When it comes to exceptional customer service, communication is everything—and text messaging is the crown jewel. For local businesses, SMS offers a fast, personal, and effective way to stay top-of-mind and build trust.
In this article, we’ll cover the benefits of texting your customers and share 40 ready-to-use text message templates to help you create better experiences, boost engagement, and drive repeat business.
Why Text Messaging Works for Local Businesses
Before we get into the sample messages, let’s take a look at why texting is such a powerful tool for small and local businesses.
Email inboxes are overflowing—here’s what The Small Business Blog reports:
- The average person receives 121 emails per day.
- A large portion includes spam, social updates, and promo emails.
- In 2020, cybersecurity firm Kaspersky estimated that 47.3% of all email traffic was spam.
- Over 3.4 billion emails sent daily are fake or malicious (phishing, malware, etc.).
That’s a lot of noise to compete with.
Text messages, on the other hand, are direct and personal. They’re more likely to be seen, read quickly, and even responded to—making them an ideal channel for everything from appointment reminders to promotions.
What to Know Before Sending SMS Messages
Before you start texting customers, it’s important to comply with legal requirements under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). Don’t worry—it’s not as complicated as it sounds.
Here’s how to stay compliant while still making the most of your messaging strategy:
Get Explicit Consent
Before texting anyone, you need their clear permission. That means telling them:
- Who you are (your business name)
- Why you’re texting them
- How often they’ll receive messages
- That message/data rates may apply
- How to unsubscribe (usually by texting STOP)
- Where to find your terms/privacy policy
Example:
“Hi [Name], thanks for signing up for [Company]’s Winter Sale alerts! Expect 1–2 messages per week. Msg & data rates may apply. Text HELP for help, STOP to cancel. Terms & privacy: [Link]”
Keep It Short
Most SMS messages are limited to 160 characters. If you go over, your message may be split—and that could affect both cost and readability.
Use Keyword Shortcodes
A keyword shortcode is a word customers can text (like “JOIN” or “DEALS”) to a specific number to opt in. This double-confirmation helps ensure legal compliance.
Now, let’s dive into the good stuff: message templates you can start using right away.
40 Customer Text Message Templates for Every Situation
Welcome Messages
Make a great first impression and set the tone for future interactions.
- “Hey [Name]! Welcome to the [Company] family. Explore [Products/Services] and enjoy exclusive offers. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to cancel.”
- “Thanks for joining [Company Name]! Here’s 10% off your first order. Use code WELCOME10 at checkout. Msg & data rates may apply. STOP to cancel.”
- “Hi [Name], thanks for signing up! We’re excited to have you. Have questions? Text HELP anytime. STOP to cancel.”
- “Welcome aboard! You’re now part of the [Company] community. Let’s make this awesome. Msg & data rates may apply. STOP to cancel.”
- “Hi [Name], ready to experience the best of [Product/Service]? We’re here when you need us. Msg frequency varies. STOP to cancel.”
Appointment Reminders
Help reduce no-shows and improve the customer experience.
- “Hi [Name], just a reminder: your appointment with [Company] is tomorrow at [Time]. Reply ‘RESCHEDULE’ if you need to make changes.”
- “You’re booked! We’ll see you on [Date] at [Time]. Questions? Call us at [Phone Number].”
- “Reminder: Your appointment is on [Date] at [Time] at [Location]. Please arrive 10 mins early. Need to reschedule? Let us know.”
- “Your appointment at [Company] is confirmed for [Date] at [Time]. Reply 1 to confirm or 2 to reschedule.”
- “Mark your calendar, [Name]! Your appointment is on [Date] at [Time]. We’re excited to see you soon!”
New Lead Follow-Up
Speed is key when it comes to turning leads into customers.
- “Hi [Name], it’s [Rep Name] from [Company]. Can we schedule a quick 10-minute call to chat about your goals? Book here: [Link]”
- “Hey [Name], thanks for your interest in [Product/Service]! Let’s set up a quick call: [Link]”
- “Hi [Name]! Ready to learn more about [Company]? Let’s chat. Book a time here: [Link]”
- “Hi [Name], we’ve got solutions that match your needs. What’s a good time to connect?”
- “Thanks for reaching out, [Name]! We’d love to help. When are you free to talk?”
Promotions & Sales
Drive urgency and excitement around your latest deals.
- “[Name], flash sale alert! Get [X]% off [Product/Service] now through [Date]. Shop in-store or online: [Link]”
- “Don’t miss out—[Company]’s [Season] Sale ends soon! [X]% off your favorites until [Date].”
- “Exclusive deal just for you: [X]% off [Product]! While supplies last. Shop now: [Link]”
- “[Name], here’s your VIP offer: Save [Amount] on [Product/Service]. Visit us today or shop online.”
- “Ready for savings? [Product] is now [Discounted Price] through [Date]. Hurry while it lasts!”
Review & Feedback Requests
Encourage loyal customers to help spread the word.
- “Thanks for your recent visit! We’d love your feedback. Review us here: [Link]”
- “Help us improve! Leave a quick review about your experience and get [Incentive]: [Link]”
- “Your feedback matters. Share your thoughts and be entered to win [Prize]: [Link]”
- “Hi [Name], tell us how we did! Your review means a lot. Click here: [Link]”
- “We’re all ears! Share your recent experience and unlock a special thank-you: [Link]”
Order Confirmations
Give peace of mind with quick, clear updates.
- “Thanks, [Name]! Your order #[OrderNumber] is confirmed. Expect delivery by [Date]. Track here: [Link]”
- “Order #[OrderNumber] placed successfully! We’ll send shipping details soon. Thanks for shopping with [Company].”
- “Your [Company] order #[OrderNumber] is on its way! Track status: [Link]”
- “Good news—order #[OrderNumber] has been confirmed! Delivery expected by [Date].”
- “We’ve received your order, [Name]! It’ll be shipped soon. Track updates: [Link]”
Loyalty & Rewards
Reward your best customers to keep them coming back.
- “Thanks for being a loyal customer! Enjoy [X]% off your next order with code: [CODE]”
- “You’ve earned it! Get a free [Product] with your next purchase over [Amount]. Use code: [CODE]”
- “Hi [Name], here’s a thank-you gift: [Amount] off your next order. Code: [CODE]”
- “Celebrating [X] years with you, [Name]! Use code [CODE] for [X]% off this week only.”
- “Loyalty pays! Get [X]% off your next order with [Company]. Use code: [CODE] today.”
Payment Reminders
Keep cash flow smooth without sounding pushy.
- “Hi [Name], just a heads up—payment for invoice #[Number] is due on [Date]. Need help? Reply HELP.”
- “Friendly reminder: your payment of [Amount] for invoice #[Number] is due [Date]. Pay now: [Link]”
- “This is a courtesy reminder about your outstanding invoice #[Number]. Total due: [Amount] by [Date].”
- “Your payment of [Amount] is due soon. Click here to pay: [Link]. Questions? Call us at [Phone Number].”
- “Let’s stay on track! Invoice #[Number] for [Amount] is due [Date]. Pay online: [Link] or contact us for help.”
Final Thoughts
Text messaging gives your business a direct line to your customers that’s fast, friendly, and effective. Whether you’re confirming orders, reminding customers about appointments, or sharing exciting promotions, these message templates can help you stay connected and drive results.
Keep your tone conversational, your messages brief, and your timing thoughtful—and you’ll turn everyday interactions into meaningful moments.