SMS marketing has gained importance recently as a result of the widespread use of mobile devices and the acceptance of text messaging as a form of communication. SMS marketing involves sending promotional messages, offers, and updates directly to customers’ mobile phones, making it a very effective way to quickly and easily reach a large audience.
The significance of SMS marketing is demonstrated by its key advantages:
High open rates: SMS messages have an open rate of up to 98%, making them one of the most effective ways to reach customers.
Fast delivery: Since SMS messages are delivered instantly, they are ideal for time-sensitive promotions and alerts
Cost-effective: SMS marketing allows you to connect with a large audience without the high costs of advertising media like radio or television.
Personalization: You can customize SMS messages to meet the needs and preferences of each customer, making them a highly targeted and effective marketing tool
Opt-in feature: With an opt-in system, you send messages only to customers who have expressed interest in your product or service
SMS marketing is anticipated to have a significant impact on marketing in the years to come. As mobile devices become more common and consumers rely more on text messaging as a form of communication, SMS marketing will continue to be a very effective way to connect with customers. Additionally, as technology advances, SMS marketing will be able to become more individualized and targeted, which will increase its effectiveness.
SMS Templates for Customer Service:
Greetings and welcome: Hello! [Company Name] here. What can I do to help you today?
Order confirmation: I appreciate your purchase. We have it and will begin processing it soon.
Order status: Your order has been shipped and is currently en route! Your tracking number is as follows: [Tracking Number].
Delivery status: Unexpected events have caused a delay in your delivery. We apologize for the inconvenience and will keep you informed as soon as we can.
Return or exchange: If you’re unhappy with your purchase, you can exchange it or return it for a full refund. If you require any assistance with this procedure, kindly let us know.
Payment reminder: You have a payment due soon. Please take the appropriate steps to prevent any late fees.
Feedback request: We’d love to hear your feedback, so please do! Please tell us how we can make our services better.
Confirmation of appointment: We have confirmed your appointment with [Name] for [Date] at [Time]. Whenever you need to reschedule, kindly inform us.
Service completion: Your request for a service has been fulfilled. If you have any questions or concerns, kindly let us know.
Service renewal: It’s almost time for your service subscription to end. If you would like to keep using our services, kindly renew them.
These SMS templates can be customized to meet the unique requirements of a company and used to send customers prompt and effective customer service via text message.
Welcome SMS Templates:
Greetings and introduction: Greetings from [Company Name]! We are thrilled to have you as a client.
Introduction to products/services: Our products and services are designed to satisfy your needs and go above and beyond what you expect. If you need any help deciding which one is best for you, let us know.
Exclusive offer: In recognition of your new status as a customer, we would like to extend to you a special discount of [Percentage off] on your upcoming purchase. To redeem this deal, use the code [Code] at checkout.
Customer support: Our customer support team is here to help you if you need any help with our products or services. Call [Phone number] or [Email address] to get in touch.
Loyalty program: As a devoted customer, you are eligible for special rewards and benefits. For updates on our loyalty programme, keep checking back.
Referral program: Refer a friend and receive [Percentage off] off your next purchase with our referral programme. Additionally, [Percentage off] will be given to your friend on their first purchase. To take advantage of this promotion, give them your special referral code.
Social media channels: Follow us on social media to get the latest information on our products, special offers, and events. Visit [Social media platforms] to find us.
Feedback request: Please feel free to share your thoughts with us. Please let us know how we can improve the way that our products and services meet your needs.
Order confirmation: Your order has been received, and we are processing it. We will notify you once it has been shipped.
Delivery confirmation: Your order was delivered by us! We sincerely hope you enjoy your purchase. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
These SMS templates can be customized to a business’s specific needs and used to welcome new customers and advertise the products and services the business has to offer.
SMS Templates for OTPs
Two-Factor authentication: Your [Service Name] security code is [OTP Code] for two-factor authentication. The validity of this code is 10 minutes.
Account verification: Please enter the OTP code [OTP Code] in the space provided to verify your account.
Password reset: Please enter the OTP code [OTP Code] in the space provided to reset your password.
Transaction authorization: Your [Service Name] transaction authorization code is [OTP Code], according to the transaction authorization. The validity of this code is 10 minutes.
Account login: Please enter the OTP code [OTP Code] in the space provided to log into your account.
Mobile number verification: Please enter the OTP code [OTP Code] in the appropriate field to confirm your mobile number.
Email verification: Please enter the OTP code [OTP Code] in the space provided to verify your email address.
Change of account details: Please enter the OTP code [OTP Code] in the space provided to confirm the change of your account information.
Secure payment verification: To complete your transaction, enter the provided field with the OTP code [OTP Code].
Authorization for access: Please enter the OTP code [OTP Code] in the space provided to authorize access to your account.
To provide secure and trustworthy one-time passwords for a variety of uses, including account verification, transaction authorization, password reset, and access control, these SMS templates can be adjusted to meet the unique needs of a business.
SMS Templates for Offers
Discount offer: Use code [Code] to receive [Percentage off] off your purchase. This deal expires on [Date]. Buy now! To opt out, reply STOP.
Limited-time promotion: Hurry! The duration of this special offer is [Number] days only. Use the code [Code] to receive [Percentage off] on your purchase. To opt out, reply STOP.
New product launch offer: Meet our New Product! Use the code [Code] to receive [Percentage off] on your purchase. Time-limited promotion. To opt out, reply STOP.
Flash sale: Your chance to save a lot is now with the flash sale! Use the code [Code] to receive [Percentage off] on your purchase. For the next [Number] hours, the offer is valid. To opt out, reply STOP.
Free shipping offer: Use the code [Code] to receive free shipping on your purchase. This deal expires on [Date]. Avoid missing out! To opt out, reply STOP.
Bundle offer: Buy [Product A] and receive [Product B] for free when using the coupon code [Code]. Time-limited promotion. To opt out, reply STOP.
Referral program: Refer a friend and receive [Percentage off] off your next purchase with our referral programme. Additionally, [Percentage off] will be given to your friend on their first purchase. To take advantage of this promotion, give them your special referral code. To opt out, reply STOP.
Seasonal offer: Happy [Holiday]! Use the promo code “Code” to enjoy a [Percentage off] discount on your purchase. Offer good through [Date]. To opt out, reply STOP.
Clearance sale: Be on the lookout for sales! Get discounts of up to [Percentage] on a few items. No code is necessary. To opt out, reply STOP.
Loyalty program offer: As a cherished participant in our loyalty program, you are eligible for [Percentage off] off your next purchase. To redeem this deal, use the code [Code] at checkout. To opt out, reply STOP.
These SMS templates can be tailored to meet the unique requirements of a business and can be used to advertise various offers and promotions to clients. A great way to quickly and efficiently reach a large audience and increase sales is through SMS marketing.
SMS Templates for E-commerce
Order confirmation: I appreciate your purchase. [Order Number] is the order number for you. When your order ships, we’ll let you know.
Shipping notification: Your package has been shipped! [Tracking Number] is the tracking number for you. Here is the tracking link for your package.
Delivery notification: Your package is ready for delivery. Please be advised! Please make sure someone is there to accept it.
Delivery confirmation: We’ve delivered your package! We appreciate your business.
Abandoned cart reminder: We noticed you left something in your cart, so we’re reminding you. To receive [Percentage off] on your purchase, use the code [Code]. To opt out, reply STOP.
Product recommendation: We believe you’ll love [Product Name] based on your recent purchases. Buy now! To opt out, reply STOP.
Wishlist reminder: Don’t forget about the items on your wish list! Use the code [Code] to receive [Percentage off] on your purchase. To opt out, reply STOP.
Return reminder: Your window for returning items is about to close. To prevent any inconvenience, begin your return as soon as possible before [Date].
Loyalty program reminder: Your next milestone in loyalty is almost upon you. Continue your purchases with us to receive special benefits.
Customer feedback request: Please tell us about your shopping adventures. To provide feedback, kindly click here: [Feedback Link].
These SMS templates can be customized to meet the particular requirements of an online store and can be used to send customers information about their orders, product recommendations, promotions, and more. For e-commerce companies looking to increase customer engagement and boost sales, SMS marketing can be a very effective tool.
SMS Marketing Best Practices and Compliance
To command every conversation effectively and maintain trust, you must adhere to best practices and legal regulations. Failure to comply can result in penalties and damage your brand reputation.
Key compliance considerations
Obtain explicit consent: You must get clear, written permission from users before sending them marketing messages. This is known as an "opt-in"
Provide a clear opt-out: Every promotional message must include a simple way for users to unsubscribe, such as replying "STOP"
Identify yourself: Always state your company name clearly in the message
Respect sending times: Avoid sending messages during late-night or early-morning hours. Adhere to local regulations on business hours (e.g., TCPA in the U.S. restricts calls and texts between 9 PM and 8 AM)
Mind the character limit: A standard SMS is 160 characters. Longer messages will be split, costing more and potentially confusing the user.
Transactional vs. Promotional SMS
Understanding the difference between transactional and promotional messages is critical for compliance and customer experience. Here is a breakdown:
Aspect
Transactional SMS
Promotional SMS
Purpose
To provide essential, non-marketing information triggered by a user action.
To market a product or service, such as sales, offers, or new product launches.
Examples
Order confirmations, OTPs, shipping alerts, and password resets.
Discount codes, flash sale announcements, and new collection alerts.
Consent
Implied consent from the user's action (e.g., making a purchase).
Requires explicit, prior opt-in from the user.
Opt-Out
Not legally required, but recommended for some alerts.
Mandatory. Must include a clear opt-out mechanism (e.g., "Reply STOP").
[ { "question": "What is the best time to send marketing SMS?", "answer": "The ideal time depends on your audience, but generally, business hours (10 AM - 6 PM) on weekdays see the highest engagement. For retail, lunch breaks (12 PM - 2 PM) and late afternoons (4 PM - 7 PM) can be effective. Always respect local time zones and avoid sending messages too early or late at night." }, { "question": "What is the standard character limit for an SMS?", "answer": "A single SMS message is limited to 160 GSM-7 characters. If you exceed this limit, your message will be split into multiple parts, and you will be billed for each part. Using non-GSM characters (like emojis) reduces the limit to 70 characters per message." }, { "question": "How do I get customers to opt in for SMS marketing?", "answer": "You can gather opt-ins through various channels. Use website pop-ups, checkout checkboxes, forms, or in-store signage. Clearly state what kind of messages they will receive and how often. Offering an incentive, like a one-time discount for signing up, can significantly boost your opt-in rate." }, { "question": "What is the difference between opt-in and opt-out?", "answer": "Opt-in is the process by which a customer gives you explicit permission to send them marketing messages. Opt-out is the mechanism that allows a customer to easily unsubscribe from your messages at any time, typically by replying with a keyword like \"STOP\". Providing a clear opt-out is a legal requirement for promotional SMS." }
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Simran Tandon
Simran Tandon is the Head of Content at MyOperator – the Business AI Operator powering modern customer communication. With a sharp eye for industry trends and customer behaviour, she leads the marketing team and knows exactly which copy resonates and converts. She crafts clear, high-impact content that simplifies AI, CX, cloud telephony, and WhatsApp automation for business audiences.