SMS Alerts Financial Planning Firms Should Be Sending
SMS alerts are one of the most effective ways to keep clients informed, engaged, and confident in their financial plan. With inboxes overwhelmed and attention spans shrinking, advisers need a faster, more direct channel for communicating important updates and reminders. Text messages cut through the noise, delivering concise, actionable information at the right time.
In this post, we explore five essential types of SMS reminders financial professionals should be using, along with tips on timing, compliance, and automation to help improve client communication and retention.
Why SMS Alerts Are Essential for Financial Planning
Financial advice relies on timely communication. Whether it’s a reminder to top up an ISA before the tax deadline or a quick note about market changes, clients expect to be kept in the loop.
Email is saturated. Many important updates go unseen in crowded inboxes. Phone calls are disruptive. Letters arrive too late.
SMS solves this challenge by being:
- Immediate and mobile-friendly
- Opened within minutes (90–98% open rates)
- Direct and personal, even when automated
Texting offers a reliable way to maintain meaningful touchpoints that reinforce trust and responsiveness.
SMS vs Email in Financial Services
| Channel | Average Open Rate | Average Response Time | Spam Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~20% | Hours to days | High | |
| SMS | 90–98% | Within 3 minutes | Low |
When time matters, SMS delivers.
5 Types of SMS Reminders for Financial Clients
1. Tax Year-End Notifications
Leading up to the 5 April UK tax deadline, SMS reminders can prompt clients to take advantage of ISA allowances, pension contributions, or CGT planning.
Example:
“Hi Sarah, the tax year ends in 4 days. Want to top up your ISA before the deadline? Reply YES or call to discuss.”
2. New Investment Opportunities
Text messages are ideal for alerting clients to new product launches or offers—such as fixed-rate bonds, EIS rounds, or structured investments.
Examples:
- “Hi Sarah, a new 5-year fixed rate bond (min £100K) just opened. Reply YES for details.”
- “New EIS opportunity closing soon. Want a quick call to discuss? Reply YES.”
These messages build a sense of exclusivity and encourage early action.
3. Portfolio Review Reminders
Keep clients engaged by prompting them to schedule their annual or semi-annual review. These can be triggered automatically via your CRM.
Example:
“Hi John, your annual investment review is due next week. Reply YES to confirm or click here to reschedule.”
4. Regulatory or Product Change Notices
When tax rules shift or new guidance affects a client’s holdings, an SMS alert helps you act promptly.
Example:
“New capital gains tax rule could impact your investments. Reply YES to arrange a review.”
5. Celebrating Milestones
Recognise client loyalty or progress towards their financial goals. These small gestures go a long way in reinforcing relationships.
Examples:
- “You’re on track to meet your ISA goal—great work! Let us know if you’d like to review.”
- “Thanks for three years with OakTree Financial—we appreciate your continued trust.”
Best Practices for Client SMS Communication
Timing and Frequency
- Stick to 2–4 messages per month per client (unless it’s a short-term campaign)
- Mid-morning and early evening perform best
- Avoid weekends unless time-sensitive
Compliance and Consent
- Only message clients who’ve opted in
- Include a clear opt-out in general messages
- Avoid sharing sensitive account data
WeAreSMS manages consent, opt-outs, and archiving for full FCA and GDPR alignment.
Automating Alerts with WeAreSMS
WeAreSMS makes it easy to build automated, compliant messaging workflows:
Segment by Client Profile
- Schedule annual review alerts based on anniversary dates
- Target location-specific events
- Tailor communications by product type or planning phase
Trigger from CRM Actions
- Welcome messages when onboarding completes
- Follow-ups when proposals are sent
- Alerts when time-limited opportunities arise
This helps you maintain a high level of service without manual effort.
Conclusion: SMS Keeps Clients Informed and Engaged
SMS alerts provide financial planners with a powerful tool to build client trust, deliver timely guidance, and maintain ongoing communication. Compared to email, they offer better visibility, faster action, and stronger engagement.
Use text messages to deliver timely reminders, market updates, and personalised touchpoints that show clients you’re proactive and attentive.
With WeAreSMS, you can automate these alerts with ease—freeing up time while keeping your service personal and compliant.
