• By Charlie Davies
  • imgSMS Marketing

SMS Marketing Copywriting: Write Messages That Convert

With only 160 characters, SMS copywriting demands precision, clarity, and persuasion. Every word counts. Great SMS copy cuts through noise, communicates value instantly, and compels action—all within severe space constraints. Master SMS copywriting and your campaigns will outperform competitors by massive margins.

Start with Value, Not Your Brand

Lead with what customers get, not who you are. "20% off shoes today" beats "ABC Store: Check out our sale." Customers care about benefits first. Identify your brand briefly, then immediately deliver value. Every character should serve the reader, not your ego.

Use Action-Oriented Language

Start with strong verbs that drive action: Get, Save, Grab, Claim, Discover. "Get 25% off" outperforms "You can receive 25% off." Active voice feels urgent and direct. Cut passive constructions and filler words mercilessly.

"Well-crafted SMS copy can improve click-through rates by 40-60% over poorly written messages."

Create Urgency and Scarcity

Time-limited offers drive immediate action. "Ends tonight" creates urgency. "Only 12 left" adds scarcity. Combine both for maximum impact: "Flash sale: 40% off—ends 9 PM tonight or when sold out." Urgency prevents procrastination, the enemy of conversion.

Make CTAs Crystal Clear

Tell readers exactly what to do next. "Shop now" beats "Check it out." "Text YES to confirm" beats "Let us know." Clear, specific CTAs remove friction and confusion. Include shortened links when directing to websites. Make the next step obvious and effortless.

Personalize When Possible

Use names and purchase history for relevance. "Sarah, your favorite sneakers are back in stock" beats generic product alerts. Personalization shows you pay attention and respect individual preferences. Even simple name usage significantly improves engagement.

Strategic Emoji Usage

Emojis grab attention and add personality within character limits. Use strategically—1-2 relevant emojis maximum. 🔥 for sales, 🎉 for celebrations, ⚡ for urgency. Test emoji usage with your audience; some demographics respond better than others.

Numbers Over Words

Use "20% off" not "twenty percent off." Numbers save characters, scan faster, and feel more concrete. "Save $50" beats "Save fifty dollars." Specific numbers feel more credible than vague promises.

SMS Copywriting Formula

  • • Brief brand ID (optional if sender name clear)
  • • Value proposition or offer
  • • Urgency or scarcity element
  • • Clear call-to-action
  • • Link to take action
  • • Opt-out reminder (required)

Frequently Asked Questions

How short should SMS messages be?
Keep under 160 characters to avoid splitting into multiple messages. Shorter messages scan faster and feel less overwhelming. Aim for 120-140 characters as sweet spot.

Should I use abbreviations to save space?
Use common abbreviations everyone understands (like % or $), but avoid text-speak unless your brand voice is extremely casual. Clarity trumps character savings.

How do I write SMS copy that doesn't feel spammy?
Focus on genuine value, respect subscriber preferences, and maintain appropriate frequency. Spammy feeling comes from over-messaging and irrelevant content, not the copy itself.

Conclusion

SMS copywriting is an art form of brevity and persuasion. Every word must work hard within tight character limits. By leading with value, creating urgency, and making actions crystal clear, you'll craft messages that get read, clicked, and converted. Master these principles and watch your SMS performance soar.

Ready to write SMS copy that converts? Start applying these techniques to your next campaign.

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