SMS Benchmarks for Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation

Arts, entertainment, and recreation organizations rely on SMS benchmarks to understand how audiences respond to promotions, ticket updates, and member communication. This guide explores the performance metrics that define effective messaging in this dynamic sector.

The following stats come from analyzing 418,202 engaged contacts.

Average Response Rate

The average response rate in arts, entertainment, and recreation is 55.34%, showing how frequently audiences reply when venues reach out through SMS about tickets, memberships, programming, or schedule changes.

This figure reveals how actively people on the other end are willing to interact and keeps teams focused on conversations rather than one way announcements.

Response rate reflects the percentage of delivered texts that receive a reply, calculated by dividing responses by successfully sent messages.

In this sector, a strong rate signals that communication feels relevant and timely, which supports better attendance forecasting, smoother event flow, and more engaged communities around performances and activities.

Average Opt-Out Rate

The average opt-out rate for arts, entertainment, and recreation is 0.55 percent, reflecting how audiences respond to messages in this experience driven space.

The opt-out rate shows the portion of subscribers who reply STOP or otherwise leave a messaging list, revealing when communication starts to feel overwhelming or irrelevant.

It is calculated by dividing the number of opt-outs by the total count of delivered texts in a given period, then converting that figure into a percentage.

In arts, entertainment, and recreation, this metric signals whether event alerts, membership updates, and schedule changes feel valuable, helping organizations refine their voice while keeping audience trust strong.

Average Click-Through Rate

The average click-through rate in arts, entertainment, and recreation is 11–20% and shows how often audiences interact with links in SMS content.

This metric captures the level of engagement fans and visitors have with messages they receive.

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

You calculate it by dividing the number of link taps by the number of messages successfully delivered, then multiplying by 100.

In arts, entertainment, and recreation, a strong click-through rate reveals how compelling promotions, event details, and membership offers feel to your audience.

Average Conversion Rate

The average conversion rate for arts, entertainment, and recreation is 11–20%, reflecting how many people follow through after receiving a text about tickets, memberships, or special events.

Each reply, booking, or confirmed visit tells a story about how well the message resonated with audience interests and timing.

Conversion rate is calculated by taking the total number of successful responses and dividing it by the total messages that actually reached recipients.

For arts, entertainment, and recreation, this figure reveals whether SMS updates truly support attendance, repeat visits, and long term patron engagement.

Average Delivery Rate

The average delivery rate for arts, entertainment, and recreation is 98–99%, which means nearly every text message actually lands on the attendees device as planned.

This strong performance highlights reliable communication across venues, gyms, galleries, stadiums, and local studios.

Delivery rate is calculated by taking the number of successfully delivered messages and dividing it by all texts sent, excluding those that fail because of invalid contacts or carrier filtering.

In arts, entertainment, and recreation, this metric is crucial since organizers depend on SMS for ticket confirmations, schedule changes, access instructions, weather updates, class reminders, and real time crowd management.

Average Open Rate

The average open rate is 98%, showing that audiences in arts, entertainment, and recreation almost always notice texts about tickets, showtimes, and new experiences.

Open rate reflects the percentage of delivered text messages that recipients actually view.

It is calculated by taking the number of opened texts, dividing by the number of successfully delivered texts, then multiplying that result by 100.

For arts, entertainment, and recreation, this metric is crucial because timely details about start times, weather changes, or last minute programming updates must reach guests quickly.

High open rates make sure crowds stay informed, reducing confusion and supporting smoother events and more memorable visits.

Average Time to Read

The average time to read an SMS in arts, entertainment, and recreation is 3 minutes.

Time to read describes how long it takes for someone to open and view a text once it has reached their device.

It is calculated by tracking the time gap between delivery and first open across many messages, then averaging those results.

In arts, entertainment, and recreation, this metric is important because timely reading affects ticket confirmations, show time changes, weather related updates, crowd control messages, and last minute program adjustments.

Average Response Time

The average response time for arts, entertainment, and recreation is 90 seconds, indicating how quickly guests usually respond after an SMS reaches their phone.

Response time describes the gap between when a message is delivered and when the first reply arrives.

It is calculated by averaging this time span across every conversation in a given period.

In arts, entertainment, and recreation, response time matters because quick replies help staff adapt to changing attendance, schedule updates, and last minute requests.

A shorter response time shows that audiences are engaged and helps teams make sure experiences feel timely and responsive.

Average Bounce Rate

The average bounce rate is 1–2%, which means just a tiny fraction of SMS updates in arts, entertainment, and recreation never arrive.

Bounce rate is calculated by taking all undelivered messages, dividing that by the total texts sent, then converting the result into a percentage.

In arts, entertainment, and recreation, it shows how reliably ticket reminders, program changes, and membership notices reach people.

A steady low bounce rate keeps audience lists accurate, so event organizers can make sure schedules, last minute changes, and special access details reach fans without confusion.

Average Messages per Conversation

Arts, entertainment, and recreation businesses see an average of 4.3 messages per conversation, which signals high engagement.

Average messages per conversation shows how many total replies happen inside a single texting thread between a guest and a venue.

It is calculated by taking all messages in a period and dividing by the number of separate conversations.

In arts, entertainment, and recreation, a higher average often means fans are actively chatting about ticket options, schedules, or access details.

This depth of back and forth can highlight strong interest, reveal friction points, and guide teams to make sure communication feels clear, timely, and tailored.

Overview of Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation

The arts, entertainment, and recreation sector thrives on anticipation, engagement, and rapid updates that audiences and participants expect in real time.

These organizations coordinate performers, staff, venues, and guests across constantly shifting schedules and high demand periods.

Traditional channels can be slow or easily overlooked, which creates gaps when plans change quickly or information needs to be shared at scale.

SMS offers immediate delivery, near universal reach, and open rates that far exceed email, making it a trusted way to cut through noise.

By providing fast, direct communication, SMS helps maintain operational efficiency, support smooth day to day coordination, and elevate overall guest experience.

SMS Use Cases in Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation

SMS gives arts, entertainment, and recreation operators a direct channel to reach patrons, reduce no-shows, and capture last-minute revenue.

Integrated with ticketing and CRM, texts streamline check-in, send contactless tickets, and make sure promotions reach targeted segments.

Ticket confirmations and day-of-show reminders sent by SMS lower no-shows, speed entry, and make sure front-of-house can manage capacity.

Mobile queue alerts and timed entry messages help museums, galleries, and festivals stagger arrivals, cut congestion, and improve visitor flow.

Backstage and vendor texts deliver cue changes, load-in updates, and safety notices to keep production teams synchronized.

Targeted flash offers for concessions, merchandise, and VIP upgrades drive incremental sales and provide real-time campaign metrics.

FAQs About SMS Benchmarks for Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation

How can arts, entertainment, and recreation venues use SMS to improve the guest experience?

Venues can send SMS messages with show times, ticket reminders, and last minute updates so guests know exactly what to expect. This reduces confusion on arrival and helps visitors feel more prepared and relaxed.

SMS can also be used to share parking tips, entry instructions, or links to digital programs right before an event. This creates a smoother experience from the moment guests leave home until they reach their seats.

What role does SMS play in managing event ticketing and access?

SMS can deliver mobile tickets and scannable codes directly to attendees, removing the need for printed passes. Guests simply show their phones at the entrance, which speeds up lines and reduces stress for staff.

Text messages can also provide quick updates if doors open early, set times change, or entry rules are adjusted. This keeps everyone informed without requiring them to constantly check email.

How can creative studios and museums use SMS to build stronger audience relationships?

Studios and museums can invite visitors to opt in to SMS for sneak peeks of new exhibitions, workshops, or behind the scenes content. These timely messages help audiences feel more connected to the creative process.

After a visit, SMS follow ups can share thank you notes, discount codes, or links to related events. This keeps the relationship going and gently encourages repeat attendance.

What types of SMS messages work well for fitness centers and recreational classes?

Fitness centers can use SMS to confirm class bookings, send schedule reminders, and notify members of last minute instructor changes. This helps participants plan their day and reduces no shows.

Recreation programs can also text participants about what to bring, weather related adjustments, or location details. Clear and timely texts make sure everyone arrives prepared and ready to take part.