How to Write Effective SMS Marketing Texts

In today's digital landscape, SMS (Short Message Service) marketing remains a powerful tool for engaging with customers directly and driving immediate action. Crafting compelling SMS marketing texts requires a strategic approach that prioritizes clarity, relevance, and personalization. In this guide, we'll delve into actionable tips, best practices, common pitfalls to avoid, and additional strategies to help you optimize your SMS marketing campaigns effectively.

Why Use SMS Marketing?

There are a variety of unique benefits that text message marketing can bring to your digital engagement strategy. SMS boasts exceptional open rates, often exceeding 98%, and text messages are typically read within minutes of receipt, ensuring immediate engagement.

Leveraging SMS allows businesses to:

• Reach customers directly on their mobile devices.
• Drive sales and conversions.
• Increase brand awareness.
• Foster customer loyalty through personalized communication.

Tips for Crafting Compelling SMS Marketing Texts:

Keep it Concise

With a limited character count (usually 160 characters), focus on delivering your message succinctly and clearly. Be direct and get straight to the point to capture attention effectively. Avoid unnecessary words and use abbreviations where appropriate to maximize your character space.

Example:

Exclusive 24hr Sale! Enjoy 20% OFF all items. Use code SMS20. Shop now!

Personalize Your Messages

Utilize customer data to personalize your SMS. Address recipients by name or reference their past interactions with your brand to create a more personalized experience.

Example:

Hi Sarah! Get 15% OFF your next purchase with us. Use code SARAH15. Happy shopping!

Create Urgency

Drive immediate action by incorporating time-sensitive offers or limited-time deals that instill a sense of urgency and exclusivity. Use compelling language to encourage recipients to act quickly and not miss out on the opportunity.

Example:

Flash Sale Ends Tonight! Get 30% OFF selected items. Shop now: [Link]

Include a Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)

Direct recipients on what to do next — whether it's visiting your website, redeeming a coupon, or subscribing to updates. Make your CTA actionable and easy to follow to increase the likelihood of conversion and engagement.

Example:

Reply YES to subscribe & get 10% OFF your next order. Stay updated with our latest offers!

Segment Your Audience

Tailor messages to specific customer segments based on preferences, behaviors, or demographics for enhanced relevance and effectiveness. Segmented messaging allows you to deliver more targeted and personalized content, resonating better with each audience segment.

Example:

Calling all fitness enthusiasts! Explore our new activewear release: [Link]

Use Emojis Sparingly

Emojis can add personality and catch attention, but use them judiciously and ensure they align with your brand voice and message.

Example:

🌟 Your loyalty rewards are waiting! Visit us this weekend for double points.

Pitfalls to Avoid When Writing SMS Marketing Texts

While SMS marketing can be highly effective, certain pitfalls can hinder its success. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• Overloading Information: Conveying too much information in a single SMS can overwhelm recipients. Stick to one clear message per text.
• Ignoring Timing: Sending SMS at inappropriate times (e.g., late at night) can annoy recipients and lead to opt-outs. Respect your audience's schedule.
• Lack of Clarity: Vague or unclear messages confuse recipients and diminish engagement. Be straightforward and concise in your communication.
• Poor Personalization: Incorrect or irrelevant personalization can have the opposite effect, making messages seem robotic or insincere. Ensure accurate and meaningful personalization.
• Ignoring Compliance: Neglecting SMS regulations and spam laws can damage your reputation and lead to legal issues. Always obtain explicit consent and adhere to guidelines.

Additional Strategies for Successful SMS Marketing

In addition to the tips mentioned above, consider incorporating the following strategies to further optimize your SMS marketing campaigns:

• Mobile-Friendly Content: Ensure your messages are optimized for mobile devices with clear formatting and clickable links.
• Engage with Two-Way Communication: Encourage recipients to respond to your SMS, facilitating two-way communication and building stronger relationships.
• Monitor and Analyze Performance: Regularly track key metrics (e.g., open rates, click-through rates) to evaluate the effectiveness of your SMS campaigns and make data-driven adjustments.
• Integrate with Other Channels: Combine SMS with email, push notifications, in-app messages, social media, and other channels to create a cohesive omnichannel experience for your audience.

Easily Add SMS to Your Marketing Toolbox

OneSignal is the market-leading self-serve customer engagement solution for bulk SMS, push notifications, email, iOS Live Activities, and in-app messages. We’re loved by marketers, product managers, and developers alike!

Our platform makes it easy to target, personalize, and automate messages across channels while maintaining compliance with evolving industry standards. Connect with us to get a live demo and find the OneSignal plan that works for your business.