Can HubSpot Send Text Messages | HubSpot SMS Marketing

In today’s fast-moving digital world, businesses are scrambling to find better ways to connect with their customers. Old-school tactics just aren’t cutting it anymore—emails get ignored (only about 20% are opened), phone calls go straight to voicemail, and social media posts often vanish into the void. But there’s a standout option: SMS, or text messaging. With a jaw-dropping 98% open rate and replies that come in lightning-fast, texting is hard to beat. So, can HubSpot send text messages—a go-to platform for managing customers—and make the most of SMS? Let’s break it down.

HubSpot is a big name in CRM, packing tools for marketing, sales, and customer support all in one place. When it comes to texting, though, it’s not a straight “yes” or “no.” Can HubSpot send text messages? Yes, it offers SMS features, but there are some hoops to jump through—paid extras, rules to follow, and even outside tools to consider. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how texting works with HubSpot, from its built-in options to handy add-ons, real-world examples, setup basics, costs, legal stuff, and tips to make it work like a charm.

Does HubSpot Do Texting Out of the Box?

Can HubSpot send text messages straight from the platform? Yes, sort of. They’ve got a built-in SMS feature in the Marketing Hub, but it’s not free or open to everyone. You’ll need to buy an add-on and meet some requirements first.

Here’s what HubSpot’s SMS tool lets you do:

Send texts to people who’ve said “okay” to hearing from you.
Add personal touches, like their name or past purchases, using HubSpot’s data.
Pick the perfect time to send with scheduling.
See how it’s working with stats like delivery and replies.
Chat back and forth in the Conversations Inbox (if you hook it up).

It runs through Twilio, a texting service that keeps things reliable but comes with limits we’ll cover later.

Who Gets to Use It?

Not everyone can dive in. You need to:

Buy the SMS Access Add-on (or a Shortcode one for big senders).
Avoid “no-go” industries like gambling or debt collection (Twilio’s rules).
Use a US-based number (+1 only, short codes are US-only too).
Get clear permission from your contacts—cold texting is a no-no under laws like the TCPA.

If you fit the bill, it’s a solid option. Otherwise, outside tools can save the day.

Why Texting Rocks in a CRM Like HubSpot

Before we dig into the “how,” let’s talk about why SMS is a big deal:

98% Open Rate: Emails wish they were this popular.
Fast Replies: People text back in minutes, not days.
Up Close and Personal: Texts feel direct and grab attention.
Super Flexible: Works for promos, chats, or support.

Plugging SMS into HubSpot ties it to your customer info, automation, and tracking—think sending a deal to someone who ditched their cart or a quick event nudge, all hands-free.

How to Text with HubSpot’s Built-In Tool

Ready to try HubSpot’s SMS? Here’s the rundown if you qualify:

Grab the Add-on:

Go to Settings > Integrations > Add-ons.
Pick the Marketing SMS Add-on ($75/month for 1,000 texts) or the Shortcode one (custom pricing).
Extra texts are $15 per 1,000—no rollovers.

Sign Up Your Business:

HubSpot uses Twilio, so you’ll register under A2P 10DLC rules.
Share your business name, address, EIN, a quick pitch about your texts, and how people opt in.
Wait 6–8 days for approval.

Write and Send:

Head to Marketing > SMS.
Hit “Create Message,” write something short (160 characters max), and add personal flair if you want.
Preview, set it up, and send it now or later.
Toss in “Reply STOP to quit” (it’s a must unless you tweak it).

Handle Replies:

Link your number to the Conversations Inbox (Settings > Marketing > SMS > Connect an Inbox).
Chat live and keep tabs on everything.

This works great for bulk marketing texts, but for one-on-one chats or fancier automation, third-party tools might be your best bet.

Boosting HubSpot with Third-Party SMS Tools

If HubSpot’s built-in SMS feels too rigid—maybe it’s the price, the US-only limit, or missing features—outside integrations can step up. Here’s a quick look at some favorites:

Salesmsg:

Two-way texting, pics/GIFs, quick replies, call tie-ins, automation triggers.
Best for: Sales crews who want personal chats plus bulk sends.
Cost: From $16/month.

Sakari:

Big blasts, two-way texting, works in 200+ countries, automation-friendly.
Best for: Global campaigns.
Cost: Starts at $16/month.

MessageDesk:

Team inbox, auto-replies (like “HELP”), group contacts.
Best for: Support squads with lots of questions.
Cost: From $14/month.

EZ Texting:

Multi-step flows, pics, AI replies, team tools.
Best for: Marketers mixing texting with other channels.
Cost: From $25/month.

SMSGlobal:

Branded sender names, two-way texting, live HubSpot updates.
Best for: Standing out with your brand.
Cost: Free trial, then pay per text.

These plug right into HubSpot, often giving you more wiggle room—like sending pics or texting worldwide.

Real Ways to Use SMS in HubSpot

Texting isn’t just for deals—it’s a Swiss Army knife for marketing, sales, and support. Here’s how it plays out:

Marketing:

Deals: “Hey (Name), snag 20% off this weekend with SMS20!”
Reminders: “Your webinar’s tomorrow at 2 PM—join here: (link).”
Lead Warm-Up: Send a welcome text after a form fill.

Sales:

Check-Ins: “Hi (Name), still eyeing (Product)? Reply YES for a call.”
Cart Savers: “Left stuff in your cart? Finish up: (link).”
Bookings: “Demo’s tomorrow at 10 AM—reply to confirm.”

Support:

Updates: “Ticket #123 is fixed. Reply if you need more.”
Feedback: “Rate us 1–5—how’d we do?”
Shipping: “Your order’s on the way! Track it: (link).”

Tie these to HubSpot’s automation, and they’ll fire off when the time’s right—like after a signup or a stage change.

Automating Texts in HubSpot

Can HubSpot send text messages automatically? Yes, its workflows make texting a breeze. Here’s a simple example with a tool like Sakari:

Build It: Go to Automation > Workflows > Creat Workflow. Pick “Contact-Based” and a trigger (like “Form = Signup”).
Add SMS: Hit “+,” choose “Send SMS via Sakari,” and write: “Thanks, (FirstName)! Here’s your guide: link.”
Fine-Tune: Add a wait or split paths (e.g., “If they say YES, ping sales”).
Go Live: Test it on yourself, check the results, and turn it on.

With HubSpot’s own SMS, it’s the same vibe—just use their “Send SMS” action instead.

How Much Does It Cost?

HubSpot’s SMS:

$75/month for 1,000 texts.
$15 per extra 1,000.
Example: 10,000 texts = $210/month.

Third-Party Snapshots:

Salesmsg: $16/month + text fees.
Sakari: $16/month + per-text costs (e.g., $0.0075 each in the US).
EZ Texting: $25/month for 500 texts.

Third-party tools often win for big senders or offer free tries.

Playing by the Rules

Texting’s awesome but comes with laws:

Get Permission: Use opt-ins like “Text YES to 555-123-4567.”
Offer an Out: Add “Reply STOP to quit.”
Time It Right: Stick to daytime unless it’s urgent.
No Junk: Skip spammy stuff (TCPA and Twilio say no to things like alcohol or guns).

HubSpot and third-party tools help enforce this with built-in opt-out tricks.

Tips to Nail Your SMS Game

Keep It Snappy: 160 characters or bust.
Make It Personal: “Hi [Name], your [Item] is ready!”
Pick the Moment: Send when they’re awake.
Watch Results: Tweak based on who opens or replies.
Mix It Up: Blend texts with emails or social posts.

Conclusion

You bet—can HubSpot send text messages? Absolutely, either with its own add-on (if you’re US-based and eligible) or through a slew of third-party helpers for more options. Whether you’re pushing promos, chasing leads, or solving problems, SMS in HubSpot gets you right to your people. Native or third-party? Depends on your wallet and wishes.

Ready to roll? Figure out what you need, get the green light from your contacts, and jump in. With sky-high open rates and replies in a flash, can HubSpot send text messages might just be the spark your outreach needs. Start texting the smart way now!

Can HubSpot Send Text Messages?