30+ SMS templates to get you started

The benefits of SMS are clear: Reaching an audience of billions. Message delivery in a matter of seconds. Sky-high read and open rates. But even with all of these benefits, it can still be difficult to know where to start when texting your customers, especially when you only have 160 characters to craft a message that will resonate with your audience.

Engaging your customers through SMS is a must in today’s mobile-first world. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a number of best practices and SMS templates to engage, inspire, and create meaningful conversations with your audience.

SMS template best practices

Before you get started, understanding the difference between promotional and transactional SMS is key. It’s a legal requirement to include opt-out language on promotional text messages, but at Sinch we also recommend that you include it in transactional texts, even if it isn’t compulsory – that’s why all our examples below have it.

Still, as you start any new marketing program, it’s smart to consult with your legal team first to make sure you’re all on the same page.

SMS templates are a great way to make sure every message you’re sending abides by best practices. These include things like: 

• Keeping an eye on character count – SMS messages are limited to 160 characters

• Making sure everyone on your list has opted in to be contacted by SMS

• Personalizing your message with the customer’s name, order number, etc.

• Including a date, time, and place in an appointment reminder

• Avoiding public URL shorteners for TFN and 10DLC campaigns

• Avoiding using words in all caps (like FREE!)

• Making sure your SMS messages comply with various regulations

• Remembering instructions for someone to unsubscribe

We recommend that all your SMS messages include the option to opt out.

Whether you’re welcoming a new group of subscribers to your loyalty club, celebrating a special occasion with them, or sending a delivery order, we've compiled a list of templates to get you started and make sure your messages are as effective as possible.

Welcome text message templates

Welcome texts are your brand’s opportunity to make a great first impression. You can send them to new subscribers, setting the tone for a positive and engaging relationship right from the start.

Here are a few welcome templates to inspire you for your own SMS marketing campaigns.

 

Welcome SMS template 1: Account created

If you’re a retailer, this template can help you give a little extra something to someone after they’ve successfully signed up for a new account:

Welcome to [Business Name], [First Name]! Enjoy [XX]% off with code: [Discount Code]. Shop now at [Website URL]. 

Reply STOP to opt out 

(125 characters)

 

Welcome SMS template 2: First purchase discount code

Whether you run an ecommerce store or you expect in-person customers, a template like this can help you drive repeat business after someone has made their first purchase:

Thanks for choosing [Business Name], [First Name]! Enjoy [XX]% off your next order as thanks with code [Code]. Shop now at [Website URL].

Reply STOP to opt out

(151 characters)

 

Welcome SMS template 3: Thanks for signing up for promotional texts

It’s best practice to ask customers to confirm their subscription to promotional SMS text messages by asking them to opt in twice (also called a double opt-in). Here’s a quick template showing what that might look like:

Hi [First Name]! Please reply “Yes” to confirm you want to receive special deals and promotions from [Business Name]. 

Reply STOP to opt out 

(137 characters)

After they’ve said, “yes,” and confirmed their interest in promotional texts, you can send a “thank you” message that sets expectations of how often they can expect to hear from you: 

Thanks for subscribing to [Business Name]’s text campaigns, [First Name]! We’ll send you special offers [X]/week. Learn more: [Website URL] 

Reply STOP to opt out 

(154 characters)

Thank you templates

These “thank you” templates can help you express appreciation for customer interactions like new subscriptions. You can give thanks as well as special offers to encourage repeat purchases, setting the tone for your future interactions.

We should note: You'll need to find a balance of messaging and special offers, avoiding the overuse of the word “free” and refraining from exaggerated financial claims. You want to steer clear of spam filters – so maintaining authenticity is key!

 

Thank you template 1: Redeem a gift

 This template can be good for sending to subscribers after they’ve opted in to receive your text messages, or after they’ve signed up to be a part of your loyalty program.

Thanks for signing up for texts from [Business Name], [First Name]! Use discount code [Code] for a gift at checkout at [Website URL]

Reply STOP to opt out

(147 characters)

 

Thank you template 2: Special offer

Want to give your subscribers a special offer? Try this text message:

Hi, [First Name]! Thanks for your loyalty at [Business Name]. Enjoy [XX]% off your next purchase with code [Discount code] at [Website URL]

Reply STOP to opt out

(152 characters)

 

Thank you template 3: Rewards program

If you have a rewards program, you can use this template when someone has accumulated enough points to earn a prize: 

Great news, [First Name]! You’ve earned enough points at [Business Name] to earn a reward. Redeem your prize here: [Website URL]. Enjoy!

Reply STOP to opt out

(153 characters)

 

Thank you template 4: Loyalty program

Use this template to thank someone who has signed up to be a part of your loyalty club:  

Welcome to [Loyalty Club], [First Name]! Get ready for exclusive rewards, offers, and discounts ahead. We're excited to get to know you better. 

Reply STOP to opt out 

(152 characters) 

Or, use this template to give someone who has signed up to be a part of your loyalty club a discount: 

Thanks for signing up for [Loyalty Club], [First Name]! As a token of our appreciation, here’s a discount code for [XX]% off: [Code] 

Reply STOP to opt out 

(147 characters)

Limited time offer templates

In the world of SMS for retail, limited-time or time-sensitive offers can help create buzz and excitement among subscribers. Here are a few easy-to-use templates for big events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, back-to-school season, or just when you want to give someone early access to a good deal.

 

Limited time offer template 1: Black Friday

Using mobile messaging around Black Friday can help you create a sense of urgency. Here’s how you could do that: 

[First Name]: Black Friday alert from [Business Name]! Our gift to you: [XX]% off with code [Code]. Limited time; shop now at [Website URL]  

Reply STOP to opt out 

(152 characters)

 

Limited time offer template 2: Cyber Monday

Meanwhile, an SMS template on Cyber Monday can help direct a subscriber directly to your website, like the following: 

Cyber Monday is here! Explore amazing deals from [Business Name] at [Website URL]. Happy shopping, [First Name]!  

Reply STOP to opt out 

(129 characters)

 

Limited time offer template 3: Back-to-school discount

Parents and students will appreciate discounts on school supplies as they're preparing for the school year, and SMS is a convenient way to deliver those savings directly to them: 

[First Name], gear up for success this school year with savings from [Business Name]! Enjoy a special discount with code [Code] at [Website URL] 

Reply STOP to opt out 

(159 characters)

 

Limited time offer template 4: Flash sales

Flash sales are a great way to generate excitement and prompt quick customer action. Here’s some inspiration that shows what that might look like as an SMS template:

Ready for a quick shopping thrill, [First Name]? Blink and you might miss it! Dive into savings from [Business Name] at [Website URL]

Reply STOP to opt out

(150 characters)

You can also give a discount code as part of your flash sale: 

Ready to shop, [First Name]? Snag instant savings at [Business Name] with code [Code] at [Website URL]. Hurry, this deal won’t wait!

Reply STOP to opt out

(147 characters)

 

Limited time offer template 4: VIP/early access

This text message template can help you recognize a loyal customer by making them feel special with special access to new product or event: 

[Product Name] is here, [First Name]! Enjoy exclusive early VIP access at [Website URL]. Don’t miss out!  

Reply STOP to opt out 

(121 characters)

Special occasions and holiday templates

Special occasions might include a holiday, anniversary, or milestone. These are opportunities to connect with customers and express gratitude for their support.

Here are a few SMS campaign templates for ecommerce that you can use on holidays or special occasions.

 

Special occasion 1: Anniversary template

Celebrating customer loyalty can go a long way. Here’s some text to work with if you want to reward a customer on their anniversary with a discount code:  

Happy Anniversary, [First Name]! Thanks for being a part of our journey. Enjoy [XX]% off with code [Code]. Shop now at [Website URL]

Reply STOP to opt out

(147 characters)

 

Special occasion 2: Happy birthday template

Let your customers know you think about them on their birthday. Make your subscribers feel special by offering them a discount code: 

Happy birthday, [First Name], from us at [Business Name]! Celebrate with [XX]% off your next purchase. Use code [Code] at [Website URL]. Cheers! 

Reply STOP to opt out 

(157 characters)

 

Special occasion 3: New Year’s Day template

If you have face-to-face interactions with your customers, this is a good template to show them you’re thinking of them in the new year:  

Happy New Year, [First Name]! It's a pleasure to have you as a customer. We look forward to seeing you in the new year. - [Business Name] 

Reply STOP to opt out 

(156 characters)

 

Special occasion 4: Valentine’s Day template

This template can be inspiration for an ecommerce store leaning into the Valentine’s Day frenzy:  

Valentine’s alert, [First Name]! Enjoy [XX]% off your order at [Business Name] with code [Code] at [Website URL]. Limited time magic! 

Reply STOP to opt out 

(147 characters)

 

Special occasion 5: Halloween template

Halloween is also becoming a big shopping event for customers. Work with this template to offer a special discount around the scariest time of the year:  

[First Name], here are your spooktacular savings! Treat yourself with [XX]% off with code [Code]. Shop at [Website URL]. Don’t miss the fun!  

Reply STOP to opt out 

(157 characters)

Abandoned cart reminder templates

Abandoned cart reminder messages are incredibly important for ecommerce, especially when you need to give a gentle yet effective nudge to get someone back into the checkout lane.  

Here are a few must-haves for abandoned cart reminder messages:  

• A link to the cart 

• A compelling call-to-action 

• A sense of urgency  

• An incentive like a discount or coupon code 

Let’s take a look at some templates.

 

Abandoned cart reminder template 1: Pick up where you left off

Sometimes, a gentle nudge is enough to get someone back on track. Use this SMS template to nudge a subscriber to pick up their cart where they left off:  

Hi [First Name], you forgot some items in your cart at [Business Name]! Don’t let them get away, pick up where you left off: [Website URL] 

Reply STOP to opt out 

(155 characters)

 

Abandoned cart reminder template 2: Discount code

If someone has totally abandoned their cart, you may be able to incentivize them back with a discount code:

[First Name], looks like you forgot something in your cart at [Website URL]. Come back and enjoy [XX]% off with code [Code]. Happy shopping!  

Reply STOP to opt out 

(154 characters) 

Or you can be a bit more conversational, like: 

Hi [First Name]! Your items miss you at [Website URL]. Complete your order and snag a deal, [XX]% off with code [Code]. Don't miss out! 

Reply STOP to opt out 

(158 characters)

Appointment reminder templates

An appointment reminder is a message you can send to people who’ve scheduled engagements, reminding them of the date, time, and location. You might also want to include the name of the person associated with the appointment (if, for instance, a particular doctor or stylist is involved), and if the person needs to bring anything.

Remember there’s a 160-character limit, though. Other important information like links to your website or opportunities to make changes to the booking can always go out in follow-up messages.  

For healthcare companies, SMS can help reduce no-shows for appointments. Want to see it in action? Check out how Doctolib connects millions of doctors and patients effortlessly with automated, timely, and GDPR-compliant messages. 

Here are some templates you can work with for after someone has scheduled an appointment with your business.

 

Appointment reminder template 1: At the time the appointment is scheduled

This SMS template is great to send directly after someone has booked an appointment if your SMS API allows for two-way messaging capabilities:

Hi [First Name], this is a friendly reminder you have an appointment on [Date] at [Time] with [Business Name]. Reply Y to confirm. To reschedule, call [Phone Number]. 

Reply STOP to opt out

(151 characters)

Or you can use an automated message like this if you don’t have two-way capabilities:  

Hi [First Name], your appointment has been scheduled with [Name] on [Date] at [Time]. Please don't forget to bring your [Item Name] with you. 

Reply STOP to opt out 

(154 characters)

 

Appointment reminder template 2: One week away from the appointment

A week before a scheduled appointment, you can use automation to remind people that their visit is just around the corner, ensuring they don’t miss any important details: 

Hi [First Name]! Your appointment at [Business Name] is coming up on [Date] at [Time]. View the details of your booking here: [Website URL] 

Reply STOP to opt out 

(152 characters)

 

Appointment reminder template 3: Day of

And don’t forget to send a day-of reminder! Even the most organized need a little help remembering all the details from time to time: 

Hi [First Name], your appointment at [Business Name] is today [Date] at [Time]. See you soon! View all details here: [Website URL] 

Reply STOP to opt out 

(145 characters)

Order confirmation templates

Order confirmation SMS templates can help play a crucial role in reassuring customers and keeping them in the loop after they’ve purchased something. 

Good order confirmation SMS messages will have the following elements:  

• Real-time acknowledgement of the placed order 

• An order number 

• Estimated delivery dates 

Beyond confirmation, the following SMS templates can help enhance customer experience by serving as a reference point for any future inquiries or concerns.

 

Order confirmation template 1: At the time of order or booking

An order confirmation template like this works well to give a customer peace-of-mind that a new order is safely in your hands: 

Thanks for your order at [Business Name], [First Name]! We’ll text you when your order has shipped.

Reply STOP to opt out

(118 characters)

 

Order confirmation template 2: Tracking link

And once the order is ready to ship, here’s a template you might use to let someone know their purchase is on its way:  

Exciting news, [First Name]! Your order from [Business Name] is on its way. Track its journey here: [Link] 

Reply STOP to opt out 

(123 characters)

 

Order confirmation template 3: Out for delivery

Use text like this to keep your customers updated on the day an order is supposed to arrive at its final destination. This will minimize the number of re-deliveries and on-the-day issues:

[First Name], your order from [Business Name] is en route and set to arrive by [Time]. Track its progress here: [Link] 

Reply STOP to opt out  

(133 characters)

Delivery notification templates

Delivery notifications are similar to order confirmations, but they should come after an item has shipped. Use these below as a basis for your own delivery confirmations, but feel free to add in your own brand’s flair!

 

Delivery notification template 1: Delivery confirmation

 Updating your customer after an order has been successfully delivered to its destination is a great way to reassure your audience or flag any potential issues with the delivery address. Here’s a template you can use: 

[Business Name]: Good news, [First Name]! Items in order [Order #] were delivered. We hope you enjoy them. For more info, visit: [Website URL] 

Reply STOP to opt out

(157 characters)

 

Delivery notification template 2: Order is ready for pickup

Or, if the recipient has selected that they’ll pick up their delivery from a pickup point, you can work with this text to let them know:  

It's here, [First Name]! Your order from [Business Name] is waiting for you at [Pickup Point]. Questions? Contact us at [Customer Support #]. 

Reply STOP to opt out 

(156 characters)

 

Delivery notification template 3: Ask for feedback

Requesting feedback is a great way to make your customer feel appreciated and to identify improvement areas in your service. You can use this SMS template to ask for feedback after a package has been delivered:  

How was your experience, [First Name]? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your feedback at [Website URL]. Your opinion matters!

Reply STOP to opt out

(152 characters)

Verification SMS templates

Verification SMS templates can play a crucial role in helping your business confirm the authenticity of users and securing online interactions to help reduce fraud. With elements like one-time passwords (OTPs), these templates can help you add an extra layer of security. 

These examples cover just a few of the many use cases for verification and are meant to inspire you rather than provide a one-size-fits-all solution. We recommend consulting with your team to determine what’s required for your business’ needs.

 

Verification: Account creation template

A verification template like the one below can help you confirm a new user’s identity and prevent unauthorized access to a new account: 

Hi [First Name], welcome to [Business Name]. Use code [OTP code] to verify your account. Keep it secret! Never share this code with anyone. 

Reply STOP to opt out 

(156 characters)

 

Verification: Password reset template

Forgotten password? No worries – use this password reset template to confirm a requested password change:  

Hi [First Name], need to reset your password? Enter the code [OTP code] to reset your password. Never share this code with anyone. 

Reply STOP to opt out 

(153 characters)

 

Verification: Confirming transaction template

A post-transaction text like the one below can help provide someone with a secure confirmation of their purchase: 

Hi [First Name], your payment of [XX] at [Business Name] was successful. Thank for choosing us. Questions? Contact us at [Support #].  

Reply STOP to opt out 

(157 characters)

Achieve great results with SMS templates

Seems easy, right? SMS templates can help you have meaningful conversations with your customers at scale. By following best practices, you can capitalize on SMS messaging to boost your marketing strategy and drive sales. 

Once you’re ready to get started, check out our guide about how to choose an SMS provider to help you meet your messaging, compliance, and security needs and reach your target audience wherever they are.  

Or, if you want to know more about SMS marketing, let’s chat. Our team can help you take your strategy to the next level!