How to Write an Effective Marketing SMS

Crafting an effective marketing SMS involves clarity, conciseness, and a strong call to action. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you write compelling SMS messages that engage your audience and drive action.

1. Start with a Clear Objective

Before writing your SMS, define your goal. What do you want the recipient to do? Your objective might include:

• Promoting a sale or discount
• Announcing a new product or service
• Sending reminders or notifications
• Driving traffic to your website or store

2. Know Your Audience

Understanding your audience is crucial. Tailor your message to their preferences and behaviors. Personalization can significantly increase engagement. Learn more about audience segmentation from HubSpot.

3. Keep It Short and Sweet

SMS messages are limited to 160 characters, so make every word count. Focus on delivering your message concisely. Avoid unnecessary words and get straight to the point. Check out SMS Marketing Best Practices for more tips.

4. Create a Strong Call to Action (CTA)

A clear and compelling CTA directs the recipient on what to do next. Examples of effective CTAs include:

• “Shop now and save 20%!”
• “Click here to learn more”
• “Reply YES to join”
• “Visit us today!”

5. Include Value and Urgency

Offer something of value to your recipients and create a sense of urgency to encourage immediate action. Phrases like “limited time offer” or “only a few days left” can prompt quicker responses. Learn how to create effective urgency from Neil Patel.

6. Personalize Your Message

Personalization can make your SMS feel more relevant. Use the recipient’s name or reference their past interactions with your brand if possible. Example: “Hi [Name], get 15% off on your next purchase!” More on personalization from Salesforce.

7. Provide an Opt-Out Option

To comply with regulations and maintain trust, always include an easy way for recipients to opt out of future messages. Example: “Reply STOP to unsubscribe.” For more on compliance, visit Twilio's TCPA Compliance.

8. Test Your Messages

Before sending your SMS to a large audience, test it with a small group to gather feedback and make necessary adjustments. A/B testing different versions can also help determine which message performs better. Learn about A/B testing from Optimizely.

Example Templates

Promotional Offer

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Hi [Name], enjoy 20% off your next purchase! Shop now at [Website] and use code SAVE20. Hurry, offer ends soon! Reply STOP to opt out.


Event Reminder

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Don’t miss out! Our annual sale starts tomorrow at 9 AM. Visit us at [Store/Website] for exclusive deals. Reply STOP to opt out.


New Product Announcement

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Exciting news, [Name]! Check out our new product line at [Website]. Order now and get free shipping! Reply STOP to opt out.


Appointment Reminder

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Reminder: Your appointment with [Business Name] is on [Date] at [Time]. Reply YES to confirm or call us at [Phone Number] to reschedule. Reply STOP to opt out.


Conclusion

Writing an effective marketing SMS involves being clear, concise, and action-oriented. By understanding your audience, creating compelling CTAs, and personalizing your messages, you can engage your recipients and drive the desired outcomes. Remember to always comply with legal requirements by including an opt-out option and testing your messages for effectiveness.

If you need assistance with crafting and sending marketing SMS messages, Entrance Group offers comprehensive SMS marketing solutions tailored to your needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business succeed.

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