150+ SMS Marketing Messages: Complete Guide to Powerful Text Campaign Templates for Business Success

I still remember the first SMS campaign I sent for a client's boutique. We crafted what we thought was the perfect promotional message, hit send to 2,000 subscribers, and watched in horror as only 12 people clicked through. The open rate was fantastic—SMS boasts a 98% open rate according to CTIA research—but our message fell flat.

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I still remember the first SMS campaign I sent for a client's boutique. We crafted what we thought was the perfect promotional message, hit send to 2,000 subscribers, and watched in horror as only 12 people clicked through. The open rate was fantastic—SMS boasts a 98% open rate according to CTIA research—but our message fell flat.

That painful lesson taught me something crucial: SMS marketing isn't just about reaching people, it's about saying the right thing at the right moment. Generic, boring text messages get ignored or worse, they drive unsubscribes faster than you can say "STOP."

After years of testing thousands of SMS campaigns across dozens of industries, I've compiled the most effective message templates that actually work. These aren't theoretical examples—they're proven templates that have generated millions in revenue for businesses just like yours.

Welcome Series SMS Messages That Convert New Subscribers

Your welcome message sets the tone for every future interaction with new subscribers.

A welcome SMS series is a sequence of 2-4 text messages sent to new subscribers within their first week, designed to introduce your brand, deliver promised value, and establish communication expectations.

• "Welcome to [Brand]! Here's your 15% off code: WELCOME15. Valid for 48 hours only. Shop now: [link] Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Hi [Name]! Thanks for joining our VIP text list. You'll get exclusive deals, early access to sales, and insider tips. First perk coming tomorrow! Reply STOP to opt out"
• "🎉 You're in! As promised, here's your free shipping code: FREESHIP. Use it on any order this week. Questions? Just reply! Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Welcome [Name]! You'll hear from us 2-3 times per week with deals you won't find anywhere else. Check out today's featured item: [link] Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Thanks for subscribing! Your welcome gift is waiting: [link]. Pro tip: Add us to your contacts so you never miss a deal. Reply STOP to opt out"

Tip: Welcome messages work great when paired with personalized gift recommendations like custom jewelry or monogrammed accessories.

Promotional SMS Templates for Sales and Special Offers

Promotional messages are your revenue drivers, but they need to feel valuable, not pushy.

Promotional SMS messages are time-sensitive offers designed to create urgency and drive immediate purchases through exclusive discounts, flash sales, or limited-time deals sent to opted-in subscribers.

• "⚡ FLASH SALE: 40% off everything! Code: FLASH40. Ends at midnight tonight. Shop now: [link] Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Exclusive for you: 25% off your favorite items. Code: VIP25. Valid until Sunday. Don't wait: [link] Reply STOP to opt out"
• "🔥 Hot deal alert! Buy 2 get 1 FREE on all bestsellers. No code needed. Shop: [link] Ends tomorrow! Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Last chance! Your cart items are 20% off for the next 2 hours only. Complete your order: [link] Reply STOP to opt out"
• "New arrival alert! [Product] just dropped. VIP members get early access + free shipping: [link] Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Weekend special: Spend $75, get $15 off. Code: WEEKEND15. Perfect timing for [seasonal item]. Shop: [link] Reply STOP to opt out"

Appointment Reminder Messages for Service-Based Businesses

No-shows cost service businesses thousands in lost revenue every month.

Appointment reminder SMS are automated messages sent 24-48 hours and 2 hours before scheduled appointments to reduce no-shows, confirm attendance, and provide essential service preparation information.

• "Hi [Name], reminder: Hair appointment tomorrow at 2 PM with Sarah. Please arrive 10 mins early. Need to reschedule? Call (555) 123-4567"
• "Appointment confirmed: [Date] at [Time] for [Service]. Address: [Location]. Parking available on Main St. See you soon! Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Tomorrow's dental cleaning at 10 AM is confirmed. Please avoid eating 2 hours before. Questions? Call (555) 987-6543. Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Your massage appointment is in 2 hours. Arrive 15 mins early to complete intake forms. Relax and unwind! Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Reminder: Dog grooming appointment today at 3 PM. Please bring vaccination records if it's your first visit. Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Consultation tomorrow at 1 PM confirmed. Bring your insurance card and ID. We're located in Suite 200. Reply STOP to opt out"

Tip: Appointment reminders pair well with relaxation products like aromatherapy diffusers or stress-relief supplements for wellness services.

Customer Service and Support SMS Communication

Proactive customer service messages turn potential problems into loyalty-building opportunities.

Customer service SMS are proactive messages that keep customers informed about order status, resolve issues quickly, and provide support resources to enhance the overall customer experience.

• "Great news! Your order #12345 has shipped. Track it here: [link]. Delivery expected [Date]. Questions? Reply to this message. Reply STOP to opt out"
• "We received your return request #67890. Your refund will process within 3-5 business days. Thanks for choosing us! Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Order update: [Product] is temporarily out of stock. We'll ship a similar item or refund you. Prefer to wait? Reply YES. Reply STOP to opt out"
• "How was your recent purchase? We'd love your feedback: [link]. It takes 30 seconds and helps us improve. Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Your warranty expires in 30 days. Extend it now for 50% off: [link]. Protect your investment! Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Issue resolved! Your account has been updated. If you need further assistance, reply to this message or call (555) 123-4567. Reply STOP to opt out"

Seasonal and Holiday Marketing Messages

Seasonal campaigns tap into natural shopping rhythms and emotional triggers.

Seasonal SMS marketing messages are strategically timed campaigns that leverage holidays, weather changes, and cultural events to promote relevant products and create emotional connections with customers.

• "🎃 Halloween special: 31% off spooky decor! Code: SPOOKY31. Transform your home: [link]. Valid through Oct 31. Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Spring cleaning time! 25% off organization solutions. Code: SPRING25. Declutter and refresh: [link] Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Mother's Day is Sunday! Last-minute gift ideas with same-day delivery: [link]. Show mom you care. Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Back-to-school ready? 20% off supplies + free backpack with $50+ orders. Code: SCHOOL20. Shop: [link] Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Valentine's Day surprise: Buy flowers, get chocolates free! Perfect combo for your sweetheart: [link] Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Summer's here! Beat the heat with 30% off cooling essentials. Code: COOL30. Stay comfortable: [link] Reply STOP to opt out"

Abandoned Cart Recovery SMS Sequences

Cart abandonment costs retailers billions, but SMS can win back many of those lost sales.

Abandoned cart SMS recovery is a series of strategically timed messages sent to customers who added items to their online shopping cart but left without completing the purchase, designed to recapture lost sales through gentle reminders and incentives.

• "Forgot something? Your cart is waiting: [Product]. Complete your order in 2 clicks: [link] Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Still thinking about [Product]? Here's 10% off to help you decide: Code SAVE10. Order now: [link] Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Last chance! Your cart expires in 2 hours. Don't miss out on [Product]: [link] Free shipping included! Reply STOP to opt out"
• "We saved your cart! [Product] is popular and selling fast. Secure yours now: [link] Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Your taste is great! [Product] is still available with free shipping. Complete your order: [link] Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Final reminder: Your cart items are waiting. Plus, we'll throw in free shipping: [link] Reply STOP to opt out"

Loyalty Program and Rewards SMS Templates

Loyalty messages make customers feel special while driving repeat purchases.

Loyalty program SMS are targeted messages that communicate point balances, reward availability, tier status updates, and exclusive member benefits to increase customer retention and lifetime value.

• "You've earned 500 points! That's $25 in rewards. Redeem now: [link]. Thanks for being a loyal customer! Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Congratulations! You're now a Gold member. Enjoy free shipping, exclusive sales, and birthday rewards: [link] Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Your points expire in 30 days! You have $15 in rewards waiting. Use them: [link] Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Double points weekend! Earn 2x points on every purchase. Shop now: [link]. VIP members only! Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Refer a friend, get $10! Share your unique link: [link]. They get $10 off too. Win-win! Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Birthday month special! Enjoy 25% off everything + a surprise gift with purchase. Celebrate: [link] Reply STOP to opt out"

Tip: Loyalty messages work particularly well when promoting premium lifestyle products like luxury skincare or high-end kitchen appliances.

Event Marketing and RSVP SMS Messages

Events require clear communication and easy RSVP management to maximize attendance.

Event marketing SMS are messages designed to promote upcoming events, manage RSVPs, provide logistical information, and maintain attendee engagement before, during, and after events.

• "You're invited! Join us for [Event] on [Date] at [Time]. Free appetizers and networking. RSVP: [link] Reply STOP to opt out"
• "RSVP confirmed for [Event]! Address: [Location]. Parking available on 5th Street. Looking forward to seeing you! Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Tomorrow's workshop starts at 9 AM sharp. Bring a notebook and your questions. Address: [Location]. Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Event reminder: [Event] tonight at 7 PM. Dress code: Business casual. Can't wait to see you there! Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Thanks for attending [Event]! Download your free resources: [link]. Follow up questions? Just reply! Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Missed our event? Watch the recording and get exclusive bonus content: [link] Available for 48 hours only. Reply STOP to opt out"

Feedback and Review Request SMS Templates

Customer feedback helps improve your business while positive reviews build credibility.

Feedback and review request SMS are post-purchase messages designed to collect customer opinions, encourage positive online reviews, and gather insights for business improvement while maintaining customer relationships.

• "How was your experience? Rate us in 10 seconds: [link]. Your feedback helps us improve! Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Loved your recent purchase? Share a quick review: [link]. Other customers would appreciate your honest opinion! Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Quick favor? Leave us a Google review: [link]. It takes 30 seconds and means the world to us. Thanks! Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Your opinion matters! How likely are you to recommend us? Rate 1-10 by replying. Takes 2 seconds! Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Thanks for your purchase! If you're happy, please review us: [link]. If not, reply and we'll make it right. Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Share your [Product] photo on Instagram and tag us for 20% off your next order! We love seeing happy customers. Reply STOP to opt out"

Re-engagement Campaigns for Inactive Subscribers

Dormant subscribers represent untapped revenue potential if approached correctly.

Re-engagement SMS campaigns are targeted messages sent to inactive subscribers who haven't opened or clicked messages in 60+ days, designed to rekindle interest, update preferences, and prevent list decay through special offers and content relevance improvements.

• "We miss you! Here's 30% off to welcome you back: Code WELCOME30. See what's new: [link] Reply STOP to opt out"
• "It's been a while! Want fewer messages? Reply LESS. Want different content? Reply CHANGE. Still interested? Do nothing! Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Last chance to stay connected! We're cleaning our list. Want to keep getting deals? Click here: [link] Reply STOP to opt out"
• "Come back! We've added new products you might love. Take a look: [link]. Plus, enjoy free shipping on us. Reply STOP to opt out"
• "We value your privacy. Update your preferences: [link]. Choose what messages you want and how often. Reply STOP to opt out"
• "One final offer: 40% off everything as our way to say sorry. Code: SORRY40. Shop: [link] Reply STOP to opt out"

Custom Message Creation Tips

Creating effective SMS messages requires understanding your audience and following proven best practices. Keep messages under 160 characters when possible to avoid splitting across multiple texts. Personalization increases engagement by 26% according to Salesforce research, so use customer names, purchase history, and location data when available.

A/B testing is crucial for optimization. Test different subject lines, call-to-action phrases, and sending times to find what works best for your audience. Most SMS campaigns perform better when sent between 10 AM-2 PM and 6 PM-9 PM on weekdays.

Always include clear opt-out instructions and comply with TCPA regulations. Use action-oriented language and create urgency without being pushy. Remember that SMS feels more personal than email, so write like you're texting a friend, not broadcasting to thousands.

The key to SMS marketing success lies in delivering genuine value at the right moment. These templates provide a solid foundation, but the magic happens when you customize them for your specific audience and brand voice. Start with welcome messages to set expectations, then gradually expand into promotional and service-based campaigns as you learn what resonates with your subscribers.

Remember to always obtain proper consent before sending marketing messages and include opt-out instructions in every text to comply with U.S. texting laws and regulations.

How often should I send SMS marketing messages?

Send 2-4 messages per week maximum. More frequent messaging leads to higher unsubscribe rates and subscriber fatigue.

What's the best time to send promotional SMS messages?

Tuesday through Thursday between 10 AM-2 PM and 6 PM-9 PM typically see the highest engagement rates.

How long should SMS marketing messages be?

Keep messages under 160 characters to avoid splitting. Shorter messages often perform better and feel less intrusive.

Do I need permission to send SMS marketing messages?

Yes, explicit opt-in consent is required by law. Never send messages to purchased lists or non-consenting contacts.

What should I include in every SMS marketing message?

Include your business name, clear value proposition, call-to-action, and opt-out instructions like "Reply STOP to opt out."