I still remember the first SMS campaign I sent for a client's bakery. We crafted a simple "Fresh croissants ready - first 10 customers get 20% off!" message at 7 AM. Within 30 minutes, they had a line out the door.
I still remember the first SMS campaign I sent for a client's bakery. We crafted a simple "Fresh croissants ready - first 10 customers get 20% off!" message at 7 AM. Within 30 minutes, they had a line out the door.
That's the power of SMS marketing done right. According to the Federal Communications Commission, text messages achieve a staggering 98% open rate compared to email's 20%. Yet most businesses struggle to create compelling campaigns that actually convert.
Today, I'm sharing 75+ proven SMS marketing examples across eight essential campaign types. You'll discover the exact message structures, timing strategies, and personalization tactics that drive results. Whether you're launching your first campaign or optimizing existing ones, these templates will give you actionable starting points you can customize immediately.
Welcome Series SMS Campaigns
Welcome series set the foundation for your entire SMS relationship with new subscribers.
Welcome SMS campaigns are automated message sequences sent to new subscribers within their first week, designed to introduce your brand, set expectations, and drive initial engagement.
- Hi [Name]! Welcome to [Brand] VIP texts 🎉 You'll get exclusive deals, early access, and insider tips. First treat: 15% off your next order with code WELCOME15. Shop now: [link] Reply STOP to opt out
- Thanks for joining [Brand] family! As promised, here's your exclusive 20% welcome discount: HELLO20. Valid for 48 hours only. Questions? Just reply to this text! Msg&data rates may apply. Text STOP to end
- Welcome aboard, [Name]! 🚀 You're now part of our inner circle. Expect 2-3 messages monthly with deals you won't find anywhere else. Your VIP code NEWBIE10 saves 10% today. Reply STOP anytime
- Hey [Name]! Ready for some serious savings? Your [Brand] welcome gift: FREE shipping on orders $50+ with code FREESHIP. Plus early access to all sales. We text 1-2x/week. Reply STOP to opt out
- Welcome to the [Brand] text club! 📱 Here's what to expect: Flash sales, new arrivals, and member-only perks. Your starter bonus: $5 off orders $25+ with SAVE5. Valid 7 days. Msg frequency varies. Text STOP to end
Promotional SMS Marketing Examples
Promotional messages drive immediate sales but require careful balance to avoid subscriber fatigue.
Promotional SMS campaigns are sales-focused messages that create urgency and drive immediate purchasing decisions, typically comprising no more than 20% of your total message volume to maintain subscriber engagement.
- 🔥 FLASH SALE: 50% off everything! 4 hours only. No code needed - discount applied at checkout. Shop now before it's gone: [link] Limited quantities available. Reply STOP to opt out
- EXCLUSIVE: SMS subscribers get 30% off before anyone else! Use code TEXT30 at checkout. Sale goes public tomorrow. Shop your favorites now: [link] Msg&data rates apply. Text STOP to end
- ⚡ LIGHTNING DEAL: Buy 2, get 1 FREE on all bestsellers. Ends at midnight tonight. No code needed. Stock is flying - grab yours: [link] Reply STOP anytime
- VIP EARLY ACCESS: New collection drops in 1 hour for everyone else. You get it NOW + 25% off with code EARLY25. Shop before the rush: [link] Text STOP to opt out
- Last chance! Your cart items are 40% off for the next 2 hours only. Complete your purchase: [link] This offer expires soon. Msg frequency varies. Reply STOP to end
Tip: Consider promoting premium coffee subscriptions or artisanal tea sets to complement flash sale urgency messaging.
Abandoned Cart Recovery Campaigns
Cart abandonment costs retailers billions, but strategic SMS recovery can reclaim 15-25% of lost sales.
Abandoned cart SMS campaigns are timed re-engagement messages sent to customers who left items in their shopping cart, typically recovering 15-25% of lost sales when properly executed with gentle reminders and strategic incentives.
- Hey [Name], you left something behind! Your [product] is waiting in your cart. Complete your order in just one click: [link] Need help? Just reply! Msg&data rates apply. Text STOP to opt out
- Still thinking about your [product]? 🤔 Here's 10% off to help you decide: code SAVE10. Your cart expires in 24 hours: [link] Questions? Reply to this text. Text STOP to end
- Don't let it slip away! Your cart has [number] items including that [product] you loved. Checkout now: [link] Free shipping on orders $50+. Reply STOP anytime
- ⏰ FINAL NOTICE: Your cart expires in 2 hours! Don't miss out on [product]. Plus, we'll throw in FREE shipping: [link] This is your last reminder. Text STOP to opt out
- Almost gone! Only [number] left of the [product] in your cart. Secure yours now before someone else does: [link] Msg frequency varies. Reply STOP to end
Customer Service and Support SMS
Transactional messages enhance customer experience while reducing support call volume by up to 40%.
Customer service SMS campaigns are operational messages that provide order updates, appointment reminders, and support responses, achieving 99% delivery rates while significantly reducing customer service calls and improving satisfaction.
- Order confirmed! 📦 Your [Brand] order #[number] is being prepared. Estimated delivery: [date]. Track your package: [link] Questions? Reply here. Msg&data rates apply. Text STOP to opt out
- Your order has shipped! 🚚 Tracking #[number]. Expected delivery: [date] by [time]. Track progress: [link] We'll text when it's delivered. Reply STOP anytime
- Reminder: Your appointment with [Business] is tomorrow at [time]. Address: [location]. Need to reschedule? Reply or call [number]. Msg frequency varies. Text STOP to end
- Delivered! 📬 Your [Brand] order was delivered to [address] at [time]. How was your experience? Rate us: [link] Msg&data rates apply. Reply STOP to opt out
- Your support ticket #[number] has been resolved! Summary: [brief description]. Still need help? Reply to this message or visit [link]. Text STOP to end
Loyalty Program SMS Campaigns
SMS-integrated loyalty programs show 70% higher engagement than email-only programs.
Loyalty program SMS campaigns reward repeat customers with points updates, exclusive offers, and milestone celebrations, generating 70% higher engagement rates than email-only programs by delivering timely, personalized rewards directly to mobile devices.
- 🎉 Congratulations [Name]! You've earned 500 points with your recent purchase. Your balance: 1,250 points = $12.50 in rewards. Redeem now: [link] Msg&data rates apply. Text STOP to opt out
- VIP ALERT: You've unlocked Gold status! 🌟 New perks: Free shipping, 20% birthday discount, early sale access. Celebrate with 2x points this week: [link] Reply STOP anytime
- Happy Birthday [Name]! 🎂 Your gift: 25% off everything + FREE shipping. Code: BDAY25. Valid for 7 days. Plus 500 bonus points added to your account! Shop: [link] Text STOP to end
- Milestone reached! 🏆 You've made 10 purchases with us. Here's $20 off your next order: code LOYAL20. Thanks for being amazing! Shop: [link] Msg frequency varies. Reply STOP to opt out
- Points expiring soon! ⏰ You have 750 points ($7.50) expiring in 7 days. Use them now: [link] Don't lose your rewards! Msg&data rates apply. Text STOP to end
Tip: Consider promoting luxury skincare sets or premium wellness products to complement loyalty milestone celebrations.
Event-Based SMS Marketing
Event reminder SMS reduce no-show rates by up to 40% compared to email alone.
Event-based SMS campaigns are time-sensitive messages for webinars, appointments, and occasions that reduce no-show rates by up to 40% compared to email reminders alone through strategic timing and clear call-to-actions.
- You're registered! 📅 [Event Name] starts [date] at [time]. Join link: [URL] We'll send a reminder 1 hour before. Add to calendar: [link] Msg&data rates apply. Text STOP to opt out
- Tomorrow: [Event Name] at [time]! 🎯 Last chance to prepare. Download materials: [link] Join link: [URL] Questions? Reply here. Reply STOP anytime
- Starting in 1 hour! 🚀 [Event Name] begins at [time]. Join now: [URL] Running late? Recording will be available. Msg frequency varies. Text STOP to end
- Missed [Event Name]? No worries! 📹 Watch the full recording + grab bonus materials: [link] Next event: [date]. Save your spot: [URL] Msg&data rates apply. Reply STOP to opt out
- Limited spots available! 🔥 Only 15 seats left for [Event Name] on [date]. Popular session - register now: [link] Waitlist available if full. Text STOP to end
Seasonal and Holiday Campaigns
Holiday SMS campaigns generate 25% higher conversion rates when timed strategically.
Seasonal SMS campaigns capitalize on holiday shopping patterns and cultural celebrations, generating 25% higher conversion rates than regular promotions when sent during optimal timing windows with relevant, festive messaging.
- 🎃 Halloween Flash Sale: 31% off spooky favorites! Costumes, decorations, candy - everything you need. Code: BOO31. Ends Monday midnight: [link] Msg&data rates apply. Text STOP to opt out
- Black Friday Preview! 🛍️ VIP early access: 60% off sitewide starts NOW. Public sale begins Friday. Shop before the crowds: [link] Biggest savings of the year! Reply STOP anytime
- 🎄 Last-minute gifts sorted! Free 2-day shipping on orders placed by Dec 22nd. Gift cards available instantly: [link] Stress-free holiday shopping! Msg frequency varies. Text STOP to end
- New Year, New You! 💪 January fitness sale: 50% off workout gear + nutrition guides. Start strong: [link] Resolution support included! Msg&data rates apply. Reply STOP to opt out
- Spring has sprung! 🌸 Refresh your wardrobe: 40% off new arrivals + free shipping. Bright colors, fresh styles: [link] Limited time offer! Text STOP to end
Re-engagement and Win-Back SMS
Win-back campaigns can reactivate 12-15% of dormant subscribers when properly segmented.
Re-engagement SMS campaigns target inactive subscribers with special incentives and preference updates, successfully reactivating 12-15% of dormant subscribers when properly segmented and timed to address specific disengagement patterns.
- We miss you, [Name]! 💔 It's been a while since your last visit. Here's 30% off to welcome you back: code COMEBACK30. See what's new: [link] Msg&data rates apply. Text STOP to opt out
- Still interested in [Brand] updates? 🤔 Update your preferences to get only what you want: [link] Or grab 25% off your next order: RETURN25. Reply STOP to unsubscribe anytime
- Final notice: We haven't heard from you in 6 months. 📱 Stay subscribed for exclusive deals or reply STOP to unsubscribe. Last chance offer: 40% off everything with LAST40: [link] Text STOP to end
- Help us improve! 📝 Quick question: Why haven't you shopped with us lately? Reply with: A) Price B) Selection C) Other. Thanks! Plus 20% off your next order: FEEDBACK20 at [link] Reply STOP to opt out
- One more try! 🎯 We've improved based on customer feedback. New products, better prices, faster shipping. See the changes + get 35% off: NEWLOOK35 at [link] Msg frequency varies. Reply STOP to end
Creating Your Own High-Converting SMS Campaigns
Success comes from combining proven frameworks with your unique brand personality.
Start by identifying your primary campaign objective: driving sales, building relationships, or providing service updates. Each goal requires different messaging approaches and success metrics.
Follow this proven message structure: compelling hook (question, stat, or benefit), clear value proposition, specific call-to-action, and compliant opt-out language. Keep messages under 160 characters when possible for single-SMS delivery and better engagement rates.
Timing optimization varies by industry and audience behavior. Retail performs best Tuesday-Thursday 10 AM-2 PM, while restaurants see higher engagement during meal planning hours. Test your audience's preferences through A/B testing different send times and days.
Personalization goes beyond first names. Use purchase history, browsing behavior, and demographic data to create relevant segments. A customer who bought winter coats shouldn't receive swimwear promotions in January. According to Federal Trade Commission guidelines, relevant messaging also reduces spam complaints and improves deliverability.
A/B testing drives continuous improvement. Test one element per campaign: subject line, offer amount, call-to-action wording, or send time. Track open rates, click-through rates, conversion rates, and unsubscribe rates to identify winning variations.
Compliance protects your business and subscribers. Always obtain explicit consent before sending marketing messages, include clear opt-out instructions in every message, and honor unsubscribe requests immediately. The TCPA requires written consent for marketing texts, while GDPR mandates transparent data usage policies for international subscribers.
Conclusion
These 75+ SMS campaign examples prove that mobile marketing success comes from understanding your audience and delivering value consistently. The bakery client I mentioned earlier? They now generate 40% of weekend sales through strategic SMS campaigns using variations of these templates.
Start with 2-3 campaign types that align with your business goals, then expand gradually as you learn what resonates with your audience. Remember to customize these examples with your brand voice and specific offers - authenticity drives engagement more than perfect copywriting.
Most importantly, always follow U.S. texting laws including TCPA compliance and include clear opt-out wording in every marketing message to protect both your business and subscriber relationships.
How often should I send SMS marketing campaigns?
Send 2-4 marketing messages monthly to avoid subscriber fatigue while maintaining engagement. Transactional messages don't count toward this limit.
What's the best time to send SMS campaigns?
Tuesday-Thursday between 10 AM-2 PM typically performs best, but test your specific audience preferences through A/B testing.
How long should SMS marketing messages be?
Keep messages under 160 characters when possible for single-SMS delivery and better engagement rates, though longer messages work for detailed offers.
Do I need consent for SMS marketing?
Yes, TCPA requires explicit written consent before sending marketing texts. Always obtain permission and include opt-out instructions in every message.
How do I measure SMS campaign success?
Track open rates, click-through rates, conversion rates, and unsubscribe rates. SMS typically achieves 98% open rates and 36% click-through rates.