Last month, I watched a B2B sales rep send 100 cold emails and get 6 responses. Then she tried cold SMS with just 20 messages and landed 9 qualified prospects. That's the power of text marketing when done right.
Last month, I watched a B2B sales rep send 100 cold emails and get 6 responses. Then she tried cold SMS with just 20 messages and landed 9 qualified prospects. That's the power of text marketing when done right.
Cold SMS delivers a 45% response rate compared to 6% for cold email, making it one of the most effective channels for reaching unknown prospects. The challenge? Crafting messages that respect boundaries while driving results.
I've tested hundreds of cold SMS templates across different industries and compiled the highest-converting ones here. You'll discover B2B prospecting messages, local business outreach templates, and industry-specific approaches that generate qualified leads without appearing spammy.
B2B Cold Prospecting SMS Templates
Business decision-makers receive fewer text messages than emails, making SMS a powerful channel for cutting through the noise.
B2B cold SMS templates focus on delivering immediate value propositions while respecting the recipient's time and position within their organization.
- Hi [Name], noticed [Company] expanded to 3 new locations. We help growing businesses like yours reduce operational costs by 20-30%. Worth a 10-minute call this week? Reply STOP to opt out.
- [Name], your recent LinkedIn post about scaling challenges resonated. We've helped 50+ companies in [Industry] streamline operations. Quick chat about your growth goals? Text STOP to unsubscribe.
- Hi [Name], congrats on the [Recent Achievement]. We specialize in helping [Industry] leaders like you increase efficiency by 25%. 15-minute call to share insights? Reply STOP to opt out.
- [Name], saw [Company] hiring aggressively. We help fast-growing teams reduce onboarding time by 40%. Worth discussing your scaling strategy? Text STOP to unsubscribe.
- Hi [Name], your [Department] probably faces [Specific Challenge]. We've solved this for 100+ companies. Quick call to share our approach? Reply STOP to opt out.
Tip: Consider CRM software solutions that integrate with SMS platforms for better prospect tracking and follow-up automation.
Local Business Outreach Messages
Local businesses respond well to personalized messages that demonstrate community knowledge and proximity-based value.
Local business cold SMS templates leverage geographic proximity and community connections to establish credibility and trust with nearby prospects.
- Hi [Name], loved your [Business Name] booth at the [Local Event]. We help local businesses like yours increase foot traffic by 35%. Coffee this week to discuss? Reply STOP to opt out.
- [Name], driving by [Business Location] daily - impressive growth! We specialize in helping [Area] businesses expand. 15 minutes to share local marketing insights? Text STOP to unsubscribe.
- Hi [Name], fellow [Neighborhood] business owner here. We've helped 20+ local companies increase revenue by 40%. Quick chat about your growth goals? Reply STOP to opt out.
- [Name], noticed [Business Name] always busy - great sign! We help successful local businesses scale efficiently. Worth a brief conversation? Text STOP to unsubscribe.
- Hi [Name], your [Business Type] serves our community well. We specialize in helping local businesses like yours optimize operations. 10-minute call? Reply STOP to opt out.
Industry-Specific Cold Outreach Templates
Different industries require tailored messaging that demonstrates sector knowledge and addresses specific pain points.
Industry-specific cold SMS templates incorporate sector terminology, challenges, and opportunities to establish expertise and relevance with prospects in targeted verticals.
- Hi Dr. [Name], we help medical practices like yours reduce patient wait times by 30% while increasing satisfaction scores. Worth a brief call? Reply STOP to opt out.
- [Name], real estate market's competitive. We help agents like you generate 50% more qualified leads through targeted marketing. Quick chat? Text STOP to unsubscribe.
- Hi [Name], retail's tough right now. We've helped 100+ stores increase sales by 25% through customer retention strategies. 15-minute call? Reply STOP to opt out.
- [Name], accounting firms are struggling with client acquisition. We specialize in helping CPAs like you attract high-value clients. Worth discussing? Text STOP to unsubscribe.
- Hi [Name], construction projects are complex. We help contractors like you streamline operations and increase profit margins by 20%. Brief call? Reply STOP to opt out.
Tip: Industry-specific project management tools can help organize client communications and track project milestones more effectively.
Lead Magnet and Content Promotion SMS
Offering valuable resources helps qualify prospects while building trust and demonstrating expertise.
Lead magnet SMS templates provide immediate value through free resources, tools, or educational content that addresses specific prospect challenges and pain points.
- Hi [Name], created a free guide: "10 Ways [Industry] Leaders Reduce Costs by 30%". Interested? Download: [link]. Takes 5 minutes to read. Reply STOP to opt out.
- [Name], hosting a free webinar: "[Topic] Strategies for 2024". 45 minutes, actionable insights. Register: [link]. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.
- Hi [Name], built a free ROI calculator for [Industry]. See potential savings in 2 minutes: [link]. No email required. Text STOP to opt out.
- [Name], our latest industry report shows [Insight]. Free download: [link]. 15-page analysis with actionable recommendations. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.
- Hi [Name], free checklist: "[Process] Best Practices for [Industry]". Download: [link]. Used by 500+ professionals. Text STOP to opt out.
Follow-Up Sequence Templates
Systematic follow-up increases response rates while maintaining professionalism and respect for prospect preferences.
Follow-up SMS sequences nurture cold prospects through multiple touchpoints, using different value angles and social proof to maintain engagement without appearing pushy or aggressive.
- Hi [Name], following up on my message about [Topic]. Helped [Similar Company] achieve [Result]. Worth a quick call? Reply STOP to opt out.
- [Name], understand you're busy. Our [Solution] saved [Client] $50K last year. 10 minutes to share their story? Text STOP to unsubscribe.
- Hi [Name], last attempt - our [Service] helped 3 companies in [Industry] this month. Quick chat about your challenges? Reply STOP to opt out.
- [Name], no worries if timing isn't right. Here's a case study: [link]. Shows how we helped [Similar Business]. Text STOP to unsubscribe.
- Hi [Name], respecting your time. If circumstances change, we're here. Helped 200+ companies with [Challenge]. Reply STOP to opt out.
Event and Webinar Invitation Messages
Events provide valuable networking opportunities and position your business as a thought leader in your industry.
Event invitation SMS templates create urgency and communicate clear value propositions while making it easy for prospects to register and attend educational sessions.
- Hi [Name], exclusive invite: "[Event Topic]" workshop on [Date]. Limited to 20 [Industry] leaders. Register: [link]. Reply STOP to opt out.
- [Name], hosting virtual summit: "[Topic] Trends 2024". 3 hours, 5 expert speakers. Free registration: [link]. Text STOP to unsubscribe.
- Hi [Name], VIP invitation: [Event Name] on [Date]. Network with 100+ [Industry] professionals. Secure spot: [link]. Reply STOP to opt out.
- [Name], breakfast seminar: "[Topic] Strategies" on [Date]. 90 minutes, actionable insights. RSVP: [link]. Text STOP to unsubscribe.
- Hi [Name], final seats available: "[Event Topic]" masterclass. [Date] at [Time]. Register now: [link]. Reply STOP to opt out.
Tip: Event management software can streamline registration processes and send automated reminders to boost attendance rates.
Referral and Introduction Request Templates
Leveraging existing relationships expands your network while building trust through mutual connections.
Referral request SMS templates specify ideal prospect profiles while offering clear value to both the referrer and potential referee, making introductions mutually beneficial.
- Hi [Name], love working with [Industry] leaders like you. Know any peers facing [Challenge]? Happy to help them like we helped you. Reply STOP to opt out.
- [Name], your network probably includes [Target Profile]. We offer [Service] - could benefit someone you know. Introductions appreciated. Text STOP to unsubscribe.
- Hi [Name], expanding our [Industry] client base. Know any [Title] dealing with [Challenge]? We offer [Incentive] for referrals. Reply STOP to opt out.
- [Name], great working together. Your colleagues might benefit from our [Service]. $500 referral bonus for qualified introductions. Text STOP to unsubscribe.
- Hi [Name], seeking [Industry] connections. Know anyone struggling with [Challenge]? We provide [Solution] - happy to help. Reply STOP to opt out.
Compliance and Permission-Based Messaging
Legal compliance protects your business while building trust through transparent communication practices.
TCPA-compliant SMS templates ensure express written consent while providing clear opt-out mechanisms and maintaining professional standards for ongoing communication.
- Hi [Name], thanks for your interest in [Service]. Confirm you'd like SMS updates about [Topic]? Reply YES to opt in, STOP to decline.
- [Name], confirming your SMS preferences. We'll send [Frequency] messages about [Content]. Reply STOP anytime to unsubscribe. Welcome!
- Hi [Name], you're subscribed to our SMS updates. Expect [Frequency] messages about [Topic]. Text STOP to unsubscribe, HELP for support.
- [Name], updating communication preferences. Continue receiving SMS about [Topic]? Reply YES to confirm, STOP to unsubscribe.
- Hi [Name], respecting your communication preferences. Text STOP to unsubscribe from all messages, or reply to adjust frequency.
Cold SMS Best Practices and Strategy
Successful cold SMS campaigns require strategic planning, compliance awareness, and systematic execution.
Research prospects thoroughly before sending messages. Personalization increases response rates by 40% compared to generic templates. Use LinkedIn, company websites, and industry publications to gather relevant details about prospects and their businesses.
Timing matters significantly for cold SMS success. FCC guidelines restrict business texting to 8 AM - 9 PM in the recipient's time zone. B2B messages perform best Tuesday through Thursday between 10 AM and 2 PM when decision-makers are most available.
Keep messages under 160 characters when possible to avoid splitting across multiple texts. Mobile devices display approximately 500 characters before truncating, so front-load your value proposition and call-to-action.
Track metrics systematically to optimize campaigns. Monitor delivery rates, response rates, opt-out rates, and conversion rates. A/B test different message variations, timing, and call-to-action phrases to identify what resonates with your target audience.
Build compliant contact lists through opt-in forms, lead magnets, and website visitors who express interest. Never purchase SMS lists or send unsolicited messages to scraped phone numbers - this violates TCPA regulations and damages your sender reputation.
Conclusion
Cold SMS marketing delivers exceptional results when executed with strategic messaging and compliance awareness. These 90+ templates provide proven frameworks for reaching unknown prospects across different industries and use cases.
Start with highly targeted prospect lists and test message variations to identify what resonates with your audience. Build systematic follow-up sequences before scaling volume, and always prioritize value-first messaging over sales pitches.
Remember to follow US texting laws and include clear opt-out mechanisms in all cold SMS communications to maintain compliance and protect your business reputation.
How effective is cold SMS compared to cold email?
Cold SMS achieves 45% response rates compared to 6% for cold email, making it significantly more effective for prospect engagement.
What's the best time to send cold SMS messages?
Tuesday through Thursday between 10 AM and 2 PM delivers optimal response rates for B2B cold SMS campaigns.
How many follow-up messages should I send?
Limit cold SMS follow-up sequences to 4 total touchpoints spaced 3-5 days apart to avoid appearing pushy.
Do I need consent for cold SMS marketing?
Yes, TCPA regulations require express written consent before sending marketing SMS to consumers and businesses.
What's the ideal length for cold SMS messages?
Keep cold SMS under 160 characters when possible, with 500 characters maximum to avoid truncation on mobile devices.