How to Write Marketing Text Messages That Convert

To learn how to write a marketing text message, first, you must understand the power of SMS marketing. These brief yet powerful messages can engage, inform, and persuade customers. But writing a marketing text message that converts requires strategy, creativity, and a deep understanding of your audience.

SMS boasts an open rate of over 90%, with most messages read within the first three minutes. With such high engagement potential, it's a goldmine for marketers. However, with great power comes great responsibility. People are selective about who they let into their text inboxes. Therefore, misuse or overuse of SMS can lead to high opt-out rates or even legal repercussions.

Before writing any marketing message, you must define and understand your audience. Ask yourself:

• What are their interests?
• What problems are they trying to solve?
• What time of day are they most likely to check messages?
• What language or tone resonates with them?

Segmenting your audience allows you to tailor your messages and increase the chances of conversion.

Every SMS message should have one goal. Whether it’s:

• Driving traffic to a website.
• Promoting a flash sale.
• Reminding customers of appointments.
• Gathering feedback or reviews.

…your message must be written with this end goal in mind.

Here’s how to write a message that converts:

A. Keep It Short and Sweet

SMS has a 160-character limit. Every word counts. Use simple, clear language and remove unnecessary words.

Example:

“Flash Sale! 20% off all items today only. Shop now: [shortened link]”

B. Create a Sense of Urgency

Use time-sensitive language to encourage quick action.

Example:

“Only 3 hours left to grab your 50% off deal. Don’t miss out! [link]”

C. Personalize When Possible

Messages that include the recipient’s name or purchase history feel more relevant and engaging.

Example:

“Hey Sarah! Your favorite stretch pants are available again. Grab yours before they’re gone! [link]”

D. Include a Clear SMS Call to Action (CTA)

Tell recipients exactly what you want them to do next.

Example:

“Tap to reserve your seat: [link]”

In the end, if you do not feel comfortable creating your own SMS strategy, we at TopMessage can do it for you. Guided by your organization's goals and values, we will tailor the most efficient marketing SMS strategy that converts. Give us a call and start winning today!

Timing is Everything

The best times to send a call to action SMS are during business hours (9 AM – 6 PM), particularly early afternoon. Avoid late-night or very early messages to prevent annoyance.

Space is limited. Use URL shorteners to keep your message concise and clickable. Many SMS marketing platforms also offer trackable links, letting you monitor engagement.

A/B Test Your Messages

Just like with email or ad copy, A/B testing your SMS copy can reveal which types of messages, CTAs, or timing perform best.

Stay Compliant

In most countries, marketing via SMS is regulated. For instance, in the U.S., the Telephone Consumer Protection Act requires businesses to get explicit consent before sending SMS messages.

Always:

• Get permission.
• Include opt-out instructions (e.g., “Reply STOP to unsubscribe”).
• Honor opt-out requests immediately.

Retail Offer

“BOGO Alert! Buy one, get one FREE on all t-shirts until midnight. Shop now: [link]”

Service Reminder

“Hi Mark! Your dental checkup is tomorrow at 10 AM. Need to reschedule? Call us: [phone]”

Exclusive Promo

“You’re on the VIP list! Get early access to our holiday sale: [link]”

WhatsApp Marketing Messages Examples

WhatsApp allows more interactivity and multimedia, making it a robust platform for messaging.

Product Launch (with Image)

“🎉 New Collection Alert! Explore our latest arrivals. Shop now: [link]”

Appointment Reminder

“Hi Amy, just a reminder about your hair appointment tomorrow at 3 PM. Confirm? Reply YES or NO.”

Customer Support Follow-up

“Thanks for contacting us, John. Is there anything else we can help with today?”

WhatsApp is especially effective for conversational marketing and building long-term customer relationships.

If you know how to write a marketing text message, then you understand that it's all about understanding your audience, delivering value, and respecting their time and attention. With a solid strategy, well-crafted messages, and regular performance analysis, SMS and WhatsApp marketing can become one of your most effective conversion tools.