Learn What Text Message Advertising Is & How to Send Promotional Texts + SMS Marketing Examples
The most effective advertising delivers the right message, to the right person, at the right time.
Speed, timing, and segmentation dictate how well your audience engages with your messaging.
So what’s the best messaging tool for getting immediate engagement?
Text message advertising.
In this post, I cover:
- What text message advertising is
- Why text message advertising works and how it compares to email marketing
- How to get started with a text promotion service
- 8 best practices for sending promotional text messages
- List 50+ of the best SMS marketing messages text advertising message examples
After reading this article, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to run a successful text message advertising campaign.
Read on for more.
What Is Text Message Advertising?
Text message advertising, also known as SMS advertising, text marketing, or promotional SMS, is a form of mobile marketing. Businesses and organizations use SMS marketing platforms to send promotional messages, offers, or text alerts directly to an individual's phone after getting their permission. Text message advertising is short, personalized, and often achieves high open and engagement rates. Keep in mind, compliance with regulations like the TCPA is crucial to send promotional text messages.
Why Text Message Advertising Works and How It Compares to Email Marketing
Text messages are one of the most immediate and engaging advertising methods. Texting is fantastic for getting a quick message in front of a lot of people at one time.
Below are several reasons why text message advertising works.
Texts are direct and immediate
58% of consumers say texting is the fastest way to reach them. This makes texting a more immediate and preferred alternative to email.
Email is the single most widely adopted form of communication in the world. But email inboxes are overflowing and promotional messages often get marketed as spam.
In fact, some 53% of emails end up in spam folders, compared to only 3% of texts.
Texts are universally accessible
Text messages are also supremely accessible. Some 5.1 billion people use mobile devices globally and nearly every single one of their phones is text-enabled.
This makes it easy to engage with everyone on your contact list, regardless of what kind of device they use.
52% percent of consumers also say that they prefer to communicate via text for marketing and promotional messages.
Texts have great open and click-through rates
Texts have up to a 98% open rate––people are far more likely to read them right away. And compared to email, texts typically net higher click and engagement rates.
The normal promotional email blast gets around a 2% link click-through rate. Text messages often get around a 35% click rate when you include a link.
But despite text messaging’s clear advantages over email, email will always have its place in your marketing mix. This is where I advocate for using both text message advertising and email marketing together.
Email marketing vs. text message advertising engagement rates
Both text messaging and email marketing have unique advantages and are well-suited for particular types of promotional messages.
Text messages are perfect for a quick, timely prompt.
Emails give you a chance to add more media and content and include more calls to action. Email marketing also helps reach more people if you use the available tools and get some more addresses, say, you find emails from LinkedIn with the help of extensions and tools.
So consider combining the two as part of a more comprehensive advertising plan.
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How to Get Started with a Text Promotion Service
There are many SMS marketing services, including MessageDesk. But the trick is choosing the right platform based on your organization’s needs.
Below is a step-by-step guide for evaluating your options and getting started.
1. Choose a text promotion service
The first step to starting a text message advertising campaign is to sign up with a text marketing platform.
As you get started, there are several key features you’ll want to look for when evaluating solutions.
The first key feature is high-volume, carrier-verified, mass texting—also known as carrier-verified A2P 10DLC.
You’ll need texting software that can get you near 100% delivery rates for large-scale SMS marketing campaigns. Without this, you can only send a limited number of texts, and delivery isn’t guaranteed.
Note: MessageDesk’s text message broadcasts do support high-volume, carrier-verified 10DLC messaging.
The second grouping of features you’ll want to look for is text message automation features. These include:
- Text message scheduling
- Support for templates, tags, links, and media
- Keyword-based autoresponder texts
- Contact list management features and custom fields
- CRM and email marketing integrations
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2. Create a free account and trial the service
Once you've selected a text advertising platform, get started with a free account. This gives you time to get answers to questions and test the platform's capabilities.
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3. Text-enable your business phone or select a new text number
Next, you’ll need to get a new text number or text-enable your existing business landline.
Some platforms allow you to select various types of SMS phone numbers, including toll-free 800 numbers.
To text from an existing business phone number, you’ll need to submit a number hosting request.
Note: It will likely take from 1-7 days to successfully text-enable your business number once you submit your request.
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4. Import and segment your contacts into groups and lists
Once you’ve got your SMS phone number configured, you’ll want to upload contact lists or sync with your CRM. MessageDesk makes this easy with built-in CSV upload, custom fields, and Zapier integrations.
Keep in mind, TCPA compliance requires contacts to opt-in to receive promotional messages (more on this below).
This is where SMS subscriber systems, like those built into MessageDesk can help. MessageDesk makes it easy to track who has and hasn’t consented to receive promotional messages.
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5. Pre-save messages with templates, tags, links, and media
Once you upload your contacts to your promotional texting service, you can now compose your messages.
MessageDesk supports pre-saved text message templates. You can even insert personalization tags, URL links, photos, and other media into your text message templates.
Templates ultimately allow you to create more personalized texts. This allows you to optimize your promotional messaging for deeper engagement with your audience.
It’s also possible to pre-save templates. You can use these for different types of text message marketing for events and other various campaigns.
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6. Schedule and automate mass text broadcasts
Coupling text message scheduling with text message broadcasts is how you reach everyone and send bulk SMS.
It also helps ensure that your message gets in front of people when they're most likely to be receptive. This can be after they’ve made a purchase or when they first join your text subscriber list.
Need to send a message on a certain day at a specific time? You can schedule SMS messages to send at a later time. You can also schedule messages at specific intervals as part of automated text message campaigns.
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7. Set up keyword-based autoresponder automation
Autoresponder texts are a keyword-based type of text message automation.
An autoresponder sends an automatic text when someone texts your organization’s phone number with a keyword.
Here’s an example:
Hey {{ FirstName }}, Thanks for your business and support! Want 10% off your next order? Opt-in to our text list by texting back JOIN. We’ll also send you monthly deals with promo codes and more. Text STOP to opt-out at any time. Message and data rates may apply.
JOIN
Thanks for joining our text list! Here’s 10% off your next order. Use code [Code] at checkout.
8. Use Zapier to integrate your promotional SMS with third-party tools
Zapier makes it easy to integrate texting services like MessageDesk with other third-party marketing software. You can sync contacts from ConstantContact, HubSpot, Shopify, or even Mailchimp.
An example is if a Shopify e-commerce shopper abandons their cart. You could set up a MessageDesk and Zapier integration with Shopify. This could automatically send an abandoned cart message and prompt the shopper to complete checkout.
Bottom line: Zapier SMS zaps and other CRM text messaging integrations give you options when it comes to promotional outreach.
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8 Best Practices for Writing SMS for Marketing and Promotional Purposes
I’ve covered how to get set up with a promotional text advertising service.
But before you compose your marketing messages, consider the following text message advertising best practices:
1. Let your audience know who you are
Most people in your audience won’t have your business number saved on their phone. So it's important to introduce yourself when starting a new text message conversation.
Sending messages with a pre-saved text message signature can also help you identify yourself and establish trust with your audience.
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2. Keep your messages short and concise
Texts are a quick form of communication. Part of proper text message etiquette is getting right to the point.
Most business texting software enables you to send more than 160 characters per SMS. But if you find that your marketing or promotional text is getting too long, consider sending an email instead.
3. Include images and media
Is your promotional text campaign about a new product or service or advertising a sale? Consider including a simple graphic or an image.
Adding images and other media to your marketing message increases your chance of a click-through versus sending plain text alone.
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4. Include a call to action (CTA)
Always offer a clear CTA to spur your customer to action. CTAs make direct people to redeem an offer code, click a link, or take some desired action.
You’ll want to limit your text messages to one call to action per text. Any more than that and you reduce your likelihood of getting engagement.
If you need to send a message that includes multiple CTAs, then consider email.
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5. Don’t use a URL shortener
The goal of many promotional texts is to drive traffic to a website. So consider using a link as your CTA. When including a link in your marketing message, I recommend using the entire URL link instead of using a link shortener.
Phone carriers view shortened links as suspicious. As a result, they may flag your message as spam, affecting your text message delivery rates.
6. Don’t send texts without permission
Text message advertising is subject to TCPA compliance. You also need to be mindful of other telecommunications regulations regarding A2P 10DLC text messaging.
That being said, I outline numerous ways you can stay compliant and still grow your text subscriber lists in another article.
Promotional texting services like MessageDesk are designed to help you get and stay compliant with text message advertising regulations.
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7. Don’t overwhelm customers with promotional SMS messages
Texting is meant to enhance other forms of marketing and promotional outreach. It doesn’t fully replace them.
As a best practice, only send relevant texts to your customers when it makes sense. I advise including a line about how often people should expect to receive texts from you. This helps to set expectations.
8. Be mindful of text acronyms and emojis
As a best practice be mindful of your audience when using text acronyms and abbreviations and emojis. Younger audiences may appreciate and respond well, while older or more professional audiences won’t.
It’s always best to consider your audience and the tone of your voice. When in doubt, simplify and go for clarity as opposed to being clever.
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Promotional SMS Marketing Examples
Text message advertising gives you the advantage of immediate engagement. It’s great when you need to:
- Send sale messages to customers.
- Offer discount messages
- Advertise exclusive offers.
- Recover abandoned carts.
- Promote holiday sales.
- Advertise loyalty programs.
- And more.
Below is a list of text message advertising examples and SMS promotional messages that I’ve put together.
You can also check out my list of 100+ text message templates for more of the best SMS marketing examples.
Promotional sales discount message examples
Sales promotion text messages can drive sales, increase engagement, and foster brand loyalty. By offering discounts, clear CTAs, and targeted messaging, you can capture attention and encourage immediate action.
These types of direct, engaging texts can also boost website traffic and help you collect valuable customer feedback. When used responsibly, they can help you achieve sales goals and nurture customer relationships.
Limited time offer SMS template
🎉 Limited Time Offer! 🎉 Get 20% off all items this weekend only! Use code WEEKEND20 at checkout. Shop now and save big! 💸 [Link]
Discount offer message sample for retail
Need a gift ASAP? Our gift cards are 10% off today through Friday, in-store and online.
Discount message for products
Hi, {{ First Name }}! We know you’ve been keeping a close eye on our products. This month we’re offering a special discount for all sales over $X on our new collection. For more info visit: [Link].
Discount message to attract customers, gym or studio
Treat yourself for the new year, {{ First Name }}. 😌 All personal training sessions are 20% off TODAY ONLY. Stop by the studio to get your discount!
Discount message example for sports teams
Hey {{ FirstName }}! A few tickets are still available for Friday’s game against San Jose. I can get you set up with a 15% discount if you purchase today. Are you interested? Jenna – Reno 1868 FC Office ⚽– Text STOP to unsubscribe.
Sales promotion template for retail
Our end-of-season sale starts NOW. Stop by the shop this week for 15% off summer apparel and select accessories. Stock is limited!
SMS activate promo code template
🎉 Exclusive Promo Inside, {{ First Name }}! 🎉 Activate your discount now with promo code: [CODE]. Visit [Link] and enjoy 20% off your purchase. Limited time offer. Happy shopping! 🛍️
Flash sale promo message
🔥 Flash Sale Alert! 🔥 Enjoy 25% off on our best-selling products for the next 3 hours. Hurry, limited stock available! Shop now! 🛍️ [Link]
Sales gift promotion template
🎁 {{ FirstName }}, Your Perfect Gift Awaits! 🎁 Find the ideal present for your loved ones and save 30% on all gifts. Spread joy and savings! 🎈 [Link]
Free shipping text sample
{{ FirstName }} We're happy to announce free shipping on all orders over $160. As a thank you for being a loyal brand follower, we're offering free shipping on all of our products. We hope you enjoy your new purchase!
Free product or BOGO ("Buy one, get one free") offer SMS template
{{ FirstName }}, You can enjoy a free [product] on all orders over $35. Click the link below to activate your free product coupon code: Thanks for shopping with us! 💕
Promotional message example with discount for retail location
📣 Our new location in Reno is now open! Come celebrate with us and get 15% off your purchase today through Saturday. See you there! Andrew – Reno Wellness Shop – Text STOP to unsubscribe.
Abandoned cart messages
Abandoned cart text messages are a must for e-commerce businesses. Abandoned carts occur when a potential customer adds custom products to their cart but leaves your website before finalizing the purchase. This is a great time to send promotional SMS.
These promotional sms campaigns are meant to remind and encourage customers. Use the following abandoned cart SMS campaign templates to get people back to their online shopping carts to complete their purchases.
Initial abandoned cart reminder text
🛒 Oops! You forgot something in your cart! Complete your purchase now and enjoy 10% off. Don't miss out! 😊 [Link]
Free shipping promotional offer
🚚 Shipping's on us, {{ FirstName }}! Complete your order, and we'll cover the shipping cost. Don't let this offer slip away! 🌟 [Link]
Abandoned cart assistance offer
📞 Need help with your order? Our team is here to assist you! Reply 'HELP' or call {{ OrganizationPhone }} for any questions. 😊
Abandoned cart follow-up
👋 Just checking in! Your cart is still here, and we don't want you to miss out on your favorites. Head back to [Link] to complete your purchase!
Customer testimonials and reviews to recover cart
⭐️ Don't just take our word for it! Customers love these products in your cart. See what they're saying and make an informed choice! 📣 [Link]
Holiday marketing and seasonal promotional SMS samples
SMS for holiday promotions can engage customers, boost sales, and creates excitement. It's a direct, immediate way to send time-sensitive offers, personalized greetings, and exclusives.
Consider sending these types of promotional SMS to increase brand awareness during the busy holiday season.
Holiday promotion with discount
Celebrate Christmas with [featured product]! You can get 10% off when you order today! Shipping before the holidays is guaranteed!
Holiday sale promotion
Hi, {{ FirstName }}! Don’t miss our huge sale to celebrate HOLIDAY. Save up to 20% on everything you’ll need to make the HOLIDAY special. For more info visit: [Link].
Seasonal sale promotion
🌞 Summer Essentials Sale! 🌞 Get 20% off all swimwear and beach accessories. Dive into summer fashion now! 🏖️ [Link]
Discount message example for Mother’s Day retail, flash sale
Need a last-minute gift for Mom? We’ve got you covered. Our best-selling candles are 20% off TODAY. 😲 This offer is valid for in-store purchases only. Quantities are limited! Alex – Reno Candle Shop – Text STOP to unsubscribe
Promotional text for a service during the holidays
Not the best at gift wrapping? 🎁 Or do you just hate doing it? We’ll wrap your in-store purchases for FREE. Today and tomorrow only. Just show this text to redeem this offer. See you soon!Reply STOP to unsubscribe.
Loyalty rewards and birthday text messages
You can also incorporate birthday SMS marketing and promotional texts into a loyalty program. Redeeming rewards on a mobile device is much easier for customers because your customer doesn’t have to scroll. It’s easy to immediately redeem your offer.
Loyalty rewards text message templates
🎉 Congrats, {{ FirstName }}! You've earned [Reward] points! Redeem them now for [Discount] off your next purchase. Thank you for being a loyal customer! 🌟 [Link]
🎁 Exclusive Offer for Our VIPs! 🎁 {{ FirstName }}, Enjoy [Discount]% off on your next order as a token of appreciation for your loyalty. Use code VIP15 at checkout. 💎 [Link]
🌟 Level Up Your Rewards, {{ FirstName }}! 🌟 You've reached [Tier] in our loyalty program. Enjoy [Exclusive Benefit] on your next purchase. Happy shopping! 😊 [Link]
💖 We Love Our Loyal Customers! 💖 {{ FirstName }}, Get [Bonus Reward] points with your purchase today. Your loyalty means the world to us! 💌 [Website URL]
🏆 Loyalty Champion Alert! 🏆 {{ FirstName }}, You're one of our top customers! Enjoy a special [Discount] on your next order. Keep rocking your loyalty! 🚀 [Link]
Birthday text message templates
🎂 Happy Birthday! 🎂 To celebrate your special day, here's a [Discount]% birthday treat. Enjoy shopping with us and have an amazing day! 🎉 [Link]
🎉 Birthday Surprise Inside! 🎉 We've prepared a little gift for you. Head to our website and enter code BDAY20 for 20% off. 🎁 [Link]
🎈 It's Your Big Day! 🎈 As our way of saying 'Happy Birthday,' here are [Bonus Reward] points for you to use. Have a fantastic celebration! 🥳 [Link]""🎊 Happy Birthday, [Name]! 🎊 You're in for a treat! Enjoy [Discount] off your birthday purchase. Make it a day to remember! 🌟 [Link]
🎁 Your Birthday Gift Awaits! 🎁 Celebrate with us and get [Discount]% off your entire purchase. Use code BDAYGIFT at checkout. 🎉 [Link]
SMS templates for marketing new products or services
Texts are a great way to advertise a product launch or promote a service. Consider emphasizing scarcity with limited-time or limited-stock type offers.
Early access promotional text
🎉 Early Access! 🎉 Discover our latest product - [Product Name]! 😍 Get 20% off with code NEW20. Limited stock, act fast! 🚀 [Link]
Limited quantity message template
Products are limited to 300/item: [Link]. Hurry, before everything’s gone and the sun comes around!
Back-in-stock arrival messages
Our best-selling basic tees have been sold out for months, but they’re now back in stock. Grab The Comfy Tee before it’s gone again! Shop now: [Link]
🎉 Back in Stock Alert! 🎉 Great news, {{ FirstName }} - [Product Name] is back in stock! Get it before it sells out again. Shop now and secure yours today! 🛍️ [Link]
New arrivals SMS sample
Fremont Wear: From loungewear jumpsuits to mini pastel backpacks, our Spring collection will prepare you for sunnier times ahead. Check out the newest arrivals here: [Link]
🎉 New Arrival Alert! 🎉 Say hello to [Product/Service Name] - the perfect solution for [customer pain point]. Shop now and enjoy [Bonus Reward] points! 💡 [Link]
New collection SMS text message
Fremont Skincare: Just launched! New limited edition travel sets for every skin type and concern to take with you on your next vacation or getaway. See them here: [Link] Text STOP to unsubscribe.
🌟 Introducing [Product/Service Name]! 🌟 Discover the latest addition to our lineup. Get [Discount]% off on your first purchase. Explore now! 🚀 [Link]
Contest promotional text message sample
One of the ways to get people to engage with your brand with minimal effort is through contests. The complexity of the contest (or giveaway) is entirely up to you. You can choose to simply ask people to like and share a post or to register for the contest itself.
Social media contest announcement
We’d love to see how YOU accessorize our products on social media! Snap a picture with your favorite outfit, post it on Instagram, and tag us @(BrandName). We’ll share our favorites and pick two lucky winners to join us for an exclusive event.
Win big announcement
🚀 Ready to Win Big, {{ FirstName }}? 🚀 Join our [Contest Name] and stand a chance to win [Prize]. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity! Enter now! 💫 [Link]
Call for contest participants
🎁 Calling All Participants! 🎁 Enter our [Contest Name] today for a shot at winning [Prize]. Hurry, the contest ends soon! 🏃♂️ [Link]
Text message promotion with a time-sensitive prize incentive
Get to the game early today! Be one of the first 100 fans at the stadium and get a free Reno 1868 Soccer t-shirt. See you there!
Event invitation or promotion and ticket sales
Using SMS for event invitations, promotions, and ticket sales is a powerful marketing strategy. You can create concise messages with event details and clear calls to action.
You can also build anticipation with teasers, share updates, and include ticket links. Promotional SMS can enhance attendance, drive ticket sales, and elevate your fan experience.
Influencer meet-and-greet promo SMS
Hi, {{ First Name }}! Join us the first DAY OF MONTH for a virtual meet-and-greet with INFLUENCER. For more info visit: [Link]. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Special event invitation promotion SMS text
🎉 You're Invited, {{ FirstName }}! 🎉 Join us for an exclusive event on [Date/Time]. Expect great company, exciting offers, and more surprises! RSVP now! 🥳 [RSVP Link]
Promotional message for an event
It's easy to get tickets to [event]. Just follow this link to buy your tickets online: [Link] Fewer than 50 spots are available.⏱️See you there!
Promotional message example for sports teams
Hey, Reno Aces fans! We’re giving away 2 SEASON TICKETS to one lucky winner and a friend. Just reply to this text with the word TICKETS and you’ll be entered to win. See full contest details here: [Link]
Text message promotion for sports teams
WIN this autographed Reno 1868 Soccer jersey! Just reply to this text with the word JERSEY and you’ll be entered to win. We’ll text the winner this Friday. Good luck! Kyle – Reno 1868 FC Office ⚽ – Text STOP to unsubscribe.
Final thoughts and next steps
I’ve covered what text message advertising is and how it works. And I’ve shown you some classic text marketing examples.
What’s next?
If you’re ready, consider scheduling a demo and meeting with one of our messaging experts.
We’re here to help your small business or organization generate leads and find success.