April 16, 2025
When it comes to staying in touch with leads and patients, most chiropractors use one (or both) of two powerful tools: email and SMS (text messaging). But which one actually drives better results? And more importantly—which should you use for your practice?
Let’s break it down and compare email and SMS side by side, so you can use each one strategically to grow your practice.
Email marketing has been a trusted tool for years, and for good reason. It’s perfect for delivering longer-form content, educational info, or updates to your patients.
Email Pros:
Ideal for newsletters, appointment reminders, and patient education
Easy to format with visuals, links, and calls-to-action
Can be automated and personalized over time
Cost-effective for large lists
Email Cons:
Lower open rates (~20–30% on average)
Can land in spam or promotions folders
Slower response times
Best Use Cases:
Monthly newsletters
Re-engagement campaigns
Educational email sequences
Promotions or seasonal offers
Text messages have an open rate of 90%+, and most are read within 3 minutes. That makes SMS an unbeatable tool for time-sensitive messages and real-time communication.
SMS Pros:
Super high open and response rates
Immediate delivery and action
Perfect for appointment reminders and lead follow-up
Feels more personal and direct
SMS Cons:
Must be short and to-the-point
Limited formatting options
Overuse can feel intrusive if not done right
Requires opt-in to comply with regulations
Best Use Cases:
New lead follow-up
Appointment reminders
Quick check-ins or updates
Limited-time offers or flash promos
It’s not about choosing one—it’s about using both together.
The most successful chiropractic marketing strategies use email and SMS in tandem, based on timing and intent.
Here’s how they can work together:
| Goal | Best Channel | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate lead follow-up | SMS | Fast, personal, drives quick response |
| Educational content | Room for detail and visuals | |
| Appointment reminders | SMS + Email | Covers all bases and reduces no-shows |
| Reactivating old patients | Warm, non-intrusive re-engagement | |
| Limited-time offer | SMS | Creates urgency and fast action |
Our Marketing Suite includes built-in SMS and email automation designed specifically for chiropractors. When a new lead comes in, we trigger instant text messages, followed by a strategic email sequence that educates, nurtures, and encourages booking.
With both tools working together, our clients get:
Faster response times
Higher show-up rates
More care plans and long-term patients
If you’re tired of leads going cold, we can help. Book a free discovery call and see how we combine SMS and email to fill your schedule and grow your practice—without the manual work.
Book a free discovery call with our team to see exactly how our fully managed ad solution can attract more qualified patients, increase your show-up rates, and take the guesswork out of marketing.
Copyright © 2025 PatientConnect. All rights reserved.
