SMS marketing guide: Best services, examples & practices

Omnisend's SMS marketing services empower you to:

  • Launch high-performing SMS marketing campaigns that drive conversions
  • Integrate text message marketing with email and push notifications for a seamless omnichannel experience
  • Grow your subscriber list using TCPA-compliant popups and landing pages

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What is SMS marketing?

SMS marketing is a way for brands to send permission-based, direct text messages to connect with their audience. These messages go straight to people’s mobile devices, making them one of the fastest ways to grab attention and boost conversions.

SMS campaigns can be used for different goals like promotions, order updates, or reminders. They work best when you keep messages short, clear, and valuable for your subscribers.

Expert quote

“I think SMS marketing adds a layer of transparency to the order and shipping process. It also makes you feel more comfortable with the brand. It does have this kind of subtle psychological factor where it makes you feel like the brand’s got it together. You get that level of comfort, which I think you can’t buy just from branding and marketing, unless you’re a really established player.”

Greg Zakowicz
Senior Ecommerce Expert at Omnisend

Benefits of SMS marketing

Brands are realizing the value of direct communication. Here are some of the benefits of SMS marketing: 

  • Immediate visibility: Since people check their phones frequently, your message is almost guaranteed to be seen instantly
  • Higher conversions than email-only campaigns: Automated SMS accounted for 18% of all orders, even though they made up just 9% of total sends
  • Powerful ROI: According to Omnisend’s ecommerce marketing report, in 2024 alone, US businesses generated over $25 million in sales directly from SMS campaigns
  • Improved email performance: Pairing SMS with email flows increases conversion rates and delivers higher ROI
  • Ideal for urgency: SMS is perfect for time-sensitive messages like flash sales or abandoned cart reminders
  • Low opt-out rates: With an average unsubscribe rate of just 1.5%, SMS is a channel preferred by consumers

Best SMS marketing services in 2025

  1. Omnisend — Best for ecommerce automation
  2. Klaviyo — Best for advanced segmentation
  3. Postscript — Best for Shopify-based ecommerce brands
  4. Attentive — Best for high-growth brands
  5. EZ Texting — Best for small to medium-sized businesses
  6. Textedly — Best for bulk text messaging
  7. ClickSend — Best for multi-channel messaging (SMS, email, voice)
  8. SlickText — Best for personalized messaging at scale

SMS marketing servicesBest forFree planPricing starts atMain features
OmnisendEcommerce automation$10/month, $0.015/SMSEmail & SMS automation, drag-and-drop builder
KlaviyoAdvanced segmentation$20/monthAutomated SMS flows, advanced A/B testing
PostscriptShopify-based ecommerce brands $100/monthNative Shopify integration, conversational SMS
AttentiveHigh-growth brandsCustom pricingAI-powered SMS content generation, send time optimization
EZ TextingSmall to medium-sized businesses$29/monthShort codes, auto replies
TextedlyBulk text messaging$26/monthUnified inbox, automated text message sequence
ClickSendMulti-channel messaging$0.0783/textAPI integration, rich media messaging
SlickTextPersonalized messaging at scale$29/monthBehavior-based messaging, AI-powered bulk texting

Want to find the best value for your SMS marketing needs? Use our SMS pricing calculator to easily compare services:

SMS length and pricing calculator
Image via Omnisend

1. Omnisend 

Best SMS marketing service: Omnisend
Image via Omnisend

Best for: Ecommerce automation 

Why it stands out

Omnisend brings together SMS, email, and push notifications into one powerful platform. It includes ready-to-use SMS workflows like abandoned carts and welcome messages. The platform also supports detailed audience segmentation and works great with Shopify, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce.

Although Omnisend is more affordable than many alternatives, its integrations are less flexible for non-ecommerce use cases.

Key features

  • Two-way SMS capabilities through integration
  • TCPA-compliant SMS list-building tools, including popups, teasers, landing pages, and gamified forms
  • Pre-built SMS automation workflows for cart abandonment, birthday greetings, shipping confirmations, and more

Pricing

  • SMS credit subscription: Available in all plans, sold as a monthly subscription from $10/month for approximately 666 SMS or 222 MMS sends (prices vary based on the country). Omnisend’s pricing structure is set per message for SMS marketing at $0.015/SMS.

SMS+Emails

  • Free: Comes with a gift of $1 in SMS to try
  • Standard: $16/month with $1 in gifted SMS to try
  • Pro: $59/month with a monthly bonus of global SMS credits equal to the price of your monthly plan 
  • Custom plan

2. Klaviyo

Best SMS marketing service: Klaviyo
Image via Klaviyo

Best for: Advanced segmentation 

Why it stands out

With Klaviyo, users can build granular segments based on customer behavior, lifecycle stages, or purchase history. While most SMS marketing services focus only on messaging, Klaviyo allows you to automate actions based on real-time behavior across SMS, email, and web. 

However, Klaviyo’s learning curve may be too steep for businesses that just want fast, bulk SMS campaigns with minimal fuss.

Key features

  • Access to over 160 customizable SMS templates, allowing you to generate and distribute branded text messages
  • AI-assisted segment suggestions and performance forecasting
  • Smart A/B testing to experiment with message variations for SMS marketing campaigns

Pricing 

  • Free: 500 emails/month and 150 monthly SMS/MMS credits
  • Email: $20/month for 5,000 emails
  • Email + SMS: $20/month for 150 SMS/MMS credits/month and 5,000 emails

3. Postscript

Best SMS marketing service: Postcript
Image via Postscript

Best for: Shopify-based ecommerce brands

Why it stands out:

Postscript is an SMS marketing service for Shopify. This integration enables Shopify-specific triggers, which means more personalized messaging for subscribers. Additionally, Postscript supports conversational texting, so you can engage customers in a two-way dialogue that feels personal and timely.

Unlike most text message marketing tools, Postscript doesn’t support email. Brands looking for an all-in-one marketing platform might find it unappealing.

Key features

  • AI shopping assistant, adaptable to your brand’s voice, that helps communicate with customers via SMS
  • Advanced segmentation filter for over 45 customer attributes, including Shopify and behavioral data
  • Visual flow builder to design and automate personalized SMS marketing journeys 

Pricing

  • Starter: Free, $0.009/SMS, $0.045/MMS + SMS carrier fees
  • Growth: $100/month, $0.008/SMS, $0.03/MMS + SMS carrier fees
  • Professional: $500/month, $0.007/SMS, $0.024/MMS + SMS carrier fees
  • Enterprise: Custom pricing

4. Attentive

Best SMS marketing service: Attentive
Image via Attentive

Best for: High-growth brands 

Why it stands out

Attentive supports SMS, rich communication services (RCS), and email in a single unified platform. It also offers advanced AI tools for SMS marketing, such as content generation, behavior tracking, and campaign optimization.

It enables dynamic message creation using a subscriber’s real-time engagement data. 

Despite these features, smaller businesses or those just starting in SMS marketing may find it too complex or expensive.

Key features

  • AI-powered two-way customer support messaging and personalization based on real-time and past data
  • Integration with CRM platform for automated escalation of specialized inquiries
  • Send time optimization for scheduling sends based on when users are most likely to engage

Pricing

Tailored pricing based on list size, volume of messages, and required features.

5. EZ Texting

Best SMS marketing service: EZ Texting
Image via EZ Texting

Best for: Small to medium-sized businesses 

Why it stands out

Used by over 230k customers, EZ Texting can help implement your SMS marketing strategies. It offers several list-building tools like QR codes, embeddable forms, and keyword opt-ins to help grow your list. Its intuitive interface is easy to use, even for non-tech users.

However, EZ Texting’s credit-based pricing model is limiting for high-frequency senders or campaigns with rich media. The lower-tier plans only include 500 monthly credits.

Key features

  • Mass texting, text automations, and auto replies
  • AI compose tool for text message generation
  • Short codes and keywords

Pricing

  • Launch: $25/month + 500 monthly SMS credits
  • Boost: $75/month + 500 monthly SMS credits
  • Scale: $125/month + 500 monthly SMS credits
  • Enterprise: $3,000/month + 200k monthly SMS credits

6. Textedly

Best SMS marketing service: Textedly
Image via Textedly

Best for: Bulk text messaging

Why it stands out

Textedly helps businesses connect with audiences through smart automations. Lower tiers provide features usually included only in higher-priced plans on other platforms. This includes picture messaging, 300-character texts, and toll-free/10DLC numbers even at lower tiers. 

While Textedly is intuitive and budget-friendly, its user management is limited to one user per plan.

Key features

  • Drip campaigns and triggers to automate sequences of text messages based on user actions or keywords
  • No character limit 
  • Centralized management of all text conversations with customers, team members, and subscribers

Pricing

  • Free with 50 text messages/month
  • Basic: $26/month with 500 text messages/month
  • Bronze: $38/month with 1,000 text messages/month
  • Plus: $69/month with 2,000 text messages/month
  • Enterprise: $99/month with 3,500 text messages/month
  • Elite: $139/month with 5,000 text messages/month
  • Business: $249/month with 10,000 text messages/month
  • Silver: $349/month with 15,000 text messages/month
  • Custom plan

7. ClickSend

Best SMS marketing service: ClickSend
Image via ClickSend

Best for: Multi-channel business messaging

Why it stands out

ClickSend’s biggest advantage is its multi-channel offering. Very few platforms provide such a breadth of messaging formats. It includes SMS, MMS, voice, email, rich messaging, and even a fax gateway. 

Despite its extensive feature set, there are limited prebuilt industry templates compared to some competitors, slowing down onboarding for non-technical users.

Key features

  • Multi-channel communications from one platform
  • Developer-friendly API integration for custom applications and workflows
  • Transactional SMS alerts

Pricing

  • SMS: From $0.0783/ text

8. SlickText

Best SMS marketing service: SlickText
Image via SlickText

Best for: Personalized messaging at scale

Why it stands out

SlickText segments and targets your audience based on several data points and audience behavior. The platform also offers an intuitive interface paired with extensive customization through drag-and-drop workflows. 

However, larger enterprises or those requiring advanced integrations with other marketing software may find the platform slightly limiting.

Key features

  • Fully branded, customizable popups
  • List growth tools, including QR codes, web forms, and popups 
  • AI Compose feature for generating optimized mass text content

Pricing

  • Free plan
  • Paid plan: Starts at $29/month for 500 credits
  • Enterprise: Custom-built pricing

How does SMS marketing work?

Setting up a successful SMS marketing campaign requires seamless planning and execution. You can either develop your strategy from the ground up or use existing tools and guides to streamline the process.

Begin with these key text marketing steps to help you launch successful text message marketing campaigns.

How to do SMS marketing:

  1. Set goals and plan your strategy
  2. Build and grow your subscriber list
  3. Choose an SMS marketing service
  4. Craft engaging, concise messages
  5. Ensure compliance and provide opt-out options
  6. Send and schedule messages strategically
  7. Track performance and optimize campaigns

1. Set goals and plan your strategy

Setting goals is the foundation of any marketing campaign, including SMS advertising. Make these objectives measurable by setting benchmarks, such as achieving a specific click-through rate or conversion goal. Well-defined goals help you craft focused messages and prioritize platform features tailored to your needs.

Define objectives that align with your business needs:

  • Increase sales: Promote products, services, or exclusive offers
  • Accelerate customer engagement: Share updates, event invites, or personalized offers
  • Drive traffic: Encourage visits to your website, app, or physical store

2. Build and grow your subscriber list

Text message marketing is permission-based, so recipients must opt in before receiving messages. Just like building an email list, it’s important to build a clean SMS list with potential clients who are already interested in your services or products.

This will help you analyze campaign performance accurately based on open rates, engagement rates, and more. You can use these tactics to create your SMS list: 

  • Offer incentives: Provide discounts, exclusive content, or loyalty points in exchange for signing up
  • Promote opt-ins across channels: Invite subscriptions through your website, social media, email campaigns, and in-store signage

3. Choose an SMS marketing service

Selecting the right SMS marketing platform ensures smooth campaign management and lead management. Popular platforms like Omnisend, Twilio, and EZTexting offer advanced features to help manage subscriber lists and measure performance. 

Such features include: 

  • Automation: Schedule messages or send triggers based on customer actions
  • Segmentation: Group subscribers based on preferences or behavior
  • Analytics: Monitor campaign performance to refine your approach

4. Craft engaging, concise messages

SMS messages are limited to 160 characters, making clarity and conciseness crucial. To craft a message that’s engaging, promotional, and increases response rates, keep these tips in mind:

  • Be direct: Use concise, engaging language with a strong call to action, such as “Claim your discount”
  • Personalize: Include customer names or refer to previous orders to increase the relevance of your messages and nurture a connection with them
  • Create urgency: Use phrases like “Limited-time offer” to drive immediate action

A good example of concise SMS marketing messages is this from Rachel Riley. The text message is straight to the point, mentioning the Black Friday sale and the discount:

Engaging, concise message example from Rachel Riley
Image via Omnisend

5. Ensure compliance and provide opt-out options

Legal compliance is a non-negotiable in SMS marketing. Businesses must adhere to regulations like TCPA in the US when sending messages.

Follow these guidelines to stay within regulations and build trust:

  • Obtain clear consent: Customers must explicitly agree to receive texts, such as by signing up or replying with certain keywords 
  • Provide opt-out options: Include an option like “Reply STOP to unsubscribe” in every message to make it easier for customers to opt out of your messages

For example, in this message, Vape Superstore includes an easy unsubscribe option by telling customers to reply “STOP” to opt out.

Opt-out option in Vape Superstore SMS message
Image via Omnisend

6. Send and schedule messages strategically

Timing is everything for SMS marketing success. Sending messages at the right moment ensures they’re read and acted upon. 

Follow these quick tips to perfect your timing:

  • Optimal timing: Avoid sending texts early in the morning or late at night, as it may seem intrusive, so send them around lunchtime instead
  • Real-time vs. scheduled: Send flash sale alerts immediately and schedule reminders or follow-ups in advance
  • Test and adjust: Analyze engagement data to find the ideal times for your audience

7. Track performance and optimize campaigns

Just understanding how SMS marketing works isn’t enough. To make the most of your SMS advertising, optimize campaigns based on how customers react to your messages.

Regularly measure success and refine your approach by analyzing metrics like:

  • Open rates: Check how many recipients viewed your message
  • Click-through rates (CTR): Measure how effectively your call to action drives engagement
  • Opt-out rates: Monitor unsubscribes to ensure message relevance

Want a quick walkthrough on setting up SMS marketing campaigns? This video can help you:

Main types of SMS marketing

Now you know how it works, let’s look at the main types of SMS marketing to help you create a more effective text campaign. SMS advertising can be categorized into different types based on the purpose and nature of the messages sent:

  • Promotional SMS: These are designed to promote special offers, discounts, new products, or events. Promotional SMS is used to drive sales, increase brand awareness, and encourage customer engagement. They’re mainly profit-based. 

    Promotional SMS marketing example

    Dona Jo illustrates how brands can create excitement around a product to increase sales and customer interest:
Promotional SMS example from Dona Jo
Image via Omnisend
  • Transactional SMS: These are automated messages sent in response to a customer’s action, such as order confirmations, shipping updates, or appointment reminders. They enrich the customer experience by providing timely, relevant, and essential information without requiring any promotional content or opt-in marketing consent.

    Transactional SMS marketing example

    A brand like Rachel Riley, famous for children’s clothing, uses SMS to immediately confirm purchases and provide order tracking links:
Transactional SMS message from Rachel Riley
Image via Omnisend
  • Conversational SMS: This type of SMS marketing focuses on two-way communication between businesses and customers. It enables personalized interactions, such as customer support, appointment scheduling, or feedback collection.

    Conversational SMS marketing example

    Here’s a conversational SMS dialogue where customers respond to prompts and manage their preferences:
Conversational SMS example from Vape Superstore
Image via Omnisend

SMS marketing examples from real brands

Here are some successful SMS marketing examples to help you come up with some SMS marketing ideas. Each example demonstrates how concise, well-crafted messages can effectively engage customers.

1. Discount announcement

Brand name: Nine Lives Bazaar

Nine Lives Bazaar is a free-spirited fashion brand known for its retro-inspired prints and designs. Its SMS marketing reflects this personality with casual and direct messages. 

In this example, the brand is promoting a time-sensitive discount after payday. The message is concise and mentions the 25% discount on all products. Including a direct shopping link and the discount code makes it easier to shop. 

Key takeaways

  • Create urgency 
  • Use direct, friendly language 
  • Include a clickable link 

SMS marketing example/illustration

Discount announcement SMS from Nine Lives Bazaar
Image via Omnisend

2. Limited-time product offer

Brand name: Dona Jo

Dona Jo is a vibrant activewear brand that blends fashion and function for active women. Its SMS marketing strategies are action-driven.

For instance, in this SMS example, Dona Jo informs customers about available products and offers them a final chance to purchase at a 30% discount. The message is direct and includes a clear CTA. 

Key takeaways

  • Include curiosity in the message
  • Always give an opt-out
  • Make it easy to complete purchases with a clickable link

SMS marketing example/illustration

Limited-time offer from Dona Jo
Image via Omnisend

3. Bundle deal

Brand name: Vape Superstore 

Vape Superstore is a go-to brand for vaping products. It offers a wide range of disposables, kits, e-liquids, and pouches. Its SMS marketing plan includes promoting a bundle-style sale across key product categories. 

The content catches the eye with phrases like “Big Sale” and “Best deals.” While the message doesn’t go into detail about each bundle, it highlights multiple product types, encouraging customers to mix and match. Its clear and direct tone works well for such fast-moving sales.

Key takeaways

  • Highlight savings across multiple product types
  • Include one offer and state it clearly in the SMS 
  • Use simple, action-driven language

SMS marketing example/illustration

Bundle deal SMS from Vape Superstore
Image via Omnisend

4. Seasonal sale

Brand name: Rachel Riley 

Rachel Riley is a luxury children’s wear brand known for its classic British style and timeless elegance. Its SMS marketing strategy is simple but impactful, using catchy and time-sensitive offers to drive sales.

For example, during its seasonal spring sale, Rachel Riley sent an SMS campaign offering 40% off sitewide. The message was clear and straightforward, highlighting the discount and creating urgency by mentioning the sale’s expiration date.

Key takeaways:

  • Tie your offer to a relevant seasonal event
  • Highlight the sale’s timeline or expiration date
  • Offer significant discounts to entice customers

SMS marketing example/illustration

Seasonal sale from Rachel Riley
Image via Omnisend

5. New product alert

Brand name: Vagari Bags

Vagari Bags is a stylish accessories brand offering sleek, functional designs. Its SMS marketing strategy is built around exclusivity and time-sensitive offers.

For example, the brand announced the arrival of its new Chocolate color collection. The SMS is short yet compelling. By offering early access to the product, Vagari Bags creates a sense of urgency to drive action.

Key takeaways

  • Use descriptive language that aligns with your product and brand identity
  • Include simple opt-out options
  • Offer early access

SMS marketing example/illustration

New product alert SMS from Vagari Bags
Image via Omnisend

6. Holiday campaign 

Brand name: Day Designer

Day Designer is a planning brand that helps people live with intention through beautifully designed planners and accessories. Its SMS marketing stays true to its purpose — timely, thoughtful, and value-driven.

For example, the brand runs a holiday-focused SMS marketing campaign for Mother’s Day. To help shoppers find the perfect present, Day Designer includes a link to its 2024 Mother’s Day Gift Guide. This reduces choice fatigue and increases conversions.

Key takeaways

  • Tie messaging to the holiday’s emotional meaning
  • Offer curated gift packages to simplify shopping decisions
  • Use cheerful language that reflects the occasion

SMS marketing example/illustration

Holiday campaign SMS from Day Designer
Image via Omnisend

Is SMS marketing legal?

Yes, SMS marketing is legal. However, it’s strictly permission-based and must comply with specific regulations to protect consumer rights and privacy.

Laws like the TCPA in the US and similar regulations in other regions govern SMS marketing practices to ensure ethical communication. Compliance requirements include:

  • Opt-in consent: Businesses must obtain explicit consent from recipients before sending marketing messages. This often involves a signup form, keyword text, or a checkbox agreeing to receive SMS promotions.
  • Opt-out options: Every SMS must include a straightforward way to unsubscribe, such as replying “STOP.” This ensures recipients have full control over whether they want to receive messages or not.
  • Transparency: When customers opt in, they should be informed of what they can expect. Clearly state how many times you’ll be sending messages and what kind of content your recipients can expect.
  • Privacy protection: Handle customer data responsibly and securely to avoid breaches. Failing to protect privacy can lead to penalties or loss of trust.

In addition to the TCPA, be aware of laws on SMS marketing in the UK, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which also emphasizes the importance of consent and privacy.

Top SMS marketing campaigns for maximum ROI

Certain SMS campaigns generate higher returns due to their urgency, relevance, and clear calls to action (CTAs). The combination of timely delivery, personalized content, and actionable offers makes SMS an ideal channel for driving sales and engagement. 

Here are some of the most profitable SMS campaign types:

1. Flash sales and limited-time offers

These campaigns leverage urgency to drive immediate action. Limited-time discounts encourage customers to act quickly, resulting in a surge of purchases within a short window.

  • SMS marketing template: “FLASH SALE: 20% off for the next four hours! Shop now: (Link)”
  • Why it works: The time-bound nature creates FOMO (fear of missing out), prompting instant responses, which is especially effective for retail and ecommerce businesses looking to increase sales 
  • SMS marketing example

    For instance, here’s a text message to inform customers about a flash sale:
Flash sale SMS example
Image via Omnisend

2. Cart abandonment reminders

Cart abandonment reminders are highly effective at recovering lost sales. By reaching customers directly through SMS, you can nudge them to complete their purchase.

  • SMS marketing template: “Hi (Name), you left (Product) in your cart! Complete your order now and get 10% off: (Link)”
  • Why it works: SMS reminders have high open rates, and personalized incentives increase conversion rates by reminding customers of their interests
  • SMS marketing example

    SMS reminders like these bring back customers who left items in their cart:
Cart abandonment reminder SMS example
Image via Omnisend

3. Personalized birthday or anniversary offers

Sending tailored offers for birthdays or anniversaries shows customers that they’re valued, building loyalty and improving customer engagement.

  • SMS marketing template: “Happy Birthday, (Name)! Celebrate with 20% off your next order: (Link)”
  • Why it works: Personalization makes the customer feel connected to your brand, increasing the likelihood of them acting on the exclusive offer
  • SMS marketing example

    This SMS example gives birthday offers to the customers, making their day extra special:
Personalized birthday SMS example
Image via Omnisend

4. Loyalty program notifications and rewards

Engage your most loyal customers by sending SMS updates about points balances, exclusive rewards, or VIP offers.

  • SMS marketing template: “You have 500 points! Redeem them for a $10 discount on your next purchase: (Link)”
  • Why it works: Rewarding loyalty keeps customers engaged and incentivizes repeat purchases
  • SMS marketing example

    Sending an SMS message to loyalty program members encourages them to shop to gain rewards:
Loyalty program notification SMS example
Image via Omnisend

5. Event reminders and RSVP confirmations

For businesses hosting events, SMS reminders ensure maximum attendance by providing timely updates and confirmations.

  • SMS marketing template: “Reminder: Your RSVP for (Event) is confirmed. See you at (Time) on (Date)! (Link)”
  • Why it works: SMS keeps attendees informed and minimizes no-shows through clear, actionable reminders
  • SMS marketing example

    Here’s how businesses can use SMS to keep attendees informed of upcoming events, ensuring participation:
Event reminder SMS example
Image via SimpleTexting

“Our customers have received the SMS really well. They appreciate the directness and the immediacy of SMS. Anyone who’s got concerns with SMS, at least try it out. I think you’ll be surprised by the results.”

Dan Judd

Head of Digital at Vape Superstore

Learn more about Vape Superstore’s SMS marketing strategy here

Key SMS marketing strategies

The efforts you put into creating SMS marketing strategies define the outcomes of your campaign. Designing effective and customer-friendly SMS campaigns requires a mix of strategic planning combined with SMS marketing best practices. 

Here’s how you can get it right:

1. Segment your audience

Segmentation allows you to tailor messages to specific groups based on demographics, location, behavior, and purchase history. This ensures the content is relevant and engaging, minimizing opt-outs.

  • SMS marketing template: Send location-based offers like “Exclusive deal for New York customers: 15% off in-store this weekend!”
  • Pro tip: Use past purchase data to target customers with complementary product offers
  • SMS marketing example

    This SMS targets US-based customers to drive location-specific engagement and conversions:
Segmentation SMS example
Image via Omnisend

2. Personalize messages

Personalization goes beyond including the customer’s name. Tailor offer recommendations to individual preferences, searches, or previous interactions.

  • SMS marketing template: “Hi (Name), your favorite sneakers are back in stock! Grab them before they sell out: (Link)”
  • Why it works: Personalized messages build trust and encourage engagement, showing customers you understand their needs
  • SMS marketing example:

    Here’s a personalized SMS for a review request mentioning the recipient’s name:
Personalized SMS example
Image via Omnisend

3. Incorporate time-sensitive offers

SMS is ideal for promoting flash sales, event reminders, or limited-time discounts. Urgency encourages immediate action.

  • SMS marketing template: “Flash Sale: 25% off ends in three hours! Don’t miss out: (Link)”
  • Set timing: Send time-sensitive offers during high engagement periods, such as mid-morning or early evening
  • SMS marketing example:

    This example from Rachel Riley highlights a Cyber Monday sale with a clear deadline (“ENDS TONIGHT”) and a strong incentive (an extra 25% off) to get customers to act quickly:
Time-sensitive offer SMS example
Image via Omnisend

4. Use clear calls to action (CTA)

Every SMS should have a clear, actionable CTA to guide customers.

  • SMS marketing template: “Shop now,” “Reserve your seat,” or “Claim your offer”
  • Best practice: Place the CTA early in the message for increased visibility and make it compelling
  • SMS marketing example:

    Here, the CTA “Click here to shop” is strategically placed with a direct link to the offer:
SMS with clear CTA example
Image via Omnisend

5. Automate drip campaigns

Set up automated SMS sequences for welcome messages, birthday offers, or cart reminders. 

  • SMS marketing template: A cart reminder drip campaign: “Still thinking about (Product)? Complete your order now for free shipping!”
  • The benefit: Keeps subscribers engaged over time without manual intervention
  • SMS marketing example:

    Here’s an automated birthday SMS campaign paired with a link to personalized content:
Automated drip campaign SMS example
Image via Omnisend

6. Respect frequency and timing

Avoid overwhelming subscribers. Stick to one to two messages per week unless there’s a special promotion. Send messages during reasonable hours to avoid frustrating customers.

Do

  • Deliver value with each message — promotions, updates, or helpful information
  • Respect opt-out requests promptly and ensure compliance with privacy laws

Don’t

  • Spam subscribers or send vague messages

Divatress logoSMS marketing case study

“At this point, I can’t imagine a world without SMS marketing. It’s really taken off. Our SMS subscribers are growing much faster than email subscribers. SMS is just becoming more and more important for us, and it’s definitely not going anywhere.”

Rob Lin
Owner and Founder of Divatress

Read how Divatress’ embrace of SMS marketing has accelerated sales.

SMS marketing best practices

SMS marketing works best when approached the right way. Here are SMS best practices on how to create campaigns that resonate with your audience:

  • Keep messages short and clear: Stick to the essentials and focus on delivering value without adding fluff. Avoid unnecessary jargon or long-winded explanations.

    This message by Vape Superstore alerts subscribers who want a deal. The SMS kicks off with, “Get 50% off,” which immediately grabs attention:
Short and clear SMS example
Image via Omnisend
  • Send messages at the right time: Timing is everything. Test different times to see what works best. Mid-morning or early evenings are often the best times.
  • Limit message frequency: Sending too many messages can overwhelm your audience. Limiting message sends and staying consistent without being intrusive is the key here.
  • Always provide an opt-out option: Make it easy for customers to unsubscribe by including instructions like “Reply STOP to opt out.” This isn’t just polite but is often legally required.

    Here’s an SMS by Vagari Bags that showcases this, asking the customer to unsubscribe by simply clicking on a link:
Opt-out in SMS
Image via Omnisend
  • Monitor and optimize performance: Track metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and opt-outs. Use this data to refine your approach, ensuring each campaign delivers better results.
  • Stay compliant with regulations: Always obtain consent before sending messages, and honor opt-out requests. Following laws like the TCPA protects your business and builds customer trust.

Along with these SMS marketing tips, you can use these SMS marketing growth hacks to create messages that work:

Choosing the right SMS marketing service for your business

Since there are several SMS marketing services available, it can be challenging to find the best fit. Start by considering your business goals and needs. 

Look for a platform that fits your needs and can grow with your business. If you’re new to SMS marketing, a service with clear setup guides and no steep learning curve can save you hours. 

For more advanced marketers, features like segmentation, personalization, and detailed analytics can help amplify results. 

Take advantage of free trials and plans offered by most SMS marketing services to test how well each feature works for your business. Check if there are hidden fees, such as setup costs or extra charges for advanced features.

Beyond choosing a platform, pair it up with SMS marketing best practices to achieve significant results.

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FAQs

1. What is SMS marketing?

SMS marketing involves sending promotional or informational text messages to customers’ mobile devices. It’s a direct way to share updates, offers, and reminders, helping businesses engage with their audience and increase conversions.

2. Is SMS marketing illegal?

No, SMS marketing is legal when businesses comply with regulations like obtaining explicit consent (opt-ins) from recipients and providing opt-out options. Adhering to local laws, such as the TCPA in the US, ensures compliance and builds trust.

3. Does SMS marketing really work?

Yes, SMS marketing is highly effective for promotions, reminders, and updates. When done strategically with proper audience targeting and well-timed campaigns, text message marketing can deliver impressive ROI.

4. What is the best text message marketing service?

The best text message marketing service depends on your business’s specific needs and goals. Some services are built for mass texting, while others focus on personalized messages, automation, or advanced reporting. Assess your needs and go for the SMS marketing service that matches them.

5. How much does SMS marketing cost per SMS?

Costs vary depending on the service provider and region. However, it typically ranges from $0.01 to $0.10 per SMS. Bulk plans often reduce costs, making them affordable for businesses of all sizes.

6. What is the difference between email and SMS marketing?

Email marketing is better for detailed content and visuals, while SMS marketing is ideal for concise, time-sensitive communication. Both can work together effectively.

7. What brands use SMS marketing?

A lot of huge global brands are using SMS marketing because it’s one of the fastest ways to connect with customers. Some of the most recognizable names include Nike, IKEA, and Domino’s. These brands use SMS advertising to send special offers, alerts, and order updates.

Richard White
Article by

Richard is a Content Marketing Manager at Omnisend. An avid writer, he's said to have been born holding a pencil. Fascinated by all things handmade, if he's not reading or writing he can often be found practicing leathercraft.


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