SMS Benchmarks for Accounting & Bookkeeping

Understanding SMS benchmarks helps accounting and bookkeeping teams fine tune client communication and improve the relevance of reminders and updates. In this guide, we explore the metrics that reveal how SMS supports accuracy and trust in financial workflows.

Average Response Rate

The average response rate in accounting and bookkeeping is around 20 to 30 percent, reflecting how often clients respond when firms send text updates or questions.

Response rate is the proportion of delivered messages that receive a reply, found by dividing the number of responses by the count of texts that successfully reach recipients.

In accounting and bookkeeping, this metric shows how reliably clients engage with reminders, document requests, approval prompts, and payment updates.

When response rates are strong, firms can collect information faster, reduce follow up friction, and keep records more accurate and up to date.

Average Opt-Out Rate

The average opt-out rate is 0.4–0.7 percent for accounting and bookkeeping SMS programs, which reflects a moderate level of list churn in a detail driven profession.

The opt-out rate is the percentage of contacts who reply STOP or otherwise remove themselves from your text list out of all successfully delivered messages.

It is calculated by dividing total opt-outs by delivered texts, then multiplying by one hundred.

In accounting and bookkeeping, this metric signals whether reminders, deadline notices, and financial updates feel relevant and respectful, helping firms fine tune communication frequency and content.

Average Click-Through Rate

The average click-through rate in accounting & bookkeeping is 11–17% and reveals how frequently clients interact with links inside SMS messages.

Click-through rate shows the percentage of successfully delivered texts that generate at least one tap on a tracked link.

To calculate it, divide total link clicks by total messages delivered, then multiply by 100.

In accounting & bookkeeping, click-through rate highlights whether clients value reminders about invoices, payment status, tax updates, or shared financial reports.

It helps firms make sure that mobile communication supports clear records, timely approvals, and smoother cash flow visibility.

Average Conversion Rate

The average conversion rate for accounting & bookkeeping is 1.0–1.8 percent, reflecting how many people complete a specific step after receiving an SMS from a firm.

Conversion rate describes the share of recipients who follow through on a chosen outcome, such as booking a consultation, approving a proposal, or paying an invoice after a message is delivered.

It is calculated by dividing successful actions by total messages sent, then expressing the result as a percentage.

This metric is vital in accounting & bookkeeping because it reveals how well SMS supports client responsiveness, cash flow timing, and ongoing engagement.

Average Delivery Rate

The average delivery rate for accounting & bookkeeping is 98–99%, which indicates that almost every text message reaches the intended recipient without interruption.

This high level of reliability supports clear and timely communication between firms, clients, and stakeholders.

Delivery rate is calculated by taking all successfully delivered messages and dividing them by the total messages sent, after excluding texts that fail due to issues like invalid numbers or carrier restrictions.

In accounting & bookkeeping, this metric matters because accurate reminders, compliance alerts, payment notices, and document follow ups must arrive consistently to protect records and support financial accuracy.

Average Open Rate

The average open rate is 98%, which means text messages are almost always viewed in accounting & bookkeeping.

For accountants and bookkeepers, open rate shows how many delivered texts clients actually look at.

It is found by taking the number of opened texts, dividing by the total delivered texts, then multiplying that figure by 100.

This metric matters because clients need to see messages about filing deadlines, payment reminders, missing documents, and compliance alerts.

High open rates make sure those time sensitive updates reach clients quickly so their records stay accurate and organized.

Average Time to Read

The average time to read an SMS in accounting & bookkeeping is 3 minutes.

Time to read describes the delay between when a message reaches a device and when it is first opened by the recipient.

It is calculated by tracking delivery timestamps and initial open times for many messages, then averaging those gaps across the full dataset.

This metric matters in accounting & bookkeeping because delayed reading can slow approvals, payment reminders, compliance notices, and month end close updates, making it harder to keep records accurate and workflows synchronized.

Average Response Time

The average response time for accounting & bookkeeping is 90 seconds, showing how quickly clients usually respond after receiving a text message.

Response time is the period between when a text arrives and when the first reply is sent.

It is calculated by taking all those time gaps across different conversations and finding the average.

In accounting & bookkeeping, response time matters because timely replies help clarify transactions, confirm document details, and resolve questions before they become problems.

A shorter response time reflects engaged clients and helps professionals make sure records stay accurate and up to date.

Average Bounce Rate

The average bounce rate for accounting & bookkeeping is 1–2% , which indicates that only a very small share of SMS records fail to deliver.

Bounce rate is calculated by dividing the number of undelivered messages by the total texts sent and then converting that figure into a percentage.

In accounting & bookkeeping this benchmark matters because firms rely on accurate client contact data for payment reminders, invoice notices, compliance updates, and deadline alerts.

A low and stable bounce rate means lists stay well maintained so communications align with financial schedules and reduce the risk of missed information.

Why Are SMS Metrics Important?

SMS metrics play a key role for businesses in accounting & bookkeeping because they show how clearly firms are communicating with busy clients.

Clients depend on quick updates about invoices, payment reminders, and upcoming filing deadlines, so strong SMS performance helps make sure these details are not missed.

Delivery rate and open rate reveal whether messages are actually reaching clients and catching their attention.

Response rate shows how willing clients are to engage by sending documents or answering questions.

Conversion and click through rates highlight how well texts prompt actions such as paying invoices, approving proposals, or booking advisory sessions.

Overview of Accounting & Bookkeeping

Accounting & bookkeeping relies on precise, timely communication to manage financial records, client expectations, and regulatory obligations.

Clients expect rapid clarification on figures, deadlines, and compliance matters, which puts pressure on firms to respond quickly and consistently.

Traditional channels like email or phone can slow interactions or get overlooked, disrupting workflows and affecting trust.

SMS offers immediate delivery, near universal reach, and very high open rates, making it ideal for quick and reliable messaging in this environment.

By supporting faster exchanges and reducing delays, SMS helps accounting & bookkeeping teams maintain efficiency, strengthen transparency, and provide a more responsive client experience.

SMS Use Cases in Accounting & Bookkeeping

Text messaging offers accounting & bookkeeping firms a fast, direct way to reduce collections lag and keep client workflows moving, especially during busy tax and reporting seasons.

Send concise invoice reminders with a secure payment link and payment status updates to cut down on late payments and manual follow up.

Automate collection requests for missing receipts or bank statements with one-click upload links to make sure staff spend less time chasing documents.

Use appointment confirmations and two-way rescheduling messages to reduce no-shows for bookkeeping reviews and client consultations.

Push tax-deadline alerts, estimated payment reminders, and payroll change notices so clients stay compliant and accounting teams can better prioritize workloads.

FAQs About SMS Benchmarks for Accounting & Bookkeeping

How can accounting & bookkeeping firms use SMS to confirm client appointments?

Accounting & bookkeeping firms can send short SMS reminders that restate the date, time, and location of upcoming meetings. Clients can quickly reply to confirm or request a change, which helps reduce missed appointments.

What role can SMS play in collecting documents for bookkeeping tasks?

Firms can use SMS to prompt clients to upload receipts, invoices, and bank statements to a secure portal. A clear text with a link and deadline helps clients stay organized and submit documents on time.

How can SMS help accounting & bookkeeping practices manage payment follow-ups?

Practices can send polite SMS nudges when invoices are due or upcoming, including a link to an online payment page. This keeps communication friendly and timely, reducing the need for repeated phone calls.

In what ways can SMS support client onboarding for accounting & bookkeeping services?

During onboarding, firms can use SMS to share checklists, portal access links, and brief status updates. Clients appreciate simple, direct messages that guide them through each step without overwhelming them.