I remember the first time I saw my SMS marketing campaign hit a 98% open rate. My email campaigns were struggling to break 20%, but those text messages? They were getting read almost instantly.
I remember the first time I saw my SMS marketing campaign hit a 98% open rate. My email campaigns were struggling to break 20%, but those text messages? They were getting read almost instantly.
According to the Federal Communications Commission, Americans check their phones 96 times per day. That's once every 10 minutes during waking hours. Your customers are already looking at their phones – the question is whether your brand is part of that conversation.
The challenge isn't getting your messages seen. It's crafting SMS content that customers actually want to receive. Too promotional, and you'll see unsubscribe rates spike. Too bland, and your messages get ignored among the dozens of other texts flooding their inbox daily.
This collection of 75+ brand SMS marketing messages covers every customer touchpoint, from that crucial first welcome text to win-back campaigns that resurrect dormant relationships. Each message is designed to balance promotional value with genuine customer benefit, helping you build a mobile marketing strategy that drives engagement without driving customers away.
Welcome and Onboarding SMS Messages
Your welcome SMS sets the tone for every future interaction with your brand.
Welcome SMS messages are the first branded touchpoint that establishes your voice, sets expectations, and should be delivered within 5 minutes of opt-in to maximize subscriber engagement and reduce early unsubscribe rates.
- "Welcome to [Brand]! 🎉 Thanks for joining our VIP text club. Get ready for exclusive deals, early access to sales, and insider tips. First perk: Use code WELCOME15 for 15% off your next order. Reply STOP to opt out."
- "Hey [Name]! You're officially part of the [Brand] family. Expect 2-3 texts per week with deals you won't find anywhere else. Your first exclusive offer is coming tomorrow at 10 AM. Stay tuned!"
- "Thanks for subscribing! Here's what to expect: flash sales (you'll get 30 min early access), new product alerts, and birthday surprises. We promise to keep it valuable and never spam you. Welcome aboard!"
- "[Name], welcome to insider access! You'll be the first to know about our limited drops, member-only discounts, and seasonal collections. Check your email for a special welcome gift. Text HELP for support."
- "You're in! 🙌 Thanks for joining [Brand]'s text alerts. We'll send you the good stuff: exclusive promos, restock notifications, and VIP event invites. Your welcome discount is waiting in your inbox right now."
Tip: Pair welcome messages with complementary gift card promotions to encourage immediate first purchases.
Promotional and Sales-Driven SMS Campaigns
These messages turn subscribers into buyers through compelling offers and strategic urgency.
Promotional SMS campaigns should create genuine urgency while providing exclusive value to text subscribers, with Tuesday and Thursday between 10 AM-2 PM showing the highest conversion rates for sales-focused messaging.
- "FLASH SALE ALERT! 🚨 [Name], you have 4 hours to grab 40% off everything. This deal expires at midnight and won't be back until Black Friday. Shop now: [link] Reply STOP to opt out."
- "VIP Early Access: Our biggest sale of the year starts NOW for text subscribers only. 50% off sitewide for the next 24 hours. Public sale starts tomorrow. Get yours: [link]"
- "[Name], that item in your cart is about to sell out! Plus, we're giving you an extra 20% off if you complete your order in the next 2 hours. Use code CART20: [link]"
- "Weekend Special: Buy 2, Get 1 FREE on all bestsellers. Perfect timing for gift shopping or treating yourself. Valid Saturday-Sunday only. No code needed: [link]"
- "Last chance! Our summer collection is 60% off but sizes are going fast. [Name], your favorites from last season are included. Sale ends in 6 hours: [link]"
- "New drop alert! 🔥 The collection you've been waiting for is here. Text subscribers get first dibs before we announce to social media. Shop the drop: [link]"
Customer Retention and Loyalty Messages
These messages strengthen relationships with existing customers and encourage repeat engagement.
Customer retention SMS campaigns can increase lifetime value by up to 25% when personalized based on purchase history, celebrating milestones, and offering exclusive perks that make customers feel valued beyond transactional interactions.
- "We miss you, [Name]! It's been 3 months since your last order. Here's 25% off to welcome you back, plus free shipping on everything. Valid for 7 days: [link] What can we do better?"
- "Happy Birthday, [Name]! 🎂 Your gift: 30% off anything + a surprise freebie with your order. Celebrate all month long with this exclusive discount. Enjoy your special day: [link]"
- "Congratulations! You've earned Gold status in our loyalty program. New perks unlocked: free shipping forever, early sale access, and double points on every purchase. Welcome to the VIP club!"
- "[Name], you're one of our top customers! As a thank you, enjoy this exclusive 35% off code that's not available to anyone else. Valid for 2 weeks: VIPTHANK35 [link]"
- "It's your 1-year anniversary with [Brand]! 🎉 Thanks for being an amazing customer. Here's something special: 40% off your next order + a handwritten thank you note. Code: LOYAL40"
- "Your points are about to expire! [Name], you have 500 points ($25 value) expiring in 5 days. Use them now or lose them. Redeem here: [link] Need help? Reply HELP."
Tip: Combine loyalty messages with personalized skincare consultation bookings to increase customer lifetime value.
Transactional and Service Update Messages
These essential messages provide information while maintaining brand consistency and building trust.
Transactional SMS messages achieve 99% open rates and should include subtle branding opportunities while prioritizing clear, actionable information that customers need to successfully complete their experience with your business.
- "Order confirmed! 📦 [Name], your order #12345 is being prepared. You'll get tracking info within 24 hours. Questions? Reply to this text or call (555) 123-4567. Thanks for choosing [Brand]!"
- "Great news! Your order has shipped. Track your package: [link] Expected delivery: Tuesday, March 15. Can't wait? We have same-day delivery in select areas. Check availability: [link]"
- "Reminder: Your appointment with [Service Provider] is tomorrow at 2 PM. Location: [Address]. Need to reschedule? Reply RESCHEDULE or call (555) 123-4567. See you soon!"
- "Account update: Your password was successfully changed. If this wasn't you, contact our security team immediately at (555) 123-4567. Your account safety is our priority."
- "How was your experience? [Name], we'd love your feedback on your recent purchase. Quick 2-minute survey: [link] Complete it and get 15% off your next order. Your opinion matters!"
- "Delivery attempted! We couldn't reach you at [Address]. Your package is at the local facility. Schedule redelivery: [link] or pick up anytime between 9 AM-7 PM with ID."
Seasonal and Event-Based Campaigns
These messages capitalize on holidays and special events for timely customer engagement.
Seasonal SMS campaigns should be planned 4-6 weeks in advance and tested across customer segments, leveraging cultural moments and weather patterns to create relevant, timely messaging that feels authentic to your brand voice.
- "Spring cleaning your closet? 🌸 [Name], trade in your old [Brand] items for 30% off new arrivals. Sustainability meets style. Bring items to any store or mail them in: [link]"
- "Back-to-school prep made easy! Students get 20% off everything + free dorm delivery. Valid through August with student ID. Perfect for textbooks, supplies, and dorm essentials: [link]"
- "Valentine's Day is 5 days away! 💕 Still need the perfect gift? We've got you covered with same-day delivery and gift wrapping. Last-minute shoppers, this way: [link]"
- "Black Friday sneak peek! [Name], here's what's going on sale tomorrow: [Product categories]. Set your alarm for 6 AM - the best deals go fast. Early bird gets the savings: [link]"
- "Mother's Day is Sunday! 🌺 Show mom you care with our curated gift sets. Order by Thursday for guaranteed delivery. Can't decide? Gift cards arrive instantly: [link]"
- "Snow day survival kit! ❄️ Stay cozy with 25% off all winter essentials. Free delivery on orders over $50 because nobody should brave this weather for shopping. Warm up: [link]"
Personalized and Behavioral Trigger Messages
These messages respond to specific customer actions for maximum relevance and conversion.
Behavioral trigger SMS messages deliver 3x higher conversion rates than generic broadcasts when properly segmented and timed, responding to customer actions like cart abandonment, browsing behavior, and purchase patterns with relevant, personalized content.
- "[Name], you left something behind! Your cart has [Item name] waiting. Complete your order in the next hour and get free shipping. Don't let it sell out: [link]"
- "Still thinking about those [Product category] you viewed? They're 15% off today only! Plus, customers who bought similar items also loved [Related product]. Check them out: [link]"
- "Time for a refill! Based on your last order, you're probably running low on [Product]. Reorder now with one click and save 10%: [link] Never run out again with auto-delivery."
- "You're near our [Location] store! Stop by today and mention this text for 20% off any purchase. Plus, see our new arrivals that aren't online yet. Store hours: 10 AM-8 PM."
- "Personalized for you: Based on your purchase history, we think you'll love our new [Product category]. VIP customers get early access + 25% off. Your exclusive link: [link]"
- "[Name], you browsed [Category] yesterday. Good news: we just restocked the popular sizes and colors. Plus, free returns if it's not perfect. Complete your look: [link]"
Tip: Pair abandoned cart messages with targeted fitness equipment recommendations based on browsing patterns.
Survey and Feedback Collection Messages
These messages gather valuable customer insights while showing you value their opinions.
Feedback SMS messages should be sent 3-7 days after purchase or interaction, include clear value propositions for participation, and use brief, engaging formats that respect customers' time while gathering actionable business intelligence.
- "Quick favor, [Name]? Rate your recent purchase in 30 seconds and get 20% off your next order. Your feedback helps us improve: [link] Takes less time than this text!"
- "How did we do? Your opinion on your [Product] purchase matters. 3-question survey + 15% off coupon waiting: [link] Help us serve you better!"
- "[Name], you're one of our valued customers! Help shape our next product line with a 2-minute survey. First 100 responses get early access to the new collection: [link]"
- "Love your recent purchase? 💕 Share a quick review and get entered to win a $100 gift card. Plus, your review helps other customers make great choices: [link]"
- "We're always improving! [Name], tell us about your shopping experience in exchange for 25% off your next order. Survey closes in 3 days: [link]"
- "Product feedback wanted! How's your [Product] working out? Quick rating + optional comment gets you priority customer service for life: [link]"
Crisis Communication and Brand Protection Messages
These messages address problems while maintaining customer trust and brand reputation.
Crisis communication SMS should be sent immediately when issues arise, followed by regular updates with resolution timelines, demonstrating proactive transparency that often strengthens customer relationships more than perfect service delivery.
- "Service update: We're experiencing shipping delays due to weather. Your order may arrive 2-3 days late. We're adding a $10 credit to your account as an apology. Track updates: [link]"
- "Important: We've issued a voluntary recall on [Product] batch #12345 due to safety concerns. If you purchased this item, stop using it immediately and contact us for a full refund: (555) 123-4567"
- "We're sorry! Our website is temporarily down for maintenance. You can still reach us at (555) 123-4567 or place orders via this mobile link: [link] Back online in 2 hours."
- "Transparency update: [Name], we're working through a supply chain issue affecting [Product category]. Current orders ship in 5-7 days instead of 2-3. Cancel anytime or get 20% off for your patience."
- "Security notice: We detected unusual activity on some accounts. Your account is secure, but please change your password as a precaution: [link] Questions? Call (555) 123-4567 immediately."
- "Weather alert: Our [Location] stores are closed today due to severe weather. Online orders ship normally. Stay safe, and we'll see you when conditions improve!"
Custom SMS Message Creation Tips
Creating effective brand SMS messages requires balancing personality with practicality. Start with your brand voice – are you playful or professional, casual or sophisticated? Your texts should sound like a natural extension of your brand, not a generic marketing blast.
Character limits force creativity. With 160 characters per SMS, every word counts. Use contractions, drop unnecessary articles, and embrace abbreviations your audience understands. "You are" becomes "you're," "and" becomes "+," and "because" becomes "bc" when space is tight.
Personalization goes beyond inserting first names. Reference past purchases, browsing behavior, or location. "[Name], your usual size in those jeans you loved is back in stock" performs better than "Hi [Name], we have new jeans." The U.S. Census Bureau data shows personalized messaging increases engagement rates by up to 40% across all age demographics.
A/B testing is your friend. Test send times, emoji usage, and call-to-action phrases. Some audiences respond to urgency ("Limited time!"), others prefer exclusivity ("VIP access"). Split test everything and let data guide your decisions.
Timing matters enormously. Avoid early mornings, late evenings, and during major news events. Tuesday through Thursday, 10 AM to 2 PM typically sees highest engagement. But test your specific audience – B2B customers might respond better to different windows than B2C shoppers.
Compliance isn't optional. Include opt-out instructions, respect frequency preferences, and never purchase contact lists. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) requires explicit consent for marketing texts. When in doubt, err on the side of caution.
Conclusion
Effective SMS marketing isn't about sending more messages – it's about sending better ones. These 75+ message templates provide a foundation, but your brand's unique voice and customer relationships will make them truly powerful.
Start with welcome sequences to set proper expectations, then layer in promotional and retention campaigns based on customer behavior. Remember that SMS is an intimate channel – your messages appear alongside texts from friends and family, so respect that privilege.
Test continuously, personalize relentlessly, and always provide value beyond just selling. The brands that master SMS marketing don't just drive sales; they build communities of engaged customers who actually look forward to their messages.
Always ensure your SMS campaigns comply with TCPA regulations and include clear opt-out instructions in every promotional message.
What makes SMS marketing more effective than email marketing?
SMS delivers 98% open rates compared to email's 20%, with messages typically read within 3 minutes of delivery versus hours for email.
How often should brands send SMS marketing messages?
Most successful brands send 2-4 SMS messages per month, with frequency varying based on customer preferences and message value.
What's the ideal length for SMS marketing messages?
Keep messages under 160 characters to avoid splitting into multiple texts, focusing on one clear call-to-action per message.
When is the best time to send promotional SMS messages?
Tuesday through Thursday, 10 AM to 2 PM typically shows highest engagement, but test your specific audience preferences.
How can brands reduce SMS unsubscribe rates?
Provide consistent value, respect frequency preferences, personalize content, and always include clear opt-out instructions in every message.