In terms of mobile marketing, using mobile app and SMS have their strengths and weaknesses. Combining these two can be even more effective marketing tools to boost your business.
Mobile app provides you greater flexibility in terms of building awareness, product exposure and connecting to your customers. It may require resources to develop and update this as necessary and must be compatible with both Apple and Android phones. Most of these apps require personal information sharing which may turn off cautious users. Your app is only as good as when it is installed and used over and over again.
Typical users normally download apps for entertainment and social purposes which led to the popularity of Facebook, gaming apps, movie/music apps, etc. If you are offering differently, what is your chance of being installed compared with competing apps?
SMS marketing works for all types of phone, smartphones, traditional types and even obsolete ones. It operates simply and internet connection is not required. There is no need to worry about personal information intrusion. Most reputable companies use this method as a personal way of announcing special events or launches, sales/discount promotions, etc. and even to promote their website or mobile app. Chances of being read is more likely as compared to downloading an app.
There may be costs involved for both but for smaller business, SMS marketing is more effective and easy to manage if you know how to go about it properly. Developing an app is not easy considering you have to compete with large companies who have a team and financial resources to maintain and promote it.