SMS Benchmarks for Health & Wellness

Understanding SMS benchmarks is vital for health & wellness brands that rely on timely, trusted communication with patients and clients. In this guide, we explore key SMS performance metrics shaping engagement in this space.

Average Response Rate

The average response rate in health and wellness is typically around 30 to 40 percent, reflecting how often patients and clients answer SMS messages.

Response rate reflects the proportion of people who reply to texts, found by dividing the number of responses by the total successfully delivered messages.

In clinics, fitness centers, and wellness practices, this metric shows how reliably individuals communicate about appointments, reminders, refills, or care instructions.

Strong response rates often indicate trust, timely engagement, and smoother coordination of care, which supports better adherence, fewer missed visits, and a more consistent overall health experience.

Average Opt-Out Rate

The average opt-out rate for health and wellness messages is typically between 0.6 and 1.3 percent, reflecting a moderate level of fatigue among subscribers.

The opt-out rate shows the portion of people who reply STOP or unsubscribe from your health and wellness SMS list after receiving messages.

It is calculated by dividing the total number of opt-outs by the total number of successfully delivered texts, then multiplying by 100 to get a percentage.

In health and wellness, this metric signals how patients and clients feel about reminders, motivational tips, and program updates, helping brands make sure communication stays relevant, respectful, and supportive.

Average Click-Through Rate

The average click-through rate in health and wellness is 10–12% and shows how frequently people tap links in SMS messages that share guidance on fitness, nutrition, mental health, or appointments.

Click-through rate is the percentage of delivered text messages that result in at least one tap on a tracked link.

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

In health and wellness, this metric reveals whether messages feel timely, supportive, and relevant, helping brands and practitioners make sure communication truly supports better daily habits and long term wellbeing.

Average Conversion Rate

The average conversion rate is 1.5–2.0%, showing how many SMS recipients in health & wellness go on to complete a specific outcome after reading a message.

Conversion rate is calculated by dividing the number of successful actions such as class bookings, subscription sign ups, or completed intake forms by the total messages delivered in a given period.

This percentage is important in health & wellness because it reveals how effectively messaging supports client engagement, appointment consistency, and program adherence.

By tracking conversion rate, providers can make sure their communication stays relevant, timely, and aligned with the needs and habits of their clients.

Average Delivery Rate

The average delivery rate for health and wellness is 98–99%, which tells us that nearly every SMS reaches the patient or client right when it is needed.

This level of reliability underpins routine check in reminders, prescription updates, wellness tips, and follow up messaging that help people stay informed about their care.

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

In health and wellness, a strong delivery rate is crucial because professionals depend on timely mobile communication to support safety, continuity of care, and day to day patient engagement.

Average Open Rate

The average open rate is 98%, which means people almost always see text messages in the health & wellness space.

Open rate describes the portion of delivered texts that recipients actually view.

It is calculated by taking the number of opened messages, dividing by the number of successfully delivered messages, then multiplying by 100 to get a percentage.

In health & wellness, this metric matters because reminders about appointments, medication, mental health check ins, or lifestyle guidance must be read quickly.

High open rates make sure support arrives at the right moment, strengthening trust and ongoing care.

Average Time to Read

The average time to read an SMS in health & wellness is 3 minutes.

Time to read is the average delay between when a message lands on a phone and when a patient or client first opens it.

It is calculated by tracking the time gap from delivery to first view across many messages, then averaging those results.

This metric matters in health & wellness because slower reading can affect appointment reminders, medication prompts, preparation instructions, follow up care details, and wellness program updates.

Faster reading helps practitioners make sure people stay informed and supported in daily health routines.

Average Response Time

The average response time for health and wellness services is 90 seconds, showing how quickly people usually answer after they get a text message.

Response time is the period between when a text reaches a client and when their first reply is recorded.

It is calculated by adding up each of these gaps across all conversations and then dividing by the total number of replies.

This metric is important in health and wellness because quick replies support timely appointment coordination and follow up.

Faster responses help staff make sure guidance, reminders, and check ins arrive when they are most helpful.

Average Bounce Rate

The average bounce rate is 1–2% in health & wellness, which means only a tiny portion of SMS messages fails to reach clients.

This remarkably low figure suggests reliable data quality and consistent delivery paths.

Bounce rate is calculated by taking the number of messages that never arrive, dividing that by the total volume sent, then expressing the result as a percentage.

In health & wellness, this metric matters because dependable messaging supports appointment reminders, follow up care notes, and wellness program updates.

A low bounce rate also signals that contact lists are regularly cleaned so communication stays timely, relevant, and trusted.

Why Are SMS Metrics Important?

Sms metrics play a vital role for businesses in health & wellness because they show how well providers stay connected with patients and clients.

Whether sharing appointment confirmations, follow up care tips, or wellness reminders, strong sms performance helps critical updates reach people at the right moment.

Metrics like delivery rate, open rate, and response rate highlight how attentive and engaged your audience is.

Conversion rate and click through rate reveal how effectively messages inspire actions such as booking visits, joining programs, or purchasing recommended products.

By tracking these metrics, health & wellness businesses can make sure communication is clear, timely, and supportive of long term client relationships.

Overview of Health & Wellness

The health & wellness sector depends on clear and timely interactions between providers, staff, and clients.

People expect rapid updates, privacy conscious messaging, and simple ways to respond without friction.

Traditional channels can be slow or overlooked, which creates frustration and disrupts daily operations.

SMS offers near instantaneous delivery, near universal reach, and engagement rates that far exceed email.

It cuts through noise, supports concise two way communication, and keeps critical information visible.

By integrating SMS into communication strategies, health & wellness organizations maintain operational efficiency.

They also strengthen client trust, improve overall experiences, and stay aligned with the growing preference for mobile first communication.

SMS Use Cases in Health & Wellness

SMS is valuable for health & wellness because it delivers timely, direct communication that increases engagement and reduces missed appointments.

It provides a low-friction channel for confirmations, reminders, and short care updates that fit into busy client routines.

Send appointment confirmations and automated reminders with easy rescheduling links to reduce no-shows and free staff time.

Deliver pre-visit intake questionnaires and screening links by text so clients can complete forms beforehand and reception workflows are faster.

Trigger medication and program adherence reminders or refill prompts tailored to treatment plans to improve follow-through and retention.

Send class or session alerts, waitlist notices, and brief post-visit check-ins to maintain continuity of care and streamline billing follow-ups.

FAQs About SMS Benchmarks for Health & Wellness

 How can health & wellness brands use SMS to support client motivation?

SMS can deliver friendly check ins, encouragement, and reminders that keep clients focused on their wellness goals. Short, positive texts help people feel supported between appointments or coaching sessions.

Practitioners can also share quick wins, like acknowledging progress or suggesting simple next steps. This kind of ongoing contact makes clients feel accountable and cared for.

 What kinds of SMS reminders are helpful for wellness routines?

Health & wellness providers can send SMS reminders for workouts, meditation sessions, hydration, or daily supplement routines. These small nudges help clients stick with habits they might otherwise forget.

Messages work best when they are specific, timely, and easy to act on. For example, a short reminder before a usual workout time can gently prompt someone to follow through.

 How can SMS improve communication between wellness coaches and clients?

SMS gives wellness coaches a simple way to answer quick questions and offer real time guidance. Clients can reach out about challenges, schedule changes, or adjustments to their plan without waiting for the next session.

Coaches can also share brief tips or check in after tough days to keep clients on track. This ongoing communication builds trust and supports long term lifestyle change.

 What are some best practices for sending supportive SMS messages in health & wellness?

Health & wellness brands should keep texts clear, respectful, and focused on the client’s needs. Messages should feel personal and caring, not pushy or sales driven.

It is important to make sure clients know how often they will receive messages and how to manage their preferences. Giving people control over content and timing helps maintain comfort and trust.