How Do You Integrate SMS Marketing in Salesforce Marketing Cloud (SFMC)?
Launch compliant, personalized SMS with MobileConnect, Journey Builder, and Salesforce CRM. Align consent, data, and automation to trigger timely messages that convert—without risking deliverability or trust.
To integrate SMS in SFMC, enable MobileConnect, provision a short code/long code or branded sender ID, model consent and subscriptions in Contact Builder, and connect Salesforce CRM for segmentation and triggers. Use Journey Builder to send, throttle, and sequence SMS alongside email/push, then measure outcomes with Data Views and real-time dashboards tied to conversion and revenue.
SMS Integration Essentials in SFMC
Step-By-Step: Integrate SMS with SFMC MobileConnect
Follow this sequence to go live fast—and safely—with trackable, revenue-focused messaging.
Plan → Configure → Connect Data → Build Journeys → Launch → Measure → Govern
- Plan & scope: Define use cases (alerts, promos, 2-step reminders), audiences, languages, KPIs, and compliance rules per region.
- Configure MobileConnect: Provision code/sender ID, create keywords, HELP/STOP flows, and sender profiles; enable throttling windows.
- Connect data & consent: Standardize Contact Key, mobile fields, country, and subscription; sync CRM lists and only send to opted-in contacts.
- Build in Journey Builder: Add SMS activities with decision splits, frequency caps, and channel fallbacks (email/push) to avoid fatigue.
- Launch & QA: Validate test audiences, copy length, link tracking, and opt-out handling; soft-launch with holdouts.
- Measure & attribute: Use Data Views and UTMs to track clicks, conversions, and revenue; analyze cohorts and time-to-action.
- Govern & optimize: Review opt-in growth, deliverability, CPA/ROMI, and compliance logs; adjust cadence and creative.
SFMC SMS Integration Maturity Matrix
| Capability | From (Ad Hoc) | To (Operationalized) | Owner | Primary KPI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consent Management | List import without consent proof | Timestamped opt-in, STOP/HELP automation, preference center | Marketing Ops/Legal | Opt-in growth, Opt-out rate |
| Data & Identity | Phone field only | Unified Contact Key, country/locale, subscription DEs synced to CRM | RevOps | Reachable audience, Match rate |
| Orchestration | One-off blasts | Journeys with decisioning, quiet hours, channel fallback | Lifecycle Marketing | Conversion rate, Time-to-action |
| Personalization | Static copy | Attribute-driven content, deeplinks, coupon logic | MarTech | CTR, Revenue per send |
| Deliverability & Risk | No monitoring | Carrier feedback, frequency caps, domain reputation | Marketing Ops | Delivery rate, Complaint rate |
Client Snapshot: Appointment Reminders & Order Updates
By syncing CRM triggers and consent into MobileConnect, a B2C brand launched reminder and status SMS in 3 weeks. Outcomes: lower no-show rate, +18% repeat purchases, and a 2.4× faster time-to-action versus email.
Pair SMS with email and push in Journey Builder to meet customers where they are—while honoring preferences and quiet hours for long-term performance.
Frequently Asked Questions about SMS in SFMC
Operationalize SMS in SFMC
We’ll set up MobileConnect, consent, data, and Journey Builder—then optimize for revenue, not just sends.
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