18 SMS Marketing Examples that Increase Conversions

It’s not just about opening, either. SMS marketing conversion rates are climbing across the board. Recent industry reports show average conversion rates between 21% and 30% in 2024, which makes it one of the most effective channels to turn interest into action.

But what separates a simple text from a strategy that delivers real results? Today, we will be breaking down some of the best SMS marketing examples from real brands that are doing it right. 

You’ll find text message marketing examples that drive sales, build loyalty, and create memorable customer moments.

What is SMS Marketing?

Before we go into the best SMS marketing examples, let’s take a step back and look at what SMS marketing actually is and why it’s such a big deal in the digital landscape.

SMS marketing is the art of reaching your audience through good old-fashioned text messages. But don’t let the simplicity fool you. From promotional offers to real-time updates, SMS fits neatly into any modern marketing strategy.

There Are A Few Different Types Of Text Messages Marketers Use

• Promotional SMS

  It is all about driving action like flash sales, special offers, or new product or service launches. These are some of the most common text message marketing examples you’ll see.

• Transactional SMS

  It is more functional, like order confirmations or delivery alerts. These messages help build trust and keep customers in the loop.

• Conversational SMS

  It opens the door to two-way interaction. It is perfect for customer support, feedback, or even booking follow-ups.

Across all types, the most creative SMS marketing efforts find a way to be personal, timely, and useful. 

Real-world SMS Marketing Examples

SMS marketing campaigns don’t have to be loud to be effective. In fact, some of the most memorable text messages are the ones that feel personal, relevant, and well-timed. 

Let’s explore a few standout SMS marketing examples that prove promotional texts can do much more than just promote.

A. Promotional SMS campaigns

Promotions don’t have to scream “BUY NOW” to be effective. In fact, some of the best SMS marketing examples are the ones that feel helpful, timely, or even a little bit fun. 

The key is finding the balance between value and voice. Here are a few creative SMS marketing campaigns that prove selling doesn’t have to feel like selling.

1. Starbucks: Personalised engagement through daily alerts

Starbucks is known for its customer-first mindset, and that shines through in its text message marketing campaigns. Instead of blasting generic promos, they send daily SMS alerts customised to subscribers’ New Year’s resolutions. These texts are paired with coffee-themed imagery and helpful suggestions.

It’s a subtle form of brand-building that feels like a personal message rather than a promotion. It also highlights the potential of creative SMS marketing when the goal is deeper engagement rather than instant conversions and 

2. Pacific Batch Cookie Co.: Holiday recipe sharing with a twist (Advertise Holiday Promos)

This text marketing example shows how value and promotion can go hand in hand. During the holidays, Pacific Batch Cookie Co. sent its subscribers a gingerbread cookie recipe via SMS, a sweet, seasonal gesture that brought joy to inboxes.

But what made the SMS stand out was a gentle reminder that if baking wasn’t your thing, you could always order the cookies instead. It’s festive, thoughtful, and just promotional enough to encourage action. This is one of the best SMS marketing examples for blending content and commerce.

3. Avenu: Exclusive sneak peeks that build brand anticipation or personalized product recommendations:

Fashion boutique Avenu took a different route by giving SMS subscribers a first look at their new sundress collection. This sneak-peek campaign wasn’t just about showing off a new product but also brand marketing. It was about making customers feel like VIPs.

The strategy worked because it created a sense of exclusivity and excitement. Whether it’s fashion, food, or events, this kind of SMS campaign example can be replicated across industries to create buzz before a launch.

B. Transactional messages 

Transactional messages are texts that confirm orders, bookings, or account activity. They might not be flashy, but they’re essential for building trust and keeping the customers in loop.

Here are a few text message marketing examples that show how transactional marketing can make a big impact:

1. Order confirmations – Like a receipt in your pocket

Brands like Nick the Greek use SMS to confirm food orders and let customers know when to pick them up. It’s quick, clear, and makes life easier. These text marketing examples show how a simple confirmation can enhance the customer experience from the start. This is the best SMS practice for a purchase confirmation text once an order is completed.

2. Booking confirmations – Peace of mind for travellers and diners

Airbnb sends transactional texts confirming reservations with a handy link to review the details. It’s one of the best SMS marketing examples in hospitality, offering both convenience and reassurance in a single message.

3. Digital receipts – Paperless and practical

Businesses like Flirt Salon have ditched the printed receipt in favour of SMS. Clients get a digital receipt right after their service, complete with a price breakdown. It’s a neat example of creative SMS marketing that doubles as great customer service.

4. One-time passwords (2FA) – Keeping accounts secure

We’ve all received a verification code at some point. These one-time passwords (OTPs) are a staple in transactional SMS. For example, Verizon sends a 2FA text to help users log into their accounts securely. It’s not the most glamorous of SMS campaign examples, but it plays a vital role in protecting data and building user trust.

5. Account activations – A seamless welcome message

United Airlines sends a confirmation link via SMS to verify a phone number and activate MileagePlus membership. It’s another example of how text message marketing doesn’t have to be promotional to be effective. They just need to make things easier for the customer.

C. Conversational and interactive messages 

SMS marketing doesn’t have to be a one-way street. In fact, some of the best SMS marketing examples come from brands that turn messaging into a conversation. 

Let’s look at a few creative SMS marketing strategies that prove it’s not just what you say—it’s how you invite people to respond. For those interested in enhancing their email marketing, check out this comprehensive guide on welcome email subject lines for more strategies.

1. Marcus Theaters: Turning emojis into engagement

Who knew a few emojis could fill theatre seats? Marcus Theaters took a playful approach by sending an emoji puzzle to their loyalty program members. They have to decode the movie title and reply via SMS for a chance to win free tickets.

This is one of those text message marketing examples that feels more like a game than a campaign. It’s memorable, it’s fun, and it gets people thinking about their next movie night. 

2. Anytime Fitness: A personalised nudge with urgency

Anytime Fitness sent a customised SMS to a past customer inviting them to join a 6-week fitness challenge. The message included the customer’s first name, a friendly photo of a trainer, and a clear callout: only seven spots left.

It’s a smart mix of personalisation and FOMO (fear of missing out), wrapped in a single text. This SMS marketing example is a great reminder that small touches, like using a real name or image, can make a big difference in engagement.

3. Uncommon Goods: Compassion through communication via opt-in & opt-out campaigns

Sometimes, the most powerful messages are the ones you don’t send. Ahead of Father’s Day, Uncommon Goods gave their SMS subscribers the option to opt out of holiday-related texts, which is a thoughtful move that recognises this time of year isn’t easy for everyone.

This is a standout among text message marketing examples because it shows how brands can use SMS marketing for more than just sales. It’s about empathy, choice, and respectful engagement.

4. The Mayfair Group: Emotional connection over promotion

Instead of pushing a product, The Mayfair Group sent a simple text: “Are you doing okay?”- inviting a yes or no reply. It might not seem like much, but this short message sparked genuine interaction. And they didn’t stop there. For those who replied “NO,” they followed up with a kind, supportive message a few days later.

In a sea of promotional noise, this campaign stood out by caring first, selling second. It’s one of those rare SMS marketing examples that proves connection can be just as valuable as conversion.

5. Farmacy Beauty: Mystery meets engagement

Farmacy Beauty decided to have some fun with a product launch. They teased an ambiguous image of a mystery product and invited subscribers to guess what it was. Anyone who replied with the right answer got a full-size version sent to them.

This gamified approach made the campaign feel exclusive and exciting, which is exactly what an interactive SMS campaign aims to achieve. 

D. Event promotions and reminders 

We lead busy lives. So, when a brand sends a friendly, well-timed SMS invite to something exciting, it really stands out. Some of the best SMS marketing examples are about pulling people in. And that’s where event-driven SMS campaigns shine.

1. Birdie Golf: VIP access that makes subscribers feel special

Birdie Golf ran an MMS campaign inviting their SMS subscribers to an exclusive in-store apparel launch. It wasn’t a public event and was just for their text community. And that’s exactly what made it work. By positioning it as a “members-only” experience, they created a sense of privilege and belonging.

This kind of text marketing example is a win because it not only drives foot traffic but also gives people a reason to stay subscribed. 

2. Working Class: Interactive invites that build hype and footfall

Sometimes, promoting an event is as easy as sending a game straight to your audience. Working Class, a restaurant in San Diego, sends SMS trivia questions to its subscribers with a chance to win gift cards. It’s smart, engaging, and perfectly aligned with their weekly trivia night.

These interactive text messages not only promote but entertain. And because they require a reply, they boost engagement and drive attendance. 

3. Maker Wine: Bringing virtual events to life via SMS

Maker Wine shows how to make digital feel just as special. They used SMS messages to invite subscribers to their free “Meet the Maker” virtual events, where customers could learn how their favourite wines are crafted. It was intimate, interactive, and community-driven.

This is one of those creative SMS marketing examples that goes beyond selling. It builds storytelling into the experience and subtly encourages repeat purchases of the product.

E. Special occasion messages 

Sometimes, the most impactful texts are the ones that simply say, “We remembered.” That’s why special occasion messages are among the best SMS marketing examples for building lasting relationships. Let’s look at a couple of standout SMS marketing campaign examples that got it right.

1. City Dog: Birthday wishes for pets (and their humans)

If you’re a pet parent, you know how much it means when someone remembers your furry friend’s birthday. City Dog nailed this by sending heartfelt birthday messages to their customers’ pets! The message included a sweet greeting and a discount on the next grooming service.

It’s one of those creative SMS marketing ideas that adds a personal touch while still driving business. 

2. Mario Badescu: Simple birthday discounts that feel thoughtful

Mario Badescu Skin Care keeps things short and sweet with birthday SMS messages offers, like $10 off to celebrate their subscribers’ special day. It’s a small gesture, but it packs a punch. Customers feel recognised, and the brand gets an easy opportunity to spark a repeat purchase.

What Are The Best Practices To Make Your SMS marketing Actually Work?

Now that we’ve explored some of the best SMS marketing examples, you might be wondering, How do I make sure my own campaigns hit the mark? Great question. A few best practices can make all the difference.

Let’s break it down.

• Keep it short and clear

  When it comes to SMS marketing, less really is more. People don’t scroll through long paragraphs on their phones, so focus on the essentials. Every word should deliver value, so skip the fluff and jargon.

• Timing matters

  Don’t blast texts at odd hours. Test a few different time slots like mid-morning or early evening tends to work best. The right message at the right time makes the magic happens.

• Don’t overdo it

  We all hate being bombarded with messages. Keep your frequency consistent, but not overwhelming. Even the most exciting SMS marketing messages can lose impact if you’re texting too often.

• Always include an opt-out.

  This is big. Make it easy for people to unsubscribe (e.g. “Reply STOP to opt out”). It’s legally required in many places and just good manners.

• Track and tweak

  The smartest marketers always review performance. Keep an eye on open rates, clicks, and opt-outs. Use that insight to refine your future SMS campaigns.

• Stay compliant

  Before you send anything, make sure you’ve got permission. Consent-based marketing builds trust, and that’s what every great text message is really about.

Closing Thoughts

As we’ve seen from these real-world SMS marketing messages examples, a well-crafted text message can inspire action, build relationships, and boost sales. 

From playful promotions to thoughtful transactional updates, these text marketing examples show just how creative, effective, and versatile SMS can be when used with intention.

If you’re ready to bring your own SMS campaigns to life,our leading sms agency is here to help. We create smart, scalable strategies that turn simple texts into powerful marketing tools. Let’s craft creative SMS marketing campaigns that your audience will actually want to read and respond to.