SMS marketing is one of the most effective ways for gyms to engage members, send reminders, and promote offers. But not all platforms are created equal. Many generic tools lack features like fitness-specific templates, automated workflows, and compliance tools. This guide reviews 10 popular SMS platforms, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses for gym owners.
Key Takeaways:
- Best for Gyms: RevText offers fitness-specific features like attendance-based automation, personalized templates, and seamless integrations with gym management tools.
- General Use Options: EZ Texting and SimpleTexting provide basic SMS features but lack fitness-focused tools.
- Advanced Customization: Twilio is great for teams with developers, while SlickText and Klaviyo excel in segmentation and personalization.
- Multichannel Tools: Omnisend combines SMS with email and push notifications, while Podium integrates SMS with webchat.
- Budget-Friendly: TextMagic is simple and affordable for bulk messaging.
Quick Comparison:
| Platform | Best For | Automation | Personalization | Compliance | Integration | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RevText | Gyms/Fitness | Advanced (attendance-based) | Fitness-specific | Built-in TCPA/10DLC | Gym tools (MindBody, Zapier) | $50/month |
| EZ Texting | General Use | Basic | Limited | Basic | Zapier, CRMs | $20/month |
| SimpleTexting | Ease of Use | Basic | Manual Segmentation | Basic | Zapier, APIs | $25/month |
| Podium | Multichannel (SMS+Chat) | General Automation | Limited | Basic | CRMs, payment processors | Custom Pricing |
| Twilio | Developers/Custom Builds | Fully Custom | API-Driven | Advanced Toolkit | APIs, custom systems | Pay-as-you-go |
| TextMagic | Bulk Messaging | Basic | CSV Uploads | Basic | Zapier, APIs | $10/month |
| SlickText | Advanced Segmentation | Real-Time Data | Dynamic Segments | Basic | 7,000+ apps via Zapier | $29/month |
| Klaviyo SMS | E-Commerce | Email-like Workflows | Data-Driven | Basic | Shopify, WooCommerce | $45/month |
| Emotive | Conversational SMS | Dynamic Conversations | Behavioral Segments | Basic | Shopify, BigCommerce | Custom Pricing |
| Omnisend SMS | Multichannel Campaigns | Unified Workflows | Unified Profiles | Basic | Shopify, Magento | $16/month |
RevText is the top choice for gyms, offering tailored automation, fitness-specific templates, and seamless integrations. For more general needs, platforms like EZ Texting or SimpleTexting are affordable and user-friendly. If you need advanced customization, Twilio or SlickText may be worth considering.
Top 5 SMS Marketing Software Platforms for 2025 (Expert Guide)
1. RevText
RevText is an SMS marketing platform tailored specifically for gym owners and fitness studios. Whether you’re running a boutique studio or managing a large franchise, RevText is designed to meet the unique demands of the fitness industry. It offers a range of services, from strategy development to campaign optimization, all aimed at simplifying communication without requiring advanced technical know-how. Here’s a closer look at how RevText supports fitness businesses.
Automation
RevText takes the hassle out of member communication with automated features like welcome sequences, keyword-triggered messages, and engagement-based segmentation. One standout tool is its attendance-based automation. For instance, it can send a personalized congratulatory message when a member completes three classes in a row. On the flip side, it also sends friendly re-engagement texts to members who haven’t attended in a while, encouraging them to get back on track.
Personalization & Segmentation
Personalization is at the heart of RevText. The platform crafts messages based on member names, attendance records, and membership details. It also segments audiences by factors like attendance frequency, membership type, and engagement level. For example, gym owners can use pre-built templates like:
• "Wow, [FIRST_NAME] – 3 classes in a row? That’s impressive! Proud of your progress. Keep it going! – [Trainer Name]"
• "Hi [NAME], treat yourself! Book your FREE fitness assessment today: [short link]. Let’s do this! – [GYM NAME]"
These personalized messages make members feel valued and connected to their fitness journey.
Compliance
Navigating SMS regulations can be tricky, but RevText simplifies the process. The platform includes built-in TCPA and 10DLC compliance features to ensure gym owners follow all the rules. It provides guidance on opt-in procedures, limits on message frequency, and required disclosures. Plus, it automatically manages opt-out requests and keeps detailed records to help maintain compliance.
Integration
RevText integrates effortlessly with gym management tools, scheduling software, and payment systems, including Zapier. This means gym owners can access member data, class schedules, and payment information to create well-timed, targeted campaigns. By fitting seamlessly into existing workflows, RevText makes managing communications a breeze.
Multimedia Support
With full MMS support, RevText allows gyms to send images, videos, and other rich media. Whether it’s a workout demonstration, a virtual tour of your facility, or inspiring before-and-after transformation photos, these multimedia features help create engaging campaigns. Additionally, built-in link tracking provides insights into click-through rates and member engagement, helping gyms refine their messaging strategies.
Pricing Plans
RevText offers flexible pricing plans to accommodate gyms of all sizes:
- Start Up: $50/month for 500 SMS messages (up to 250 contacts)
- Business: $90/month for 1,000 SMS messages with rollover (up to 500 contacts)
- Pro: $300/month for 5,000 SMS messages with rollover (up to 2,500 contacts)
- Premium: $500/month for 10,000 SMS messages with rollover (up to 5,000 contacts)
These scalable plans are designed to grow alongside your gym, ensuring you always have the tools you need to stay connected with your members.
2. EZ Texting
EZ Texting is an SMS marketing platform designed to cater to a variety of industries. Unlike platforms tailored to specific sectors, it focuses on delivering core features. While it covers the basics of SMS and automation, it doesn’t include tools specifically crafted for fitness businesses.
Automation
The platform provides essential automation tools like scheduled messages, automated keyword replies, drip campaigns, and autoresponders. However, its automation capabilities are limited to general messaging tasks and don’t include user-specific triggers.
Personalization & Segmentation
EZ Texting allows for basic personalization using merge tags, such as inserting a recipient’s first name or phone number. Contacts can be grouped and segmented manually, but there are no options for automatic behavioral segmentation.
Compliance
The platform includes tools to manage opt-ins and opt-outs, ensuring compliance with TCPA regulations. These features cover the basics of regulatory requirements, though fitness businesses may need to take additional steps to address industry-specific compliance needs.
Integration
EZ Texting integrates with popular business tools through Zapier and direct API connections. This makes it possible to connect with commonly used CRM systems, email marketing platforms, and scheduling tools. However, these integrations are built for general purposes and lack fitness-focused functionality.
Multimedia Support
The platform supports MMS messaging, allowing users to send images and other multimedia content. It also offers basic analytics and link tracking to monitor engagement. That said, it doesn’t provide templates or media optimizations tailored for fitness-related marketing efforts.
EZ Texting’s broad focus distinguishes it from platforms that cater to specific niches, providing a foundation for comparing its versatility to more specialized solutions.
3. SimpleTexting
SimpleTexting is an easy-to-use SMS marketing tool that offers a solid set of general features. However, it’s not specifically designed for the fitness industry, which may limit its appeal for gyms and fitness centers looking for tailored solutions.
Automation
SimpleTexting provides basic automation options like scheduled campaigns, keyword-triggered responses, and drip sequences. These include autoresponders and time-based series, as well as birthday and anniversary message automation.
That said, it doesn’t offer more advanced triggers based on member behavior or engagement patterns, which could be a drawback for gyms aiming to build deeper connections with their members.
Personalization & Segmentation
You can personalize messages using merge fields to insert details like names, phone numbers, or custom data. Contacts can also be segmented based on attributes like location or membership type. However, this requires manual setup and ongoing management, as the platform doesn’t offer automatic segmentation based on user behavior.
Compliance
To help businesses meet TCPA requirements, SimpleTexting includes essential compliance tools. It automatically processes opt-out requests and keeps a record of opt-ins, ensuring your campaigns stay within legal boundaries.
Integration
The platform connects with popular tools through Zapier, APIs, and webhook support, enabling custom integrations. While these integrations cover general business needs, they don’t offer the deeper connections needed for fitness-specific systems like gym management software, class scheduling platforms, or billing tools.
Multimedia Support
SimpleTexting supports MMS messaging, allowing you to send images, GIFs, and other media alongside text messages. It also includes link shortening and tracking features, which can help monitor engagement.
Basic analytics are available to track delivery and overall campaign performance. However, the reporting tools lack the depth needed for detailed segmentation or behavioral insights, which could limit a fitness business’s ability to analyze member engagement effectively.
While the multimedia features add a visual element to your campaigns, the platform’s analytics and automation may fall short for fitness businesses looking to dive deeper into member behavior.
4. Podium
Podium takes a broader approach to customer communication, combining SMS with tools like webchat and reviews management. While this multi-channel strategy is appealing for general business use, its SMS features lack the specific tools that fitness businesses often need.
Automation
Podium streamlines lead capture and customer service by automatically converting webchat inquiries into SMS conversations. It also provides basic autoresponders for common questions and follow-up sequences for new leads.
However, its automation tools are designed for general workflows. For fitness businesses, this means no pre-built features like class reminders, membership renewal campaigns, or re-engagement messages tied to gym attendance. As a result, gyms might need to create custom solutions to meet their specific communication needs.
Personalization & Segmentation
Podium allows for basic personalization, such as including a contact’s name or phone number in messages. Segmentation is similarly limited, focusing on lead sources and conversation history rather than detailed member behavior.
For gyms, this lack of advanced segmentation – like grouping members by membership type, attendance patterns, or engagement levels – can make it harder to run targeted campaigns. For example, creating separate messages for new members, loyal clients, or at-risk members isn’t as straightforward as it could be.
Compliance
Podium offers basic tools for TCPA compliance. It automates opt-outs and keeps consent records, but it doesn’t include advanced features like automated compliance checks or in-depth audit trails that some SMS platforms provide.
Integration
One of Podium’s strengths is its ability to integrate with popular business tools, including CRMs, scheduling software, and payment processors. However, it falls short when it comes to connecting with gym-specific management systems. While it serves as a solid communication hub for general businesses, fitness centers looking for seamless integration with their existing gym software may find the options limited.
Multimedia Support
The platform supports multimedia messaging, allowing users to send images, videos, and links through SMS.
However, its analytics focus more on conversation metrics, such as delivery rates and response times, rather than the deeper insights fitness businesses might need. For example, tracking member engagement, campaign performance, or ROI from messaging efforts isn’t as comprehensive as it could be for gyms looking to optimize their marketing strategies.
5. Twilio
Twilio is a platform built around API-driven SMS capabilities, making it a strong choice for businesses with in-house technical expertise. Its design requires users to integrate its APIs into their existing systems, which can be a powerful solution if you have the right development resources.
Automation
Automation with Twilio is entirely custom. There are no pre-built templates for workflows, so creating automated sequences means integrating Twilio’s APIs directly with your systems. This approach provides flexibility but demands technical know-how to set up and maintain.
Personalization & Segmentation
Twilio doesn’t offer built-in tools for segmentation. Instead, personalization and customer grouping rely on connecting Twilio to your CRM or other customer databases. This setup allows for tailored messaging but requires custom integration work to make it functional. For teams without developers, this can be a significant hurdle compared to platforms designed for less technical users.
Compliance
Twilio takes compliance seriously and provides a Compliance Toolkit powered by AI to help businesses avoid regulatory issues. This toolkit includes features like silent hour enforcement, opt-out verification, and reassigned number checks. Twilio also offers Contacts and Consent APIs, which support custom consent management while allowing overrides when necessary.
The platform emphasizes the importance of compliance practices such as obtaining explicit opt-in consent, keeping detailed records of consent and opt-outs, and providing easy unsubscribe options (e.g., replying "STOP").
For 10DLC compliance, Twilio simplifies the registration process. Businesses should expect a one-time setup fee, a one-time A2P campaign registration fee, and monthly campaign fees of about $10. The registration process typically takes around eight days to complete.
Integration
Twilio’s API is highly versatile, allowing integration with systems like gym management platforms, payment processors, and scheduling tools. However, these integrations require both initial development and ongoing maintenance. For teams without technical resources, this can add complexity and cost. Multimedia management also falls under this custom development umbrella.
Multimedia Support
Twilio supports SMS, MMS, and RCS messaging, enabling businesses to send rich, interactive content. However, setting up multimedia messaging requires additional technical configuration, which may not be straightforward for all users.
Analytics & Reporting
Twilio offers detailed analytics and reporting tools, but unlocking their full potential often requires custom dashboard development. Businesses without technical expertise may need outside help to transform raw data into actionable insights, adding another layer of complexity to using the platform effectively.
6. TextMagic
TextMagic is a straightforward, web-based SMS platform designed for bulk messaging without requiring technical know-how. Its focus is on simplicity and usability, prioritizing basic functionality over more elaborate features.
Automation
TextMagic includes tools for scheduling and auto-reply automation. It supports basic trigger messages, such as welcome texts or birthday greetings. However, setting up more complex workflows often requires manual effort. While simple drip campaigns are possible, the platform’s lack of advanced conditional logic makes it less suitable for highly customized automation flows.
Personalization & Segmentation
The platform allows you to personalize messages using fields like names or company details. You can also upload CSV files to group contacts for targeted messaging.
Segmentation options include creating contact lists and filtering by factors like location, subscription date, or custom tags. While these features can work for general use, they may feel limiting for businesses needing advanced behavioral targeting. For example, fitness businesses aiming to segment members based on attendance, membership type, or engagement levels might find the platform’s segmentation tools too basic.
Compliance
TextMagic simplifies compliance by automatically managing opt-out requests when customers reply with "STOP." It also maintains unsubscribe lists to ensure opted-out contacts aren’t messaged again.
The platform includes basic consent management features and supports quiet hours to prevent messages from being sent at inappropriate times. However, its compliance tools are relatively simple compared to platforms tailored for industries with stricter regulatory requirements.
Integration
TextMagic provides API access and connects with popular business tools, albeit with fewer integration options than enterprise-grade platforms. It supports connections to common CRM systems, email marketing tools, and e-commerce platforms through Zapier.
For gyms or fitness businesses using specialized software, custom integrations may be necessary. While the API documentation is user-friendly, businesses with more complex technical needs might find the platform less accommodating compared to fitness-specific solutions.
Multimedia Support
TextMagic supports both SMS and MMS messaging, enabling businesses to send images, videos, and other multimedia content alongside text messages. The platform manages multimedia files within carrier limits and offers tools to organize media within its interface.
These multimedia capabilities work well for campaigns featuring promotional images or simple videos. However, features like dynamic image personalization or interactive media elements are not part of the standard offering, which may limit more advanced multimedia campaigns.
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7. SlickText
SlickText is an SMS marketing platform designed to make campaign creation simple while offering advanced tools for segmentation and personalization. It uses real-time data to help businesses craft highly targeted and effective messages.
Personalization & Segmentation
SlickText goes beyond basic personalization by offering advanced segmentation tools that rely on real-time data. You can customize messages using details like customer names, order information, and promo codes, ensuring each message feels tailored to the recipient.
What sets SlickText apart is its ability to automatically segment audiences based on a wide range of factors, such as link clicks, spending habits, location, opt-in methods, age, and even birth month. These segments update dynamically as customers take actions like making purchases, abandoning carts, or entering specific workflows. You can also refine segments further by applying conditions with AND/OR logic, giving you precise control over your targeting.
Integration
SlickText’s segmentation capabilities are bolstered by its seamless integration with over 7,000 apps and tools. This extensive network of integrations allows data from various sources to flow into SlickText, enabling even more accurate targeting and personalization. These integrations make it easier to gather insights and deliver campaigns that truly resonate with your audience.
8. Klaviyo SMS
Klaviyo, widely recognized for its email marketing platform, has extended its capabilities to include SMS. While SMS isn’t its primary focus, the added features bring enough to the table for gyms and businesses looking for well-rounded communication tools. It’s worth considering how Klaviyo’s SMS features stack up against platforms specifically designed for text messaging.
Automation
Klaviyo SMS leans on its email automation strengths, offering workflows like abandoned cart reminders, welcome messages, and post-purchase follow-ups. However, since the platform is email-centric at its core, setting up SMS workflows can feel a bit more involved than on platforms built exclusively for text messaging.
Personalization & Segmentation
One of Klaviyo’s standout features is its ability to segment audiences. Using e-commerce data, it creates highly specific groups based on factors like purchase history, browsing habits, engagement levels, and demographics. Predictive analytics add another layer by identifying repeat buyers or customers at risk of disengaging. This allows businesses to send tailored SMS campaigns that feel personal and relevant.
For e-commerce businesses, in particular, Klaviyo’s segmentation tools shine. You can create campaigns targeting customers based on their lifetime value or how often they make purchases. This level of precision also integrates effortlessly with your e-commerce tools, making it easier to manage targeted messaging.
Integration
Klaviyo’s compatibility with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento makes it a natural choice for businesses already using these tools. Customer data syncs automatically, enabling targeted SMS campaigns without additional manual work. Plus, integrations through Zapier and direct connections ensure that Klaviyo fits smoothly into your existing systems.
For those already using Klaviyo for email marketing, adding SMS is a straightforward process. This integration ensures your communication strategies remain unified and efficient.
Multimedia Support
Klaviyo SMS also includes MMS capabilities, allowing businesses to send multimedia messages like product images or catalog previews. These features are particularly useful for showcasing promotions or new items in a visually appealing way, ensuring they look great on any mobile device.
9. Emotive
Emotive is a conversational SMS platform tailored for e-commerce businesses. While its primary focus lies in e-commerce, its conversational model offers inspiration for personalized communication strategies across various industries. Similar to the fitness-specific platforms mentioned earlier, Emotive prioritizes personalized, two-way communication. Instead of relying solely on automated mass messaging, the platform fosters human-like interactions through text messaging to drive sales. This conversational approach also integrates seamlessly into its automated workflows.
Automation
Emotive’s automation revolves around conversational flows designed to engage customers at the right moments. Whether it’s a cart abandonment reminder, a post-purchase follow-up, or a product launch announcement, these automated conversations are crafted to feel natural and encourage meaningful responses. The platform’s workflows are dynamic, adapting to customer input and branching into tailored conversations to address different scenarios.
Personalization & Segmentation
By leveraging customer data – such as purchase history, browsing habits, and engagement patterns – Emotive creates highly personalized conversations. It also segments audiences based on factors like order value, purchase frequency, or product preferences, ensuring that messages resonate with each group.
Integration
Emotive integrates seamlessly with leading e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce. These integrations automatically sync customer data, enabling the platform to trigger messages based on specific shopping behaviors or milestones. The setup process is straightforward for supported platforms, making it easy to get started.
Multimedia Support
With support for MMS messaging, Emotive allows businesses to send images, GIFs, and other visual content to enhance engagement. The platform also provides guidance on optimal file sizes and formats to ensure high delivery rates for multimedia messages.
10. Omnisend SMS
Omnisend SMS stands out as a multichannel tool that combines email, SMS, and push notifications into one platform. While it initially catered to e-commerce businesses, it now serves a broader range of industries, offering a unified approach to customer communication. Unlike standalone SMS tools, Omnisend integrates text messaging into a larger strategy, helping businesses deliver consistent experiences across multiple channels.
One of its key strengths is the way it syncs SMS campaigns with email marketing. This means businesses can start a conversation through email and seamlessly continue it via SMS without losing track of the context, creating a smooth and connected customer journey.
Automation
Omnisend’s automation features are designed to link different communication channels effortlessly. It offers ready-to-use templates for workflows like welcome series, abandoned cart reminders, and post-purchase follow-ups. With tools like time delays and conditional logic, businesses can fine-tune their messaging schedules to avoid overwhelming customers while keeping communications relevant and timely.
Personalization & Segmentation
Omnisend takes personalization to the next level by merging data from emails, SMS responses, and purchase history to create unified customer profiles. This allows businesses to segment their audience based on engagement patterns and buying behavior. Features like dynamic content and A/B testing make it easier to craft messages that truly resonate with specific customer groups.
Integration
The platform integrates with popular e-commerce systems such as Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and Magento. Its straightforward setup ensures a smooth data flow, keeping SMS campaigns updated and aligned with other marketing efforts.
Multimedia Support
Omnisend also supports multimedia messaging, allowing businesses to include visuals like images and GIFs in their campaigns. This feature helps create more engaging content that looks great across all types of devices, boosting customer interaction and retention.
Platform Comparison: Strengths and Weaknesses
Here’s a breakdown of how RevText stands out when it comes to SMS solutions tailored for gyms:
- Smart Automation for Gyms
RevText simplifies gym operations by automating tasks like membership renewal reminders and class booking confirmations, keeping your team focused on what matters most. - Compliance Made Easy
With built-in checks for TCPA and 10DLC compliance, RevText helps you stay on the right side of the law while reducing the risk of legal issues. - Effortless Integration
RevText works seamlessly with popular gym management systems like MindBody and Zen Planner. This means member data and class schedules sync automatically, ensuring smooth and accurate communication. - Advanced Personalization and Targeting
By segmenting messages based on attendance, membership type, or engagement, RevText ensures your messages resonate with the right audience. - Rich Media Messaging
Add a visual punch to your messages with support for images, videos, and GIFs, making your communication more engaging and interactive. - Transparent Pricing and Dedicated Support
Straightforward plans start at $50 per month for 500 messages, and expert support is always available to help you get the most from the platform.
RevText is purpose-built for the fitness industry, addressing the unique challenges gyms face while offering tools to maximize member engagement and streamline communication. Whether you’re aiming to keep members motivated or improve operational efficiency, RevText delivers solutions designed with your business in mind.
Want to see how RevText can transform your gym’s communication strategy? Book a Free Discovery Call to explore the platform and get a live demo tailored to your needs.
Final Thoughts
Picking the right SMS marketing platform can make a huge difference in how your gym connects with its members. RevText is designed with the fitness industry in mind, offering tools that simplify communication while keeping your gym compliant and efficient.
Here’s how RevText addresses common gym communication hurdles:
- Fitness-focused automation for tasks like class reminders, membership renewals, and re-engagement campaigns
- Built-in compliance checks (TCPA/10DLC) to ensure your messages meet legal requirements
- Customizable templates specifically tailored for gym operations
- Advanced segmentation to target members based on attendance, membership type, or engagement level
These features help ensure your messages hit the mark every time.
RevText offers two pricing options to fit your gym’s needs:
- Start Up Plan: $50/month for 500 messages
- Business Plan: $90/month, with message rollover, covering up to 500 contacts
With tools like these, your gym’s member engagement can reach new levels.
Curious to see RevText in action? Book a Free Discovery Call and get a live demo tailored to your fitness business.
FAQs
How does RevText meet the unique needs of gym owners better than general SMS platforms?
RevText is specifically crafted for gym owners, delivering tools that cater directly to the needs of the fitness industry. Its features include automated class reminders, customized onboarding sequences, and member recognition messages – all aimed at cutting down on no-shows and boosting member engagement. What sets RevText apart from general SMS platforms is its focus on fitness. It offers ready-to-use fitness templates, advanced segmentation based on attendance or membership type, and built-in compliance tools to keep your communication both effective and secure.
By using RevText, gym owners can simplify their communication efforts, build stronger connections with members, and save valuable time with targeted, automated messaging tailored to the unique challenges of running a fitness business.
How does RevText ensure compliance with SMS marketing regulations?
RevText comes equipped with compliance tools designed to help you adhere to SMS marketing regulations such as TCPA and 10DLC. These tools take care of critical tasks like managing consent, providing opt-out options, and verifying that your message content aligns with legal requirements.
By using RevText, you can run campaigns that connect with your audience while staying within the bounds of the law, safeguarding your business from fines or penalties.
Does RevText work with my gym management software, and what are the benefits for my gym?
RevText works effortlessly with your current gym management software, simplifying tasks like class scheduling, member check-ins, billing, and sending notifications. This smooth integration helps cut down on manual work, keeps daily operations running efficiently, and enhances how you connect with your members.
With these processes automated, gym owners can save valuable time, stay on top of their operations, and offer a more engaging experience for members – helping to increase both satisfaction and retention.
