45+ Best SMS Marketing Examples to Improve Campaign Quality

Short message service (SMS) marketing gives you a direct line to customers' mobile phones. But sending marketing texts does not automatically lead to clicks, sales, or replies.

Some SMS campaigns underperform because the audience was not segmented, or subscribers were already overwhelmed with promotions.

In this article, we will explore some of the best SMS marketing examples by campaign type, so you can see what works in real-world messaging. You’ll get ready-to-use templates and turn them into repeatable campaigns.

TL;DR

• The strongest SMS campaigns follow a structure that moves subscribers from attention to action: hook, offer, CTA, link, and brand signature.
• The best SMS marketing examples succeed because they match the moment, such as welcome messages, promotional campaigns, flash sales, back-in-stock alerts, product launches, abandoned cart recovery, and browse abandonment follow-ups.
• Retention and engagement campaigns also include post-purchase messaging, loyalty program campaigns, birthday and anniversary campaigns, referral marketing, review requests, re-engagement campaigns, appointment reminders, events, and lead capture.
• A practical SMS strategy starts with creating high-intent automated campaigns, contact segmentation, creating a campaign calendar, adapting templates to your brand voice, setting up a testing plan, and improving results through KPIs.
• TextUs is a text marketing platform that makes it easier to execute these SMS examples through SMS automation, segmentation, two-way messaging, and campaign performance tracking.

The Key Elements of High-Performing SMS Campaigns

Text marketing campaigns are most effective when every message follows a structure. These elements below make it easier to engage customers and boost engagement.

Hook

The hook is the opening line that stops the scroll and earns attention immediately.

It can create urgency, highlight exclusivity, reference behavior, or speak to a specific need. But it should be short and direct.

A strong hook references something the subscriber already did, such as viewing a product, joining a waitlist, or earning points.

Specificity increases customer engagement because the message is relevant to the reader. It also supports stronger customer relationships over time.

Offer

The offer explains what the subscriber gains by taking action. It could be a discount, early access, a reminder, a reward, or useful information tied to their activity.

Targeted offers outperform vague ones because subscribers understand the benefit within seconds.

Call to Action

A call to action (CTA) tells the reader what to do next. Strategic CTAs remove hesitation by using direct language such as “Shop the Collection,” “Claim Your Reward,” or “Book Your Appointment.”

Link

The link connects the message to measurable results. It should lead to the product page, booking form, checkout cart, or event access point rather than a website homepage.

Trackable links allow performance measurement at the campaign level. Branded shortened links also increase trust and click-through rates.

Brand Signature

The brand signature strengthens credibility. It can be your business name, a consistent tone, or a short closing that reminds subscribers who the message is from.

Consistency builds familiarity over time. Familiar brands generate higher engagement because subscribers know what to expect.

45+ Best SMS Marketing Examples to Inspire Your Campaigns

The best text message marketing examples are short and built around a target action. Below are SMS marketing examples you can customize to fit your brand voice, audience, and campaign goals.

Welcome Messages

Welcome campaigns introduce your brand and set expectations for future messages. They shape first impressions and drive early engagement from new SMS subscribers.

1. “Hey Sarah, welcome to Oak & Pine. You’ll be the first to know about limited drops and private sales.”
2. “Thanks for joining GlowSkin! Here’s 15% off your first order. Use discount code GLOW15 at checkout.”
3. “Reply YES to confirm you want exclusive texts from RunClub. Msg frequency varies. Reply STOP to opt out.”

You can space welcome messages over several days instead of sending everything at once. If you use double opt-in, your audience is more qualified, and your engagement stays stronger.

Promotional Campaigns

Promotional campaigns drive direct revenue with a focused offer and a clear next step. They also direct traffic straight to your online store for faster checkout.

4. “Today only: Take 20% off all outerwear. Use code FALL20 before midnight.”
5. “Get $25 off orders over $125. Your cart is closer than you think.”
6. “Free shipping ends at 9 PM. No minimum required.”

Promotional SMS messages convert better when they focus on one clear offer. Avoid stacking multiple deals in a single text.

Flash Sale Campaigns

Flash sales create a sense of urgency and push for fast decisions. They are designed to generate a short burst of traffic and conversions.

7. “24 hours only. All denim is 30% off. Sale ends tomorrow at 10 AM.”
8. “3-hour exclusive deal. Extra 40% off clearance. Ends at 6 PM sharp.”
9. “VIP access starts now. Shop the private sale before it opens to the public.”

Many ecommerce brands use deadlines to maintain credibility and reserve flash language for limited-time offers.

Back-in-Stock Alerts

Back-in-stock alerts target customers who already shown interest. These messages convert quickly with minimal copy, especially when driven by customer data.

10. “Good news, Alex. The Navy Commuter Jacket is back in stock.”
11. “Your saved sneakers just restocked. Sizes are moving fast.”
12. “The Espresso Machine is back. Add the starter kit and save 10%.”

You can send restock messages as soon as inventory updates. Keep them focused on the product so customers understand what’s available.

Product Launch Campaigns

Product launches perform better when the audience is warmed up before the drop.

13. “Something bold is dropping Friday. Watch your inbox.”
14. “The AeroFlex Running Shoe is live. Lightweight. Breathable. Ready to move.”
15. “Join the waitlist for early access to our limited capsule collection.”

A simple product announcement or teaser plus a reminder builds momentum without flooding inboxes. Exclusive access also increases conversion.

Abandoned Cart Recovery

Abandoned cart messages recover revenue from shoppers who were already close to purchasing.

16. “You left the Classic Leather Tote in your cart. Still thinking it over?”
17. “The AirFlex Mattress is designed for cooler sleep and back support. Ready to finish your order?”
18. “Complete your purchase in the next 2 hours and take 10% off.”

You can send the first reminder within a few hours for higher recovery rates. The best cart messages make it easy for shoppers to shop immediately without distractions.

Browse Abandonment Follow-Ups

Browse abandonment texts reconnect with shoppers who showed interest but did not commit. These campaigns work best when positioned as recommendations instead of reminders.

19. “Still considering the Marble Coffee Table? It pairs well with modern spaces.”
20. “New arrivals just landed in the Spring Collection.”
21. “Based on what you viewed, you may love our best-selling Knit Blazer.”

You need to keep these messages value-focused. Strong browse follow-ups rely on relevant messaging rather than aggressive urgency.

Post-Purchase Messaging

Post-purchase messages reinforce trust and reduce uncertainty after checkout. They also create natural opportunities for repeat purchases, which supports customer retention.

22. “Thanks for your order, Daniel. We’re preparing it now and will notify you once it ships.”
23. “Your package is on the way. Track delivery here: [tracking link].”
24. “Delivered today. Let us know if everything arrived safely.”

It's essential to keep transactional messages easy to scan. You can send review requests after customers have had enough time to use the product.

Loyalty Program Campaigns

Loyalty campaigns reward repeat behavior and increase lifetime value. They're ideal when your most loyal customers understand the benefit of staying engaged.

25. “You’ve earned 480 points. Redeem them for $20 off your next order.”
26. “Your $15 reward expires Sunday. Don’t let it go to waste.”
27. “You just unlocked Gold status. Enjoy early access and exclusive perks.”

For organized messaging, you have to segment messages based on activity level or tier. These campaigns work best when they build long-term customer loyalty instead of constant discounting.

Birthday and Anniversary Campaigns

Birthday and anniversary campaigns create a personal touchpoint in your SMS strategy.

28. “Happy Birthday, Maya. Celebrate with 20% off anything in-store or online.”
29. “Happy Birthday from the entire Riverstone team. We appreciate you.”
30. “One year ago today, you placed your first order. Enjoy $25 toward your next one.”

You may send birthday offers slightly before the date and include an expiration window to encourage action. These campaigns also help encourage subscribers to stay active without heavy promotion.

Referral Marketing

Referral campaigns turn loyal customers into advocates. They extend reach without increasing ad spend, while supporting your broader marketing efforts.

31. “Give $10, get $10. Share your personal link with friends.”
32. “Refer 3 friends this month and unlock a $30 bonus.”
33. “You’re one referral away from your reward. Invite a friend today.”

You can make the benefit specified for both sides of the referral. Referral texts are also effective when paired with other communication channels like email and paid social.

Review Requests

Review request campaigns build social proof that influences future buyers.

34. “Have a minute? Leave a quick review here: [review link].”
35. “Share your feedback and receive 10% off your next purchase.”
36. “Your order arrived yesterday. How did everything look?”

A short and respectful message increases completion rates. You can send review requests shortly after delivery confirmation and avoid long explanations.

Re-Engagement and Winback Campaigns

Winback campaigns are also a strong way to drive more sales without expanding your list. The most effective approach starts with relevance before offering discounts.

37. “We haven’t seen you in a while. Want to see what’s new?”
38. “Come back this weekend and enjoy 20% off your next order.”
39. “New arrivals just dropped. Take another look.”

You can segment winback audiences by inactivity duration. Then, reserve stronger incentives for subscribers who have been dormant for longer.

Appointment Reminder

Appointment reminders reduce no-shows and improve scheduling efficiency. They also make it easier to remind customers without requiring phone calls.

40. “Reminder: You’re scheduled for tomorrow at 3 PM.”
41. “See you at 3 PM today.”
42. “Need a different time? Choose a new slot here.”

It's best to send reminders at predictable intervals to create consistency. Always include an easy way to reschedule.

Event and Webinars

Event promotions increase attendance and reduce drop-off before the start time. Multiple reminders improve participation rates when you use targeted messages for registrants only.

43. “You’re registered for Thursday’s Growth Workshop.”
44. “Reminder: The workshop starts tomorrow at 1 PM.”
45. “Starting in 1 hour. Join using your access link.”

You can place the access link prominently in reminder messages.

Lead Capture and Nurture

Lead nurture campaigns move prospects deeper into the funnel with value-driven follow-ups. You can also see results when pairing them with opt-in campaigns and subscriber collection methods.

46. “Here’s your free Real Estate Investment Guide: [link]. Let me know what you think.”
47. “Do you have questions about the guide? Reply here, and I’ll respond directly.”
48. “Are you planning to purchase within the next 60 days? Reply YES or NO.”

You need to deliver value before asking for commitment. You can use simple reply prompts to identify serious prospects quickly.

How to Build an Effective SMS Marketing Strategy

A successful SMS marketing strategy comes from using proven campaign types in the right order. The goal is to create a system that builds trust first, then drives revenue without burning out your list.

Step #1: Start With High-Intent Automated Campaigns

Automated campaigns generate results without requiring constant manual sends. They also create consistent experiences for every person who enters your SMS subscriber list.

A subscriber who just joined your list, abandoned a cart, or completed a purchase is far more likely to engage than someone receiving a random promotional blast.

These behavior-based triggers allow you to reach customers at moments when interest is already high.

Start with the campaigns that capture demand rather than create it. These typically include:

• Welcome campaign (first 7 days after opt-in)
• Abandoned cart recovery flow
• Post-purchase confirmation and shipping updates
• Review request sequence
• Back-in-stock alerts for subscribers who opted in

Before running weekly promotions or flash sales, make sure these core automations are live and optimized.

SMS marketing automation makes sure every message triggers at the optimal time, scales with your audience, and delivers consistent performance without increasing workload.

Step #2: Segment Subscribers Before Sending Promotions

SMS segmentation determines whether your promotions feel relevant or intrusive. Remember, not every subscriber on your SMS list is at the same stage of the customer journey.

New subscribers need education, first-time buyers may need reassurance, and repeat customers respond better to exclusivity rather than deep discounts.

Inactive subscribers also require a different tone altogether. A winback message should reintroduce value before presenting a discount.

Segmentation does not need to be complex at the start. Even dividing your list into three or four core groups can improve your SMS performance.

Promotions become more effective when they feel tailored rather than a broadcast message. The more aligned the message is with subscriber behavior, the stronger the results on your overall marketing SMS strategy.

Step #3: Build a Monthly SMS Campaign Calendar

A monthly campaign calendar prevents random sending and protects long-term performance.

Planning also makes it easier to balance promotions with SMS marketing messages that build trust. This could be loyalty updates, post-purchase touchpoints, and winback campaigns.

Your campaign calendar should include a predictable rhythm that subscribers can get used to.

Most brands see better results when they send one to two promotional campaigns per week, reserve flash sales for rare moments, and schedule loyalty or re-engagement messages.

Seasonal marketing campaigns also perform better when they are planned early. Building your calendar four to six weeks ahead gives time to write stronger copy and create better offers.

You can also align your SMS sends with other messaging channels like email, paid campaigns, and site updates.

Step #4: Use Templates, Then Personalize for Brand Voice

SMS templates speed up production and give your personalized messages a structure.

However, they should serve as a starting point, not a final draft. A message that sounds interchangeable with any brand weakens trust.

Personalization goes beyond inserting a first name. Your tone, vocabulary, pacing, and even punctuation should reflect your brand personality.

A clean beauty brand will sound different from a clothing brand. Both should feel intentional when communicating through SMS marketing.

Product references and behavioral details also strengthen personalization. Mentioning the exact item viewed, the loyalty tier earned, or the category purchased increases relevance immediately.

Start with proven frameworks, then adjust language to match your voice and audience expectations. Structure creates consistency, while personalization creates connection.

Step #5: Set Up a Testing Plan for Continuous Improvement

Campaign performance improves when data, instead of assumptions, guide decisions. A structured testing plan reveals what drives clicks, conversions, and revenue within your audience.

Start by testing one variable at a time. Then, compare percentage discounts against dollar-off offers, short copy against slightly longer messages, or urgency-driven hooks against benefit-focused openings.

Timing is another major performance lever. Part of improving results involves knowing the best time to send marketing messages, which varies by audience, industry, and buying behavior.

You can test different delivery windows, such as morning versus afternoon or weekday versus weekend sends.

Over time, small improvements compound quickly when applied consistently to every campaign, including messages coordinated with other channels.

Step #6: Track Your Key Performance Indicators

SMS marketing programs rely on performance data rather than send volume. When you track the right key performance indicators (KPIs), it shows whether your strategy is generating revenue while maintaining subscriber trust.

You need to focus first on delivery rate, click rate, conversion rate, revenue per message, and opt-out rate. These metrics reveal short-term campaign performance and long-term list stability.

Click-through and conversion rates indicate how relevant your messaging and offers are. Revenue per message provides a clear view of profitability, especially when comparing campaign types.

SMS opt-out rate is one of the most important indicators of list health. Sudden spikes often signal over-sending, weak targeting, or offers that do not align with subscriber expectations.

Reply rate also matters if you use two-way messaging. Engagement through replies signals stronger relationship building and higher long-term value.

Run SMS Campaigns That Drive Action With TextUs

SMS marketing campaigns are only powerful if you have the right platform to execute them. If you want to turn these examples into measurable results, you need software built for business texting.

TextUs provides you with the infrastructure to launch, manage, and optimize your first SMS campaign.

From automated workflows and two-way messaging to customer relationship management (CRM) integrations and compliance safeguards, TextUs helps you move beyond one-off texts and build structured campaigns.

This SMS marketing platform also supports two-way messaging, so subscribers can respond, ask questions, and convert through real conversations instead of one-way blasts.

If you’re ready to run smarter SMS campaigns instead of guessing what works, it’s time to see TextUs in action.

Book a demo today and discover how your team can turn SMS marketing into a consistent revenue driver!

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FAQs About the Best SMS Marketing Examples

What is an example of SMS marketing?

An example of SMS marketing is a text message sent to subscribers who agreed to receive promotions or updates from a business. These SMS messages are designed to drive action.

Example: “Today only: Take 20% off all jackets. Shop before midnight.”

Other common examples include abandoned cart reminders, back-in-stock alerts, and birthday reward texts. It can support immediate sales without relying on other marketing channels.

What is an example of a good marketing message?

A good marketing message is short and specific on one action. It highlights value and tells the reader exactly what to do next while keeping messages concise.

Example: “Your saved sneakers are back in stock. Grab your size before it sells out.”

The best marketing message avoids clutter and ensures the message stands out within seconds.

Is SMS marketing illegal?

SMS marketing is legal if you follow compliance rules. Subscribers should give permission before receiving promotional texts collected through compliant opt-in forms.

Each marketing message should include an option to opt out, such as replying STOP. Following these rules protects your brand and allows you to take advantage of the benefits of SMS marketing.

What are the best practices for SMS marketing?

The best SMS marketing examples follow a simple formula. You have to get explicit consent, keep SMS texts short, and focus on one offer.

You also have to segment your list instead of sending the same text to everyone. Test different send times and monitor performance so you can improve results over time.