SMS Benchmarks for Construction

SMS benchmarks give construction teams a clear view of how their messages perform across complex projects and distributed crews. This guide explores the core metrics that reveal trends in engagement and communication effectiveness.

The following stats come from analyzing 62,959 engaged contacts.

Average Response Rate

The average response rate in construction is 80.99%, reflecting how frequently people working on projects reply to SMS messages about jobs, schedules, and updates.

Response rate describes the percentage of recipients who send a reply after a text arrives successfully. It is calculated by dividing the number of responses by the total delivered messages, then multiplying by 100.

In construction, this metric reveals how reliably crews, subcontractors, and clients communicate about timelines, site access, inspections, and safety information, which helps teams make sure coordination stays tight and delays are reduced.

Average Opt-Out Rate

The average opt-out rate for construction is 0.18 percent, a figure that reflects how well project updates and service notices are received by contacts.

The opt-out rate shows the proportion of recipients who text STOP or otherwise remove themselves from your SMS list.

It is calculated by dividing total opt-outs by the number of successfully delivered text messages, then converting that result into a percentage.

In construction, this metric highlights whether scheduling alerts, safety reminders, and progress updates feel helpful or intrusive to clients and subcontractors.

Tracking opt-out rate over time helps teams refine communication frequency and content so messages support projects instead of frustrating recipients.

Average Click-Through Rate

The average click-through rate in construction is 12–18% and shows how often recipients tap links inside text campaigns.

A click-through rate compares the number of link taps to the number of successfully delivered messages.

To find it, divide total tracked clicks by total delivered texts, then multiply the result by 100.

In construction, this metric reveals whether messages about project updates, safety alerts, equipment coordination, or bid invitations are capturing attention, helping teams make sure that communications stay relevant and timely.

Average Conversion Rate

The average conversion rate for construction is 21–30%, reflecting how many people follow through after receiving a text, such as submitting a project inquiry or confirming a site visit.

Conversion rate is calculated by dividing the number of completed outcomes, like signed contracts, quote approvals, or scheduled inspections, by the total texts successfully delivered.

This percentage matters in construction because it reveals how clearly messages guide clients through planning, budgeting, and scheduling.

By tracking conversion rate, teams can make sure every text supports smoother coordination, fewer delays, and stronger client relationships.

Average Delivery Rate

The average delivery rate for construction is 98–99%, which means almost every SMS actually lands on the recipient device as planned.

This high reliability reflects stable routing, accurate contact data, and mobile friendly communication habits on job sites and in offices.

Delivery rate is calculated by taking the number of messages that reach handsets, dividing it by all texts sent, then removing those blocked by carriers or sent to invalid numbers.

In construction, this metric is crucial because crews depend on timely SMS for shift updates, safety notices, delivery coordination, equipment access codes, and rapid issue reporting.

Average Open Rate

The average open rate is 98%, meaning that almost every text message gets seen in construction.

This metric shows how many delivered texts are actually opened by workers, subcontractors, or site managers.

It is calculated by dividing opened messages by delivered messages, then multiplying that result by 100.

In construction, open rate matters because safety alerts, delivery notices, schedule shifts, and inspection updates need to be read almost immediately.

High open rates make sure critical information reaches people on site at the right moment, reducing confusion and helping projects run more smoothly.

Average Time to Read

The average time to read an SMS in construction is 3 minutes.

Time to read describes the typical delay between when a message arrives and when someone actually opens it.

It is calculated by tracking delivery timestamps and first open times across large volumes of texts, then averaging those gaps.

In construction, this metric is crucial because it affects how quickly crews see safety notices, design clarifications, access changes, delivery updates, and schedule shifts.

Faster reading supports better coordination on site, reduces confusion, and helps projects stay aligned in fast changing conditions.

Average Response Time

The average response time for construction is 90 seconds, showing how quickly crews, subcontractors, and site managers usually reply after receiving a text message.

Response time is the gap between when a message lands on a device and when the first reply is sent.

It is calculated by averaging this time difference across all project conversations over a set period.

In construction, tight response times are vital for coordinating trades, resolving site issues before they escalate, and keeping schedules on track.

Fast replies also help teams make sure safety updates, delivery changes, and inspection notes are acted on without delay.

Average Bounce Rate

The average bounce rate is 1–2% in construction, which indicates that only a tiny portion of transactional texts never make it to site teams or subcontractors.

Bounce rate is calculated by taking the number of messages that fail to deliver, dividing that by the total sent, then converting the result into a percentage.

In construction this metric matters because reliable delivery supports schedule updates, safety notices, access instructions, and last minute design clarifications.

A consistently low bounce rate keeps contact databases accurate so coordination across crews, suppliers, and project managers stays clear and predictable.

Average Messages per Conversation

Construction businesses see an average of 4.8 messages per conversation, which signals high engagement.

This shows that most text threads involve several back and forth exchanges rather than a single quick reply.

Average messages per conversation is calculated by taking the total number of messages and dividing by the number of unique conversations.

In construction, a higher average often reflects detailed coordination about project timelines, site access, change orders, and safety checks.

Tracking this metric helps teams refine communication, reduce misunderstandings, and make sure projects stay on schedule and within scope.

Overview of Construction

The construction industry relies on fast, coordinated communication to keep projects on schedule and teams aligned.

Multiple contractors, suppliers, and clients expect timely updates, clear instructions, and quick responses to reduce delays and avoid costly misunderstandings.

SMS supports these demands through immediate delivery, near universal reach, and very high engagement rates, helping critical information reach the right people without getting lost in crowded inboxes.

By using SMS as a core communication channel, construction companies can make sure decisions move faster, on site activity stays organized, and stakeholders feel informed throughout each phase of a project.

This improves day to day efficiency, reduces friction, and strengthens overall project outcomes.

SMS Use Cases in Construction

SMS is valuable for construction because it delivers instant communication between office staff, site foremen, and subcontractors to reduce delays and miscommunication.

It creates a traceable audit trail for schedule changes, safety notices, and approvals that helps keep projects on track.

Send crew mobilization and schedule change alerts to trades with arrival windows and on-site check-in links to make sure teams arrive when needed.

Notify suppliers and drivers with delivery windows and request digital proof-of-delivery photos to prevent offloading errors and material shortages.

Broadcast urgent safety alerts or stand-down notices and collect quick incident reports via reply codes and photo attachments to keep records accurate.

FAQs About SMS Benchmarks for Construction

How can construction companies use SMS to improve on-site coordination?

Construction teams can use SMS to quickly share updates about deliveries, schedule changes, and access instructions. This helps keep supervisors, subcontractors, and suppliers aligned even when they are moving between different areas of the site.

Using SMS for short confirmations and approvals also reduces delays that might occur when people rely only on email or in-person meetings. This keeps projects moving smoothly throughout the day.

What role does SMS play in managing health and safety on construction sites?

SMS can be used to instantly broadcast urgent safety alerts, such as hazardous conditions or temporary access restrictions. Workers receive these messages directly on their phones, which helps them react quickly.

Safety managers can also use SMS to share reminders about protective equipment, toolbox talks, and procedural updates. This supports a stronger safety culture without requiring everyone to be in the same location.

How can construction businesses use SMS to coordinate with clients and stakeholders?

Project managers can send SMS updates to clients about milestone completions, site visits, and inspection schedules. This keeps stakeholders informed without forcing them to check long email threads.

When approvals or quick decisions are needed, SMS provides a fast way to confirm details and avoid misunderstandings. This can improve trust and transparency throughout the project lifecycle.

Why is SMS effective for managing subcontractors in construction projects?

SMS lets general contractors reach multiple subcontractors at once with clear instructions about start times, location changes, and required materials. This reduces confusion and the risk of people showing up at the wrong place or time.

Subcontractors can also reply with quick status updates or questions, which helps resolve issues before they affect the wider schedule. This supports better coordination across different trades working on the same project.