35 Essential Text Message Templates for Businesses

As a local business owner, you’re always looking for ways to engage with your customers effectively and build strong relationships. In today’s fast-paced digital world, SMS marketing offers a direct and efficient way to connect with your audience. With click-through rates as high as 19%, text messaging is one of the most powerful tools in your marketing toolkit.

That’s where SMS templates come in. Pre-written text message templates save time, keep messaging consistent and ensure professional, clear, and effective communications.

Whether you're reminding customers of upcoming appointments, sending promotions, or thanking loyal clients, templates streamline the process and make SMS marketing a breeze.

In this post, we’ll share 35 customizable action-driven SMS templates your business can use to engage customers, drive sales, and build lasting relationships.

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Best Practices for Setting Up SMS Templates

SMS templates are a great way to save time and maintain consistency in your communications, but it’s important to follow best practices to ensure they are effective.

Whether you're writing your own or using pre-built templates, these tips will help you create professional, actionable, and engaging messages:

  1. Keep It Short and Clear: SMS messages are limited to 160 characters, so get straight to the point. Make sure your message is concise yet informative.
  2. Personalize Your Messages: Use merge fields to automatically insert the recipient’s name or other relevant details. This creates a more personalized experience, boosting engagement and customer satisfaction.
  3. Strong Call to Action (CTA): Every SMS message should have a clear next step for the recipient. Whether it’s visiting your website, confirming and appointment, or taking advantage of an offer, make sure your CTA is simple and direct.
  4. Test Before Sending: Before rolling out your message to your entire list, test it with a small group to ensure it works as intended and contains no errors or broken links.
  5. Provide an Opt-Out Option: To remain compliant and build trust with your audience, always include a simple way for recipients to unsubscribe. For example, “Reply STOP to unsubscribe” or "Reply STOP to opt-out" are great options.
  6. Identify Your Company: Always include your business name in the message. This helps customers immediately recognize who is texting them, improving trust and engagement.
  7. Use Automation: With tools like TextNinja, you can automate SMS campaigns to save time while keeping communications timely and relevant.

Pro Tip: Always obtain explicit consent from customers before sending SMS messages. Use opt-in forms or landing pages to build your subscriber list, ensuring your messages comply with your country's privacy regulations.

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35 Ready-to-Use SMS Templates for Instant Customer Engagement

Whether you’re welcoming new customers, promoting a sale, or reminding clients of upcoming appointments, these SMS templates are designed to help you engage with your audience instantly. Customize them to fit your brand, and you’re ready to go!

Welcome Messages

Welcome SMS messages are your first chance to make a great impression on new customers or subscribers.

These messages should be friendly, informative, and designed to encourage further engagement.

Hint: Use welcome texts to introduce your brand, offer a special deal, or provide the next steps for your customers.

Template 1: New Subscriber Welcome

Hi [First Name], welcome to [Business Name]! We’re excited to have you with us. As a thank you, here’s [X]% off your first service/purchase. Show this message at your next visit to claim!

Template 2: New Customer Welcome

Hey [Name], thank you for choosing [Business Name]! We're here to make your experience awesome. Have any questions? Text us anytime!

Template 3: Special Offer for New Subscribers:

Welcome to the [Business Name] family! As a new subscriber, enjoy [X]% off your first order. Just show this text to redeem your offer! Need help? Text us here.

Pro Tip: Include a personalized greeting and a special discount to incentivize immediate action.

Promotional Texts

Promotional SMS messages are a great way to drive sales, boost engagement, and keep your customers in the loop about special offers.

These messages should create a sense of urgency and encourage immediate action, like taking advantage of a special promotion or visiting your business during a special event.

Hint: To ensure your promotional texts stand out, keep them short, direct, and action-oriented to inspire your customers to take advantage of your offer right away.

Template 4: Flash Sale Announcement

Big news, [Name]! We’re having a FLASH SALE today only—get [X]% off everything! Hurry, shop now at [link]. Offer ends at midnight.

Template 5: Exclusive Discount Offer

Hey [Name], you’re in luck! For being a loyal customer, enjoy an exclusive [X]% off your next purchase. Use code [CODE] at checkout or in store! Shop here: [link].

Template 6: Limited-Time Deal

Hi [Name], this week only, enjoy [X]% off [specific service/product]. Don't miss out—visit us before [date] to claim this deal. Text us with any questions!

Template 7: Limited-Time Offer Reminder

Hi [First Name], just a quick reminder that our [Discount/Sale] ends soon! Don’t miss out on [offer details]. Shop now: [link].

Pro Tip: Create urgency by adding expiration dates and limited-time offers to increase conversions.

Appointment Reminder Messages

Appointment reminder messages help reduce no-shows and ensure that your customers are prepared for their upcoming bookings.

These messages should be clear and concise, providing key details like the time, date, and location of the appointment and any important instructions.

Hint: Consider sending reminders 24-48 hours before the scheduled time to give your clients ample time to confirm or reschedule.

Template 8: Basic Appointment Reminder

Hi [First Name], just a reminder of your appointment with [Business Name] on [Date] at [Time]. We look forward to seeing you! If you need to reschedule, please text us at this number.

Template 9: Confirm Your Appointment

Hey [First Name], your appointment with [Business Name] is scheduled for [Date] at [Time]. Please reply C to CONFIRM.

Template 10: Last-Minute Reminder

Hi [First Name], this is a reminder that your appointment at [Business Name] is in [X] hours. We look forward to seeing you soon! Any questions? Text us anytime.

Pro Tip: Including an easy way for clients to confirm or reschedule directly through text messages can increase engagement and reduce no-shows.

Thank-You Messages

Thank you messages are a simple yet effective way to show appreciation and strengthen customer loyalty.

Whether you're thanking a customer for a purchase, their continued support, or valuable feedback, these messages help build lasting relationships.

Hint: Keep your thank you texts heartfelt and genuine. You can also use this opportunity to invite customers to leave a review, refer a friend, or explore more of your services. See Survey/Feedback Requests for more.

Template 11: Thank You for Your Purchase

Hi [First Name], thank you for your recent purchase at [Business Name]! We appreciate your business and hope you love [Product/Service]. Have any questions or feedback? We're here to help.

Template 12: Thank You for Your Loyalty

Hey [First Name], we just wanted to say thanks for being a loyal customer at [Business Name]. We couldn’t do what we do without amazing customers like you. Here’s [Offer or Discount] on your next visit!

Template 13: Thank You for Your Feedback

Hi [First Name], thank you for sharing your valuable feedback with [Business Name]. We truly appreciate it and are always striving to improve. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything!

Template 14: Thank You + Referral Incentive

Hey [First Name], thanks for choosing [Business Name]! If you enjoyed your experience, invite a friend to try us out, and you’ll both get [Referral Offer] on your next visit.

Pro Tip: Show your customers that their feedback or loyalty matters by offering a small incentive, like a discount or referral bonus, to encourage continued engagement.

Event Reminders and Invitations

Event reminders and invitations are key to ensuring your customers don’t miss out on important happenings at your business.

Whether it’s a sale, special event, or in-store promotion, these messages should be clear about the details—date, time, and any RSVP requirements.

Hint: Make sure your event texts are upbeat and engaging, inviting customers to participate and offering any incentives, like exclusive deals or limited-time offers.

Template 15: Event Reminder

Hey [First Name], just a reminder that [Event Name] is happening at [Business Name] on [Date] at [Time]! We’ve got great deals, exclusive offers, and more waiting for you. Don’t miss out!

Template 16: Special Event Invitation

Hi [First Name], you’re invited to our [Event Name] at [Business Name]! Join us on [Date] at [Time] for exclusive offers and fun activities. RSVP by replying to this message. We can’t wait to see you there!

Template 17: RSVP Reminder

Hi [First Name], just a quick reminder to RSVP for [Event Name] at [Business Name] on [Date]. We’re excited to have you join us! Reply YES to confirm.

Template 18: Sale Event Notification

Hey [First Name], our [Event Name] is starting soon at [Business Name]! Don’t miss your chance to get up to [Discount]% off. Mark your calendar for [Date] at [Time]!

Pro Tip: Offering exclusive deals or sneak peeks in your event reminders can encourage more RSVPs and participation.

Follow-Up Messages

Following up with your customers after they’ve interacted with your business is essential for building strong relationships and encouraging repeat business.

Whether it’s after a consultation, a booking inquiry, a free quote request, or a visit to your store, follow-up messages should be friendly and leave the door open for further engagement.

Hint: Jus like with Thank-You Messages, these messages can also be used to gather feedback, offer additional services, or remind customers of your ongoing promotions.

Template 19: Post-Consultation Follow-Up

Hi [First Name], it was great speaking with you today! If you have any further questions about [Service/Product], feel free to reach out. We look forward to hearing from you!

Template 20: After-Inquiry Follow-Up

Hi [First Name], thank you for your interest in [Business Name]! Just following up on your inquiry—do you need any more information or assistance? We’re here to help!

Template 21: Post-Visit Check-In

Hey [First Name], thanks for visiting [Business Name] today! How was your experience? We’d love to hear your feedback and look forward to seeing you again soon.

Template 22: Service Follow-Up with Promo Offer

Hi [First Name], we hope you enjoyed your recent [Service/Product] with us! As a token of our appreciation, here’s [X]% off your next visit. We hope to see you soon!

Template 23: Follow-Up with Feedback Request

Hi [First Name], we hope you’re loving [Service/Product]! We’d love to hear your feedback—let us know how we did by leaving us a review: [Link]. Thanks!

Pro Tip: Include a call-to-action in your follow-up messages, such as inviting the customer to leave feedback, take advantage of a promotion, book another appointment or explore additional services.

Customer Support Messages

Customer support messages provide timely assistance to your customers when they need it. These messages should be clear and supportive and aim to resolve issues quickly.

Whether it’s answering a question, providing troubleshooting tips, or following up on a support request, the goal is to offer exceptional service that enhances customer satisfaction.

Hint: Keep customer support messages friendly and professional, and always offer a way for customers to reach out for further assistance if needed.

Template 24: General Customer Support

Hi [First Name], thanks for reaching out to [Business Name]! We’ve received your message and are working to get back to you as soon as possible. Need immediate assistance? Call us at [Phone Number].

Template 25: Follow-Up on a Support Request

Hi [First Name], just checking in to see if your issue with [brief description] has been resolved. If you still need assistance, feel free to reply to this message. We’re happy to help!

Template 26: Troubleshooting Help

Hi [First Name], we’ve received your request for help with [issue]. Here are a few steps you can try: [insert instructions]. If that doesn’t work, reply here or call us at [Phone Number] and we’ll assist you further.

Template 27: General Inquiry Follow-Up

Hi [First Name], just checking in! We noticed you reached out to us earlier—has your issue been resolved? If not, we’re here to help. Just reply to this message, and we’ll take care of it for you.

Pro Tip: Always keep customer support texts empathetic and helpful. Timely responses show you care about resolving issues quickly.

Survey/Feedback Requests

Survey and feedback messages are an excellent way to gather valuable insights from your customers. By asking for their thoughts and experiences, you not only improve your business but also show that you value their opinions.

These messages should be short, polite, and include a clear call-to-action encouraging customers to participate.

Hint: Keep your survey requests polite and direct, and send them shortly after the customer’s experience to increase response rates.

Template 28: Post-Service Feedback

Hi [First Name], thanks for choosing [Business Name]! We’d love to hear how we did. Please take a quick survey and let us know how we can improve: [Link].

Template 29: Customer Satisfaction Survey

Hi [First Name], your feedback matters to us! Could you spare a moment to rate your recent experience with [Business Name]? Click here: [Link]. Thanks for helping us improve!

Template 30: Request for a Review

Hi [First Name], we hope you loved your experience with [Business Name]! If so, we’d really appreciate a review. You can leave your feedback here: [Link]. Thanks in advance!

Template 31: Customer Experience Survey

Hi [First Name], thanks for visiting [Business Name]! We’d love to hear about your experience. Please take a quick survey and let us know how we did: [Link]. Your feedback helps us improve!

Pro Tip: Offering a small incentive, like a discount or entry into a giveaway, can significantly boost participation and engagement with your surveys.

Abandoned Cart or Lead Follow-Up Messages

Abandoned cart and lead follow-up messages are an essential part of re-engaging potential customers who may have expressed interest but didn't complete a purchase or take the next step.

These reminders should be helpful, offering value while gently nudging the customer to return and finish what they started.

Hint: A well-crafted follow-up message could include a special offer, free shipping, or even just a friendly reminder about the item left in their cart.

Template 32: Abandoned Cart Reminder

Hi [First Name], we noticed you left something in your cart at [Business Name]. Complete your purchase today and get [X]% off! Click here to finish: [Link].

Template 33: Lead Follow-Up After Inquiry

Hi [First Name], we hope you found the information you needed about [service/product] at [Business Name]. If you have any questions or need assistance, we’re here to help!

Template 34: Abandoned Cart with Incentive

Hey [First Name], your cart is still waiting for you! As a thank you for considering us, here’s a [X]% discount. Use code [CODE] to save: [Link]. Hurry—this offer expires soon!

Template 35: Second Lead Follow-Up

Hi [First Name], just following up to see if you’re still interested in [service/product] from [Business Name]. We’d love to help you take the next step! Let us know if you have any questions.

Pro Tip: Include a time-sensitive offer or benefit to create urgency and encourage customers to take action quickly.

Ready to grow your business?

Capture leads, engage customers instantly, and turn conversations into sales with TextNinja's powerful SMS chat widget.

Start free trial

Why SMS Templates Matter

Using SMS templates allows your business to save time, maintain consistency, and improve customer communication.

Whether you’re sending appointment reminders, promotional texts, or follow-up messages, having pre-written templates ready to go streamlines your workflow and keeps your messaging professional.

Ready to take your SMS marketing and lead generation to the next level? Sign up for a free trial with TextNinja today and discover how personalized, effective SMS marketing can help grow your business.

Alexandria Smith

Alexandria Smith

Alexandria has been a digital marketer since 2012, crafting content and copy for businesses across various industries, including local business, ecommerce, digital publishing, and SaaS. An accomplished writer, she is also the author of the children's book, "Oh, Puppy," which remains one of her favorite projects.