Both, in combination. SMS is significantly more effective for the first follow-up and for time-sensitive messages like appointment reminders, because it has near-universal open rates and reaches people within minutes. Email is better for longer content and lower-urgency nurture sequences. Using only email leaves a large portion of your leads unreached. Using only SMS is intrusive and lacks the depth email allows for relationship building.

SMS open rates run between ninety-five and ninety-eight percent, with most messages read within three minutes. Email open rates for health coaching businesses typically range between twenty and forty percent, depending on list quality and subject lines. This difference does not mean email is ineffective, but it does mean that for the first follow-up after a lead action, SMS will reach a much higher percentage of your leads, which is why it should be the primary channel for high-intent moments.

Not when the message is warm, relevant, and tied to what they just did. A text that arrives within minutes of a download saying 'Hey, just sent your guide, let me know if you have questions about it' does not feel intrusive. It feels attentive. People consent to being texted when they provide their number at opt-in. The key is making sure the first message adds value rather than immediately trying to sell something.

Something short, warm, and tied directly to what they just did. "Hey [Name], your [resource name] just hit your inbox. Quick question while I have you: what is the main thing you are hoping it helps you with?" works because it confirms delivery, opens a conversation, and signals that you are a real person who is interested in their situation. It does not pitch anything. It just starts a conversation.

More than two to three in the first week is pushing into annoying territory unless the conversation is actively two-way. For leads in early stages of your sequence, one SMS every two to three days is about right. For leads in longer nurture, once a week is plenty. The goal is to stay present without training people to ignore you. When in doubt, send less frequently and make each message count more.

Use SMS for the initial touchpoint and appointment reminders, and email for the deeper content and longer nurture messages. The sequence might look like: SMS immediately after opt-in, email with the full resource and introduction the same day, SMS follow-up two days later to check if they had a chance to look at the guide, then email with a related insight two days after that. Alternate the channels based on what each one does best rather than duplicating the same message across both.