when trying to work with merchant cashier systems. This is where multi channel payment solutions shine. By allowing companies to start using any PSP within just 1–2 weeks, they eliminate those painful bottlenecks.

Beyond speed, these solutions offer real freedom and security. Businesses can accept payments across platforms smoothly and safely, making them one of the most impactful innovations in modern commerce. Behind the scenes, it’s this quiet tech that keeps today’s economy moving.

Healthcare: Precision, Speed, and Lives Saved

Computers have?an effect that goes beyond finance. They are saving lives in?healthcare. From AI diagnostics to real-time monitoring of patients, computers allow doctors to detect diseases earlier, tailor treatments, and even perform surgery with?robotic precision. Today, hospitals depend on computer systems for everything from?patient records to the supply chain. In a crisis, every second counts, and computers help?guarantee that pertinent information is at hand when needed.

Transportation and Travel: Getting There Smarter

Whether you’re hailing a?ride on a cab app or boarding an international flight, computers are likely playing a big part in making it happen. Traffic control systems, airline ticket booking engines, and GPS?navigation are all driven by computing. And the sci-fi dream of vehicles operating entirely without human intervention is edging closer to becoming mainstream reality. Computers no longer just move?data — they help move us.

Education and Creativity: Expanding Human Potential

Today’s classroom is nothing like the one from a decade?ago. From online learning platforms to virtual classrooms?and interactive educational software, computers have transformed the way education is shared and received. But beyond education,?they have also redefined what is creative. Musicians, artists, writers, and filmmakers?sit at their fancy computers and create their ideas using robust digital tools. You don’t need a full studio to make it?anymore—just a laptop and a little imagination.

Everyday Life: The Invisible Network

There is a tendency for us not to appreciate the computers?that work behind the scenes during the day. They control the lighting in smart homes, maximize energy use, and even recommend?the next show to binge on a streaming service. Our social lives are driven?by algorithms that match us with friends, interests, and communities. Even grocery shopping has gone smarter — automated checkout, inventory management, personalized offers, to name a few — all enabled by?computers.

More Than Machines

We often take for granted the day-working computers, which are responsible for a lot of smart living, such as controlling the lighting of smart homes to ensure maximum energy consumption and even advising the next film that one should watch on some online streaming service. The social life today is determined by algorithms that make sure we have friends who share our interests and place us in communities where we belong. It’s not just about automated checkouts anymore – there are things like inventory control systems or CRM solutions with their digital coupons and so on, all thanks to progress in technology and particularly computers.