SMS Benchmarks for Coaching & Counseling

Coaching and counseling teams rely on clear thoughtful communication, and SMS performance benchmarks offer a useful lens into how well those conversations land with clients and prospective clients. Here we explore the core SMS metrics shaping outcomes in this space.

Average Response Rate

The average response rate in coaching & counseling is 18 to 28 percent, reflecting how often clients or prospective clients answer SMS messages.

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

In Coaching & Counseling, this metric reveals how engaged people feel with session reminders, follow up questions, wellness check ins, or reflective prompts.

When response rates remain strong, communication tends to feel more reciprocal and supportive, which can help build trust, continuity of care, and a clearer sense of progress over time.

Average Opt-Out Rate

The average opt-out rate in coaching & counseling is typically around 0.3 to 0.7 percent, reflecting relatively stable client communication.

The opt-out rate is the percentage of clients who reply STOP or unsubscribe from your SMS updates compared with all successfully delivered messages.

You calculate it by dividing the number of opt-outs by total delivered texts, then multiplying by 100 to express it as a percentage.

In coaching & counseling, this metric highlights whether session reminders, wellness tips, and follow up check ins feel relevant and respectful of boundaries.

Keeping an eye on opt-out rate helps practitioners refine message timing, tone, and frequency so conversations feel supportive rather than intrusive.

Average Click-Through Rate

The average click-through rate in coaching & counseling is 11–18% and shows how often clients interact with links shared in SMS or email outreach.

A click-through rate measures the portion of delivered messages that lead to at least one tap on a tracked link.

To calculate it, divide total link clicks by the number of messages successfully delivered, then multiply the result by 100.

In coaching & counseling, this metric reveals whether clients find session reminders, resource links, and progress check ins meaningful, helping practitioners make sure their communication stays relevant and supportive.

Average Conversion Rate

The average conversion rate for coaching & counseling is 1.1–2.0%, indicating how many people who receive a text message actually move forward with a meaningful next step after reading it.

Conversion rate represents the share of recipients who complete a specific outcome, such as booking a first session, confirming an appointment, filling out an intake form, or replying to a check in message.

It is calculated by dividing the number of these completed outcomes by the total number of messages successfully delivered, then multiplying by one hundred to get a percentage.

This metric matters in coaching & counseling because it reflects how clearly and compassionately messages support engagement, client commitment, schedule stability, and overall therapeutic relationships.

Average Delivery Rate

The average delivery rate for coaching & counseling is 98–99%, which means nearly every text message reaches the recipients device as intended.

This high figure reflects consistent and predictable SMS performance for practitioners who depend on clear and timely communication with clients.

Delivery rate is calculated by dividing all successfully delivered texts by the total number of messages sent, while excluding those that fail because of invalid phone numbers or carrier filtering.

In coaching & counseling, this metric matters because clients rely on dependable SMS for appointment reminders, intake forms, follow up notes, session links, and sensitive progress updates.

Average Open Rate

The average open rate is 98%, which means almost every text message sent in coaching & counseling is actually viewed by clients.

In this context, open rate refers to the percentage of delivered texts that people tap to read.

It is calculated by taking the number of opened messages, dividing it by the number of successfully delivered messages, then multiplying by 100.

For coaching & counseling, a strong open rate matters because reminders, reflective prompts, and scheduling updates must be seen quickly.

High engagement with texts can make sure clients stay informed, supported, and connected between sessions.

Average Time to Read

The average time to read in coaching & counseling is 3 minutes.

Time to read describes how long it takes a client to open and look at a message once it has been delivered.

It is calculated by tracking the gap between message delivery and the first open across many conversations, then averaging those gaps.

This simple metric quietly shapes how support is offered in coaching & counseling.

When practitioners know typical reading patterns, they can time check ins, sensitive updates, and follow ups so clients are more likely to see guidance when they are ready to take it in.

Average Response Time

The average response time for coaching & counseling is 90 seconds, indicating how quickly clients typically respond once they receive a text message.

Response time refers to the gap between when a text reaches the client and when the first reply is sent.

It is calculated by adding up these time gaps across all conversations and dividing by the number of exchanges.

In coaching & counseling this metric matters because timely replies support continuity in guidance and emotional support.

A shorter response time suggests that clients feel connected and engaged, which helps practitioners make sure conversations remain relevant and responsive to evolving needs.

Average Bounce Rate

The average bounce rate is 1–2% in coaching & counseling, a tiny slice of SMS notifications that never connect with clients.

Such a low share hints at reliable client data and stable message delivery across appointment reminders and session follow ups.

Bounce rate is calculated by dividing undelivered texts by the total sent, then turning that result into a percentage.

In coaching & counseling, this figure carries real weight because conversations often involve sensitive topics, scheduling changes, and emotional check ins.

A low bounce rate helps keep contact lists healthy, so communication stays timely and supportive.

Why Are SMS Metrics Important?

Sms metrics matter deeply for businesses in coaching & counseling because they show how clearly they connect with clients who often seek support in vulnerable moments.

Whether confirming sessions, sharing preparation tips, or sending gentle reminders, strong sms performance helps make sure clients receive guidance when they need it most.

Metrics such as delivery rate, open rate, and response rate reveal how attentive and engaged clients are with these messages.

Conversion and click through rates highlight how well texts inspire actions like booking follow up sessions, joining programs, or accessing resources.

By tracking these metrics, coaching & counseling professionals can refine their communication, build trust, and support more consistent client progress.

Overview of Coaching & Counseling

Coaching and counseling rely on steady communication that feels both personal and discreet.

Clients expect quick access to guidance, clarity about next steps, and reassurance that their practitioner is reachable when it matters.

Traditional channels like email or phone can be slow, hard to track, or disruptive to focused sessions and daily workflows.

SMS offers near universal reach, rapid delivery, and engagement rates that far exceed other channels, making it easier to maintain timely contact.

By supporting fast, reliable touchpoints, SMS helps coaching and counseling practices streamline communication, sustain client trust, and make sure operations stay organized and responsive.

SMS Use Cases in Coaching & Counseling

SMS offers immediate, discreet touchpoints that keep clients engaged between sessions and support continuity of care in coaching & counseling.

Short texts make sure logistical details, safety checks, and therapeutic momentum are maintained without overwhelming clinicians' schedules.

Appointment reminders with secure links and brief pre-session intake prompts reduce no-shows and help clients arrive ready to work.

Timed homework nudges and micro-practice SMS keep clients accountable between visits and make sure learning transfers to daily routines.

Automated wellbeing check-ins triage risk, flag urgent responses for clinicians, and create a documented timeline for safety planning.

Billing reminders, consent confirmations, and short outcome surveys via text streamline administrative workflows so clinicians can prioritize care.

FAQs About SMS Benchmarks for Coaching & Counseling

How can coaching & counseling practices use SMS to strengthen the client relationship?

SMS can be used to send supportive check-ins between sessions so clients feel remembered and cared for. Short, encouraging messages can reinforce session insights and help clients stay focused on their goals.

Using SMS for quick follow-ups after challenging sessions also helps clients feel safe sharing how they are coping. This consistent touchpoint can deepen trust and strengthen the therapeutic alliance.

What types of SMS reminders work best for coaching & counseling appointments?

Simple, clear reminders that include the date, time, and format of the session help clients feel organized and reduce confusion. Friendly language that respects the client’s time and privacy makes the reminder feel more personal and less transactional.

Adding a brief prompt like a reflection question for the session can turn a basic reminder into a moment of preparation. This helps clients arrive more focused and ready to engage.

How can SMS support client accountability between counseling or coaching sessions?

Practitioners can send brief check-in texts asking clients if they completed a specific action step or self-care activity. This helps clients remember their commitments and reinforces the importance of small, consistent progress.

SMS can also be used to invite clients to share one short insight or challenge since the last session. This keeps the work active and makes it easier to pick up where you left off next time.

What are best practices for keeping counseling-related SMS messages confidential and respectful?

Messages should avoid sensitive clinical details and use neutral wording so that content stays private even if someone glances at the screen. Practitioners can invite clients to set preferences about what can or cannot be mentioned in texts.

It is important to get explicit consent for SMS communication and explain any limits to privacy. Clear expectations help clients feel safe and in control of how they are contacted.