150+ SMS Marketing Messages That Drive Customer Engagement and Boost Sales in 2024

Last month, I watched a local bakery triple their weekend sales using just three SMS templates. Their secret wasn't fancy automation or expensive tools—it was having the right message for the right moment.

Photo by Gustt Rabelo on Pexels

Last month, I watched a local bakery triple their weekend sales using just three SMS templates. Their secret wasn't fancy automation or expensive tools—it was having the right message for the right moment.

SMS marketing boasts a staggering 98% open rate, according to the Federal Communications Commission's mobile communication data. Yet most businesses struggle with one critical challenge: crafting messages that actually convert.

You're about to discover 150+ proven SMS templates that work across every customer touchpoint. From welcome sequences that build instant trust to retention campaigns that turn one-time buyers into loyal customers, these templates will transform your text marketing results.

Welcome and Onboarding SMS Messages

First impressions in SMS marketing can make or break your subscriber relationship from day one.

Welcome SMS messages are initial communications sent within 5 minutes of signup that introduce your brand, set expectations, and provide immediate value to new subscribers while establishing the foundation for future engagement.

• "Welcome to [Brand]! 🎉 Thanks for joining our VIP list. Get 15% off your first order with code WELCOME15. Shop now: [link] Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Hi [Name]! You're officially part of the [Brand] family. Expect exclusive deals, early access to sales, and insider tips 2-3x per week. First perk coming tomorrow!"
• "Thanks for subscribing! Your 20% welcome discount is ready. Use code HELLO20 at checkout: [link] Questions? Reply here or call (555) 123-4567"
• "Welcome aboard! 🚀 You'll get our best deals before anyone else. Plus, here's a free shipping code for your next order: FREESHIP Reply STOP anytime"
• "Hey there! Ready to save big? Your exclusive member pricing is now active. Shop our bestsellers with your new discount: [link] Text HELP for support"

Tip: Welcome messages work great for promoting gift card bundles or starter product sets to new subscribers.

Promotional and Sales SMS Campaigns

Promotional messages are your direct line to driving immediate sales and highlighting time-sensitive offers.

Promotional SMS campaigns are targeted messages designed to generate immediate purchases through special offers, discounts, flash sales, and product launches with clear calls-to-action and urgency elements.

• "⚡ FLASH SALE: 50% off everything! Only 6 hours left. Use code FLASH50: [link] Free shipping on $50+ orders. Hurry, stock is limited!"
• "[Name], your cart misses you! Complete your order now and save an extra 10% with code SAVE10: [link] Offer expires in 2 hours"
• "🔥 HOT DEAL ALERT: Buy 2, Get 1 FREE on all skincare. Perfect for gift-giving season! Shop now: [link] Ends Sunday 11:59 PM"
• "Exclusive for VIPs: New collection launches tomorrow, but you get 24-hour early access TODAY: [link] Use code EARLY20 for 20% off"
• "Weekend Special: Free premium upgrade worth $29 with any purchase over $99. This weekend only: [link] No code needed, discount applied automatically"
• "Last chance! Your 25% off code expires tonight at midnight. Don't miss out: [link] Use SAVE25 at checkout. Free returns always"

Customer Retention and Loyalty Messages

Retention messages focus on nurturing existing customers and building long-term relationships that drive repeat purchases.

Customer retention SMS messages are relationship-building communications that reward loyalty, celebrate customer milestones, and provide exclusive benefits to encourage repeat purchases and brand advocacy.

• "Happy Birthday [Name]! 🎂 Here's a special gift: 30% off anything you want + free shipping. Treat yourself: [link] Code: BDAY30"
• "Congrats! You've earned 500 loyalty points. Redeem for $25 off your next order: [link] Plus, double points on purchases this week!"
• "VIP Alert: You get first access to our Black Friday deals starting NOW. 60% off sitewide: [link] General public gets access tomorrow"
• "Thanks for being an amazing customer! Here's 20% off as our way of saying thank you: [link] Code: THANKS20 Valid for 7 days"
• "[Name], you haven't shopped in a while. We miss you! Come back with 25% off: [link] Code: COMEBACK Plus free shipping"
• "Anniversary special! It's been 1 year since your first purchase. Celebrate with 35% off everything: [link] Code: YEAR1"

Tip: Birthday messages are perfect opportunities to promote personalized jewelry or custom photo products.

Event and Appointment Reminder Messages

Reminder messages significantly reduce no-shows and keep customers informed about scheduled commitments.

Event and appointment reminder SMS messages are timely notifications sent 24-48 hours before scheduled events that include essential details, reduce no-shows, and provide contact information for changes or questions.

• "Reminder: Your appointment with Dr. Smith is tomorrow at 2:30 PM. Address: 123 Main St. Need to reschedule? Call (555) 123-4567"
• "Don't forget! Marketing webinar starts in 24 hours. Join here: [link] We'll cover 5 strategies to double your ROI. See you there!"
• "Event reminder: Wine tasting tonight at 7 PM. Bring ID and your confirmation email. Parking available on 2nd floor. Questions? Reply here"
• "Your table for 4 is confirmed for Saturday 7:30 PM. We're excited to see you! Need changes? Call us at (555) 987-6543"
• "Workshop starts in 2 hours! Location: Conference Room B, 2nd floor. Bring a notebook and pen. Running late? Text us for updates"
• "Gentle reminder: Your consultation is scheduled for tomorrow 10 AM. Please arrive 15 minutes early with your ID and insurance card"

Shipping and Order Update Messages

Order update messages keep customers informed throughout the fulfillment process and manage delivery expectations.

Shipping and order update SMS messages are transactional communications that provide real-time status updates throughout the fulfillment process, including confirmations, tracking information, and delivery notifications to enhance customer experience.

• "Order confirmed! Your items will ship within 1-2 business days. Track your package: [link] Order #12345. Questions? Reply here"
• "Great news! Your order #12345 has shipped. Tracking: [tracking number] Expected delivery: Dec 15. Track here: [link]"
• "Your package has been delivered! Hope you love your new items. Leave a review: [link] Need help? Contact us anytime"
• "Update on order #12345: Slight delay due to high demand. New expected delivery: Dec 18. Sorry for the inconvenience! 10% off next order: CODE10"
• "Your order is out for delivery today between 10 AM - 6 PM. Make sure someone's home to receive it. Track live: [link]"
• "Package delivered to your front door at 2:45 PM. Didn't receive it? Contact us immediately: (555) 123-4567 We'll investigate right away"

Seasonal and Holiday Marketing Messages

Seasonal messages capitalize on timely trends and holiday shopping behaviors to drive relevant sales.

Seasonal and holiday SMS marketing messages are time-sensitive campaigns that align with calendar events, weather patterns, and cultural celebrations to promote relevant products and create urgency around limited-time offers.

• "🎃 Halloween Special: Spooky savings of 40% off costumes and decorations! Shop before they sell out: [link] Code: SPOOKY40"
• "Spring cleaning time! 🌸 Save 30% on organization and cleaning supplies. Fresh start, fresh savings: [link] Code: SPRING30"
• "Back-to-school deals are here! 📚 Save on laptops, supplies, and dorm essentials. Students save extra 15%: [link] Code: STUDENT15"
• "Summer's here! ☀️ Beat the heat with 25% off fans, AC units, and cooling gear. Stay cool: [link] Free shipping on $75+"
• "New Year, New You! 💪 Fitness equipment and healthy meal plans 35% off. Start strong: [link] Code: NEWYOU35"
• "Valentine's Day is next week! 💕 Last-minute gift ideas with same-day delivery available: [link] Express shipping just $9.99"

Customer Service and Support Messages

Support messages provide proactive assistance and resolve customer issues through helpful communication.

Customer service SMS messages are support-focused communications that provide solutions, updates, and assistance to customers while maintaining positive relationships and offering multiple contact options for complex issues.

• "Hi [Name], we noticed you had trouble at checkout. Our team is here to help! Reply with your question or call (555) 123-4567"
• "Service update: Our website will be down for maintenance tonight 12-3 AM EST. Sorry for any inconvenience. Mobile app still available"
• "Thanks for contacting support! Your ticket #789 has been received. We'll respond within 4 hours. Need urgent help? Call (555) 123-4567"
• "Quick survey: How was your recent experience with us? Rate 1-5 (5 = excellent). Your feedback helps us improve! Reply with your rating"
• "Good news! Your support issue has been resolved. Check your email for details. Still need help? Reply here anytime"
• "Having trouble with your order? Check our FAQ for instant answers: [link] Still stuck? Our chat support is available 24/7"

Tip: Customer service messages are ideal for promoting extended warranty plans or premium support packages.

Personalization and Segmentation Strategies

Personalized messages leverage customer data to deliver highly relevant content that drives engagement.

Personalized SMS marketing uses customer data including purchase history, location, behavior patterns, and preferences to create targeted messages that increase relevance, engagement rates, and conversion by up to 36% compared to generic campaigns.

• "Hey [Name]! Based on your recent purchase of running shoes, you might love our new moisture-wicking shirts: [link] 20% off for you"
• "Local deal alert! Your nearby [City] store has a flash sale today only. 50% off select items. Visit us at [Address] before 8 PM"
• "We noticed you viewed our wireless headphones. They're 30% off today! Plus free shipping to [City]: [link] Limited stock available"
• "[Name], it's been 30 days since your last skincare order. Time for a refill? Reorder your favorites: [link] Subscribe and save 15%"
• "Weather alert: Rain expected in [City] this week. Stay dry with 25% off umbrellas and rain gear: [link] Free pickup available"
• "Congratulations on your recent engagement! 💍 Here's 20% off wedding planning services in [City]: [link] We'd love to help your special day"

Compliance and Opt-Out Message Templates

Compliance messages ensure legal adherence while maintaining positive customer relationships during preference changes.

Compliance SMS messages are legally required communications that confirm opt-ins, acknowledge opt-out requests, and manage customer preferences while adhering to TCPA regulations and maintaining brand reputation through respectful messaging.

• "Thanks for subscribing to [Brand] SMS updates! Expect 2-3 messages per week with deals and updates. Reply STOP to opt out anytime. Msg&data rates may apply"
• "You've been unsubscribed from our SMS list. We're sorry to see you go! Want back in? Text START. Need help? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it."
• "We understand you want fewer messages. You're now set to receive only our biggest sales (1-2x per month). Reply STOP to fully opt out"
• "Opt-in confirmed! You'll receive exclusive SMS deals from [Brand]. Standard message rates apply. Reply HELP for support, STOP to opt out"
• "Your SMS preferences have been updated. You'll only receive order updates and shipping notifications. Want promotional messages back? Reply PROMO"
• "Final attempt: We miss you! Get 30% off your return: [link] Code: COMEBACK30 Not interested? Reply STOP to permanently unsubscribe"

Creating Your Own Effective SMS Marketing Messages

Mastering SMS message creation requires understanding character limits, timing, and personalization techniques that drive results.

Start with your character count—160 characters is your sweet spot for maximum deliverability. Every word must earn its place. I've seen businesses increase click-through rates by 40% just by moving their call-to-action to the beginning of the message.

Timing matters more than most realize. According to Federal Trade Commission guidelines, respecting customer preferences includes sending messages at appropriate times. Tuesday through Thursday, 10 AM to 8 PM typically perform best, but test your specific audience.

A/B testing is your secret weapon. Test one element at a time: subject line, call-to-action placement, or emoji usage. I recently helped a client discover that removing emojis increased their conversion rate by 23%—sometimes less really is more.

Personalization goes beyond using someone's name. Segment by purchase history, location, or engagement level. Messages referencing past purchases convert 67% better than generic promotions. Use dynamic fields for product recommendations, local weather, or time-sensitive offers.

Your brand voice should remain consistent across all messages. Whether you're playful or professional, maintain that tone in welcome messages and cart abandonment reminders alike. Customers should recognize your brand even without seeing your name.

Conclusion

These 150+ SMS templates give you a complete toolkit for every stage of your customer journey. The bakery I mentioned earlier? They started with just five templates from this collection and systematically tested variations until they found their winning formula.

Your next step is choosing three templates that match your immediate goals. Start small, test consistently, and expand your messaging strategy as you learn what resonates with your audience. Remember to always comply with U.S. texting laws and include clear opt-out instructions in your campaigns.

The most successful SMS marketers aren't those with the fanciest tools—they're the ones who consistently deliver value through well-crafted messages that customers actually want to receive.

How often should I send SMS marketing messages to avoid annoying customers?

Send 2-4 SMS messages per month for promotional content, with transactional messages as needed. Monitor unsubscribe rates and adjust frequency based on customer engagement and feedback.

What's the ideal length for SMS marketing messages?

Keep SMS messages under 160 characters for single-message delivery and maximum impact. Longer messages may split into multiple texts, increasing costs and reducing readability.

When is the best time to send SMS marketing messages?

Send SMS messages Tuesday through Thursday, 10 AM to 8 PM in your customer's time zone. Avoid early mornings, late evenings, and weekends unless relevant to your business.

Do I need customer consent before sending SMS marketing messages?

Yes, you must obtain explicit written consent before sending promotional SMS messages. Include clear opt-in language and provide easy opt-out instructions in every message per TCPA requirements.

How can I personalize SMS messages for better engagement?

Use customer names, reference past purchases, segment by location or behavior, and send targeted offers based on customer preferences and purchase history for higher engagement rates.