4 Smart Ways to Write a High-Converting Promotional Text Message

Q: Q: What are some good examples of promotional text messages?

Yes! Here are a few high-performing examples: “FLASH SALE! 30% OFF everything for 24 hours only. Use code FLASH30: [link]” “Welcome to [Brand Name]! Enjoy 20% OFF your first order. Use code WELCOME20 at checkout.” “You’re a VIP! Here’s your exclusive 15% OFF coupon: VIP15. Redeem now before it expires!” You’ll find even more promotional text message examples throughout this guide .

Did you know 98% of text messages get opened? That’s way more than emails or social media posts. A promotional text message puts your business directly in front of customers—and fast.

Your customers check their phones all the time—at work, at home, even in line for coffee. That’s why promotional text messages are so powerful. Whether you’re sending a discount, a reminder, or a quick update, SMS marketing keeps your business front and center—right where your customers are already looking.

In this article, you’ll see real examples of promotional messages, learn what makes them work, and get tips for writing high-converting texts.

Why promotion text messages matter for businesses

Since 2010, marketing has changed dramatically—but one thing hasn’t: businesses still need to reach customers quickly and effectively. With online ads everywhere, emails landing in spam, and social media feeds overflowing, promotional text messages help your business cut through the noise and stand out.

SMS marketing is one of the most direct and engaging ways to connect with your audience. But why does it work so well?

Compared to other forms of marketing, SMS has some of the highest engagement rates. Studies show that:

98% of SMS messages get opened, but only 20% of emails do (vibes.com).

Most people read text messages within 3 minutes of receiving them (sender.net).

SMS marketing gets a 45% response rate, while emails only get 6% (selzy.com).

These numbers prove that people pay attention to promotional messages when they arrive directly on their phones. Instead of waiting for customers to receive an email or a social media ad, you can reach them instantly.

How promotional text messages help businesses

A good promotional message does more than inform—it drives action. Whether you’re looking to boost sales, win back past customers, or launch something new, SMS marketing helps you reach the right people at the right time.

Here are a few powerful ways promotional messages can help your business grow:

1. Increase conversions and sales

A well-timed promotional text—like “Flash Sale 🚀 30% off today only. Use code SAVE30 at checkout.”—can trigger instant sales. By adding urgency with phrases like “today only” or “limited time,” you tap into your customer’s fear of missing out (FOMO), which drives quicker decisions and higher conversions.

Want to level up your SMS tone and connect more naturally with customers? Check out these 100+ text abbreviations for business communication.

2. Re-engage customers and build loyalty

Not every customer returns on their own—but a well-timed promotional text can change that. A personalized message or exclusive offer reminds past buyers why they chose your brand in the first place. It’s a simple way to stay top-of-mind, spark re-engagement, and turn one-time buyers into loyal customers.

For example:
“We miss you! Here’s 15% off your next order—just for you. Use code WELCOME15 at checkout.”

With TruText automation, you can schedule and send re-engagement texts like this automatically using tags and smart triggers—so your follow-ups happen even when you’re off the clock.

3. Provide a better customer experience

Text messages do more than just sell—they keep your customers updated. You can use them to share order updates, new arrivals, or exclusive loyalty rewards. This keeps people engaged with your brand and makes them feel appreciated.

(Try TruText’s sales follow-up text message templates to turn more leads into customers.)

3 best practices for sending promotional messages

1. Get Permission

Always get permission before sending promotional texts. Not only is it legally required in most regions (like under TCPA or CASL), but it also builds trust with your audience. By letting customers opt in, you ensure your messages reach people who actually want to hear from you—leading to better engagement and fewer unsubscribes.

2. Keep Your Messages Short, Clear, and Value-Driven

With a 160-character limit, every word counts. Your message should be easy to read at a glance—no fluff, no confusion. Get straight to the point, highlight the value, and make sure the offer or update is crystal clear. If it’s not immediately understandable, most customers will simply ignore it.

3. Include a Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)

Every promotional message should guide the customer toward one clear next step. Whether it’s clicking a link, entering a discount code, or replying to confirm, your CTA tells them exactly what to do. Without it, even a great offer can fall flat. Use direct phrases like “Shop Now,” “Claim Your Discount,” or “Reply YES to confirm” to drive action and boost conversions.

Best Promotional Text Messages to Boost Your Business

Limited-time offers & discounts

Limited-time promotions create a sense of urgency and motivate customers to take action quickly. When people know a deal is about to expire, they’re more likely to act fast. These text messages work well for flash sales, holiday deals, and special promotions.

Example 1: Huge Flash Sale! For the next 24 hours only, everything is 50% off. Use code SAVE50 at checkout. Grab your favorites now: [link]

Example 2: Time’s almost up! ⏳ Your favorite items are still 30% off—but only until midnight. Don’t wait—shop now before the deal’s gone: [link]

New product announcements

New product announcements are a great way to spark excitement and drive early sales. A well-timed text can create buzz, make loyal customers feel like insiders, and motivate them to act before inventory runs out.

Example 1: It’s here! The SmartFit Watch lets you track your health in real-time and stay active effortlessly. Order now before it sells out: [link]

Example 2: 👜 Just dropped: Our best-selling handbag now comes in 5 stunning colors. Don’t miss out—shop now while supplies last: [link]

Holiday promotions & seasonal sales

Holiday and seasonal sales drive big profits because shoppers are already in buying mode. These messages work especially well for events like Black Friday, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or any seasonal promotion.

Example 1: 🎁 Holiday Special! Buy 1, Get 1 FREE on all fashion items. Yes, you read that right! Don’t wait—this deal ends soon. Shop now: [link]

Example 2: Valentine’s Day Deal💘: Treat yourself (or someone special) to 20% OFF orders over $50. Your Valentine will love this. Shop today: [link]

Customer loyalty & rewards messages

Loyal customers should feel appreciated—and a thoughtful reward text helps keep them engaged. These messages are great for retaining repeat buyers by offering discounts, loyalty points, or exclusive VIP perks.

Example 1: You’re a VIP, and we can’t thank you enough! Enjoy 20% OFF your next order as a little treat from us. Use code VIP20 at checkout: [link]

Example 2: 🙌 Thanks for being awesome! Here’s $10 OFF your next purchase as a special thank-you. Use code THANKYOU10 at checkout: [link]

Cart abandonment & retargeting messages

Many shoppers add items to their cart but never complete the purchase. A quick reminder can nudge them to finish what they started—especially when paired with a small incentive like a discount or free shipping.

Example 1: 🛒 Oops! Looks like you left something behind. Your cart’s still waiting! Grab 10% OFF if you check out now: [link]

Example 2: 🚚 Almost there! Your order is just a click away. Complete your checkout now and enjoy FREE SHIPPING. Don’t wait: [link]

How to Write High-Converting Promotional Text Messages

1. Keep It Short & Actionable

Keep your promotional text under 160 characters. Short messages get noticed and read faster—so make every word count. Get straight to the point and highlight the main benefit or offer right away.

2. Personalization Increases Engagement

Personalizing your message makes it feel more relevant to the customer. Using the recipient’s name, location, or past purchase history can make your texts feel more thoughtful and increase response rates.

3. Use Urgency & FOMO in Your Wording

To get fast results from your promotional texts, your wording should make the offer feel too good—or too limited—to ignore. Creating urgency and FOMO (fear of missing out) isn’t just about deadlines—it’s about how you phrase the opportunity.

Use language like:

“Ends Tonight”
“Only 5 Left”
“Expires in 3 Hours”

These phrases create pressure to act now, which drives quicker decisions and higher conversion rates.

4. Write High-Converting CTAs

The words you choose for your call-to-action matter just as much as the offer itself. A strong CTA should create urgency, be action-oriented, and clearly tell the customer what to do next.

Avoid vague phrases like “Click here” or “Learn more.” Instead, use power words that drive action and connect emotionally with your audience—like:

Shop Now – perfect for retail or limited-time offers
Claim Your Discount – great for urgency-based promos
Book Your Spot – ideal for appointments or events
Reply YES to Confirm – works well for simple, interactive flows

Make sure your CTA matches the value of your offer—and keep it short, clear, and mobile-friendly.

Why does coupon-based SMS marketing work?

As a business owner, you already know people love discounts—and a coupon text message makes it easy to reach customers instantly.

Coupons encourage quick action, making them perfect for flash sales, seasonal deals, or customer appreciation offers.

Plus, businesses can track how many people use a coupon code, helping measure the success of each campaign.

Examples of Coupon Text Messages:

Welcome Offer: “Welcome to [Brand Name]! Enjoy 20% OFF your first order. Use code WELCOME20 at checkout. Shop now: [link]”

Back-in-Stock Special: “It’s back! Your favorite item just restocked—and we’re giving you 10% OFF to celebrate. Use code BACK10 at checkout: [link]”

Limited-Time Discount: “FLASH SALE! 30% OFF everything for 24 hours only. Use code FLASH30 at checkout. Don’t miss out! [link]”

Exclusive Loyalty Reward: “You’re a VIP! Here’s your exclusive 15% OFF coupon: VIP15. Redeem now before it expires! [link]”

Weekend Treat: “Weekend Only 🎉 Get $5 OFF any purchase over $30. Use code WEEKEND5 before Sunday night. Don’t miss out: [link]”

Turn simple texts into powerful sales tools

A promotional text message isn’t just a message—it’s a direct line to your customer’s attention. When timed right, it can drive instant sales, re-engage inactive customers, and build lasting brand loyalty. Whether it’s a limited-time offer or a loyalty reward, the right words can make all the difference.

Instead of sending texts one by one, streamline your efforts with TruText’s bulk messaging. Its advanced features let you schedule campaigns, send promotions in bulk, and set up automation with keyword triggers—so customers get instant responses, even when you’re offline.

Don’t let warm leads go cold—start using TruText today and turn every SMS into a sales opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a promotional text message?

A: A promotional text message is a short SMS sent to customers to promote a product, offer, discount, or announcement. It's a quick and direct way to engage your audience and drive sales or traffic to your business.

Q: How do I track if my coupon texts are working?

A: Include unique promo codes in your SMS messages to track redemptions and see which campaigns drive the most sales. With TruText’s promo code tracking and automation tools, you can measure performance and optimize your SMS strategy with ease.

Q: What are some good examples of promotional text messages?

Yes! Here are a few high-performing examples:

“FLASH SALE! 30% OFF everything for 24 hours only. Use code FLASH30: [link]”

“Welcome to [Brand Name]! Enjoy 20% OFF your first order. Use code WELCOME20 at checkout.”

“You’re a VIP! Here’s your exclusive 15% OFF coupon: VIP15. Redeem now before it expires!”

You’ll find even more promotional text message examples throughout this guide.