SMS Marketing Template Cheat Sheet: 33 Templates You Can Use
Published: Aug 5, 2025
Creating the perfect text message every time isn’t easy, especially when you're juggling campaigns, deadlines, and customer expectations. Using an SMS marketing template simplifies the process. It saves time, eliminates guesswork, and ensures your message is on-brand every time.
Contrary to popular belief, SMS isn’t just for retail or flash sales. It works across industries, from real estate and travel to wellness and events. Templates help you scale communication, stay consistent, and respond faster without starting from scratch each time.
This cheat sheet includes 33 ready-to-use templates tailored to specific sectors and business needs. Whether you’re promoting a new product, confirming an appointment, or re-engaging past customers, these templates offer a reliable way to get the message out.
Industries covered:
Fashion and apparel
Electronics and gadgets
Real estate
Hotels and B&Bs
Automotive
Fitness and wellness
Travel and tourism
Food and beverage
eCommerce
Beauty and personal care
Entertainment and events
How SMS Can Benefit a Variety of Industries
Text messaging is no longer just a tool for retailers or food delivery services. Today, businesses across nearly every industry are using SMS to communicate faster and with greater impact. From real estate agents confirming viewings to gyms sending class reminders, SMS is proving to be one of the most versatile tools in the communication stack.
1. Instant Updates and Notifications
Speed matters, especially when you need to send time-sensitive information. SMS allows businesses to instantly notify customers about updates, changes, or limited-time offers without relying on email or app push notifications. Industries like hospitality, healthcare, and travel use SMS to send appointment confirmations, check-in alerts, and flight changes. These real-time updates reduce confusion and no-shows while building trust through timely communication.
This is where marketing and promotional SMS templates really shine. When you have predefined messages for flash sales, last-minute openings, or special events, you can act fast without drafting a new message from scratch. That means less downtime and quicker engagement when it matters most.
2. Personalized Communication at Scale
The real value of SMS is its ability to feel personal, even when you’re sending messages to hundreds or thousands of recipients. With smart SMS campaign templates, businesses can include names, purchase history, locations, and more to make each message feel one-on-one.
For example, a beauty brand can follow up with customers based on the last product they purchased, while a fitness studio can send reminders that match individual class schedules. With templates, this level of personalization becomes easy to replicate at scale.
No matter the industry, SMS helps teams do more with less effort. It removes the pressure of writing from scratch, speeds up campaign execution, and guarantees that your brand voice stays the same.
3: Better Response Rates Compared to Email
Email has its place, but it’s not always the most effective channel for time-sensitive or action-driven messages. Open rates for email often hover around 20%, and response times can stretch over hours or even days. SMS, on the other hand, boasts open rates as high as 98%, with most messages read within minutes. That speed and visibility can make a real difference when you need immediate results.
SMS templates for marketing give businesses that much-needed edge. You can create focused, action-oriented messages that are short and designed for mobile consumption. From restaurants trying to fill empty tables to realtors promoting an open house, templates let you skip the writing phase and focus on reaching customers when it counts.
4. Higher Engagement and Open Rates
Besides being a quick-read channel, SMS is also incredibly engaging. While people tend to skim or ignore emails, they pay attention to texts. Messages land directly in the customer’s inbox without fighting spam filters or getting buried in cluttered email folders. That directness leads to better click-through rates, faster replies, and more conversions.
The real advantage comes when you combine that engagement with smart, pre-written texts. Templates let you test what works, reuse formats, and maintain a cohesive tone across campaigns. Instead of starting from scratch each time, you can build a library of high-performing messages tailored to different goals and customer segments.
This boosts brand recognition and creates a smoother experience for your audience. No matter your industry—fitness, beauty, automotive, or tech—SMS helps you cut through the noise, keep customers engaged, and drive action faster than most other channels.
5. Real-Time Reach for Marketing Campaigns
Timing is everything in marketing. Be it launching a flash sale, announcing a restock, or promoting an event, getting the message out at the right moment can make or break the outcome. SMS offers real-time reach that most other channels can’t match. Messages are sent instantly, opened within minutes, and, if done right, acted on just as fast.
The right marketing message template helps you capitalize on that immediacy. You won’t be scrambling to write a new text each time a campaign goes live. All you have to do is pull from a set of pre-approved, proven templates. This is especially valuable for fast-paced industries like fashion, travel, or food and beverage, where opportunities come and go quickly.
Templates allow teams to move faster without sacrificing clarity or tone. They’re ideal for businesses with limited marketing resources, which gives you professional-quality messages with minimal effort.
6. Data-Driven Insights and Performance Tracking
Beyond speed and reach, SMS marketing also offers strong visibility into campaign performance. You can track delivery rates, open rates, click-throughs, and replies, all in real time. These metrics help you see what’s working, what needs adjusting, and how your audience is responding to specific campaigns.
Another thing when using a structured marketing message template is that you make it easier to measure performance. When your messaging follows a repeatable format, it becomes simpler to A/B test content, compare results, and improve future campaigns based on data. This especially comes in handy for businesses running frequent or high-volume SMS campaigns. Instead of changing the format every time, you can tweak subject lines, calls to action, or keywords while keeping the core structure the same. As a result, your campaigns become more reliable and you get sharper insights over time.
33 SMS Marketing Templates To Use Now
Writing a new message every time slows you down. These marketing SMS text samples are built to save you time while keeping your communication consistent. Each one is tailored to fit real use cases across different industries. Personalize them with names, dates, and locations, and you’re good to go.
1. Fashion and Apparel
Hey Julia! Our sold-out Camille knit top is back in stock (in your size). Order now before it’s gone again: bit.ly/p1we1 – Oak & Meadow
Flash Sale: 24 hours only! Get 25% off all denim at Threads Boutique. Show this text in-store at 19 Waverly Ave or shop online: bit.ly/p1we1
Hi Kevin, your order from Noir Streetwear has been confirmed. Your hoodie will ship by Aug 5 and arrive at 88 Hamilton Rd by Aug 10. Track it here: bit.ly/p1we1
2. Electronics and Gadgets
Hi Malik! Be the first to get your hands on the new Volt X10 earbuds. Pre-orders open Aug 3 at midnight. Set your reminder: bit.ly/p1we1 – SonicTech
Hi Lena, your repaired laptop is ready for pickup at TechLab, 412 Marlowe Blvd. Stop by anytime before 6 PM this Friday.
One-day deal alert: Save $150 on the Echo Drone 4K, today only! Available online or at Circuit House, 2289 Lakeside Dr. Use code SMS150.
3. Real Estate
Hi Ben, you’re invited to an open house this Saturday, 12–3 PM at 9325 Willow Brook Lane. 4BR, pool, and a newly remodeled kitchen. Reply YES to confirm. – Rose Realty
Hi Laura, just a reminder about your property tour tomorrow at 11:00 AM with Adam Clark. Meeting at 74 Carlton Ave. Let us know if anything changes.
New on the market: 3BD/2BA condo in River Heights with skyline views. Listed at $529,000. Want a tour? Reply “INFO” – NextKey Homes
4. Hotels and B&Bs
Hi Sarah, your stay at Willow Creek Inn is confirmed for Aug 15–17. Check-in starts at 3 PM. Address: 102 Lakeview Rd, Asheville. We look forward to hosting you!
Hi James, your room at The Solace Hotel will be ready by noon tomorrow. Want to check in early? Reply YES to confirm a $25 early check-in.
Thank you for staying with us, Anna! We hope you enjoyed your time at Baylight B&B. Got 30 seconds? Share your experience: bit.ly/p1we1
5. Automotive
Hi Ryan, this is a reminder for your oil change at Metro Auto on Aug 3 at 2 PM. Location: 719 Baxter Ave. Need to reschedule? Reply R.
This week only, buy 3 tires, get the 4th free at Hudson Tires. Offer valid until Sunday at our Glendale location. Show this message at checkout.
Hi Mark, your car is ready for pickup at Sunset Auto Shop, 2120 Winton St. We’re open until 6 PM. Thanks for choosing us!
6. Fitness and Wellness
Hi Chloe, your yoga class at ZenCore Studio is tomorrow at 7:30 AM. Don’t forget your mat and water bottle. See you at 445 Melrose Blvd!
Hi Jason, your 6-month membership at Pulse Gym expires on Aug 30. Renew by Aug 25 to get 10% off your next term: bit.ly/p1we1
Welcome to Radiant Pilates, Maya! Your first class is free. Book anytime this week at bit.ly/p1we1. Location: 33 Union Square, 2nd floor.
7. Travel and Tourism
Hi Daniel, your trip to Santorini is confirmed! Departure: Sept 9 from JFK at 8:45 AM. Check-in link and itinerary details: bit.ly/p1we1 – SkyBay Travel
Hi Ava, just a reminder that your Grand Canyon sunrise tour with Desert Trails is tomorrow at 5:15 AM. Meet at the main lobby of Redstone Lodge.
Explore Iceland this winter. 3 nights + Northern Lights tour starting at $699. Book by Sept 1 at bit.ly/p1we1. – GlobeVibe Adventures
8. Food and Beverage
Hi Leo, your reservation at Marina Grill for 2 guests is confirmed for Friday, Aug 2 at 7:30 PM. Location: 291 Ocean Ave. See you soon!
This week only: Truffle Burger + Garlic Parm Fries combo is back at Smokehouse Diner. Available until Sunday. Dine-in or order here: bit.ly/p1we1
Hey Jasmine! Your order from Brew & Bean is ready for pickup. Swing by 482 W. 6th St anytime after 12:15 PM. Enjoy!
9. eCommerce
Hi Carla, you left a few items in your cart at Urban Nest. Still thinking it over? Here’s 10% off if you complete your order today: bit.ly/p1we1
Good news! Your order from Craft & Co. has shipped. Tracking number: 842392-LN. Estimated delivery: Aug 6 to 1456 Bridgewater Ln.
Welcome back! Enjoy 15% off your next order at Luna Market. Use code WELCOME15 at checkout, expires Aug 12. Shop now: bit.ly/p1we1
10. Beauty and Personal Care
Hi Nicole, just a reminder of your facial appointment at GlowHaus on Thursday, Aug 8 at 2:00 PM. Location: 1472 Willow St. See you then!
Your favorite Vitamin C serum is back in stock at Blume Beauty. Order now before it sells out again: bit.ly/p1we1
Hi Zoe! You’ve earned a $15 reward at Luxe Lounge Salon. Use it on your next visit before Aug 20. Book now: bit.ly/p1we1
11. Entertainment and Events
Hi Eli, your tickets for SoundScape Festival 2025 are confirmed! Date: Sept 14, gates open at 3 PM. Location: Meadow Park Grounds. Show this text at entry.
Hey Jordan! Get 2-for-1 tickets to Friday’s improv night at The Laugh Lab. Show starts at 8 PM. Use code TEXT241: bit.ly/p1we1
Hi Tasha, your VIP meet-and-greet for the August 5th Maverick Comedy Show is at 6:15 PM (1 hour before showtime). Venue: Regent Theater, 402 King St.
Why You Need to Start SMS Marketing With Dexatel
Dexatel streamlines SMS marketing by giving businesses the infrastructure to manage messaging at scale without the usual friction. From template creation to performance tracking, every feature is designed for efficiency and control.
For starters, the platform allows you to store and manage message templates in a centralized space. You can build a cold text message template, categorize it by purpose, and assign it to specific teams. This removes the need to rewrite content so that your messaging stays consistent across departments.
Templates can be saved to reuse in the future
Dynamic variables auto-fill info like name, location, or time
Each template is tied to usage stats for continuous refinement
Not every contact on your list needs to receive the same message, and Dexatel makes it easy to segment audiences based on behaviors, purchase history, or customer status. This results in more meaningful communication and fewer opt-outs.
Target by customer activity, lifecycle stage, or preferences
Build recurring segments that auto-update based on real-time data
Launch different versions of a campaign within a single send
On top of that, Dexatel supports multiple users without compromising control. You can assign permissions to team members based on their function, whether that’s writing templates, scheduling campaigns, or reviewing analytics.
Prevent cross-departmental conflicts with clear access levels
Track user actions through detailed activity logs
Support multiple units under one account
Campaigns can be planned in advance with built-in logic to avoid sending during off-hours or peak unsubscribe periods. You can send based on recipients’ time zones, adjust timing mid-campaign without starting over, and create event-based automations (cart abandonment, reactivation, and so on).
Beyond scheduling, personalization, and automation features, Dexatel provides message-level performance metrics, which help you evaluate what works and why. This includes template-level success rates, link engagement, and opt-out patterns, to name a few. All this and more gives you actionable insight instead of surface-level data.
Best Practices for SMS Marketing to Apply to Your Campaigns
Blasting the same message to everyone leads to low engagement, opt-outs, and wasted budget. To see real benefit, you need to tailor your strategy. These best practices—from segmentation to consent—can immediately improve your results.
1. Segment Your Audience to Send Targeted Offers
Not every customer is the same, and your SMS campaigns shouldn’t treat them as if they are. Segmentation lets you divide your audience based on specific criteria, so you can send more timely messages. This increases open rates, engagement, and ultimately conversions.
People respond to offers that feel personal. A discount that’s irrelevant to the recipient—or comes at the wrong time—is easy to ignore. But when the message aligns with their behavior or interests, it grabs attention.
Examples of effective segments:
New customers: Send a welcome message with a one-time discount code.
“Welcome to Luna Activewear! Use code NEW20 for 20% off your first order. Shop now: luna.co”
Abandoned cart shoppers: Follow up with a reminder and an incentive.
“Still thinking it over? Your cart’s waiting with 10% off if you check out today. Grab it here: shopnow.com”
VIP customers: Reward high spenders with early access or exclusive deals.
“You’re first in line! VIP early access to our fall collection starts now. Browse before it’s live: stylehub.com”
Lapsed users: Re-engage customers who haven’t interacted in a while.
“We miss you. Here’s 15% off your next order just for coming back. Redeem: welcome-back.co”
2. Include a Clear and Compelling Call-to-Action
A well-written message means nothing if the recipient doesn’t know what to do next. That’s where the call to action comes in. Your CTA should be direct, action-oriented, and valuable to the reader. A strong CTA is clear about the benefit, urgent enough to motivate, and relevant to the context of the message.
Common mistakes to avoid:
Vague CTAs like “check it out” with no link or reason
Using too many CTAs in one message (which confuses the user)
Not aligning the CTA with the message goal
Examples of strong SMS CTAs:
“Book your appointment before Friday to get 25% off. Schedule here: glowspa.com”
“Get your early-bird ticket now. Limited spots available: festreg.co”
“Order by 6 PM for same-day delivery: freshbasket.com”
How to use CTAs in your SMS campaigns:
Keep it short: The CTA should be one sentence max. SMS space is limited.
Use strong verbs: Words like “Shop,” “Claim,” “Reserve,” “Join,” and “Grab” work better than passive alternatives.
Add urgency: Phrases like “ends today,” “limited spots,” or “first 100 only” push for faster action.
Include a shortened link: Don’t just say “visit our site”—give them a trackable, clickable URL.
If you're running outbound campaigns, a cold SMS must be even sharper. You’re contacting someone who doesn’t expect your message, so your value prop and CTA need to be crystal clear.
3. Keep the Text Short and to the Point
SMS has inherent limitations—each message can only contain 160 characters before it splits into multiple parts. This makes brevity not just a preference but a necessity. The best marketing and promotional SMS templates respect this limit while delivering the message.
People skim texts. If your message is long or complicated, recipients might miss the point or lose interest altogether. A concise message forces you to prioritize what matters most: the offer, the call to action, and any key detail like dates or discount codes.
Tips for keeping texts concise:
Focus on one main message per SMS. If you have multiple offers or announcements, split them into separate messages.
Use basic language. Avoid jargon or complex sentences that take up extra space.
Eliminate filler words. Words like “just,” “really,” or “actually” rarely impact your SMS.
Use abbreviations carefully. Only use widely recognized abbreviations (e.g., “ASAP” or “FYI”) to avoid confusion.
Example of a concise marketing SMS:
“Summer sale alert! 30% off all swimwear, today only. Shop now: bit.ly/p1we1”
Compare that to a longer version:
“We’re excited to announce our summer sale is happening today, and you can get 30% off all swimwear styles. Don’t miss out—shop now at our website!”
The first example respects SMS limits and delivers a text that encourages action.
4. Deliver Your Messages at the Right Time
Timing can make or break an SMS campaign. Even the best-crafted message will fail if it arrives at the wrong moment. Understanding when your audience is most receptive maximizes engagement. So, when is the right time?
Avoid early mornings and late nights. Sending messages too early or too late can annoy recipients and increase opt-outs.
Mid-morning and early evening are prime times. Between 10 AM and 12 PM or 4 PM to 7 PM generally see higher open and response rates.
Consider your audience’s time zone. Use tools that allow you to schedule messages based on the recipient’s location to avoid waking someone up or reaching them outside working hours.
Scheduling tools let you prepare messages in advance and set them to go live at optimal times. This is crucial for flash sales, limited-time offers, or event reminders. You can automate your campaigns so the right message reaches the right person at the perfect moment without manual intervention.
If you’re running a weekend-only offer, schedule your promotional SMS to hit inboxes Friday afternoon or early Saturday morning—not Sunday evening when people may be winding down.
5. Obtain Consent and Include Opt-out Options
Compliance and customer respect start with permission. Sending SMS without explicit consent can lead to legal trouble and damage your brand reputation. Always make sure your audience has opted in to receive your messages.
Regulations like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) in the U.S. require consent before sending marketing texts. Violations can result in hefty fines. Beyond legalities, customers appreciate control over what communications they receive.
How to obtain consent:
Collect opt-ins through website forms, checkout processes, or in-person sign-ups.
Be transparent about message frequency and content types.
Confirm opt-in with a welcome SMS that reiterates what they signed up for.
Every SMS should include a quick way for recipients to unsubscribe, usually by replying “STOP.” This is not only a legal requirement but also a best practice that builds trust.
Key Takeaways
The success of your SMS campaign depends on strategy. This means segmenting audiences, crafting concise messages, timing sends carefully, and always respecting consent with easy opt-out options. Following these best practices is essential to boost response rates and maintain trust.
Using SMS marketing templates optimizes your messaging process and provides consistency across campaigns. They help eliminate errors, speed up execution, and make personalization scalable. As a result, SMS becomes the tool for targeted communication.
Dexatel stands out by combining customizable templates with advanced features like audience segmentation, scheduling based on time zones, role-based access controls, real-time analytics, and more. This makes it easier for teams to coordinate campaigns, deliver targeted messages, and measure what truly works. With Dexatel, you gain a system designed to optimize SMS marketing performance while reducing operational complexity.
Move beyond basic texting and build SMS campaigns that deliver measurable business results. Sign up now and use the tools and insights to get you there.
