12 SMS Templates & Examples to Get You Started

It can be difficult to know where to begin when starting to use SMS, but it may be the hero of your marketing communication strategy. With the opportunity for versatile content and creative campaigns as well as high average open rates, SMS should be a priority in your outbound messaging communications with customers.

To help you get started, we’ve compiled everything you need to know, including a wide variety of SMS text message templates and examples, like:

• SMS best practices
• Appointment reminder templates
• Order confirmation templates
• Delivery notification templates
• Abandoned cart reminder templates
• Marketing and promotions templates

SMS Best Practices

The first and most important thing to remember when writing SMS text messages is that characters are limited to 160 characters per message. That being said, most modern devices can segment and rebuild messages of up to 1600 characters, but the best practice is to stick with 160. Knowing that you have this character limit should empower you rather than limit you—you have a real opportunity to get creative with these messages because of it!

You’ll want to include the most important information prominently in each message; this may be a shopping link, date of an appointment, or discount code. Beyond this, have fun with your text messages. Creative copy can be a windfall in text messaging. For a comprehensive look into how you can use text messages templates and SMS alongside your existing email marketing program, check out Twilio SendGrid’s Email and SMS Guide.

Appointment Reminder Templates & Examples

When writing appointment reminders for SMS, you’ll want to highlight the most important information for subscribers. Usually, this means the date and time of the appointment and the name of the person associated with it, as well as anything the person may need to bring or prepare ahead of the appointment. Remember that characters are limited with SMS, so other important information, like links to your website or opportunities to make changes to the booking can be sent in follow-up messages to work around the character limit.

In this context, SMS notifications and reminders leading up to the actual appointment can be effective. You don’t want to inundate your recipients with reminders, but sending them sparingly can be helpful. After the initial confirmation, we recommend sending your first reminder a week before the appointment and then again on the day of the appointment.

Appointment Reminder Example

COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Reminder Example

To get you started, we’ve created a basic appointment reminder template that can be customized and adapted to your business’s needs.

Appointment Confirmation Template

Hi [CUSTOMER NAME],

Your appointment on [DATE] at [TIME] is confirmed. View the details of your booking here: [LINK].

Appointment Reminder Template - One Week Away

Hi [CUSTOMER NAME],

Your appointment on [DATE] at [TIME] is coming up! View the details of your booking here: [LINK].

Appointment Reminder Template - Day Of

Hi [CUSTOMER NAME],

Your appointment is today, [DATE], at [TIME]. See you soon! View the details of your booking here: [LINK].

Order Confirmations & Delivery Notification Templates

Order confirmation and delivery notification messages are critical communications between customers and your business. Accordingly, order confirmation messages should provide the most important information to recipients. This generally includes order numbers, tracking links, and estimated delivery dates. You’ll also want to clearly indicate that the messages are coming from your business every time you send a new message.

Order Confirmation Example

Delivery notifications should provide the same information as order confirmation messages, as well as a reminder of the time and date of delivery. These messages are most effective when sent the day prior to estimated delivery and again on the day of delivery. Once delivery has been confirmed, you can have a bit more fun with the copy of your messages, like the example below.

Delivery Notification Examples

Order Confirmation Template

Hi [CUSTOMER NAME],

Thank you for ordering with [BUSINESS NAME]! Your order number is #[ORDER NUMBER]. We will send you a tracking link once your order has shipped.

Tracking Link Template

Hi [CUSTOMER NAME],

Your order #[ORDER NUMBER] has shipped! Track your shipment here: [TRACKING LINK].

Delivery Notification Template - Day Before Delivery

Hi [CUSTOMER NAME],

Your order #[ORDER NUMBER] is scheduled to arrive tomorrow. Track your shipment here: [TRACKING LINK].

Delivery Notification Template - Day Of Delivery

Hi [CUSTOMER NAME],

Your order #[ORDER NUMBER] is out for delivery. Track your shipment here: [TRACKING LINK].

Delivery Confirmation Template

Hi [CUSTOMER NAME],

Your order #[ORDER NUMBER] has been delivered. Enjoy!

Abandoned Cart Reminder SMS

Abandoned cart reminders via SMS are versatile and can be used as mini nurture campaigns in their own right. Remember that we have limited characters to work with in sending SMS messages, but feel free to have fun with the copy. You’re trying to entice people to come back and complete their purchase and the best way to do that can be with clever copy.

However, before you can send some fun reminders, there are a few crucial pieces of information you’ll need to include. Using the customer’s name in the message can be an effective way of grabbing their attention and making the SMS feel more personal. The message will also need to include a link to complete the purchase.

Abandoned Cart Reminder Example

If you choose to create a mini nurture campaign with your abandoned cart reminders, any follow up messages should also include the cart link. These follow up messages can also include a discount or incentive to complete the purchase.

Abandoned Cart Reminder Template

Hi [CUSTOMER NAME],

Something was left in your cart! Come on back and grab it before it’s gone. [LINK TO CART].

Abandoned Cart Reminder Template - Nurture

Hi [CUSTOMER NAME],

Looks like you’ve forgotten something in your cart! Complete your purchase today and get [DISCOUNT]% off with code [DISCOUNT CODE].

Let’s shop: [LINK TO CART]

Marketing & Promotions SMS Templates

SMS is a great channel for promoting special offers and discounts, especially for those in ecommerce! Don’t be afraid to get creative with these messages. The most important information to include in your copy is the special discount or offer and the link to start shopping, but the rest can vary and be personalized.

Black Friday SMS Promotion Example

Addressing the subscriber by name can be a great way to get their attention, and in messages like the example above, the reference to “VIP customers” or “VIP access” also grabs attention. The message also clearly states who the message is from, leaving no question in the recipient’s mind about the sender or legitimacy of the deal.

This SMS also provides the recipient the chance to opt out of future SMS marketing communications, which can help keep your list engaged. While your recipients have chosen to opt-in to receiving communications, they still don’t want to be inundated with texts. It’s important to remember that receiving too many promotional communications can feel intrusive, making the recipient feel spammed. Try to send these kinds of marketing SMS messages sparingly, as they can greatly impact customer experience.

Marketing & Promotions Welcome Template

Hi [CUSTOMER NAME],

Thanks for signing up for [COMPANY NAME]’s texts! To welcome you, here’s a code for [DISCOUNT]% off your next purchase.

Shop now: [LINK]

Not interested? Reply [UNSUBSCRIBE KEY]

Marketing & Promotions Template

Hi [CUSTOMER NAME],

We’ve got a huge sale right now for our VIP customers and you’re invited! With [DISCOUNT]% off all regular price items, you won’t want to miss this.

Shop now: [LINK]

To unsubscribe, reply [UNSUBSCRIBE KEY]

SMS Template Takeaways

Remember, although you have a character limit, the most important part of SMS strategy is providing accurate information to recipients. Clever marketing campaigns can help grab the attention of recipients and entice them to engage with your messages, but be sure to avoid spammy language that will put them off of your communications.

Whether you’re a developer by trade or don’t code at all, Twilio has an SMS tool to help you send to your recipients. Powering over 66 billion messages per year, Twilio SMS API has your back. Sign up today and start building for free.