Plan the perfect SMS with these business text messaging examples

When your customers’ phones are pinging all day, how do you make sure your text message gets through? How do you make it as helpful and relevant as possible, particularly when your customers are busier than ever?

When it comes to business text messaging, short and sweet is generally best. Whatever you need to communicate should be crystal clear, as should your call to action (if there is one). 

Make sure there’s a good reason for getting in touch with a customer. It can help to consider the what, why, and how of your message:

• What’s the reason you’re reaching out? 
• Why should the customer care?
• How can they take action?

Of course, there are exceptions to the short-and-sweet rule. If you’re sending an emergency weather warning, for example, then you may need to go into some detail. A follow-up sales text message might get a little longer, and a lot more personalised, too.

Industry-specific text messaging examples

To help you send more effective business text messages, we’ve compiled this list of tried-and-tested messages that you can easily make your own by injecting your brand personality and tone of voice. 

As you’ll see in this list of examples – which cover everything from appointment reminders to retail promotions – most are fairly formulaic. Why? The formula works. 

Explore all of our examples below, or jump straight to your industry:

• Retail and eCommerce
• Finance
• Education
• Bars & restaurants
• Fitness

In all of the examples below, we’ve provided text you can cut and paste to make your own. The hashtagged #Text# can be dynamically lifted from your database; and words in [ALL CAPS] can be replaced with your own info.

Remember, if you’re sending a marketing or promotional text message, you need to give customers the option to unsubscribe – it’s part of the Spam Act 2003 (Cth). We recommend simply saying ‘Reply STOP to opt-out’, as you’ll see below, or adding an unsubscribe link.

Text messaging templates for retail & eCommerce

If you work in retail or eCommerce, then SMS marketing really shines when you’ve got a sale coming up. It’s also super-helpful when you want to give loyal customers an exclusive offer, or an exciting new product is about to hit the market.

Here are some examples you can easily adapt to suit your offering.

Big news, #FirstName#. Enjoy [XX]% off [COMPANY NAME] this weekend! Ts & Cs apply. Reply STOP to opt-out.

The wait is over! Our [PRODUCT] is back in stock at [COMPANY]. Get it at [URL]. Reply STOP to opt-out.

Have you heard the news? Our new range of [PRODUCT] just landed! Visit [STORE] or tap [URL] to shop online. Reply STOP to opt-out.

Text messaging templates for finance

In banking, finance and utilities, it can be super helpful to text your customers to remind them when a payment’s due. After all, no one likes to be hit with a late payment fee.

It’s also good practice to send through proofs of payment, as you’ll see in the examples below.

#FirstName#, this is a payment reminder from [COMPANY NAME]. Your instalment of $[XX] is due #Date#. Please contact us if you have issues.

Unfortunately, your payment is now overdue and a late fee will appear on your next bill. Please visit [URL] to pay now.

$[XX] from account number [ACCOUNT NUMBER] to [COMPANY NAME] was successfully processed with receipt [RCPT NUMBER]. Log on for more details.

Text messaging templates for education

Schools are embracing sending text messages as a quick and easy way to communicate with parents about important news and updates. Compared to picking up the phone and calling each parent or student, texting is a breeze.

Here are some of the most common examples of text messages sent by schools to parents and students.

Dear parent or guardian, admissions for [CLASS NAME] at [SCHOOL NAME] are now open. Register today: [URL]

Important: [SCHOOL NAME] will be closed until further notice. Please keep an eye on our website for the latest news and announcements.

Hi #FirstName#, this is to confirm you are now signed up to volunteer at [SCHOOL NAME]'s [EVENT NAME]. Thanks for your help!

Text messaging templates for bars & restaurants

Text messages are a huge time-saver for busy hospitality venues. From quick messages to remind customers about their booking, to updates about their home delivery, messages also help create better customer experiences – so they keep coming back for more.

Here are the most common examples of text messages from restaurants, bars and cafes.

Thanks for your booking, #FirstName#! We'll see your party of [XX] at [TIME] on [DATE]!

#FirstName#, your food delivery will be with you shortly. We expect your meal to arrive at [TIME]. Bon appetit!

Hi #FirstName#, this is a reminder you have a reservation at [TIME] on [DATE]. Call us on [PHONE NUMBER] to cancel or reschedule. Otherwise... we'll see you then!

Text messaging templates for fitness clubs

Keeping your members motivated is what running a fitness club is all about. And what better way to do it than by sending timely text messages to encourage them to keep moving.

Here are some classic text messages you can send to your members.

Hi #FirstName#, this is a friendly reminder that you are booked in for tomorrow's [TIME], [CLASS NAME] class. If you need to cancel, reply to this. See you soon!

Are you ready to sweat? Our [CHALLENGE NAME] challenge will be kicking off on the [DAY] of [MONTH]! Register now: [URL] Reply STOP to opt-out

Hey #FirstName#, you smashed it at your first PT session! Make sure you drink plenty of water and stretch. See you same time, same place next week!

Keen to get started?

Now you know the best way to get your message across, it’s time to dive in with our cost-effective, easy-to-use text messaging platform. Sign up for a free trial to get started.