There's no single "best" follow-up channel — there's a right channel for each moment in the buyer's journey. Here's the 2026 breakdown.
Head-to-Head
| Channel | Open / Pick-Up | Best Use | Cost / Message |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMS | ~98% | Reminders, quick asks, booking links | $0.01–0.04 |
| ~21% | Long-form, proof, nurture | ~$0.001 | |
| AI Voice Call | ~30% pick-up | Hot inbound, high-intent booking | $0.10–0.30 |
The Combined Playbook
- New inbound lead: AI call in < 60s → SMS fallback → email.
- Cold reactivation: Email first (cheap), then SMS, then AI call for openers.
- No-show recovery: SMS instantly, AI call 10 minutes later.
Compliance Notes (2026)
US 10DLC registration is required for SMS. AI voice calls must disclose they're AI in most states. Email needs a working unsubscribe. Legion handles all three by default.