SMS marketing has stayed relevant for one simple reason: people read their messages. While emails pile up and social posts fight algorithms, an SMS usually gets opened within minutes. That makes it a powerful channel for promotions, alerts, and reminders, especially when timing matters.
But results don’t come from blasting random messages. They come from using the right template for the right situation. A good SMS is short, clear, and purposeful. It tells the reader exactly why you’re messaging and what they should do next.
Below are practical SMS templates and examples you can adapt for your business. These cover the most common and high-performing use cases across industries.
Best Practices for SMS Templates
Before using any template, keep a few fundamentals in mind:
Keep messages short and easy to scan
Mention your brand so users know who it’s from
Focus on one goal per message
Include a clear call to action
Send messages only to opted-in users
SMS works best when it feels helpful, not intrusive.
Appointment Reminder SMS Templates
Appointment reminders reduce no-shows and save time for both businesses and customers.
1. Basic Appointment Reminder “Hi {{Name}}, this is a reminder for your appointment with {{Business Name}} on {{Date}} at {{Time}}.”
2. Appointment Confirmation “Your appointment with {{Business Name}} is confirmed for {{Date}} at {{Time}}. See you soon.”
3. One-Week Reminder “Reminder: You have an appointment with {{Business Name}} scheduled for next week on {{Date}}.”
4. Same-Day Reminder “Hi {{Name}}, friendly reminder of your appointment today at {{Time}} with {{Business Name}}.”
5. Healthcare Appointment Example “{{Business Name}}: Your appointment is scheduled for {{Date}} at {{Time}}. Please arrive 10 minutes early.”
These templates work well for clinics, salons, consultants, and service providers.
Order Confirmation & Delivery Alert SMS Templates
Transactional messages build trust and reduce customer support queries.
6. Order Confirmation SMS “Thank you for your order, {{Name}}. Order ID {{OrderID}} has been successfully placed with {{Business Name}}.”
7. Shipping Notification “Good news! Your order {{OrderID}} from {{Business Name}} has been shipped.”
8. Delivery Reminder – One Day Before “Reminder: Your order from {{Business Name}} will be delivered tomorrow.”
9. Delivery Day Alert “Your order {{OrderID}} is out for delivery today. Track here: {{Link}}”
10. Delivery Confirmation “Your order {{OrderID}} has been delivered. Thank you for shopping with {{Business Name}}.”
11. Order Tracking SMS “Track your order {{OrderID}} here: {{Link}}. For support, contact {{Support Number}}.”
Customers expect these messages, so clarity matters more than creativity.
Abandoned Cart Reminder SMS Templates
SMS is highly effective for recovering abandoned carts because it creates gentle urgency.
12. Simple Abandoned Cart Reminder “Hi {{Name}}, you left items in your cart at {{Business Name}}. Complete your purchase here: {{Link}}”
13. Follow-Up Reminder “Still thinking it over? Your cart at {{Business Name}} is waiting. Checkout now: {{Link}}”
14. Nurture Reminder “Last chance, {{Name}}. Items in your cart at {{Business Name}} may sell out soon. Complete your order here: {{Link}}”
Limit these messages to one or two reminders to avoid irritation.
Promotional & Marketing SMS Templates
Promotional SMS works best when it’s timely and relevant.
15. Welcome SMS “Welcome to {{Business Name}}, {{Name}}. Enjoy {{Offer}} on your first purchase. Use code {{Code}}.”
16. E-commerce Promotion “Flat {{Discount}} off on selected items at {{Business Name}}. Shop now: {{Link}}”
17. Limited-Time Offer “Only today! Get {{Offer}} at {{Business Name}}. Hurry, offer ends tonight.”
18. Festival or Sale Promotion “Celebrate the season with {{Business Name}}. Special offers available now. Shop here: {{Link}}”
Always respect timing and frequency when sending promotional messages.
Why SMS Templates Matter
Templates save time, but more importantly, they create consistency. When your messages follow a clear structure, customers know what to expect and trust the communication. Templates also make it easier to scale campaigns, personalize messages, and stay compliant with messaging regulations.
You can customize these templates by adding names, locations, order details, or behavior-based triggers to improve engagement.
Conclusion
SMS marketing isn’t about sending more messages. It’s about sending better ones. With the right templates, you can remind, inform, and promote without annoying your audience.
Use these examples as a starting point. Adapt them to your tone, test what works for your audience, and keep messages clear and relevant. When done right, SMS remains one of the most effective communication tools for any business.