SMS is a powerful marketing channel for ecommerce businesses because it gives you direct access to customers on the device they use most often to make a purchase. In fact, two-thirds of online shopping orders now occur on mobile devices.
Given this staggering shift to mobile commerce, SMS marketing has the power to transform marketing efforts for brands. In this blog, we will share 75 ecommerce SMS templates that online businesses can customize and send to their customers to drive mobile sales.
Jump right to ecommerce SMS templates for:
- Welcome messages
- Abandoned cart reminders
- Flash sales
- Product launch
- Sale promotion
- Product promotion
- Birthday or anniversary messages
- Loyalty program or VIP
- Restock messages
- Re-engagement campaign
- Holiday messages
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday
- Order confirmation
- Shipping confirmation
- Delivery confirmation
- Customer feedback requests
<h2 id="Welcome">Welcome messages</h2>
A warm welcome message goes a long way in setting the right tone. You can use this opportunity to share a discount code or thank them for joining your SMS program. Studies show that welcome messages can lead to 33 percent higher engagement with a brand long-term. Use one of the welcome message templates below when a contact joins your text marketing program.
Hi [name]. Thanks for joining [company’s] text marketing program. You’ll be the first to hear about our new products. Look at what’s new: [link]
[Company]: Hi [name]! Thanks for subscribing to our SMS program. As a welcome gift to you here’s a code for [X%] off your next purchase. Shop now: [link]
Welcome, [name]! Here’s that discount we promised. Use code [X] to get [X%] off your next purchase. Shop now: [link]
Thanks for subscribing, [name]! Here’s your discount code to use on your next purchase [code]. Shop now: [link]
Oh, hey there! Welcome to [company’s] SMS program. We’re so thankful you’re here. Text STOP to unsubscribe.
<h2 id="Abandoned">Abandoned cart reminders</h2>
Each year, about $4.6 trillion is left in online shopping carts. This means an effective abandoned cart recovery strategy can help ecommerce businesses bring in more revenue. Many businesses use SMS to send cart abandonment reminders.
Here are five effective abandoned cart recovery texts:
Hi [name]. It looks like you left something behind. Ready to check out? [link]
Forget something, [name]? Unlock free shipping when you check out using this link: [link]
Uh oh, [name]. The items in your cart miss you! 🛒 Head back to your cart now: [link]
[Company]: The [product in your cart] is flying off the shelves. Get yours today before it’s gone: [link]
Hi [Name]. We didn’t want you to miss out on a new [product]. Get [X%] off with code [X] for a limited time. Return to your cart: [Link]
<h2 id="Flash">Flash sales</h2>
Another popular strategy in retail and ecommerce is to run flash sales. This popular tactic encourages urgency to persuade people to make a purchase before it’s too late. Let’s look at a few flash sale SMS templates for ecommerce.
[Company]: TODAY ONLY. Get [X%] off anything in our new collection. Shop now: [link]
[Company]: FLASH SALE 🚨 For just [X] hours get [X%] off [product]. Shop now: [link]
[Company’s] [X]-hour sale starts NOW. Score [X%] off orders of [$X] or more until [time]. Go, go, go: [link]
Hi [name]. Get cozy this fall with [service] from [brand name] 🍂 Book and get [X%] off TODAY ONLY. Book now: [link]
[Company]: ⏰ The clock is winding down. Only a few more hours left to save. [X%] of ends at [time]. Shop now: [link]
<h2 id="Launch">New product launch</h2>
Ecommerce businesses are constantly innovating and adding new products. While so much goes into research and development, another critical component of a successful launch is getting the word out to your customers about it. Effective product launch messaging can build anticipation for the product, generate awareness, and influence purchases. Use one of these product launch text message templates to promote your latest drops, services, or collections.
The new [product] is HERE! Be the first to shop the season’s latest arrivals: [link]
The day is finally here. Introducing [product]. Get yours today: [link]
Hey [company] customers! Our new [product or service] is available now! Get [X%] off when you buy today: [link]
Our [collection name] drops on [date] at [time]. Sign up to get early access here: [link]
We’re offering our text subscribers early access to our new [product]! It’s the perfect product heading into [season]. Shop now: [link]
<h2 id="Sale">Sale promotion</h2>
With 98 percent open rates, SMS is an effective channel for sharing sale promotion messages with your contacts. While there are many different types of promotional texts, in general, they are marketing texts used to increase sales, awareness, and event attendance. Use one of the following text message templates to promote an annual sale or event.
Hi [name]. The hottest summer sale is here. Get [X%] off all [products A, B, and C] until [date]. Shop now: [link]
[Company]: Our annual sale is. so. on. Score your favorites for [X%] off for a limited time.
Looking to refresh your wardrobe before [season]? Now’s the time with [company’s] [name of sale]. Score [X%] off your favorites. Shop now:
Don’t miss out! Our end-of-season sale is going on now through [date]. Shop now: [link]
SALE alert! [Company] is running our [sale name] now through [date]. Score [products] for up to [X%] off. Go, go, go → [link]
<h2 id="Product">Product-specific promotion</h2>
You can also use a promotional SMS message to build awareness around a specific product. This is a good strategy to use if you want to increase sales of a particular item or recently launched something and want more customers to know about it.
Ready to [benefit]? Meet the [product], designed to help you look and feel better. Get yours today: [link]
Did you know [product] can improve [benefit]? Get yours today while supplies last. Shop now: [link]
[Company]: You already know we sell [product A], but did you also know we also sell [product B]? Learn more here: [link]
Our [product] was designed with [target audience] in mind. Check out its benefits here: [link]
Did you know you can try on [items] before you buy them? *Adds everything to the cart* Try out your outfits first: [link]
<h2 id="VIP">VIP or loyalty program</h2>
The reality is that having loyal customers can increase your revenue. In fact, research suggests they will spend 67 percent more with your brand compared to a new customer. This makes growing your loyalty program a great business strategy. You can use SMS marketing to promote your loyalty program and offer exclusive VIP discounts. Here are some text templates to help you promote a loyalty program.
Hi [name]. Join our customer loyalty program today to earn points and unlock special discounts. Sign up today to start earning points for every dollar spent: [link]
It literally pays to join our Rewards Program. Members unlock perks like [X, Y, and Z]. Sign up today and start earning points: [link]
Mark your calendars. Members earn double the reward points this weekend! Shop online or in-store and start racking up points: [link]
Oh, hey there VIP. You’ve just unlocked [status name] status. You now gain access to [status benefit]. You’ve earned it.
Hi [name]. You heard it here first. We’re offering all VIP subscribers exclusive early access to our [product]. Get yours today (before anyone else): [link]
<h2 id="Birthday">Birthday or anniversary</h2>
Customers crave personalized offers and experiences from brands. You can help customers feel special by wishing them a happy birthday or acknowledging their loyalty to your brand. Texting them is a great, simple way to let them know you appreciate their business and value them.
Thanks for being our loyal customer for [X] years! We appreciate your business. Here’s a thank-you gift from us: [Coupon Link]
You joined us [X] years ago! Thanks for supporting our business. As an anniversary gift here’s a code for [X%] off your next order: [code]
[Name], happy birthday to a customer we appreciate dearly! We hope your day is wonderful.
It’s YOUR day! Happy birthday, [name] 🎉 Here’s a little treat for your birthday. Use code [X] to get [X%] off. Treat yourself: [link]
[Company]: Happy birthday [name]! To celebrate we’re offering you [X%] off with code [X].
<h2 id="Back">Back-in-stock alerts</h2>
In the past, brands reserved restock alerts for customers who signed up for a waitlist or wanted to be notified. However, in recent years, this marketing tactic has expanded to send them to people who have expressed interest in similar products. These alerts foster a sense of urgency because they encourage people to buy before it’s too late. Here are five back-in-stock SMS templates for ecommerce brands.
[Company]: ⚠️ Restock alert! Grab [item] before it’s gone again. Shop now: [link]
The season’s top-selling items are back in stock, but not for long. Shop now: [link]
You’ve been asking and we have some great news. [Item] is back in stock. Shop now: [link]
Good news! That special item you’ve been eyeing is back in stock. Get yours now: [link]
Are you as stoked as we are? Your favorites have been restocked 💜 Shop restocks now: [link]
<h2 id="Re">Re-engagement</h2>
If you notice a customer hasn’t interacted with your brand in a while, you could send them a re-engagement campaign text. The purpose of these texts is to encourage customers to interact with your brand in some way. Usually, you want to ensure that the customer is clicking on the links you send via text.
However, depending on your use case or product, you could also set up an automated drip campaign, or a series of messages, to encourage a customer to re-engage. Let’s look at a few text templates that could work to re-engage a customer.
Hey [name]! It’s been a while! We just wanted to stop by with a little gift. Use code [X] to get [X%] off your text order.
Hi [name]! We added some [products] we think you’ll really like. Here’s a quick preview: [link]
Hi [name]. Don’t miss out on our latest sale! We’re offering loyal text subscribers [X%] off for a limited time. Use code [X] at checkout. [Link]
Hi [name]! You have some loyalty points about to expire 😱 You can redeem them here: [link]
[Company]: We’re here with a deal so good that you couldn’t leave us on read… right? Score [X%] off our new collection. Shop now: [link]
<h2 id="Holiday">Holiday messages</h2>
Whether it’s Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, or World Emoji Day, your ecommerce brand can send holiday SMS marketing messages to your customers to delight them and drive sales. Let’s look at some fun and cheerful text templates you can use for holiday promotions and messages.
Are you stumped on what to gift someone special? Check out our 2024 holiday gift guide to find the thing they will just love: [link]
Our [holiday] sale is on! Now through [date] get [X%] off everything when you shop online. Shop now: [link]
Happy holidays, [name]! We hope you have a wonderful holiday season filled with joy and cheer.
‘Tis the season to be our text subscriber! For a limited time, get [X%] off all holiday-themed items. Shop now: [link]
Just dropped! Just in time for [holiday], [Product] is here. Get yours now: [link]
<h2 id="Black">Black Friday + Cyber Monday</h2>
Cyber Week, the five-day span between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday, is every ecommerce brand’s Super Bowl. Global sales for Cyber Week hit $298 billion in 2023, making it the busiest five-day shopping spree of the year. On Cyber Monday alone, shoppers spent $15.7 million per minute. This shows the importance of having a marketing strategy for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Let’s look at 6 SMS templates that work.
👀 We’re giving VIPs early access to our Cyber sales. Shop using this link to get [X%] off. Shop the deals: [link]
[Company]: The deals are HOT this Black Friday 🔥 Take [X%] off with code [X]. Shop now: [link]
[Company]: WE 🖤 BLACK FRIDAY. Get [X%] off TODAY ONLY. Shop and save: [link]
Only [X] hours left to save BIG. [Company’s] Cyber Monday sale ends at [time] today. Shop now: [link]
It’s the most wonderful *savings* of the year 🎵 Get [X%] off everything TODAY only. Shop Cyber deals: [link]
👀 Looking for more inspiration? Check out 17 creative SMS marketing campaigns to help your brand stand out.
<h2 id="Order">Order received confirmation</h2>
One of the most valuable ecommerce texts to receive is an order confirmation. Customers want to know their order was successful and that the transaction went through. Order confirmations help ease customers' minds and provide them with vital details about their orders. Here are some order confirmation text templates for ecommerce businesses.
[Company]: Thanks for your purchase! Here’s your order number: [#number]
[Company]: We got your order! We hope you’re as excited as we are. Here’s your order number for your records: [#number]
[Company]: It’s official. Your order [#number] is confirmed. We’ll text you a tracking link as soon as it ships.
<h2 id="Shipped">Order shipped</h2>
Another popular transactional message ecommerce businesses can send via text are order shipped alerts. These order status updates help customers know that their package is in transit and to look out for their item. You can send customers a tracking link, or just share the estimated delivery date. Here are four order shipment templates.
[Company]: 🎉 Party time! Your order is on its way. Track your package here: [link]
[Company]: We’ve shipped your order! The estimated delivery date is [date]. Track your order here: [link]
[Company] Yay! It’s en route. We’ve shipped your order! View tracking details here: [link]
[Company]: It’s one step closer! Your items have shipped. Track them here: [link]
<h2 id="Delivery">Delivery confirmation</h2>
Keep customers in the know about their order with a delivery confirmation text. When a shipment arrives, send them a quick text so they know it’s there. This message serves as a digital confirmation to the customer.
Your [items] from [company] were delivered. View more details: [link]
[Company]: Delivered! Your new [item] has arrived. Reply STOP to opt out.
[Company]: Sign. Sealed. And now delivered. The [item] is yours. View order details here: [link]
<h2 id="Feedback">Feedback collection</h2>
Customer surveys, polls, and reviews help businesses collect vital feedback about products and the purchasing process. SMS, which has a 45 percent response rate, helps businesses get more feedback data quickly and efficiently. Use one of these SMS survey templates to gather feedback from customers.
How would you rate your online shopping experience with [company] on a scale of 1 (poor) to 5 (great)?
Your feedback helps us improve! Are you willing to leave a review? [link]
Your feedback matters. Will you take a 5-question survey about [product]? In exchange, we’ll give you a [$X] off coupon!
Your opinions are valuable to us! Between these options, what item interests you the most [A, B, C]?
On a scale from 0-10, with 10 being the highest. How likely are you to recommend [brand] to a friend or colleague?
Ecommerce SMS best practices
Keep these best practices in mind to ensure success with your ecommerce SMS efforts.
- Get SMS opt-ins. Before you can text any customer, you must get their consent. This consent is called an SMS opt-in and is required by law. You can secure opt-ins and grow your text subscriber list by using an online form, a popup advertisement, or collecting it during the checkout flow.
- Get the timing right. The timing of your promotional messages matters. You’ll want to determine the best time for your unique customer base and products. SMS A/B testing can help you find the best time.
- Clearly define goals. Before starting any SMS campaign, you should clearly define your goals and metrics. For example, you should know if you want to boost sales, build loyalty, or inform customers. You should also understand which SMS marketing KPIs will help you determine success.
- Include a CTA. The call to action is a critical component of any marketing message. You want to ensure you let customers know what action they should take after receiving a text. For example, should they explore the lookbook, shop now, or view tracking details?
- Be concise yet engaging. Given the 160-character limit of text messages, they should be short. However, don’t confuse short with uninteresting. You want your customers to enjoy receiving your texts, and that can be done if you use creative, snappy text.
- Personalize messages. There’s nothing worse than getting a marketing message about some product you’re not interested in. Be mindful that effective marketing campaigns are personalized and tailored for each audience.
- Include your brand name. Customers likely don’t have your business number saved or memorized. As a result, make sure they know your business is texting them by including your company name in each message.
- Use multimedia. Don’t be afraid to include photos, gifs, or audio messages. This is called MMS messaging, and it allows brands to increase engagement and add a visual component to an SMS campaign.
- Track and measure. For best results, you should track and measure your SMS campaign performance. Analyzing data and uncovering patterns will help you identify what’s working and what isn’t. You can track metrics like unsubscribe rate, click-through rate, and more.
- Automate. Whenever possible, you should look to automate your ecommerce SMS strategy. For example, you can set up automated cart abandonment texts to ensure the timing is always consistent. You can also set up auto-replies in case customers reply to your messages.
Modernize your ecommerce outreach strategy with Textline
SMS is a powerful communication channel for ecommerce stores because of its ability to get messages directly to mobile devices. With SMS you can send customers order updates, promotional offers, and surveys with ease.
If you’re looking for an SMS platform that’s dedicated to helping ecommerce brands thrive, look no further than Textline. Textline is the most secure business texting platform out there, with features like two-way texting, MMS, and more.
Ready to see how Textline can help your online business thrive? Request a demo today.
