The best SMS marketing texts share three qualities: they're specific, timely, and make the next step dead simple. These 15 templates are organized by goal — first-visit follow-ups, repeat visits, win-backs, holidays, and feedback. Customize the bracketed sections for your business and send.
You've built your SMS list. Now what do you actually text people?
Most businesses either freeze up and send nothing, or default to generic "10% off!!!" blasts that feel like spam. Neither works. The templates below are designed for one purpose: getting a customer who's already been to your business to come back.
Every template follows a formula: hook + offer + clear action + expiration. Customize the bracketed [sections] for your business.
Welcome and First-Visit Follow-Up
These go out automatically when someone joins your list. First impressions set the tone for everything that follows.
Welcome to [Business Name]! 🎉 You'll get exclusive deals and early access to new items. Here's 10% off your next visit — just show this text. Reply STOP anytime.
Thanks for stopping by [Business Name] yesterday! Hope you loved it. Your next visit is on us — $3 off any order this week. Show this text.
Repeat Visit Drivers
The goal: turn a one-time visitor into a regular. These work best sent 5-10 days after a customer's last visit.
Hey! Just wanted to let you know — we've got fresh [popular item] today at [Business Name]. Swing by and grab one before they're gone. 😊
New on the menu at [Business Name]: [item description]. 🆕 Be one of the first to try it — mention this text for a free sample with your order this week.
You've visited [Business Name] 5 times this month. 🏆 You've earned a free [item]. Show this text on your next visit to claim it. Thanks for being a regular!
Win-Back Messages
For subscribers who haven't visited in 3-4+ weeks. The tone shifts from casual to "we miss you" without being desperate.
It's been a minute! We miss seeing you at [Business Name]. Here's 20% off your next visit — show this text anytime this week. Hope to see you soon.
A lot has changed at [Business Name] since your last visit. New [items/specials/menu]. Come check it out — here's $5 off to welcome you back. Show this text.
Quick question: is there anything we could do better at [Business Name]? Reply to this text — we read every response. And here's 15% off your next visit as a thank you for the feedback.
Holiday and Seasonal
Time these around major holidays, local events, or seasonal changes. The urgency is built-in because the occasion has a natural deadline.
Valentine's plans sorted. 💕 [Business Name] is doing a special [deal/menu/item] for couples this Friday and Saturday. Limited spots — reply YES to reserve yours.
Summer starts now at [Business Name]. ☀️ New iced [items] are here and the first one is on us. Show this text for a free [item] with any purchase this weekend.
Happy holidays from [Business Name]! 🎁 Here's our gift to you: 25% off your entire order this week. No catch. Show this text. Thank you for being a loyal customer.
Events and Announcements
[Event type] this [day] at [Business Name]! 🎵 [Brief description]. Doors at [time]. Text subscribers get first dibs — reply YES to save your spot.
Big news: [Business Name] is now open until [new time] on [days]. Late night craving? We've got you. Come see us tonight.
Feedback and Engagement
Help us decide: should our next special be A) [Option A] or B) [Option B]? 🤔 Reply A or B. Most popular choice hits the menu next week!
Hey! If you've enjoyed [Business Name], would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? It helps more than you know. Here's the link: [URL]. Thanks! 🙏
Writing Your Own: The Formula
When you need to write a text that's not covered by these templates, use this framework:
- Hook (first 5 words): Grab attention. Use a question, an emoji, or a surprising statement. "Rainy day?" or "You've earned this." or "New drop alert."
- Offer (1-2 sentences): Be specific. "$3 off any pastry" beats "special discount." "Until 4pm today" beats "limited time."
- Action (1 sentence): Tell them exactly what to do. "Show this text" or "Reply YES" or "Mention this code."
- Expiration: Every offer needs a deadline. "Today only" or "This week" or "First 20 customers."
Keep the total message under 160 characters when possible. That's one SMS segment — anything longer gets split into multiple messages and costs more to send.
Frequency Guidelines
A rough cadence for a local business sending 2-4 texts per month:
- Week 1: Promotion or slow-hour deal
- Week 2: New item or announcement
- Week 3: Flash deal or event promo
- Week 4: Loyalty reward or feedback ask
Vary the type of message each week so subscribers don't feel like they're just getting coupons. Mix value, exclusivity, information, and engagement.
Build the list, then send these texts
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