In a world of crowded inboxes and constant notifications, effective Customer Relationship Management (CRM) in the form of email and text messaging isn’t about sending more, it’s about sending smarter. Whether you’re communicating through email or text (SMS), the goal is the same: deliver the right message, to the right person, at the right time.
CRM channels like email and text are powerful because they’re personal. These messages land directly in someone’s inbox or phone, making relevance, timing and clarity absolutely critical. Start with some best practices to help your email and text campaigns connect, engage and convert.
Start With Segmentation For Stronger Email and Text Messaging
Before you write a single word, define who your message is for in each particular instance. Generic messaging leads to generic results. But specific messaging for a specific set of people generates tailored results that the receiver will find to be helpful and motivating. Segmentation can be based on:
Past purchases or behaviors
Engagement history
Location or timing
Lifecycle stage (new lead, active customer, lapsed customer)
Write Like a Human in Email and Text Messaging
People don’t want to read corporate language in their inbox or texts. CRM messages should sound conversational, clear, and approachable. Even in B2B environments, friendly and direct almost always outperforms formal and vague. For both email and text messaging try to:
Use short sentences and simple words
Avoid jargon and buzzwords that you might use in your marketing department
Write how your brand would actually speak to a person, as if they were a person
Make the Value Clear and Get to the Point Fast
You only have a few seconds to earn attention, especially on mobile. Always ask yourself: What’s in it for the reader and make sure they can tell immediately.
For Email Messaging:
Subject lines should quickly communicate benefit or relevance (remember your character count here is 60, including spaces)
The first sentence should reinforce why this matters to the reader
For Text Messaging:
Lead with the purpose of the message
Avoid burying the point under greetings or filler
Remember you have a maximum of 160 characters, including a link and the best practices phrase “Text STOP to end” at the end of the SMS
Keep Calls to Action (CTAs) in Email and Text Messaging Simple and Specific
Every CRM message should guide the reader toward one clear next step. Avoid stacking multiple asks or multiple CTAs into a single message. Focus in your messaging increases a reader’s follow-through.
Best practices for strong CTAs:
Are action-oriented (“Book your spot,” “Download the guide,” “View your offer”)
Match the intent of the message
Feel easy to complete
Optimize for Mobile (Because That’s Where It’s Read)
Most CRM messages are read on phones, even emails are mobile first these days. If it’s not easy to read on a small screen, it’s unlikely to be read at all.
Best practices:
Use short paragraphs and plenty of white space
Avoid long blocks of text
Make buttons large and easy to tap
Keep SMS messages concise and skimmable
Test, Learn and Refine Your CRM Messaging
The most effective CRM programs evolve over time. Even small improvements in open rates or click-through rates can lead to significant gains. Consider regularly testing:
Subject lines
Send times
Message length
CTA wording
Personalization
When it Comes to Email and Text Messaging, Be Helpful First, Promotional Second
At its best, CRM messaging feels like good service to loyal customers, not advertising. When emails and texts deliver value, solve problems or save time, they build trust that lasts beyond a single click. Strong email and text messaging isn’t about filling calendars or hitting send quotas. It’s about building relationships one relevant, well-timed, precisely-crafted message at a time.
What are the marketing trends to look for in 2026? Every new year brings fresh predictions, buzzwords, and strategies that can make marketing feel overwhelming. As algorithms continue to change, often we shift and adjust (or panic about Google’s new rule). However, the reality is that the strongest marketing trends are not about chasing what is new. Instead, trends focus on adapting what already works in smarter and more intentional ways.
As we move into 2026, we see marketing becoming more human, more strategic, and more focused on genuine connections. Here are the key marketing trends to watch and lean into this year (if you are curious about 2025 trends, we wrote about those too).
Authentic Content Over Perfection
Overly polished visuals are losing their edge. Today’s audiences and clients want authentic content, not sales-driven or staged. In fact, authenticity isn’t just preferred; it is expected.
Content that prioritizes connection over aesthetics
Casual, conversational captions
People are more likely to engage with content that feels genuine and relatable rather than overly produced.
Short-Form Video Will Remain a Marketing Trend in 2026
Short-form videos aren’t going anywhere. That said the marketing trends to watch in 2026 depend less on what you post and more on why and where you’re posting it.
Specifically, high-performing video content focuses on:
Education, storytelling or quick insights
Consistency rather than going viral
Repurposing content across platforms
Reaching audience where they already spend time
Brands need to prioritize intentional video content that aligns with their values and speaks directly to their audience. directly to their audience.
Personalized Marketing Over Generic Marketing
Generic messaging has become easier than ever to scroll past. In the marketing trend for 2026, clients expect content that feels tailored to their needs and interests.
We create these opportunities by:
Listening to our clients
Creating marketing plans
Prioritize personalization over generic marketing strategy
When audiences feel seen and understood, trust naturally follows. Personalization not only builds stronger relationships but also drives stronger results. ships but also drives stronger results. e long run. Personalization not only builds stronger relationships but also drives stronger results.
Final Thoughts on Marketing Trends in 2026
Overall, marketing trends in 2026 are less about doing more but about doing things better. Authenticity, personalization, strategy, and consistency are shaping how brands and clients connect with their audiences in meaningful ways.
Although trends will continue to evolve, the foundation remains the same — we continue to focus on understanding our audience, providing value and showing up with purpose. When marketing is rooted in connection rather than pressure to chase what’s new and shiny, it becomes not only more meaningful but also far more successful.
This year is a significant business anniversary for Front Porch Marketing! ‘Cause when you are fifteen … yep, had to … the lyrics from the icon and brilliant, bad a** storyteller and business woman Taylor Swift. We are honored and humbled to be celebrating our 15th year in business beginning this March. Which has all our marketing and branding wheels spinning.
What’s Significant About 2026?
It is not only our 15th anniversary. We have a new client who has engaged us to develop a brand audit, brand architecture and a 2026 marketing plan. Oh, and 2026 marks this client’s 30th year in business. Another significant business anniversary! Well, celebrations and events are always top of mind on the Porch. So, in my best football mom voice, Let’s go!
Looking for Ways to Rock Your Significant Business Birthday?
Whether it is this year or next, Front Porch Marketing can help. First of all, remember all things you do as a business should be in your brand voice and colors. Next, build on traditions and the vernacular you have established — for your brand and within your company culture — with your clients and advocates. Keep doing more of what makes you YOU!
Ready to celebrate your significant business anniversary? Look up the traditional and modern gifts and words associated with the significant year celebrations. For 30, for example, it is pearls, diamonds, lilies and other delightful 30th anniversary attributes.
Idea Starters For Your Significant Day Celebration
The big day to celebrate in 2026, for our current client, would be the 30th of every month starting in the month that they were founded for twelve months • Social media post related to the anniversary • Gift in line with 30 years to client’s advocates or to the founding client • Same to current and possibly prospective clients
Nonprofit tie-in • Donating $3,000 to a nonprofit near and dear to the brand or some special philanthropic tie-in • Asking for submissions directed to nonprofits, asking why their nonprofit should get $3,000
Team recognition • Special 30th anniversary branded gift • Celebration event for team • Volunteering together for 30 hours during the anniversary year
Short-term logo with 30th anniversary tagline or “30” incorporated into the design
30th anniversary website banner
Updated social media timeline covers and/or avatars
Handwritten notes with a special gift — or no gift — to those who helped you start the business or who are key to keeping you motivated to think differently. Recognize those who are always propping you up throughout the year
We Thank YOU For Helping Us Reach This Significant Year
It is not lost on us that we could not have done these past fifteen years without you. We could not have done this without team members present and past, and those that are yet to come. To those team members who we pull in when we have overflow or need special expertise: Thank you.
To those who refer us to other business leaders and contacts? We give our endless gratitude. To the champions of Front Porch Marketing who ask us to speak at events or are always at the willing to talk to clients looking for additional expertise and resources.
We are grateful for you all. Humbled and blessed always. Our team is honored to work with those we love for whom we love while taking care of our loves.
There would be no Front Porch Marketing without all y’all.
Before we knew it, 2025 came to an end. A year that was filled with opportunities, challenges, transitions and even moments of uncertainty. Looking back, it’s clear that these obstacles provided immense amounts of growth for our Rockers, both professionally and personally. The gratitude we feel for our clients and one another far outweigh any stress or uncertainty that we faced along the way.
Each of the following reflections tells a story of resilience, gratitude and progress, highlighting the meaningful growth and the trends that defined 2025, both within our work and in our personal lives.
Chief Rocker Julie Porter
Personally, this year was full of blessings. Andrew, my son, graduated with his MBA from Rollins College. We are so proud! Audrey, my daughter, continued to excel in school and proclaimed a love of acting and a hobby of being a soccer goalie.
Professionally, our team said goodbye to an important team member but gained a rock star. We had interns move on to amazing things and welcomed new ones. We were blessed with new clients and remained honored to continue on with our current clients. I gained new connections through joining groups including Success Champion Networking and Dream Team Dallas. I am motivated now more than ever to grow our business and brand.
We had time to give back our resources to important events including the Jesuit Women’s Auxiliary Christmas Bazaar and the Grant Halliburton Foundation’s Beacon of Hope Luncheon and Hope Party, among other things.
Industry wide, folks were dabbling in AI. Those that knew how to embrace it, we were grateful. And a few clients and prospects that were just getting on board, we were honored to educate them on the benefits.
Reflecting on 2025 and looking forward to the coming year are critical to me as a business leader. As a business, we will continue our focus — providing marketing plans and strategies and spot-on execution are paramount. We will continue to work with those we love, for those we love while taking care of our loves.
Cheers to the new year! I am honored to be working with this rockin’ team for our amazing clients.
Client Relationship Rocker Nancy Scott
As I look back on 2025, I’m grateful for a year that pushed me, taught me and reminded me why I love the work I do. I had the chance to partner with some incredible clients across industries and help them fine tune messaging and branding. Each project felt meaningful — I’m proud of the work created with my fellow Rockers and clients.
On the home front, my three daughters continue to amaze me. I watched them grow into themselves more, becoming more confident and more aware of who they are. We faced big and small challenges head-on and together. In starting over, we leaned on each other and discovered a kind of strength and courage I’ll never forget.
As we wrap up the year, I’m thankful for the people and moments that made 2025 what it was. Mostly, I’m grateful for my daughters and the community around us. Here’s to moving into 2026 with clarity, gratitude and hope!
Rock Collector Alison Moreno
2025 was an incredible year both personally and professionally. Watching my son graduate from high school and sending him off to college is sad and wonderful all at the same time. Witnessing my daughter become strong and independent both physically and emotionally, as she finished 3rd in Powerlifting Regionals before finishing out her sophomore year has made me so proud.
This year has also been a great opportunity for me as I have been able to grow and learn so much within the bookkeeping and accounting world. I have been able to work with more business owners in different industries that have bright dreams for their companies, and I have been able to help them work towards those goals. I hope that 2026 offers more of the same opportunities and progress as I push myself beyond my previous boundaries and expand my expertise.
Media Rocker Christine Finnegan
My year-end reflections for 2025 focus on reviewing my personal growth, career milestones — such as new skills and leadership achievements — health habits, and financial goals. I emphasized the importance of deep, intentional planning rather than merely “doing more” to achieve true fulfillment. My actions are always guided by self-awareness and resilience, ensuring they align with my personal values and maintain focus. As I look back on the year, I’ve realized that my happiness stems primarily from my two sons. Knowing that they are well and thriving brings me immense joy and fulfillment.
Swiss Army Rock Lea Ann Allen
2025 was a year full of Blursdays. Blursday, in case you are not familiar, is the day it is when you don’t know what day it is. All in all, 2025 has been utter chaos. But amid all the chaos I could always count on my colleagues at Front Porch Marketing. They are steady, kind and uplifting.
In all other ways, I am grateful this year is over. And I’m definitely hoping next year is less like a dumpster fire and more like a warm cup of cocoa with extra marshmallows. Keep your fingers crossed.
Website Rocker Vicky Gouge
It’s hard to believe we’re heading into 2026. My son just turned 12, and it feels like only yesterday I was holding him for the first time. While I love watching him grow into a thoughtful, capable young man, it’s bittersweet how quickly the years seem to pass. Time has a way of speeding up as we get older, and moments like this make that especially clear.
Looking back, 2025 was a steady and meaningful year. I was fortunate to travel with friends, spend a lot of quality time with family, and create new memories with Charlie along the way. Those experiences are what truly anchored the year for me.
From a business perspective, the year brought its share of challenges. The rapid emergence of AI tools introduced uncertainty, and a shifting economy made decision-making slower for many consumers. Even so, the year remained a positive one overall — full of learning, adaptation, and forward momentum.
Intern Sophie Leos
As I reflect back on the past year, I am so thankful for the opportunities that presented challenges and allowed me to grow professionally and as a person. As a senior in college at the University of Arkansas, I am approaching some of my final months as a student. Looking back even just a year ago, I feel like a whole new person.
This year was filled with various internships including my current one with Front Porch Marketing, which has given me much clarity as to my future career path. Front Porch has allowed me to learn from inspiring marketing professionals and gain numerous new skills, along with a vast amount of knowledge about the marketing world. I feel so much more prepared to enter the workforce and confident in the value that I can add to a team.
I am so grateful to everyone at Front Porch who has given me the space to learn and grow while also providing me with valuable guidance along the way. 2025 was so fruitful, and I cannot wait to see what’s in store for the next year!
Intern Riley Fry
Over the course of this year, there have been challenges to face, obstacles to overcome, goals achieved and unforgettable memories made with friends and family. To 2025, all I can say is thank you for shaping me into the person I am today, strengthening me through difficult moments and reminding me of what I’m capable of. Being a part of Front Porch Marketing has truly uplifted me and taught me more than I could have ever imagined, both personally and professionally. Every experience, lesson and connection has played a role in my growth. Because of 2025, I’m stepping into the new year feeling grateful, confident and excited for what’s ahead.
Reflections on 2025, From All of Us on the Porch
Thank you for being part of a year that challenged us, shaped us and helped us grow into the best versions of ourselves. As we step into the new year, we do so with gratitude for our people, our clients and the community that continues to support and inspire us.
Here’s to growth, clarity and showing up for one another.
Stay curious.
Stay kind.
Keep rocking.
With hearts full of love and excitement, we can’t wait to see what this new year will bring.
