What Kind of Content Is Best for SMS Marketing Campaigns?
Posted: Wed May 28, 2025 3:54 am
SMS marketing is a powerful tool because of its immediacy, high open rates, and personal nature. However, to leverage SMS marketing effectively, the content must be concise, relevant, and engaging. Since SMS messages have character limits and are delivered directly to a user’s personal device, the content needs to respect the recipient’s time and attention.
Key Characteristics of Effective SMS Marketing Content
Concise: SMS messages typically allow 160 characters per message, so the content must be short and to the point.
Clear Call to Action (CTA): Every message should have a clear next step, such as visiting a website, redeeming a coupon, or replying to the message.
Personalized: Tailoring messages to the recipient increases engagement and makes the communication feel relevant.
Timely: Sending messages at the right time increases the chances of them being read and acted upon.
Value-Driven: The message should provide clear value—whether it’s an offer, important info, or a reminder.
Types of Content Best Suited for SMS Marketing
1. Promotional Offers and Discounts
One of the most common and effective SMS marketing content types is exclusive offers:
Time-limited discounts or flash sales.
Coupon codes that can be redeemed online or in-store.
Special deals for loyal customers or VIP members.
Example:
"Flash Sale! Get 20% off on all items today only. Use code SAVE20. Shop now: [link]"
2. Appointment Reminders and Confirmations
SMS is an excellent channel for sending reminders:
Appointment confirmations or reminders for doctors, salons, or service providers.
Event registration confirmations.
Payment due or subscription renewal notices.
Example:
"Reminder: Your dental appointment is scheduled for tomorrow at 3 PM. Reply YES to confirm."
3. Order Updates and Delivery Notifications
Customers appreciate timely updates about their purchases:
Order confirmations.
Shipping status and tracking information.
Delivery notifications.
Example:
"Your order #12345 has shipped and will arrive by Friday. Track here: [link]"
4. Surveys and Feedback Requests
Engage customers by asking for their opinions:
Quick polls or surveys to improve products or services.
Post-purchase feedback requests.
Event satisfaction surveys.
Example:
"How was your experience with our service? Reply 1 for Excellent, 2 for Good, 3 for Poor."
5. Event Invitations and Alerts
Use SMS to promote and remind about recent mobile phone number data upcoming events:
Invitations to webinars, sales events, or product launches.
Last-minute event updates or changes.
RSVP confirmations.
Example:
"Join us tomorrow for an exclusive webinar on digital marketing trends. Register now: [link]"
6. Personalized Recommendations
Based on customer behavior or preferences:
Product recommendations.
Birthday or anniversary wishes with special offers.
Loyalty program updates and rewards.
Example:
"Hi Sarah! Since you loved our skincare set, you might like our new moisturizer. Get 15% off with code MOIST15."
Best Practices for SMS Content
Always include an easy opt-out option (e.g., “Reply STOP to unsubscribe”).
Avoid sending too many messages to prevent fatigue.
Use simple language and avoid jargon.
Test message timing and content to find what resonates best.
Ensure links are short and mobile-friendly.
Key Characteristics of Effective SMS Marketing Content
Concise: SMS messages typically allow 160 characters per message, so the content must be short and to the point.
Clear Call to Action (CTA): Every message should have a clear next step, such as visiting a website, redeeming a coupon, or replying to the message.
Personalized: Tailoring messages to the recipient increases engagement and makes the communication feel relevant.
Timely: Sending messages at the right time increases the chances of them being read and acted upon.
Value-Driven: The message should provide clear value—whether it’s an offer, important info, or a reminder.
Types of Content Best Suited for SMS Marketing
1. Promotional Offers and Discounts
One of the most common and effective SMS marketing content types is exclusive offers:
Time-limited discounts or flash sales.
Coupon codes that can be redeemed online or in-store.
Special deals for loyal customers or VIP members.
Example:
"Flash Sale! Get 20% off on all items today only. Use code SAVE20. Shop now: [link]"
2. Appointment Reminders and Confirmations
SMS is an excellent channel for sending reminders:
Appointment confirmations or reminders for doctors, salons, or service providers.
Event registration confirmations.
Payment due or subscription renewal notices.
Example:
"Reminder: Your dental appointment is scheduled for tomorrow at 3 PM. Reply YES to confirm."
3. Order Updates and Delivery Notifications
Customers appreciate timely updates about their purchases:
Order confirmations.
Shipping status and tracking information.
Delivery notifications.
Example:
"Your order #12345 has shipped and will arrive by Friday. Track here: [link]"
4. Surveys and Feedback Requests
Engage customers by asking for their opinions:
Quick polls or surveys to improve products or services.
Post-purchase feedback requests.
Event satisfaction surveys.
Example:
"How was your experience with our service? Reply 1 for Excellent, 2 for Good, 3 for Poor."
5. Event Invitations and Alerts
Use SMS to promote and remind about recent mobile phone number data upcoming events:
Invitations to webinars, sales events, or product launches.
Last-minute event updates or changes.
RSVP confirmations.
Example:
"Join us tomorrow for an exclusive webinar on digital marketing trends. Register now: [link]"
6. Personalized Recommendations
Based on customer behavior or preferences:
Product recommendations.
Birthday or anniversary wishes with special offers.
Loyalty program updates and rewards.
Example:
"Hi Sarah! Since you loved our skincare set, you might like our new moisturizer. Get 15% off with code MOIST15."
Best Practices for SMS Content
Always include an easy opt-out option (e.g., “Reply STOP to unsubscribe”).
Avoid sending too many messages to prevent fatigue.
Use simple language and avoid jargon.
Test message timing and content to find what resonates best.
Ensure links are short and mobile-friendly.