I still remember the first time I sent a business text message to my customers. My hands were literally shaking as I hit send on what felt like a risky experiment. That single message generated more responses in 30 minutes than my last three email campaigns combined.
I still remember the first time I sent a business text message to my customers. My hands were literally shaking as I hit send on what felt like a risky experiment. That single message generated more responses in 30 minutes than my last three email campaigns combined.
Here's the reality: text messages achieve a staggering 98% open rate compared to email's measly 20%, according to FCC consumer research. Yet most business owners are sitting on this goldmine, unsure how to craft messages that actually convert.
I've spent the last five years testing, tweaking, and perfecting business text marketing strategies across dozens of industries. What I discovered changed everything about how I communicate with customers.
This comprehensive guide delivers 75+ battle-tested message templates organized by purpose, complete with timing strategies and customization tips. Whether you're welcoming new customers, driving flash sales, or reducing appointment no-shows, you'll find ready-to-use templates that speak directly to your audience and drive measurable results.
Welcome & Onboarding Messages
First impressions matter more in text marketing than anywhere else because you have exactly 160 characters to make your mark.
Welcome messages are automated SMS sequences sent within minutes of customer signup to introduce your brand, set expectations, and provide immediate value while establishing the foundation for ongoing communication.
- Hi [Name]! Welcome to [Business Name]! 🎉 You're now part of our VIP family. Expect exclusive deals, insider tips, and priority access to new arrivals. Reply STOP to opt out anytime.
- Thanks for joining [Business Name], [Name]! Your account is active and ready. Check your email for setup instructions. Questions? Just reply to this message. We're here to help!
- Welcome aboard, [Name]! As a new [Business Name] member, here's 15% off your first order: CODE15. Valid until [Date]. Shop now: [Link] Reply STOP to unsubscribe.
- Hey [Name]! You've successfully subscribed to [Business Name] updates. Expect 2-3 messages weekly with deals, tips, and news. Manage preferences: [Link] Reply STOP anytime.
- [Name], welcome to the [Business Name] community! Your exclusive member perks start now. First up: free shipping on orders over $50. Start shopping: [Link]
Tip: Consider pairing welcome messages with complementary gift card promotions to encourage immediate engagement and first purchases.
Promotional & Sales Messages
Promotional texts are your direct line to customer wallets, but they require surgical precision to avoid the dreaded unsubscribe.
Promotional SMS messages are time-sensitive offers designed to create urgency and drive immediate purchase action through exclusive discounts, product launches, or limited-time deals targeted to specific customer segments.
- 🔥 FLASH SALE ALERT: 48 hours only! Save 30% on everything at [Business Name]. Use code FLASH30. Shop now: [Link] Ends [Date] at midnight. Reply STOP to opt out.
- [Name], your favorites are 25% off TODAY ONLY! Don't miss out on [Product Category]. Code: SAVE25 Expires at 11:59 PM. Shop: [Link] Reply STOP to unsubscribe.
- EXCLUSIVE: New [Product Name] launches tomorrow, but VIP members get early access TODAY! Be the first to own it: [Link] Limited quantities available.
- Weekend Special for [Name]: Buy 2, Get 1 FREE on all [Category] items! Perfect timing for [Season/Holiday]. Code: B2G1 Shop now: [Link] Valid through Sunday.
- Last chance, [Name]! Your cart items are selling fast. Complete your $[Amount] order in the next 2 hours and save 20%. Finish purchase: [Link]
Appointment & Service Reminders
No-shows cost businesses billions annually, but strategic reminder sequences can slash cancellation rates by up to 70%.
Appointment reminder messages are automated SMS notifications sent at predetermined intervals before scheduled services to confirm attendance, provide preparation instructions, and offer convenient rescheduling options to minimize no-shows.
- Hi [Name], confirming your [Service] appointment on [Date] at [Time] with [Provider]. Location: [Address]. Need to reschedule? Reply R or call [Phone]. See you soon!
- Reminder: Your [Service] appointment is tomorrow ([Date]) at [Time]. Please arrive 15 minutes early. Bring [Items]. Questions? Reply or call [Phone]. Reply STOP to opt out.
- [Name], your appointment is in 2 hours at [Time]. Running late? Call [Phone] immediately. We'll do our best to accommodate. Address: [Location] Parking info: [Details]
- Don't forget! [Service] appointment today at [Time]. What to expect: [Duration] minutes, [Preparation]. Reschedule if needed: [Link] See you at [Location]!
- Hi [Name], we missed you at your [Date] appointment. Life happens! Reschedule anytime: [Link] or reply RESCHEDULE. We're here when you're ready.
Tip: Pair appointment reminders with suggestions for relaxation products like aromatherapy diffusers or spa accessories to enhance the self-care experience.
Customer Service & Support Messages
Customer service texts transform frustrating support experiences into moments of genuine connection and problem-solving efficiency.
Customer service SMS messages are responsive communications that acknowledge inquiries, provide order updates, resolve issues, and gather feedback while maintaining a helpful, professional tone throughout the support process.
- Hi [Name], we received your support request #[Number]. Our team will respond within 4 business hours. For urgent issues, call [Phone]. Thanks for your patience!
- Great news, [Name]! Your order #[Number] shipped today via [Carrier]. Track your package: [Link] Expected delivery: [Date]. Questions? Just reply!
- [Name], we're sorry about the issue with your recent order. We've processed a full refund of $[Amount]. You'll see it in 3-5 business days. Anything else we can help with?
- Quick question, [Name]: How was your experience with [Service/Product] on [Date]? Reply with a rating 1-5 and any feedback. Your input helps us improve!
- Update on ticket #[Number]: We've identified the issue and are working on a solution. Expect resolution by [Date]. We'll keep you posted. Thanks for choosing [Business Name]!
Loyalty & Retention Messages
Retention messages are relationship builders that turn one-time buyers into lifelong advocates through personalized recognition and exclusive perks.
Loyalty and retention SMS campaigns are personalized messages designed to celebrate customer milestones, reward repeat business, and re-engage inactive customers through exclusive offers and recognition programs that strengthen long-term relationships.
- Happy Birthday, [Name]! 🎂 Celebrate with 25% off your next purchase at [Business Name]. Use code BIRTHDAY25. Valid through [Date]. Make it special: [Link]
- [Name], it's been 1 year since you joined [Business Name]! Thanks for your loyalty. Here's $10 off your next order: CODE: LOYAL10. Cheers to many more years together!
- VIP Alert: [Name], you've earned 500 points! Redeem for $25 off, free shipping, or exclusive items. Check your rewards: [Link] Points expire [Date].
- We miss you, [Name]! It's been 90 days since your last visit to [Business Name]. Come back with 30% off: CODE WELCOME30. Valid for 7 days: [Link]
- [Name], you're in our TOP 10% of customers! As a thank you, enjoy early access to our Black Friday sale starting [Date]. Preview deals: [Link]
Event & Update Notifications
Business update messages keep customers in the loop while positioning your brand as transparent and customer-focused.
Event and update notifications are informational SMS messages that communicate important business changes, upcoming events, policy updates, or service announcements to maintain transparency and keep customers informed about matters affecting their experience.
- Important update: [Business Name] will be closed [Date] for [Reason]. We reopen [Date] at [Time]. Online orders continue as normal. Questions? Reply or visit [Website].
- Exciting news! [Business Name] is opening a new location at [Address] on [Date]. Grand opening specials all week! Details: [Link] See you there!
- [Name], we've updated our privacy policy effective [Date]. Key changes: [Brief Description]. Read full policy: [Link] Questions? Contact us anytime.
- Join us for [Event Name] on [Date] at [Time]! [Brief Description]. Free for customers, $[Amount] for guests. RSVP: [Link] Limited spots available!
- Weather Alert: Due to [Weather Condition], [Business Name] is closing early today at [Time]. Stay safe! We'll reopen tomorrow at normal hours.
Seasonal & Holiday Campaigns
Seasonal messaging taps into the emotional power of holidays and special occasions to drive both sales and genuine customer connection.
Seasonal and holiday SMS campaigns are themed marketing messages that leverage cultural celebrations, weather patterns, and calendar events to create timely, relevant offers and content that resonates with customers' current mindset and needs.
- 🎃 Happy Halloween, [Name]! Treat yourself to 31% off spooky good deals at [Business Name]. Code: SPOOKY31 Valid through [Date]. Shop the treats: [Link]
- Spring has sprung! Time to refresh your [Product Category] collection, [Name]. New arrivals + 20% off when you spend $75. Code: SPRING20 Shop now: [Link]
- [Name], stay cozy this winter! Our warmest [Products] are flying off shelves. Bundle deals available. Beat the cold: [Link] Free shipping on orders $50+
- Back-to-school time, [Name]! Get [Student/Parent] ready with 15% off [Relevant Products]. Code: SCHOOL15 Valid through [Date]. Start the year right: [Link]
- 🎆 New Year, New You! [Name], kick off 2024 with 40% off [Health/Fitness/Self-improvement Products]. Resolution pricing ends [Date]. Start strong: [Link]
Tip: Consider promoting seasonal home organization products during spring cleaning campaigns to help customers declutter and refresh their living spaces.
Custom Message Creation Tips
Creating effective business text messages requires balancing personality with professionalism while respecting the intimate nature of SMS communication.
Custom SMS message creation involves developing brand-consistent, personalized communications that incorporate customer data, clear calls-to-action, and strategic timing while maintaining compliance with texting regulations and providing genuine value to recipients.
Start with your brand voice and adapt it for the conversational nature of texting. If your website copy is formal, your texts can be more relaxed while staying professional. Use customer names and purchase history to create relevance that feels personal, not creepy.
Every message needs a clear next step. Whether it's "Shop now," "Reply YES," or "Call today," make the action obvious and easy to complete on mobile devices. Test different call-to-action phrases to see what resonates with your audience.
Timing matters more than you think. Tuesday through Thursday between 10 AM and 8 PM typically see the highest engagement rates, according to FTC marketing guidelines. Avoid early mornings, late evenings, and major holidays unless your message is specifically relevant.
A/B testing reveals what actually works versus what you think works. Test message length, emoji usage, urgency levels, and send times. Start with small segments before rolling out winning messages to your full list.
Always include opt-out instructions and respect unsubscribe requests immediately. Compliance isn't just legal protection—it's customer respect that builds long-term trust and brand reputation.
Conclusion
Text marketing success isn't about sending more messages—it's about sending the right messages at the right moments with genuine value for your customers. These 75+ templates provide the foundation, but your brand personality and customer insights make them powerful.
Start small by choosing 3-5 message types that align with your current customer journey. Test, measure, and refine based on actual response rates rather than assumptions. The businesses winning with SMS marketing are those that treat it as conversation, not broadcasting.
Remember to always comply with TCPA regulations and include clear opt-out mechanisms in every message. Your customers' trust is your most valuable asset—protect it fiercely while delivering exceptional value through every text you send.
How often should I send business text messages to customers?
Send 2-4 messages per month for promotional content, with additional transactional messages as needed. Monitor unsubscribe rates to find your optimal frequency.
What's the best time to send business text messages?
Tuesday through Thursday between 10 AM and 8 PM typically see highest engagement rates. Avoid early mornings, late evenings, and major holidays.
How long should business text messages be?
Keep messages under 160 characters when possible. Longer messages may split across multiple texts, potentially confusing recipients and increasing costs.
Do I need permission to send business text messages?
Yes, you must have explicit consent before sending marketing texts. Customers must opt-in through clear signup processes with opt-out instructions provided.
What should I include in every business text message?
Include your business name, clear call-to-action, and opt-out instructions. Personalization with customer names increases engagement when used appropriately.