25 text message marketing examples that actually get replies
Real SMS marketing templates for promotions, reminders, re-engagement, reviews, and follow-up — with notes on why each one works and what to change for your business.
·8 min read
The difference between a text that gets a reply and one that gets an opt-out is usually thirty characters of wording. Below are templates for the campaign types businesses run most often, grouped by what you are trying to make happen.
Use them as starting points. Swap in your own voice, keep the structure, and test one variable at a time.
Promotions and offers
Promotional texts work when the offer is specific and the deadline is real. Vague discounts get ignored; a named product with an end date gets action.
- ✓"Hi [Name] — 20% off all [product] through Sunday. Use code SAVE20 at [link]. Reply STOP to opt out."
- ✓"[Business]: we just got [item] back in stock. Want me to hold one for you?"
- ✓"Last call, [Name] — the [offer] ends tonight at midnight: [link]"
- ✓"Quiet Tuesday at [Business]. Walk in before 4pm and your second [item] is free."
- ✓"[Name], your loyalty reward is ready. Show this text at checkout for [reward]."
Reminders, confirmations, and service updates
These are the highest-value texts most businesses send because they prevent lost revenue. Transactional in tone, low in friction, and always with a way to reschedule rather than just cancel.
- ✓"Reminder: your appointment with [Business] is [day] at [time]. Reply C to confirm or R to reschedule."
- ✓"[Name], your order #[number] shipped. Track it here: [link]"
- ✓"Heads up — we are running about 15 minutes behind today. Still good for [time]?"
- ✓"Your [service] is due this month. Want me to grab you a slot next week?"
- ✓"Payment received, [Name]. Receipt: [link]. Thanks for your business."
Re-engagement, follow-up, and reviews
Re-engagement texts should assume the customer forgot you, not that they rejected you. Ask a question rather than making an announcement — questions get replies, announcements get silence.
Review requests work best sent within 24 hours of a good experience, with a direct link and no more than one follow-up.
- ✓"Hi [Name], it has been a while since your last [service]. Want me to get you back on the schedule?"
- ✓"[Name] — still thinking about [product]? Happy to answer anything."
- ✓"Quick one: how did we do yesterday? If we earned it, a review here means a lot: [link]"
- ✓"Circling back on the quote I sent Tuesday. Any questions I can clear up?"
- ✓"We saved your cart, [Name]. Finish up here whenever you are ready: [link]"
Key takeaways
- →Specific offers with real deadlines beat vague discounts.
- →Reminders and confirmations protect revenue you have already earned.
- →Ending with a question dramatically increases reply rate.
- →Every marketing text needs your business name and an opt-out path.
Put this into practice with Text2Sale
Upload your leads, automate fast first-touch texts and follow-ups, stay 10DLC and TCPA compliant, and manage every conversation in one inbox.
Frequently asked questions
What should a marketing text message say?
Identify your business, deliver one clear benefit, and give a single action to take. Keep it under 160 characters where possible and include opt-out instructions on marketing messages.
How long should a marketing text be?
Under 160 characters is ideal because it sends as a single segment and reads in one glance. Longer messages still deliver, but they cost more per send and lose readers.
Should marketing texts include a link?
Include one link when there is something to see or do. Use a consistent, branded domain rather than an anonymous shortener, because unfamiliar shortened links are a common trigger for carrier filtering.