More Blog Posts

18 promotional text message examples to steal and send

Got a new sale or product to share? Learn what a promotional message is and browse some real-life examples to get your creative juices flowing.

Share
Featured image for the article

Sending promotional text messages to customers is a great way to get the word out about an exciting new deal or product launch.

Promotional messaging, or “promos” are messages sent to sell, upsell, or advertise a product, business, or service. But when these messages slide toward the overly promotional end of the scale, it gets a little dicey.
This example below is a no-no.

DEAL$ DEALS DEAL$!!! Come on DOWN to MIKES CRAB SHACK, there’s a FREE BAG O’CRABS and meet and greet with SALTY CRABBO for the kiddos🦀🧨 🦀🧨 🦀🧨 🦀

Such SMS messages can turn off customers.

But you can still share deals, coupons, products, and more with promotional messages. We’ll show you how and give you some helpful examples.

Disclaimer: Please note that this advice is for informational purposes only and is neither intended as nor should be substituted for consultation with appropriate legal counsel and/or your organization’s regulatory compliance team.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is a promotional message?

A promotional message is a text that advertises a deal, sale, or special offer. For example, you might send a message that promotes an upcoming flash sale, a holiday discount, or a personalized coupon—something that will lead to sales and new customers. 

The trick to an excellent promotional message, however, is not to come off too salesy.

What do we mean by salesy?

  • Messages that don’t provide clear value to a customer
  • Messages that come across as overly promotional (think “BUY RIGHT NOW”)
  • Messages without a clear call to action
  • Messages that overuse caps lock or include buzzwords like “free”

A good promotional message is the kind of text you’d want to receive from a business. It should be conversational, stick to one topic, be timely/topical, provide a clear call to action, and deliver value/information like this:

Hey Anthro lovers! In honor of Earth Day 🌍 use code Earth2020 for a free silicone straw pack with a purchase of $50+.

🔖 Learn more: 20 sales promotion examples from real brands (and why they boost response and conversion rates)

18 promotional message examples (and 50+ copy/paste templates)

There are many scenarios where sending a promotional text message will be great for your business.

When you need inspiration, you can gain some from these marketing and promotional SMS templates:

1. Mobile coupons

Sharing discounts directly to customers’ phones is a great way to translate messages into actions quickly. 79% of smartphone users have made a purchase online using their mobile devices in the last six months.

Shopping from your phone is the new norm, so why not drive more mobile purchases with text message coupons?

Pepper & Mint Rewards: As a thank you for joining our text club, enter code BOGO at checkout for one free bag of tea leaves with your purchase!
  • Happy birthday, Lindsay! As a gift from us, take 20% off your next purchase with code HTY65.
  • Summer is coming, so shine on with 15% off spray tans this month with code GLOW23.

2. Traditional advertisements

Sometimes your business may go through a slow period, in which case you may want to give people a reason to visit.
Because 98% of texts are read, text ads are a great way to push people to your business right when you need them.

Rain got you down this afternoon ☔️? It’s warm and dry here at Regal Cinemas! Come join us for a movie: check out our schedule and new releases here: [LINK]
  • Craving a self-care day? Book a brow appointment with us at [link]
  • Every day is a good day for ice cream! Come in and see us for a sweet treat (and some brand-new flavors) today.

3. Product/service announcement

If you’ve recently launched a new product or service, it’s a newsworthy event for your customers. Build up some momentum by texting your audience before, during, and after the big release.

The moment you’ve been waiting for is here. The Salty Blonde x Revolve collection is now LIVE on our site. Pieces are limited, so get yours before they’re gone! [LINK]
  • Today’s the day! Our new swimwear line is officially live. Check it out at [link] and get yours!
  • Are you ready? The CherryBomb collection is out and on sale on our site! Grab your favorites before they’re gone.

4. Sales alert

Another event worth noting to customers is sales and clearance events. Your sales alerts must include what’s discounted, for how long, and specific price points to draw the most intrigue.

If it’s a larger sale, like an annual or semi-annual event, priming your customers with texts leading up to it can also help build anticipation.

Patagonia’s annual sale is only 🌲 2 🌲 days away! Set your alarms for 12pm EST for special early access for our text club members!
  • It’s our favorite time of year. Our annual PriceSlash sale is coming up on Friday! Join us for the best deals of the season.
  • Ready for major deals? Shop our semi-annual sale this Saturday (and don’t forget, Platinum members get in an hour early at 9 AM).

5. Bundle promo

Bundles are a great way to introduce customers to new products and increase Average Order Value (AOV). Group together relevant or similar items and send a message to your customers giving them the chance to invest. 

Get your hands on our Sleep Tight bundle for a limited time 💤 It includes a face mask, brushed cotton pajamas, a cinnamon candle, and a pair of wool slippers — everything you need for a cozy night in.
  • The Christmas Candle bundle is here! Get 20% off our bestselling collection when you buy before MIDNIGHT. 
  • It’s tea time! Our tasty tea bundle is on offer for 48 hours ONLY. Use code TEATIME to unlock your discount.

6. Holiday promotion

According to Adobe Analytics, U.S. holiday shoppers spent a record $211.7 billion online holiday shopping last year. The rules go out the door when it comes to the holidays because spending habits aren’t the same.

To help you break through the noisiest marketing season of the year, send customers promotional text messages. With texts, the open rate is significantly higher than email, giving your message a better chance of getting noticed.

Also, be sure to include a photo whenever possible. Research shows that messages with photos have higher click-through rates.

Image for sending MMS
On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, 15% off cashmere! Shop JCPenny today and gift your loved ones something luxurious.
  • Ho ho holiday savings! Shop our warmest winter gear online at [link] and use code SANTA at checkout for 10% off.
  • What’s on your wishlist? Take 20% off beauty collections at [link], now through the 21st!

💡 Check it out: Holiday SMS ideas to increase revenue

7. Flash sale

A flash sale is a promotion that runs for a short amount of time and features a specific product/service.

Another common hallmark of flash sales is a limited quantity of items up for grabs. Flash sales are great for offloading old products that may be out of season. They can also be an exciting way to drive new or more traffic to your site.

Either way, texts are a fantastic way to announce a flash sale because they’re read so quickly. The odds of your customer seeing the text right when the flash sale is happening is exponentially higher.

Lunch hour flash sale at Vintage Records! All 1970’s records are BOGO.

Don’t miss out on the Cher, Dylan, or Zeppelin you’ve been eyeing 👀!
  • The flash sale is on tomorrow from 9 AM to noon at Katy’s Boutique! Take an extra 15% off our biggest deals of the year when you show this text at checkout.
  • Ready, set, sale! Our Spring flash sale is coming up from 2-4pm on Sunday — stock up on warm weather styles.

8. Daily deals

Daily deals keep your brand front-of-mind and encourage fresh sales every day. Send reminders to your customers to make sure they have the opportunity to buy the daily deals that suit them best. 

It’s important to keep these messages short and sweet—after all, you’re going to be landing in your customer’s inboxes a lot.

✨ TODAY’S DEAL

25% off our matcha coffee beans. Get it before it goes with code MATCHAME.
  • We’ve got something special for you today. Get 50% off our Very Berry collection of prebiotic sodas. Claim your fizz before MIDNIGHT. 
  • 50% price slash —TODAY ONLY! Use code Nov11 to claim your discount on our sturdy leather walking boots.

9. Early access offer

Offering early access to new product arrivals is a great way to thank customers for subscribing to your SMS list. 

If you like, use this offer to reward a select number of customers in your text message loyalty program and make them feel special. Done right, this will boost conversions and grow sales for your new product. 

Be sure to emphasize that your early access offer won’t last. This ensures your customers take action by grabbing the offer fast.

New product alert! Members of our loyalty program can get the new {product name} for only $25.99 today.

Tomorrow, it’ll be $33.99. Get early access. Save 15%. 👉 [LINK]
  • Look what’s just In! Spice up your {type of season: example, Easter} with our latest collection of {product name}. Shop with your early access, which ends in 2 days. {link}
  • New stylish {product name} just hit our shelves. Grab yours today! Early shoppers get 10% off until {day/month/year}. {link}

10. Pre-sale promos

Pre-selling your upcoming collection or new service will help you measure interest in it and generate a buzz before it goes live. Send a message to customers in the lead up to your sale or launch to give them the chance to sign up early. 

Introducing our freshest collection yet. Coming Jan 2024. Sign up now to get 50% off your first order: [LINK]
  • What’s that on the horizon? Our New Year Sale! Get huge discounts on our bestsellers to brighten up your January. 
  • COMING SOON: Flash sale across our entire product catalog. Register now to be the first to know!

11. Birthday offer

Everyone wants to feel special on their birthday. But the thing is, giving a discount on someone’s birthday might feel insincere (at least to me). 

Before sending your birthday offer to a customer, make the customer know that you truly care. 

How? Send at least one message before their birthday. Ask about how they are preparing to celebrate themselves, what they’ll wear, who they are celebrating with, and so on. This makes your promotional text message to seem like it’s coming from a friend (which you or your brand should strive to be).

Happy Birthday from {company name}! Enjoy your day with 20% off anything you purchase today. Use {customer name} at checkout. {link}. XOXO 🥳
  • Happy Birthday! Celebrate your big day with 20% off your entire purchase as our gift to you. Shop now!
  • Another trip around the sun calls for a treat! Enjoy 15% off on your special day.
  • It’s your day! Get a birthday discount of 10% on us. Shop and make it a memorable one!

12. Online event announcement

Organizing online events is a great way to interact with your customers if you don’t have a physical store. 

If you run a business with customers in several locations, online events can also help you reach them at once. With promotional text messages, you can announce your online events to not only educate customers on a topic but also sell event tickets.

Exciting News! Join {company name} for our exclusive online event on {date} at {time}.

There’ll be insightful sessions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities. RSVP now to secure your spot! Visit {link} for details.
  • {Company name} is hosting an online event with other top fashion stylists. Tickets are available at 10% off until {day}. Learn more by clicking this link.
  • RSVP now! Our founder, {name and surname} will be speaking about {topic} at {event name}. Attending is free, but registration before {date} is compulsory. See ya! {Link}.

13. Content promotion

Sending promotional SMS messages is not the be-all and end-all of selling to customers

Sometimes, you can halt the direct sales offer and promote content that includes your offer. The outcome? You win on two fronts: share valuable content with your customers and possibly make sales.

Hungry for inspiration? Feast on our latest article!

From gourmet burgers to delectable desserts, these culinary delights will make your taste buds dance. Satisfy your cravings! 👉 {Blog link}.
  • Looking to elevate your style? Our new article takes you into the world of runway trends, closet essentials, and chic outfit ideas. Unleash your inner fashionista by reading the article at {Blog Link}. Your wardrobe will thank you, pinky swear!
  • Time to accessorize! From classic elegance to modern tech, the timepieces in our new post suit all wrists. See what fits your wrist, will ya? {Blog link}

14. Loyalty program invite

Loyal customers are the bosses when it comes to purchasing power. 

If you reward them with a customer loyalty program, you can use promotional text messages to get even more customers into your program.

🎉 Join our exclusive loyalty program today and unlock a world of rewards!

Get special discounts, early access to sales, and surprise gifts. Sign up now at [loyalty program link] and start enjoying the perks!
  • Love shopping with us? It’s time to get more for your loyalty! Join our loyalty program to earn points for every purchase and redeem them for amazing rewards. Sign up today at {loyalty program link}.
  • WOWZA! Your loyalty to {company name} is breathtaking. It’s reward time! Join our loyalty program and enjoy a host of exclusive rewards: personalized offers, bonus points, and more. Ready to be treated like a VIP? Enroll today at {loyalty program link}.

15. Buy one get one (BOGO) free offer

BOGO offers have existed for a long time and customers love it when they’re getting something free. Here are some promotional text message examples of how to alert your customers about a BOGO offer.

Stay cozy this season with our BOGO offer on sweaters! Buy one stylish sweater, get another absolutely free.

Don’t miss out on doubling up your warmth and style. Shop now at {store link} before the chill sets in!
  • Step into savings! It’s BOGO time for shoes. Buy a pair and snag another for free without stretching your budget. Head to {store link} today to claim your offer!
  • Purchase one gadget and receive another one free. From headphones to gadgets, enjoy double the tech for half the price. Dive into {store link} and amp up your collection!

16. Free shipping

Free shipping offers customers an opportunity to save transport fees and they love it. 

Even if they don’t want to buy instantly, they could change their mind to take advantage of your offer and save some cash.

For today only, we’re providing free shipping across the U.S. Grab your gifts before this offer expires on {date}. {link}.
  • Ready to shop stress-free? Enjoy free shipping on all orders for a limited time! Get your favorites delivered to your door at no extra cost. Shop at {link} and save on shipping fees!
  • It’s your lucky day! Enjoy the convenience of free shipping on all orders. Say goodbye to shipping fees and hello to savings. Visit {store link] to grab your collection and take advantage of this limited-time offer.

17. Personalized promos

People like to feel special—fact. Use personalization to send relevant text message promotions based on a shopper’s unique interests and previous buying behavior. Include their name where possible and create unique discount codes just for them. 

It’s time to restock your cupboard! Get 20% off the next order of your favorite oat bars with the code LIZZIE
  • Because you loved our honey-roasted nuts: get 20% off your next order if you order by midnight tonight! 
  • To say thanks for being awesome, we’ve curated a selection of alcohol-free fizz we think you’ll love. Visit your personal collection here. 

18. Sweepstakes

In the world of text marketing, there’s what’s known as a text-to-subscribe keyword. This is a word or phrase that people can text to your number to sign up for your messages.

In a sweepstakes promotion, when someone texts in the word, they’ll be entered for a chance to win a prize. The great part about this type of marketing campaign is that it helps you build your list if you’re just getting started with SMS.

Thanks for entering to win a year of free Slushies from 7/11! Winner will be announced on Monday the 14th.
  • Spin to win a FREE bedding set in your favorite color! 
  • Want to win a month’s supply of herbal teas? Enter our sweepstake by 11pm EST and put your best foot forward. Winner announced next Saturday at 5pm EST.

15 real-life examples of promotional SMS

Example 1: Mobile coupon

Sometimes, short and simple messages from our favorite brands do the trick. This text message by Grinds Coffee Pouches is a brief way to promote coupons.

Promotional text message example from Grinds Coffee Pouches that includes a mobile coupon
Image source: Fantastic Texts

Example 2: Product announcement

Launching a new product without a good story isn’t great. Olipop knows this and they nail this SMS well. While this product announcement is lengthy, it has a great buildup to the core message and includes a discount to make customers try the new product. 

Promotional text message example from Olipop with a new product announcement
Image source: Fantastic Texts

Example 3: Sales alert

Exclusive offers make people feel special. This sales alert does that by stating it’s for rewards members only. The 50% discount is the icing on the cake for the customer. That said, the limited time offer which ends at Xmas will cause customers to make a purchase fast. 

Promotional text message example from Athletic Brewing Company that includes a sales alert
Image source: Fantastic Texts

Example 4: Bundle promo

Pretty Litter speaks the same language as its audience (because who doesn’t love their cat and believe it deserves the best?!). The discount plus a free gift makes this a deal that’s hard to ignore. 

Promotional text message example from PrettyLitter about a product bundle deal

Example 5: Holiday promotion

Black Friday is one of the biggest shopping holidays and the perfect opportunity to send a well-timed text message to announce the launch of your sales. Salomon includes the discounts shoppers can expect in a casual message. 

Promotional text message example from Salomon about a holiday sale promo

Example 6: Flash sale

If you want to secure an influx of sales in a short space of time, flash sales are the way to go. Do what TRIC does and send a promo message to announce the start of your sale and include the discount percentage and end time to inspire shoppers to take action. 

Promotional text message example from Rtic about a flash sale on backpacks and totes

Example 7: Daily deals promo

Daily deals give you the chance to spotlight some of your best products to new customers. Backcountry is sensitive to its customers’ time and asks them if they’d like to receive all, some, or none of their daily deal promos. This is a great way to build trust and still generate sales. 

Promotional text message example from Backcountry with a daily deal promo

Example 8: Early access offer

People like new products, but if you don’t prompt them to purchase, they could bail on you.

Some great ways to make them act is to offer a time-limited discount or inform them of your limited stock like Doe Lashes.

Early access offer promotional text message example from Doe Lashes
Image source: Fantastic Texts

Example 9: Early access offer

This is another great example of an early access offer from Bombas. The sock brand also sends a final reminder to customers to warn them that their time is running out. This creates a sense of urgency and can pull in a few extra last-minute sales. 

Text message from Bombas offering early access to a sale

Example 10: Pre-sale promo

Pre-sales in a sense give customers a sense of exclusivity—that they’re getting something other people aren’t or, at the very least, are getting it before anyone else. When We Were Young play into this exclusive strategy by reminding customers they’re on a pre-sale list and they’ll be the first to claim their discount. 

Pre-sale promo text message from When We Were Young band

Example 11: Content promotion

Asking customers to buy every time won’t look good on your business.

Occasionally share content with no strings attached. If they love this content, they could find your website and make a purchase. 

Text message from Tone It Up inviting recipient to Instagram Live workout event
Image source: Fantastic Texts

Example 12: Loyalty program invitation

Who wouldn’t want to get rewarded for being loyal to their favorite brands? A short and snappy SMS is a great way to invite customers to earn rewards they can redeem for products. 

Promotional text message example from Thread about joining their loyalty program
Image source: Fantastic Texts

Example 13: Early access product promo

Giving your best customers early access to an upcoming sale strengthens your relationship and makes them feel special. Tailwind Nutrition gives a segment of its best customers early access to its latest product.

These customers can buy the product before it goes on sale to the general public, which again creates a sense of exclusivity (and gets the brand a few early sales to build confidence). 

Example 14: BOGO offer

Buy One Get One Free offers have been a sales tactic for as long as we can remember. S-W promotes theirs with a text message announcing the launch of the deal with the end date and link to the products that customers can browse right away. 

Text message from S-W for buy one get one 50% off deal

Example 15: Free shipping

Most consumers today expect free shipping — in fact, 73% of shoppers are likely to ditch their cart if they have to pay for shipping. Avoid this by providing free shipping and shouting about it in your text messages like 1-800 Contacts does here. 

Promotional text message offering free shipping on next order

How to send a promotional text message with SimpleTexting (video)

Curious what it looks like to send a promotional text message in an easy-to-use SMS platform? Check out the video below.

Promotional text message best practices

Now you know a lot more about what promotional texts are and the creative juices are flowing. Before you start sending, here are a few best practices to keep in mind.

Send SMS messages consistently

By consistently, I don’t mean constantly. 

  • Consistently = regular frequency that respects your customer’s time
  • Constantly = spammy text messages

Bottom line: ensure your SMS marketing strategy doesn’t include spammy tactics. This will help you stay on top-of-mind for your contacts and in their good graces.

Get consent 

Always have express consent from your contacts to text them. This will keep your texts compliant with industry laws and regulations.

Personalize your SMS

When sending messages to customers, personalize your texts with what they’ve shared with you, like their name, birthday, or location. This makes each message feel like it was written for them.

Hint: Tools like custom fields make personalization a breeze.

Keep it quick and casual

One of the best parts about SMS and its 160-character limit is that you must get the details across in a short space. Even if you’re using the larger MMS format, no one wants to receive a novel over text.

So, stick to the important information and your brand’s voice. There’s no need to be formal unless that’s an integral part of your business.

Don’t send text messages you would be unexcited to receive 

This is hands down the best way to make sure contacts are always happy to hear from you.

Looking at your text, does it sound like a real person wrote it? Is it pushy or too vague? If you said yes to the former and no to the latter, you’re ready to send.

Create a sense of urgency

SMS messages aren’t like emails that people will often re-read. If people don’t take action immediately, chances are they won’t at all.

So tie your offers to a specific time. This instills the fear of missing out on customers and propels them to act on your message.

Include a call to action (CTA)

Promotional messages often have a purpose: to get customers to buy. Make sure recipients know what you want them to do by sharing a clear, concise CTA. For example, you might link directly to a product page or ask customers to “enter a discount code a checkout”. 

Personalize promo messages 

The best promotional messages are personalized to a consumer's interests, shopping behaviors, and preferences. You can send a mass campaign but still make each text unique to the recipient. Use SimpleTexting’s custom fields feature to add in customer names and other details in your messages.

Personalization is also about sending the right texts to the right people. Make sure you segment your audience based on interests, demographics, or other defining characteristics and send promo messages that align with these details. 

Don’t overhype your offer

Obviously you love your offer and you want your customers to love it too, but overhyping it by sending too many texts, writing in all caps, or going overboard on emojis and exclamation marks can have the opposite effect.

Your promotion should speak for itself and, if it does, customers will be able to see the value in it without you having to convince them with words like FREE and NOW. 

Experiment with sending times

Text messages have much higher open rates than other forms of marketing—often around 98%.

But if you send your message late at night or at a time when your audience is likely to be at work or doing something else, your open rates can suffer. This is especially true if you’re promoting a limited-time offer, like a daily deal or a flash sale that runs for a couple of hours.

Luckily, with SimpleTexting, you can schedule texts to go out at the best time for your audience so you don’t have to sit around with your finger hovering over the “send” button. 

Send promotional messages for free

Text message promos can be a great, direct way to reach customers and share valuable deals and discounts with them. To have the best success, make sure your promo messages are short, sweet, and timely. Avoid sending too many texts in a row and make sure you include all the valuable information recipients need to know to make their next move. 

Want more inspiration? See how others are using promotional messages to drive sales in our customer success stories. Or, if you’re ready to try it yourself, sign up for a 14-day free trial to start sending promotional messages. 

Lizzie Davey
Lizzie Davey

Lizzie Davey is a freelance writer for B2B SaaS and eCommerce companies with 10+ years of writing experience. She's written about marketing, SaaS, and e-commerce for brands like Shopify, CoSchedule, and Sprout Social.

More Posts from Lizzie Davey
Share

Send Your First Message in Minutes

Start a text marketing campaign or have a 1-on-1 conversation today. It's risk free. Sign up for a free 14-day trial today to see SimpleTexting in action.

Try Us Free

No credit card required