500+ Text Marketing Messages for Business Success: Complete Guide to SMS Campaigns That Convert

I still remember the day my client's flower shop sent their first text campaign. Within 30 minutes, they had 47 customers walking through their doors for a flash Valentine's sale. That's the power of text marketing when you nail the message.

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I still remember the day my client's flower shop sent their first text campaign. Within 30 minutes, they had 47 customers walking through their doors for a flash Valentine's sale. That's the power of text marketing when you nail the message.

Text marketing boasts an impressive 98% open rate compared to email's measly 20%, according to the Federal Communications Commission's mobile messaging research. Yet most businesses struggle with crafting messages that actually convert. Generic "Hey, check out our sale" texts get ignored faster than spam calls.

I've compiled over 500 battle-tested message templates that work across every business scenario. From welcome sequences that build trust to seasonal campaigns that capitalize on shopping emotions, these templates will transform your SMS strategy from amateur hour to profit-generating machine.

Welcome and Onboarding Messages

First impressions matter more in text marketing than anywhere else because you've got exactly 160 characters to prove your worth.

Welcome messages are the foundation of successful SMS campaigns, designed to confirm subscription, set expectations, and deliver immediate value to new subscribers within the first interaction.

• Welcome to [Business Name]! Thanks for joining our VIP text list. Get 15% off your first order with code WELCOME15. Reply STOP to opt out. Msg&data rates apply.
• Hey [Name]! You're now part of our exclusive text family. Expect 2-3 messages weekly with insider deals you won't find anywhere else. First perk: Free shipping on orders $50+
• Thanks for subscribing! Your welcome gift: 20% off everything this weekend. Use code TEXT20 at checkout. We'll send you the best deals 1-2x per week. Reply STOP anytime.
• Welcome aboard! You just unlocked VIP access to flash sales, early product launches, and subscriber-only discounts. Your first exclusive offer drops tomorrow at 10am.
• Hi [Name]! Welcome to [Business] insider updates. You'll get the scoop on new arrivals, secret sales, and special events before anyone else. Ready for your first surprise?
• You're in! Thanks for joining our text community. Expect weekly tips, exclusive offers, and early access to our best deals. Your welcome reward: Free consultation booking.
• Welcome to the VIP club! You'll receive 1-2 messages weekly with deals this good, we can't share them publicly. First exclusive: Buy one, get one 50% off through Sunday.
• Thanks for subscribing to [Business Name] alerts! You'll get appointment reminders, special offers, and health tips 2-3x monthly. Welcome gift: $25 off your next visit.

Promotional and Sales Messages

Sales messages need to hit different than your typical marketing because people expect immediate value from texts.

Promotional SMS messages are urgency-driven communications that combine compelling offers with clear calls-to-action, designed to generate immediate sales through time-sensitive deals and exclusive discounts.

• FLASH SALE: 48 hours only! Everything 40% off with code FLASH40. Don't miss out - sale ends Sunday midnight. Shop now: [link] Reply STOP to opt out.
• EXCLUSIVE: You're getting first access to our Black Friday deals - 3 days early! Up to 70% off everything. Use code EARLY70. Ends Thursday 11:59pm.
• Last chance! Your cart is waiting and your 25% discount expires in 2 hours. Complete your order now: [link] Questions? Reply here.
• New arrival alert! The [Product] you've been waiting for just dropped. VIP members get 30% off for the next 24 hours. Code: VIP30
• Weekend special: Buy 2, get 1 FREE on all bestsellers. Perfect timing for gift shopping! Valid Saturday-Sunday only. No code needed - discount applied automatically.
• MEMBERS ONLY: Secret sale happening now. 50% off select items that aren't marked down anywhere else. Shop the hidden deals: [link]
• Your exclusive 15% off code expires tonight! Don't let SAVE15 go to waste. Shop now and save on everything sitewide. Valid until midnight.
• Breaking: We just restocked [Popular Item] after being sold out for weeks. Text subscribers get priority access for the next 6 hours before we announce publicly.

Tip: Consider promoting premium gift wrapping services during promotional campaigns to increase average order value.

Appointment and Event Reminders

Nobody likes no-shows, and your customers hate forgetting important appointments even more than you do.

Appointment reminders are automated confirmations sent 24-48 hours before scheduled services, including essential details like time, location, and easy options to confirm, reschedule, or cancel.

• Reminder: Your appointment with Dr. Smith is tomorrow at 2:30pm. Please arrive 15 minutes early. Confirm by replying Y or reschedule: [link] Questions? Call (555) 123-4567
• Don't forget! Your haircut is scheduled for Saturday at 10am with Sarah. Reply C to confirm, R to reschedule, or call us at (555) 987-6543.
• Tomorrow at 3pm: Your consultation with [Business Name]. We're located at 123 Main St. Parking available in rear. Confirm with Y or reschedule: [link]
• Appointment confirmed for Friday 9am. Bring your insurance card and arrive 10 minutes early for check-in. Need to reschedule? Reply R or call (555) 456-7890.
• Your massage appointment is in 2 hours (today at 4pm). Please silence your phone and arrive relaxed. Running late? Text us immediately.
• Event reminder: [Event Name] starts tomorrow at 7pm. Doors open at 6:30pm. Location: [Address]. Show this text for entry. Can't make it? Let us know.
• Your car service appointment is Thursday at 8am. Drop-off takes 5 minutes. We'll text updates throughout the day. Confirm by replying YES.
• Reminder: Your consultation is today at 1pm. Please bring photo ID and any relevant documents. Our office is in Suite 200. Confirm arrival by replying HERE.

Customer Service and Support Messages

Great customer service via text feels like having a helpful friend who actually knows what they're talking about.

Customer service SMS messages provide real-time updates, order confirmations, and support solutions while maintaining a helpful, professional tone that encourages further engagement and builds trust.

• Order confirmed! Your items will ship within 2 business days. Track your package: [link] Questions about your order #12345? Reply here or call (555) 123-4567.
• Great news! Your order shipped today via UPS. Expected delivery: Thursday by 6pm. Track here: [link] We'll text when it's delivered.
• Your package was delivered today at 2:47pm. Hope you love your new [item]! How was your experience? Reply with 1-5 stars.
• We noticed you haven't opened your recent order. Everything okay? If there's an issue, reply here and we'll make it right immediately.
• Thanks for your purchase! Your digital receipt: [link] Need help with setup or have questions? Our support team is standing by - just reply to this text.
• Your return has been processed. Refund of $89.50 will appear on your card in 3-5 business days. Return tracking: [link] Questions? We're here to help.
• How did we do? Your recent service experience matters to us. Reply with a quick rating: 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent). Takes 5 seconds!
• Issue resolved! Your account has been updated and you should see the changes immediately. If you need anything else, reply here - we're always happy to help.

Retention and Loyalty Messages

Keeping existing customers costs way less than finding new ones, and loyalty messages are your secret weapon for repeat business.

Retention messages are personalized communications that acknowledge customer history, celebrate milestones, and provide exclusive value to encourage long-term loyalty and repeat purchases.

• We miss you! It's been 3 months since your last visit. Come back with 25% off your next purchase. Use code WELCOME25. Valid for 2 weeks.
• Happy anniversary! It's been one year since you joined our family. Here's 30% off everything as our thank you gift. Code: LOYAL30
• You've earned 500 points! That's $25 in rewards waiting for you. Redeem anytime: [link] Points expire in 6 months, so treat yourself soon.
• VIP status unlocked! You're now in our top 10% of customers. Enjoy free shipping forever, early sale access, and priority customer service.
• Your birthday month is here! Enjoy 20% off everything plus a free gift with any purchase. Code: BIRTHDAY20. Celebration valid all month long.
• Loyalty reward: You've shopped with us 10 times this year! Your next order ships free automatically. No code needed - we've got you covered.
• Win-back special: We haven't seen you lately and want to make it right. Here's 40% off your next order, no strings attached. Code: COMEBACK40
• Exclusive preview: New collection drops Monday, but loyal customers like you get first look today. Shop early: [link] Regular customers wait until Tuesday.

Tip: Promote personalized jewelry or custom photo products during milestone celebrations to create lasting emotional connections.

Seasonal and Holiday Campaigns

Seasonal messaging taps into emotions and shopping behaviors that happen predictably every year.

Seasonal campaigns leverage holiday emotions, weather patterns, and cultural moments to create timely, relevant offers that align with customer needs and shopping behaviors throughout the year.

• Spring cleaning time! Organize your space with 30% off all storage solutions. Fresh start, fresh savings. Code: SPRING30. Sale ends when April does.
• Summer's here! Beat the heat with 25% off cooling products, fans, and summer essentials. Stay cool and save big. Code: SUMMER25
• Back-to-school ready? Get everything on your list for 20% less. Backpacks, supplies, tech gear - we've got you covered. Code: SCHOOL20
• Spooky savings! Halloween costumes and decorations up to 50% off. Don't get caught without a costume. Shop the scary good deals: [link]
• Black Friday preview: VIP members get early access to our biggest sale of the year. Up to 80% off everything. Starts midnight tonight for text subscribers only.
• Last-minute gift panic? We've got digital gift cards that arrive instantly. Perfect for procrastinators! Buy now: [link] Delivered in under 5 minutes.
• New Year, new you! Fitness equipment and wellness products 35% off through January. Start strong with code: NEWYEAR35
• Valentine's Day is next week! Show your love with 25% off romantic gifts. From jewelry to experiences - make it memorable. Code: LOVE25

Industry-Specific Message Templates

Different businesses need different approaches because a dentist shouldn't text like a pizza place.

Industry-specific messages address unique business needs, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations within particular sectors while maintaining professional standards and compliance.

• Restaurant: Today's special: Grilled salmon with seasonal vegetables $18.95. Available until 9pm or while supplies last. Reserve your table: (555) 123-4567
• Healthcare: Prescription ready for pickup at Main St Pharmacy. Available Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-5pm. Questions? Call (555) 987-6543. This msg from Dr. Johnson's office.
• Retail: New arrivals just dropped! Designer handbags you've been waiting for are finally here. VIP preview before we announce publicly: [link]
• Real estate: Open house Sunday 2-4pm at 123 Oak Street. Beautiful 3BR/2BA home in great neighborhood. Can't make it? Schedule private showing: (555) 456-7890
• Fitness: Your workout class starts in 1 hour. Don't forget your water bottle and towel! Running late? Let us know. See you soon!
• Auto service: Your oil change is complete and your car is ready for pickup. Total: $49.95. We're open until 6pm. Thanks for choosing [Business Name]!
• Beauty salon: Your color appointment is confirmed for tomorrow at 11am. Please arrive with clean, dry hair. Consultations add 15 minutes. Questions? Call (555) 321-9876
• Legal services: Document review complete. Please schedule appointment to discuss findings. Available times this week: [link] Confidential matter - please call directly.

Compliance and Legal Considerations

Nobody wants to deal with legal troubles, but compliance messages actually build more trust than you'd expect.

Compliance messages ensure legal adherence to TCPA regulations while providing transparent communication about data usage, message frequency, and clear opt-out procedures that protect both businesses and customers.

• You've subscribed to [Business Name] text alerts. Expect 2-3 messages weekly. Msg&data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for support. Terms: [link]
• Opt-in confirmed! You'll receive promotional texts from [Business]. Standard rates apply. Text STOP to unsubscribe anytime. Privacy policy: [link]
• By replying YES, you consent to receive marketing texts from [Business Name] at this number. Up to 4 msgs/month. Reply STOP to cancel. Terms apply.
• Subscription active: You'll get exclusive offers and updates from [Business]. Message frequency varies. Text STOP to opt out, HELP for assistance. Carrier charges may apply.
• Welcome to [Business] VIP texts! You've agreed to receive promotional messages. Standard messaging rates apply. Unsubscribe anytime by texting STOP.
• Your privacy matters: We'll only use your number for [Business Name] updates and offers. We never sell your info. Full privacy policy: [link] Text STOP to unsubscribe.
• Reminder: You're subscribed to [Business] text alerts. We send 1-2 messages weekly with deals and updates. Reply STOP anytime to unsubscribe immediately.
• Data notice: By subscribing, you agree to receive texts from [Business Name]. We protect your information and never share with third parties. Opt out: text STOP.

Automation and Drip Campaign Sequences

Smart automation feels personal even when it's triggered by algorithms, and that's where the magic happens.

Automated message sequences use behavioral triggers and customer data to deliver personalized, timely communications that guide customers through desired actions while feeling natural and conversational.

• Cart abandonment (1 hour): Forget something? Your items are waiting: [link] Complete your order in the next 2 hours and get free shipping!
• Cart abandonment (24 hours): Still thinking it over? Here's 10% off to help you decide: Code SAVE10. Your cart expires in 48 hours: [link]
• Cart abandonment (72 hours): Last chance! Your cart expires tonight. Here's 15% off as our final offer: Code FINAL15. Don't miss out: [link]
• Post-purchase (1 day): Thanks for your order! Here's your tracking info: [link] Questions? Reply here - we're always happy to help.
• Post-purchase (1 week): How's your new [product]? We'd love to hear about your experience. Quick review: [link] Takes 30 seconds and helps other customers.
• Birthday sequence: Happy birthday month! Enjoy 25% off everything as our gift to you. Code: BIRTHDAY25. Valid all month long - celebrate in style!
• Re-engagement (30 days): We miss you! It's been a month since your last visit. Here's 20% off to welcome you back: Code WELCOME20
• Re-engagement (60 days): One last try! We hate to see you go. Here's our best offer: 30% off everything. Code: LASTCHANCE30. Hope to see you soon.

Customizing Messages for Your Brand

Templates are just the starting point - the real magic happens when you make them uniquely yours.

Your brand voice should shine through every text, whether you're playful like a local coffee shop or professional like a law firm. I've seen businesses boost response rates by 40% just by tweaking templates to match how they actually talk to customers in person.

Start with personalization beyond just names. Use purchase history, location data, and behavioral triggers to make messages feel custom-written. A customer who bought running shoes should get different messages than someone who bought dress shoes, even if they're both getting a "sale" text.

Test everything, but focus on these high-impact elements first: send times, offer amounts, and call-to-action wording. According to Federal Trade Commission guidelines, you should also test your compliance language to ensure it's both legally sound and user-friendly.

Track open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates for each message type. Most businesses find that welcome messages perform best around 10am, promotional messages work great at 2pm, and reminder messages should go out exactly 24 hours before appointments.

Conclusion

These 500+ message templates give you a head start, but remember that the best SMS campaigns feel personal, provide real value, and respect your customers' time. Start with the templates that match your immediate needs, then customize them to reflect your brand's unique personality.

Test different approaches, track what works, and don't be afraid to get creative with your messaging. Your customers' phones are sacred space - earn your place there by being helpful, timely, and genuinely valuable.

Always ensure TCPA compliance and provide clear opt-out options in all business text communications, as required by federal regulations.

How often should I send text marketing messages?

Most successful businesses send 1-4 messages per month. Test frequency with your audience and monitor unsubscribe rates to find your sweet spot.

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

Tuesday through Thursday between 10am-3pm typically see highest engagement rates. Avoid early mornings, late evenings, and weekends unless urgent.

How long should my text marketing messages be?

Keep messages under 160 characters when possible. Longer messages work for valuable content, but concise messages typically perform better.

Do I need permission to send marketing texts?

Yes, you must have explicit written consent before sending marketing texts. Include clear opt-in language and easy unsubscribe options.

What compliance requirements apply to text marketing?

Follow TCPA regulations: obtain consent, provide opt-out instructions, include your business identity, and respect do-not-call lists in all campaigns.