4 email templates you can steal to gather SMS subscribers

If you want to build your subscriber list, the most basic technique is to start with your existing customer base. Because the kind of messages you would share via SMS are different than your emails, it makes sense for fans of your brand to subscribe to both.

The first step is just to let them know your program exists!

To help make this as simple as possible, we wrote out four sample marketing email templates you can copy, paste, and send to your existing contacts. Just input your organization’s information and presto 🎩— you’ll start to collect new SMS subscribers just like that.

💡SimpleTexting Tip: All the example emails below use a keyword to opt subscribers in. However, they can all be easily swapped out with a button or link to a web sign-up form!

1. The announcement

A simple, straightforward way to share the basics with your audience. Connect with a subject line that draws them in, and then follow up with the facts.

📧Subj: We need to talk…

[Company Name]: Introducing SMS alerts

We want you to be the first to find out our latest news, deals, and updates. We promise we won’t reach out too often. Only [EST. FREQUENCY] times a month. Plus, each of our texts will be full of helpful information and exclusive deals.

You can even reply to messages with questions or comments and receive a real-time response from one of our team members.

You can unsubscribe at any time, we won’t be mad. But we don’t think you’ll want to.

So, what do you think?

Let’s talk!

Text [KEYWORD] to [NUMBER] to subscribe.

*Msg & data rates may apply.

2. The FOMO

An excellent marketing tool is to use the fear of missing out. Subtly suggest to your email list that the FOMO will go away by subscribing to your texts!

📧Subj: We were just talking about you, want to know what we said?

Become a part of the conversation when you sign up to receive our texts!

That’s right, you can have [COMPANY NAME] right in your contact list. We’ll send you exclusive SMS deals and you can reply anytime with your questions, concerns…or compliments 🤗.

The best part? Subscribing is simple:

1. Take out your phone
2. Text [KEYWORD] to [NUMBER] )(Msg & data rates may apply)

That’s it, you’re in!

You’ll hardly even notice we’re there. We promise to only send [EST. FREQUENCY] messages per month.

Subscribe now and we’ll reply with our first little surprise!*

*Be sure to customize your autoresponse with something like a discount code or special offer!

3. The problem solver

Another great way to appeal to potential subscribers is to share with them how your SMS program solves their biggest communication pain points.

📧Subj: Forgetting something?

Worried you’re missing out on the latest from [COMPANY NAME]? Not anymore!

Never miss another deal or update with our new text message program. Receive [EST. FREQUENCY] text messages from us per month with only the most important updates and offers.

All you have to do is text [KEYWORD] to [NUMBER]. We’ll take care of the rest!

If you don’t absolutely love it you can even unsubscribe at any time. No strings attached!

Staying in the loop has seriously never been easier.

4. The opportunity

Does your audience pride themselves on being on the cutting edge? Give email subscribers the chance to get in on your program early. Just be sure you don’t cross over into sounding like an “act now” infomercial.

📧Subj: EXCLUSIVE first glance at our brand new service 👀🔍

You’re officially the first to know, [COMPANY NAME] has gone mobile.

You can now subscribe to receive our texts up to [EST. FREQUENCY] times per month (with the option to unsubscribe any time of course. But we don’t think you’ll want to 😏).

These texts will have it all:

• Exclusive deals
• Limited-time offers
• Real-time updates

All you have to do to sign up is text [KEYWORD] to [NUMBER].

Once you’re in, you can reply to our messages with any questions. A member of our time will be available to answer you.

As a bonus, the first 100 people to text us will receive a special deal in return!*

Can’t wait to hear from you 😁

*Be sure to customize your autoresponse with something like a discount code or special offer!

Create your own email template

Feel free to also take some of the language from these four templates and use it to create your own unique email. Or, if you want to design your own email entirely, we suggest you follow along with these helpful do’s and don’ts.

DO:

• Offer an incentive like a promo code or limited-time offer for signing up.
• Give potential subscribers a preview of the kind of messages you plan to send.
• Follow up with a reminder email. Sometimes people need one or two nudges.
• Feel free to include your own graphics or branding, especially with the focus on your keyword and number.

DO NOT:

• Tell people that signing up is “free.” Due to the fact that standard message and data rates may apply, this isn’t technically true.
• Say that it’s mandatory for customers to sign up or that they will not receive service if they choose to decline
• Forget to share that message and data rates may apply

Want some more ideas on how to get more subscribers? You can also check out this handy blog we wrote on how to grow your text list!