Leveraging relationships and ensuring customer engagement are crucial for small businesses.
SMS marketing is a cost-effective and direct way to maintain communication with your customers. Use texts to inform them about new products, offers, and key business updates.
Explore how you can make the most out of SMS marketing for your small business with these use cases and templates.
Best for Small Businesses
Best for Medium to Enterprise
We offer this website completely free to our visitors. To help pay the bills, we’ll often (but not always) set up affiliate relationships with the top providers after selecting our favorites. However, we do our best not to let this impact our choices. There are plenty of high-paying companies we’ve turned down because we didn’t like their product.
An added benefit of our relationships is that we always try to negotiate exclusive discounts for our visitors.
Why Small Businesses Should Use SMS Marketing Video
When & How to Use SMS in Small Businesses
Here are some pragmatic use cases along with templates to kickstart your SMS marketing journey in your small business:
Promotions and Discounts
Small businesses can use SMS to send timely promotions or discounts to their customers, encouraging them to make a purchase. Share personalized offers to incentivize purchases and improve the customer experience.
Templates to consider:
- New Promotion Alert
- Hello [Customer's Name], check out our latest offer on [Product/Service]! Save [X%] until [Date]. Hurry, shop now at [Link or Location].
- Discount Code
- Hi [Customer's Name], enjoy a [X%] discount on your next purchase with code: [DISCOUNT CODE]. Valid till [Date]. Shop now at [Link or Location].
- Flash Sale- Free Shipping
- Act fast, [Name]! For the next 24 hours, we’re offering free shipping. Shop your favorites now [Link].
- Flash Sale- Relevant Item
- [Name], remember that [item] you’ve been eyeing? Get it for [X]% off when you order in the next 36 hours. Enjoy! [link]
- Holiday Promotion
- Happy [Holiday], Name. To celebrate we’re offering [X%] off our entire store. It’s our gift to you. [Link]
Product Launches
Notify your customers about new products or services through SMS. This could pique their interest and drive them to your store or website. Leverage segmentation to send the most relevant product information to your customers.
Templates to consider:
- New Product Alert
- Hello [Customer's Name], we’ve just launched [New Product]. Come check it out at [Location] or online at [Link].
- New Product Alert- Personalization
- Hey [Name], we’re happy to announce our newest product, the [product]. It goes great with the [previous purchase] you bought last [time]. We hope you enjoy it! [Link]
- Product/Service suggestion
- Quick question, [Name], what do you want to see next from us? Drop your dream product/service idea below!
- Service Update
- Hi [Customer's Name], we are now offering [New Service]. Book your appointment today at [Link or Phone Number].
Appointment Reminders
Remind customers of their appointments to reduce no-shows and enhance customer experience.
Templates to consider:
- Appointment Confirmation
- Hello [Customer's Name], your appointment is scheduled on [Date] at [Time]. We look forward to serving you at [Location].
- Appointment Reminder
- Hi [Customer's Name], just a reminder for your appointment tomorrow at [Time]. If you need to reschedule, reply to this SMS or call us at [Phone Number].
- Appointment Follow-Up
- Hey [Name], thanks for attending your recent [type] of appointment with [business name]. We look forward to seeing you again!
Order Updates
Keep customers informed about the status of their orders, which enhances trust and satisfaction. They won’t have to wonder where their order is or when it will arrive, and they’ll know right away if there are any errors.
Templates to consider:
- Order Confirmation
- Hello [Customer's Name], your order #[Order Number] has been received. We’ll notify you once it’s on the way!
- Delivery Update
- Hi [Customer's Name], your order #[Order Number] is out for delivery and will arrive today between [Time Window].
- Delivered
- Hey [Name], we recently delivered your order [#] to [address]. If you need any further assistance, just let us know! Enjoy.
- Post-Delivery Check-In
- Hi [Name], we hope you’re enjoying your [product]. Need any help making the most of it? Check out this handy guide [Link]
Customer Feedback
Encourage customers to provide feedback to help improve your products or services. Send requests for reviews, surveys, and open feedback. Let customers know when you implement their feedback as well!
Templates to consider:
- Feedback Request
- Hello [Customer's Name], we value your opinion. Please share your feedback on your recent purchase [Link]
- Review Request
- Hi [Customer's Name], enjoyed our service? We’d appreciate it if you could leave us a review at [Link].
- Feedback Thank-You
- Hi [Name], thank you so much for your recent feedback on [product/service/topic]. We appreciate your insight and can’t wait to continue improving.
- Feedback Implementation
- Hello [Name], we made a huge change, because of YOU! Your feedback led us to improve [X]. Thank you again for your insight.
Loyalty Programs
Notify customers about loyalty programs to boost retention and encourage repeat purchases.
Templates to consider:
- Loyalty Program Invitation
- Hello [Customer's Name], join our Loyalty Program and earn points on every purchase! Sign up now at [Link].
- Loyalty Rewards
- Hey [Name], do you like free things? Join our loyalty program to earn points that you can redeem for [list a few enticing rewards]. [Link to join]
- Points Update
- Hi [Customer's Name], you now have [X Points] in your Loyalty Account. Redeem them on your next purchase!
- Loyalty Member Thank You
- As a dedicated member of our loyalty program, we wanted to give you a huge thanks, [Name]. Enjoy [a small reward, like free shipping] for the next [time] as a token of our appreciation.
Best for Small Businesses
Best for Medium to Enterprise
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the use cases of SMS for Small businesses?
Small businesses can use SMS for promotions, product launches, appointment reminders, order updates, customer feedback, and loyalty programs among others.
What is the best SMS tool for Small businesses?
Some of the best SMS tools for Small businesses include SimpleTexting, TextMagic, Mobile Text Alerts, and Omnisend.
What are the limitations of SMS for Small businesses?
Small businesses need to be mindful of the character limitations of SMS, ensuring customers opt-in for messages, and choosing a reliable SMS platform that aligns with their needs.