Did you know that over 75% to 78% of consumers prefer getting updates from businesses through text messages? (Email Audience).Â
SMS is direct, personal, and almost always opened within minutes. But before you can text your customers, you need their permission, this is what SMS opt-ins are used for.
Getting a clear “yes” from your customers is more than a formality or a box to check for compliance. It’s the foundation of trust. When someone gives you their number and agrees to hear from you, they’re saying, “Yes, I want to connect with your business.” If you skip this step, you risk fines, frustrated customers, and wasted time.
In this post, you’ll see practical SMS opt-in examples you can use right away. We’ll look at real-world ways to get consent, simple opt-in text message examples, and even ready-to-use templates.
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to collect consent the right way and start building stronger connections with your customers.
What’s Inside:
7 Ways To Collect Your Customers Information Through SMS Opt In As A Business Owner
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to collecting SMS opt-ins. The good news is, you have plenty of options that can fit right into how you already run your business. Whether you want people to text a keyword, sign up through a form, or give consent at checkout, each method has its own strengths. The key is choosing the right one for your business and making sure it’s clear, simple, and compliant.
Below you’ll find practical opt in text message examples, easy text to opt in flows you can copy, and a ready text message opt in form template to link into your site. Use the ones that match how you already talk to customers and keep the process clear and legal.
1. Website Sign-Up Forms
One of the most common ways to get SMS opt-ins is through your website. Visitors are already interested in what you offer, so giving them a clear way to subscribe makes sense. A simple form with fields for name and phone number, plus a checkbox for consent, works well.
The key here is transparency. People should know exactly what they’re signing up for. Always include a short disclaimer about message frequency and an opt-out option. This builds trust and keeps you compliant.
2. Paper Forms for In-Person Sign-Ups
Not every SMS opt-in happens online. If you run a salon, gym, or clinic, you’ve likely had customers fill out paper forms at the front desk. Adding a short section for SMS consent on those forms is one of the easiest ways to grow your text list.
The key is clarity. Your disclaimer should be easy to read and explain exactly what customers are agreeing to. This helps prevent confusion, protects your business, and shows customers that you value their privacy and consent.
Here’s a simple opt-in text message example you can include on paper forms:
3. Keyword Campaigns
One of the fastest ways to grow your SMS list is through keyword campaigns. This is when you ask people to send a short word like “JOIN” to your number. You can promote this on flyers, storefront signs, business cards, or even digital ads. It’s easy for customers to remember and act on right away.
The beauty of this method is that it feels quick and effortless. Customers don’t need to fill out forms, a simple text to opt in is enough. Just make sure your message is clear about what they’ll receive and how often.
With TruText, you can automate keyword campaigns so every new contact gets an instant welcome message, while their consent is recorded for compliance.
4. Social Media Promotions
Your social media pages aren’t just for likes and comments, they’re one of the best places to collect SMS opt-ins. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok give you a direct line to people already interested in your business. By promoting a keyword or link in your posts, stories, or bios, you can turn casual followers into loyal SMS subscribers.
For example, you can share a post that says: “Want exclusive deals? Text VIP to 55555 today.” This works because social media creates urgency. People don’t want to miss out, so they’re more likely to take action right away. Just remember to keep your wording clear and simple so they understand what they’re signing up for.
If you’d like more inspiration on crafting engaging opt-in keywords and offers, check out this article on promotional text messages.
5. Event or Class Registrations
Events are a natural time to ask for SMS opt-ins because people already want reminders and updates. Whether you run a school workshop, a fitness studio class, or a nonprofit fundraiser, adding an opt-in option during registration makes the process seamless. Instead of chasing attendees later, you collect their consent upfront.
For example, when someone signs up for a yoga class or a charity run, you can include a simple checkbox that says they’d like to receive updates by text. This way, they won’t miss schedule changes, last-minute notices, or special offers related to the event.
This method not only keeps attendees informed but also strengthens trust. People feel in control because they clearly understand what they’re opting into, and you build a reliable SMS list for future events.
6. Checkout Pages or Account Sign-Ups
Your checkout or account sign-up page is one of the best places to collect SMS opt-ins because customers are already engaged. Retailers use this method to send order updates, while SaaS platforms use it for onboarding and promotions. With the right setup, you can turn a standard form into a compliant text message opt in form template.
This makes the process simple and clear, while ensuring you’re collecting consent properly during a natural step of the customer journey.
7. Add a Text-as-Widget on Your Website
Sometimes customers don’t want to fill long forms, they just want something quick. That’s where a text to opt in widget comes in. With features like TruText’s TextAsWidget, you can place a small banner on your website that says something like “Text us for updates.” When someone taps, it opens their texting app with a pre-filled keyword. One click and they’re opted in, no friction.
This method works because it feels natural to the customer. They don’t have to type or search, just tap and send. It’s fast, clean, and perfect for businesses that want to boost opt-ins without complicating the process.
Understanding SMS Opt-Ins and Compliance
Before you add any SMS opt-in form template to your website, it’s important to know how SMS opt-ins actually work. There are two main types:
• Single Opt-In – A customer signs up once and immediately starts receiving your texts.
• Double Opt-In – A customer signs up, but must confirm by replying to a follow-up text (like “Reply YES to confirm”) before receiving updates.
While single opt-in is faster, double opt-in builds more trust. It makes sure people truly want to hear from you, which protects your brand from complaints or accidental sign-ups.
Compliance also matters here. Text marketing in the U.S. is regulated under TCPA and CTIA rules, which require clear consent before sending messages. Following these rules helps you avoid penalties and makes your SMS program more reliable.
For a deeper understanding of what “opt-in” really means in text messaging and how compliance works, check out this detailed article on what opt means in text messages.
Industry-Specific Opt-In Text Message Examples
Every industry collects opt-ins a little differently. Below, you’ll see how you can make the process simple while still keeping it clear and professional.
I. Retail & E-Commerce
If you run a store, you can add an opt-in at checkout or promote a keyword campaign through flyers, receipts, or online ads.
II. Health & Wellness (Gyms, Clinics, Salons)
When clients visit, you can ask them to opt in during appointments or through paper forms at the front desk.
III. Food & Beverage (Restaurants, Cafes, Delivery Services)
You can share SMS keywords on menus, receipts, or table tents so customers can easily join your list.
IV. Education & Nonprofits (Schools, Events, Fundraisers)
If you organize events, you can include SMS checkboxes on registration forms so attendees never miss an update.
V. Real Estate & Property Management
At open houses or through your website, you can use sign-up forms or opt-in sheets to stay connected with clients. If you don’t know what to put in your open house sheet, read this article to have an idea.
VI.Professional Services (SaaS, Consultants, Agencies)
If you offer professional services, you can add an opt-in during account sign-up or through a website widget. You can also check how to text someone for the first time professionally to get tips on striking the right tone.
The Role of Opt-Out
Getting SMS opt-ins is only half of the story. Just as customers agree to hear from you, they also need a clear way to stop messages whenever they want. This balance of opt-in and opt-out keeps you compliant, protects your business, and builds trust with your audience.
When you set up your opt-in text message examples, always pair them with an easy opt-out option like “Reply STOP to unsubscribe.” If you use a text message opt in form template on your website or checkout page, make sure the disclaimer also explains how people can opt out.
Even if you’re running a text to opt in campaign, for example, “Text JOIN to 55555” you still need to include opt-out instructions. This way, customers feel in control and you avoid compliance issues.
Clear opt-out language doesn’t push people away. In fact, it makes them more likely to trust your messages and stay subscribed because they know you respect their choice.
For real-world examples, see our list of opt in text message examples paired with practical opt-out messages that keep your business safe and customer-friendly.
How TruText Simplifies SMS Opt-Ins
Managing SMS opt-ins can feel overwhelming, especially with all the compliance rules and different ways customers might join your list. TruText makes it simple.
You don’t have to worry about the technical side, the platform automatically adds STOP/HELP compliance language to keep you covered. Setting up keyword campaigns like “Text JOIN to 55555” takes just a few clicks. If you want something even easier, TruText’s TextAsWidget lets people tap a banner on your website and opt in through their texting app instantly.
Every opt-in can trigger an automated confirmation reply, so customers know their consent is recorded. And since TruText offers affordable plans for small businesses, you don’t need a big budget to run a professional SMS program that stays compliant.
Business owners across salons, gyms, real estate, and more are already using TruText to grow their subscriber lists and keep communication smooth.
Start your free trial today and join other small businesses already building stronger customer connections with TruText.
Frequently Asked Questions About SMS Opt-Ins
What is an SMS opt-in and why does it matter?
An SMS opt-in is when a customer gives you permission to send them text messages. It protects your business legally and builds trust. Without it, you risk fines and unhappy customers. Using clear sms opt in examples helps you collect consent the right way.
Can you show me some opt in text message examples?
Yes. Here’s one: “Text JOIN to 55555 to get weekly offers from [Business Name]. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.” Another option is a text message opt in form template on your website where customers check a box agreeing to receive SMS updates.
How does text to opt in work for small businesses?
It’s simple. You choose a keyword (like VIP, JOIN, or SALE), share it on flyers, social media, or at checkout, and customers send that keyword to your number. That single action becomes consent. This makes text to opt in campaigns one of the easiest ways to grow your list.
Do I need single opt-in or double opt-in?
Single opt-in means customers sign up once and start getting texts. Double opt-in adds a confirmation step like “Reply YES to confirm.” Many businesses use double opt-in because it offers stronger compliance and builds more trust.
What are the risks of not using a text message opt in form template?
If you skip proper opt-ins, you risk violating TCPA/CTIA rules and paying heavy fines. Templates with disclaimers make sure customers know what they’re signing up for, and they protect your business.
Can SMS opt-ins help me grow my local business?
Yes. Whether you run a salon in Atlanta, a gym in Houston, or a real estate office in New York, having clear opt in text message examples makes it easier to collect numbers and stay compliant. Customers feel safe saying yes, and you get a reliable channel to reach them.
