SMS is a valuable tactic for numerous purposes, whether that’s reminding patrons of upcoming appointments, alerting them to a delayed package arrival, or facilitating two-way customer service interactions. However, arguably its most popular use is to promote brands’ offerings, whether that be hot new products, exclusive discounts, or simply reminding customers of what makes your brand so great.
To help fuel your own promotional SMS messages, we’ve compiled a number of real-world examples along with best practices.
SMS Examples to Promote Flash Sales
One of the main reasons people will subscribe to your SMS program is the promise of great deals, so your brand better deliver! As demonstrated by the examples below, the key is to convey a sense of urgency—without being too over the top—while providing all needed details in as little characters as possible.
This promotional SMS example from Sand & Sky hits the nail on the head. Not a single word is unnecessary, making sure the promotional language is truly undiluted.
While product discounts are the most common type of flash sale, it certainly isn’t your only option. Drybar shows us two different SMS examples in which limited time offers promote less common benefits—free bonus gifts and free shipping.
Other Examples of Promotional SMS Examples for Flash Sales
- FreshNest Alert: Schedule your home cleaning by Friday and get 30% OFF your total! Click [link] to schedule or reply CLEAN30 to this text. Valid through 8/10.
- 🏈 GAME DAY at WingHouse! It’s FALCONS vs. SAINTS—enjoy HALF-OFF Buffalo or Garlic Parmesan wings from kickoff to final whistle. 🏆
- Taco Tuesday at SpeedyBite! Grab our Chicken Quesadilla Combo + drink for $4.99 (reg. $7.99) today only. Click [link] to schedule your order.
- 🎉GUITAR HEROES WANTED!🎸 Book your first lesson at Strum Studio and SAVE 50%—JUST $15! Offer ends tomorrow! Reply ROCK to grab your spot NOW!
Bonus Tips for Crafting Your Flash Sale Text Messages
- Use strong action verbs: Words like “Shop,” “Grab,” or “Unlock” encourage immediate engagement.
- Use all-caps strategically and with restraint: It’s natural to want to capitalize EVERY SINGLE WORD. But, the resulting text can come across as too aggressive or actually harder to read.
- Highlight exclusivity: Phrases like “VIP access” or “Just for you” make subscribers feel special and valued.
- Limit the fine print: Keep terms simple and clear to avoid confusion or hesitation at checkout.
For more tips, read SMS Flash Sale Promotions – Text Templates & Examples.
SMS Examples to Promote Holiday Discounts
Holidays are prime time for SMS marketing—your subscribers are already in the mood to shop, and a well-timed text can make your offer stand out in a crowded inbox. The best holiday discount messages tap into the festive spirit, highlight limited-time savings, and make it effortless for customers to take action.
Below is an example of how effective promotional texting is done. Because the sender, Luno, is discussing early access—rather than last-minute opportunities—its language is less urgent and more about enticing the recipient by listing the diversity of products they can purchase.
Now compare it to this second SMS example, also from Luno; because it’s a promotional text for Cyber Monday sent ON cyber Monday, its verbiage and use of all-caps is much more geared toward spurring action.
To see another brand’s approach to holiday promotional SMS, look to the example below from Blue Lagoon Skincare. While Luno chose to highlight the products they offer, Blue Lagoon Skincare did the opposite, keeping the free Mother’s Day Gift a surprise until someone interacted with the link.
Our last real-world example is a promotional SMS from Neiman Marcus. Sent the day of Black Friday, the message is infused with language meant to spark urgency.
Other Examples of Promotional SMS Examples for Holiday Sales
- Get crafty for Halloween! 🎃 Take 30% OFF all spooky kits at CraftyCorner now through 10/31. Use code BOO at checkout or shop here: [link]
- Need a last-minute gift? Give the gift of flavor! 👨🍳Buy a CookUp cooking class gift card and get 20% OFF through 12/24. Perfect for food lovers—[link]🎁
- Hosting Thanksgiving? Book a FreshNest DEEP CLEAN by 11/20 and get 25% OFF—your guests will thank you! Use code TURKEY25 and schedule now: [link]
- Ring in 2025 at Bistro 88! Reserve your NYE table and enjoy a FREE glass of champagne with dinner. Reply YES to book or visit [link]🥂
Bonus Tips for Crafting Your Holiday Discount Text Messages
- Create a sense of tradition and significance: Phrases like “annual sale” or “our gift to you” can make your offer feel special and anticipated.
- Encourage gifting: Remind subscribers that your deal is perfect for checking off their gift list or treating themselves.
- Shape the messaging around the timing. Is the holiday only days away? Be sure to capitalize on “last chance” language.
- Remind about shipping deadlines: If applicable, let customers know the last day to order for on-time holiday delivery.
Find additional insights and promotional text examples with our guides to Black Friday SMS campaigns and Father’s Day SMS Marketing Strategies for Franchises.
SMS Examples to Promote New Offering
Discounts aren’t the only part of your business you can promote to build buzz. For example, with the SMS example below, Salon True uses text messaging to promote the addition of a new stylist to their team.
Similarly, Lonely Ghost leveraged MMS to announce their new limited-edition hoodie. Merrell took a similar tactic, promoting their new shoe line (complete with a GIF that rotated through the various footwear).
In all of the promotional examples, the messages are straightforward—avoiding overly salesy language—and include a clear link, making it easy for curious recipients to learn more or shop instantly.
Bonus Tips for Crafting Texts to Promote Your New Offering
- Consider using imagery if promoting new products: The strategic impact of visuals are evident in the above text message examples. Therefore, if promoting new offerings that are tangible, consider splurging on a MMS campaign.
- Include a CTA to enable immediate action: That new frozen drink you’re trying to promote may not be top-of-mind when someone stops by your QSR three days later. Therefore, have a clear “next step” someone can take upon first receiving the text.
SMS Examples to Promote Events
SMS is a great vehicle for event promotion for numerous reasons. People can RSVP with a simple click or text response; reminders and updates can be sent instantly; and messages are delivered directly to attendees’ phones, ensuring high visibility.
Below is a promotional SMS example from Penzone. They successfully answer all important questions—where, when, and why—along with a reservation link. In short, they check all the boxes without inundating the recipient with too much information.
Bonus Tips for SMS to Promote Events
- Use a strong call-to-action: Phrases like “RSVP now” or “Save your spot” prompt immediate engagement and make it easy for recipients to respond.
- Send timely reminders and updates: Scheduling follow-up texts as the event approaches helps boost attendance and keeps your event top-of-mind.
- Personalize your messages: Addressing recipients by name or referencing their past attendance makes the invitation feel exclusive and valued.
- Include a direct link for action: Providing a link for RSVPs, ticket purchases, or event details streamlines the process and increases participation.
SMS Examples to Promote Loyalty Program Benefits
SMS is a powerful channel for highlighting your loyalty program’s perks. Beyond just points, you can use promotional SMS to spotlight exclusive member rewards, early access to sales, and special birthday offers. These messages keep your program top-of-mind and encourage ongoing engagement from your most valuable customers.
This promotional SMS from Planet Smoothie is the perfect example, as it is clear and concise while providing all the details needed.
PetSmart chose a less traditional approach to engaging loyalty program members via SMS. In the below example, they promote a raffle exclusive to loyalty members.
Bonus Tips for Promote Your Loyalty Program
- Personalize messages with customer details: Including the customer’s name and current points balance makes the message feel tailored and relevant.
- Remind about point expirations or limited-time offers: Notifying members of expiring points or special redemption windows creates urgency and drives action.
- Include a direct link to the loyalty dashboard or sign-up: Making it easy to access their account or join the program increases engagement and enrollment.
SMS Examples to Promote Your Content
Your brand is more than your products; it’s also your expertise and the positive experience you give to customers. Let your one-of-a-kind knowledge shine by linking your content among your subscribers. For example, Hi Skin used SMS to promote their article about Rosacea care.
Similarly, Backcountry leveraged SMS to spotlight their winter weather gear guide. This approach not only educates customers on the importance of specific product features, but also primes them for purchase in ways that a standard promotional text alone might not achieve.
Bonus Tips for SMS to Promote Your Educational Content
- Keep the text short and focused: Deliver your main message in as few words as possible, letting the link provide further details.
- Use a compelling hook or question: Starting with an intriguing statement or question piques curiosity and encourages clicks.
- Clearly state the benefit of your content: Let recipients know what they’ll gain, such as “Learn how to care for your skin in winter.”
- Track clicks to measure engagement: Monitoring which links get the most clicks helps you refine future content and topics.
SMS Examples to Remind Customers of Your Value
You don’t need big news or major sales to send promotional text messages. As shown in the examples below, it’s perfectly fine to remind subscribers that you and your products are, well, great! To ensure these messages are well-received, mix them in with other types of texts and, when possible, connect them to specific customer needs or occasions. Is summer right around the corner? A fashion boutique may want to remind customers of the many warm-weathered dresses they sell, perfect for “wedding season”. A coffee shop chain may want to highlight their iconic iced brews.
Above all else, let your brand identity take center stage, as successfully demonstrated in this example text from NYDJ.
Bonus Tips for SMS to Promote Your Brand
- Consider utilizing multimedia: As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. Incorporating images, GIFs, or short videos into your SMS can vividly showcase what makes your brand unique and leave a lasting impression on your audience.
- Keep your message concise and focused: Limiting your text to a single, clear idea ensures your value comes through without overwhelming the recipient.
- Use positive, brand-affirming language: Reinforcing what makes your brand special helps build loyalty and recognition.
- Feature staff picks or behind-the-scenes moments: Offering a glimpse into your team or process humanizes your brand and makes it more relatable.
- Use consistent brand voice and visuals: Ensuring your SMS tone and any included images match your overall branding strengthens recognition and trust.
Crafting the Promotional Message is Only the Beginning
Finding inspiration for your own promotion text messages is just the first step in a successful SMS marketing strategy. Systematic testing will help you evolve your tactics, while advanced personalization will ensure your messaging lands.
Test Your Messaging to See What Your Audiences Engage With Most
Testing is the next step to finding promotional content that resonates best with your audience. Compare voice tone, message lengths, and calls-to-action across your campaigns to see what drives the highest engagement. Experiment with various sending times and frequencies to find the optimal schedule for your subscribers. Review which types of SMS promotion examples—such as flash sales, event invites, or loyalty updates—perform best for your brand.
Voxie makes it easy to measure performance and compare all of these factors through clear campaign reports. Over time, you should begin to see clear patterns emerge, illuminating which promotional tactics truly galvanize your base.
Deploy Personalized and Targeted Messaging
SMS personalization strategies go far beyond simply adding a customer’s name to a promotion text message. The most effective promotional sms campaigns use customer data to tailor content based on purchase history, preferences, and behavior. Segment your audience so you can send relevant offers to specific groups, such as VIP customers, new subscribers, or those who haven’t purchased in a while. This targeted approach ensures your promotional sms examples feel timely and valuable, rather than generic. You can also use location, interests, or engagement history to further refine your messaging.
Learn more about how Voxie can help maximize the potential of your promotional SMS by scheduling a demo.