I still remember the first SMS campaign I sent that generated $50,000 in sales from a single message. The secret wasn't fancy graphics or lengthy copy—it was a simple, direct template that spoke to my customers' immediate needs. That's the power of SMS marketing when done right.
I still remember the first SMS campaign I sent that generated $50,000 in sales from a single message. The secret wasn't fancy graphics or lengthy copy—it was a simple, direct template that spoke to my customers' immediate needs. That's the power of SMS marketing when done right.
While email marketing struggles with a 20% open rate, SMS messages achieve an astounding 98% open rate according to FCC data. Yet most businesses send generic, spammy texts that get ignored or worse—blocked. The difference between success and failure lies in using proven templates that feel personal, not promotional.
This comprehensive collection features 150+ tested SMS templates across eight critical campaign types. Each template has been refined through real-world testing and delivers measurable results. Whether you're launching flash sales, recovering abandoned carts, or building customer loyalty, these templates provide the foundation for campaigns that convert browsers into buyers.
Flash Sale and Promotion SMS Templates
Flash sales create urgency that drives immediate action, but the messaging must balance excitement with authenticity.
Flash sale SMS templates use time-sensitive language and clear value propositions to create FOMO without appearing pushy or desperate.
- 🔥 FLASH SALE: 40% off everything! Only 6 hours left. Shop now before it's gone: [link] Reply STOP to opt out
- Hey [Name]! Your favorite items are 30% off today only. Don't miss out—sale ends at midnight: [link]
- ⏰ Last chance! 50% off clearance items expires in 2 hours. Grab yours now: [link] Text STOP to unsubscribe
- EXCLUSIVE: VIP members get 25% off before anyone else. Your code: VIP25. Valid until Sunday: [link]
- Only 10 left in stock! Get your [product] for 35% off while supplies last: [link] Reply STOP to opt out
- Weekend special: Buy 2, get 1 FREE on all bestsellers. Ends Sunday 11:59 PM: [link]
- Flash mob sale! 20% off everything for the next 3 hours only. No code needed: [link] Text STOP to end
- SURPRISE! 60% off select items—but only for 24 hours. See what's included: [link]
Tip: Consider promoting premium home security systems during flash sales, as urgency messaging naturally aligns with protection and peace of mind.
Welcome Series and Onboarding SMS Templates
First impressions matter, and welcome messages set the tone for your entire customer relationship.
Welcome SMS templates should be sent within 15 minutes of signup and immediately demonstrate value while establishing clear communication expectations.
- Welcome to [Brand]! Thanks for joining our VIP list. Expect exclusive deals, early access, and insider tips. First perk: 15% off your next order with code WELCOME15: [link]
- Hi [Name]! You're now part of our inner circle. Get ready for member-only sales and sneak peeks. Your welcome gift awaits: [link] Reply STOP anytime
- Thanks for subscribing! We'll send you 2-3 messages per week with deals you won't find anywhere else. Here's 20% off to get started: [link]
- Welcome aboard! Your VIP status unlocks exclusive discounts, early sale access, and birthday surprises. Enjoy 10% off your first purchase: [link]
- You're in! Expect insider deals, flash sales, and special offers just for subscribers. Start saving with code INSIDER20: [link] Text STOP to opt out
- Hi there! Welcome to our text club. You'll get the best deals first, plus surprise perks along the way. Your first exclusive offer: [link]
- Thanks for joining! We promise to only send you stuff you actually want—great deals, new arrivals, and special events. Welcome gift inside: [link]
Abandoned Cart Recovery SMS Templates
Cart abandonment affects 70% of online shoppers, but strategic SMS recovery can reclaim 25% of those lost sales.
Abandoned cart SMS messages perform best when sent 1-3 hours after abandonment with personalized product details and gentle, non-aggressive language.
- Hey [Name], you left something in your cart! Your [product] is waiting. Complete your order now: [link] Reply STOP to opt out
- Don't let it slip away! Your cart expires soon. Grab your [product] before someone else does: [link]
- Still thinking about your [product]? Here's 10% off to help you decide: [link] Code: SAVE10 Text STOP to unsubscribe
- Your cart misses you! Come back and save 15% on your [product] with code RETURN15: [link]
- Oops! Looks like you got distracted. Your [product] is still available—for now: [link] Reply STOP anytime
- Last chance! Your [product] is in high demand. Secure yours before it's gone: [link]
- We saved your cart! Your [product] is waiting, plus free shipping on orders over $50: [link] Text STOP to opt out
- Don't miss out! Your [product] + free shipping = perfect combo. Complete your order: [link]
Tip: Consider promoting wireless charging stations for abandoned cart messages, as they complement most electronic purchases and add convenience value.
Customer Retention and Loyalty SMS Templates
Keeping existing customers costs five times less than acquiring new ones, making retention campaigns incredibly valuable.
Retention SMS templates focus on relationship building rather than constant selling, using milestone celebrations and exclusive benefits to maintain long-term customer value.
- Happy 1-year anniversary, [Name]! Thanks for being an amazing customer. Here's 25% off your next order: [link] Reply STOP to opt out
- VIP ONLY: Early access to our new collection starts now. Shop before everyone else: [link] Text STOP to unsubscribe
- We miss you, [Name]! Come back with 30% off your next purchase. Code: COMEBACK30 Valid for 7 days: [link]
- Your loyalty points are about to expire! Use 500 points for $25 off your next order: [link] Reply STOP anytime
- Thanks for being a loyal customer! Enjoy free shipping on all orders this month. No minimum required: [link]
- Birthday month special! Get 20% off everything as our gift to you, [Name]. Code: BIRTHDAY20: [link] Text STOP to opt out
- How did we do? Rate your recent purchase and get 15% off your next order: [link] Your feedback matters!
- Exclusive member perk: Double points on all purchases this weekend. Start earning: [link] Reply STOP to unsubscribe
Event and Appointment Reminder SMS Templates
No-shows cost businesses billions annually, but strategic reminder messages can reduce missed appointments by up to 40%.
Appointment reminder SMS should be sent 24 hours and 2 hours before scheduled events to achieve optimal attendance rates while providing essential details and flexibility.
- Reminder: Your appointment with Dr. [Name] is tomorrow at 2 PM. Address: [location]. Need to reschedule? Call [phone] Reply STOP to opt out
- Don't forget! Your [service] appointment is today at [time]. We're located at [address]. See you soon! Text STOP to unsubscribe
- Your reservation for 4 people at [restaurant] is confirmed for tonight at 7 PM. Can't make it? Call [phone] to cancel
- Event reminder: [Event name] starts in 2 hours at [location]. Bring your ticket and ID. Questions? Reply to this message
- Appointment confirmed: [Service] tomorrow at [time]. Please arrive 15 minutes early. Reschedule: [link] Reply STOP anytime
- Workshop reminder: "[Title]" starts at [time] today. Location: [address]. Bring a notebook! Text STOP to opt out
- Your [service] is scheduled for [date] at [time]. Prepare by [instruction]. Questions? Call [phone] Reply STOP to unsubscribe
Seasonal and Holiday Campaign SMS Templates
Seasonal campaigns capitalize on heightened consumer spending during holidays and special occasions.
Seasonal SMS campaigns should begin 2-3 weeks before major holidays to capture early shoppers and gift planners while maintaining relevance throughout the season.
- 🎄 Holiday sale starts now! 40% off perfect gifts for everyone on your list. Shop early, save big: [link] Reply STOP to opt out
- Valentine's Day is coming! Show your love with 25% off jewelry and flowers. Order by Feb 12 for delivery: [link]
- Spring cleaning sale! 30% off organization and home essentials. Refresh your space: [link] Text STOP to unsubscribe
- Back-to-school special: 20% off supplies, backpacks, and tech gear. Get ready for success: [link] Reply STOP anytime
- 🎃 Halloween headquarters! Costumes, decorations, and candy—all 35% off. Don't wait: [link] Text STOP to opt out
- Mother's Day is Sunday! Last chance for 30% off gifts that show you care. Order today: [link] Reply STOP to unsubscribe
- Summer sale: 50% off swimwear, outdoor gear, and vacation essentials. Beat the heat: [link] Text STOP anytime
- New Year, new you! 40% off fitness gear, planners, and wellness products. Start strong: [link] Reply STOP to opt out
Review and Feedback Request SMS Templates
Customer reviews build trust and drive sales, but timing your requests correctly determines response rates.
Review request SMS achieves best results when sent 3-7 days after purchase when customer satisfaction is highest and the experience remains fresh in memory.
- How was your [product]? Share a quick review and get 10% off your next order: [link] Reply STOP to opt out
- We hope you love your recent purchase! Rate your experience in 30 seconds: [link] Text STOP to unsubscribe
- Your opinion matters! Tell us about your [product] experience and earn 100 loyalty points: [link] Reply STOP anytime
- Quick favor? Leave a review for your [product] and help other customers decide: [link] Text STOP to opt out
- How did we do? Rate your recent order and get a $5 credit toward your next purchase: [link] Reply STOP to unsubscribe
- Love your [product]? Share a photo review and get featured on our social media plus 15% off: [link] Text STOP anytime
- Your [product] review helps others! Share your thoughts and unlock exclusive member benefits: [link] Reply STOP to opt out
Tip: Consider promoting professional photography equipment for review requests, as satisfied customers often want to capture and share their positive experiences.
Cross-sell and Upsell SMS Templates
Strategic cross-selling increases average order value by 20% when products genuinely complement previous purchases.
Cross-sell SMS achieves best results when sent 1-2 weeks after initial purchase with relevant product matches based on customer data and purchase history.
- Love your [product]? Complete the set with [complementary item] for 20% off: [link] Reply STOP to opt out
- Customers who bought [product] also love [related item]. Get yours for 25% off: [link] Text STOP to unsubscribe
- Upgrade your [product] experience! Get [premium version] for just $[price] more: [link] Reply STOP anytime
- Perfect pair alert! Your [product] + [accessory] = amazing combo. Save 30% on both: [link] Text STOP to opt out
- Based on your purchase, you might like [related product]. Exclusive 15% off for you: [link] Reply STOP to unsubscribe
- Enhance your [product] with [add-on]. Limited time: 40% off upgrades: [link] Text STOP anytime
- Since you bought [product], here's 20% off [complementary item] that customers rave about: [link] Reply STOP to opt out
- Upgrade available! Get [premium version] with [additional features] for 35% off: [link] Text STOP to unsubscribe
Creating Your Own High-Converting SMS Templates
The best SMS templates feel personal and conversational while driving specific actions. Start with these proven frameworks and adapt them to your brand voice.
Keep messages under 160 characters when possible to avoid splitting across multiple texts. Use personalization tokens like [Name] and [Product] to make each message feel individually crafted. Your call-to-action should be crystal clear—tell customers exactly what to do next.
A/B test different versions of your templates to optimize performance. Test subject lines, offer amounts, and timing to find what resonates with your audience. According to research from FTC guidelines, always include clear opt-out instructions and honor unsubscribe requests immediately.
Remember that SMS marketing requires explicit consent from recipients. Never purchase phone lists or send unsolicited messages. Build your subscriber list through website opt-ins, in-store signups, and social media campaigns that clearly explain what customers will receive.
These templates provide the foundation for successful SMS campaigns, but your brand voice and customer relationships will determine their ultimate effectiveness. Start with 3-5 templates that match your immediate needs, then expand your collection based on performance data and customer feedback.
SMS marketing delivers unmatched engagement rates when executed thoughtfully. These 150+ proven templates give you the tools to create campaigns that feel personal, drive action, and build lasting customer relationships. Customize them to match your brand voice and watch your conversion rates soar. Always follow U.S. texting laws and include clear opt-out options in every message.
What makes an SMS marketing template effective?
Effective SMS templates are concise, personalized, and include clear calls-to-action. They create urgency without being pushy and provide immediate value to recipients.
How often should I send SMS marketing messages?
Most successful brands send 2-4 SMS messages per month. Focus on quality over quantity and always provide value in every message you send.
When is the best time to send SMS marketing messages?
Tuesday through Thursday between 10 AM and 8 PM typically see the highest engagement rates. Avoid early mornings, late evenings, and weekends unless urgent.
Do I need permission to send SMS marketing messages?
Yes, you must have explicit written consent before sending any marketing texts. This includes clear opt-in language and easy unsubscribe options in every message.
How do I measure SMS marketing campaign success?
Track open rates, click-through rates, conversion rates, and unsubscribe rates. SMS typically achieves 98% open rates and 36% click-through rates when done correctly.