You’re onboard with SMS Marketing, you’ve read the ins and outs of proper compliance, and you’ve gathered your info and registered. Now you’re sitting there wondering, “I don’t know what I’m supposed to send.” We got you.
To make the most of SMS marketing, it is essential to develop a well-structured communication plan. Consider your business: What do you normally communicate about? How could SMS complement your existing efforts? For example, ecommerce retailers can use abandoned cart reminders via text, while nonprofits running an event can send last-minute registration reminders.
Don’t fret if you’re stuck on what to write. Leverage our AI Content Generator to craft the right message in seconds. Just enter a few keywords, and we’ll give you options you can customize to fit your brand’s voice.
Marketing Best Practices
To create and send successful SMS text messages, keep these updated best practices in mind:
Character count and "segments" – Standard texts have a 160-character limit. However, if you include an emoji or special character, that limit drops to 70 characters per segment. While you can send up to 1,950 characters, remember that each segment counts as an individual message for billing purposes. Keep it punchy to save on your monthly tier!
Respect quiet hours – No one wants a marketing ping at 2 a.m. Our system automatically prevents sending during designated quiet hours—typically 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.—based on the time zone in your account settings.
Identify yourself – Always include your business name in the message. Your subscribers need to know exactly who is texting them to maintain trust and increase brand recognition.
Value is king – Every text should offer something useful, whether it’s a unique promo code, an appointment confirmation, or early access to a new product.
Focused Call-to-Action (CTA) – Stick to one topic per message. We automatically shorten your links for you, but keep it to a single clickable link to ensure your audience knows exactly where to go.
Industry Examples to Get You Started
Welcome Messages: Hi [Name], thanks for joining [Business Name]! Use code HELLO10 for 10% off your first order. Shop now: [Link]
Restock Alerts: Great news—the [Product] you loved is back in stock! Grab yours before they’re gone again: [Link]
Milestones: It's your birthday! Stop by [Business Name] this week for a free small gift on us!
Appointment Reminders: Hi [Name], we’re looking forward to seeing you at [Time] on [Date]! Reply YES to confirm or use this link to reschedule: [Link]
Create and Send Your Message
Ready to hit send? Here’s a quick checklist to keep you on track:
Registration Status: Ensure your registration is approved. Approval typically takes 5–7 business days. If you're a sole proprietor without an EIN, you can still register but will be limited to 500 messages per month.
Campaign Name: This is for your internal tracking only; your subscribers won't see it.
Personalize it: Use the contact name tag to make the message feel one-on-one.
Multi-Channel Power: Use the Campaign Builder to organize your SMS alongside your emails and social posts for a cohesive marketing plan.
Once you’ve sent your first message, come back and let us know how it went!
