How to Write an SMS: A Practical Guide with Effective Tips

Step-by-Step Instructions for Writing an SMS

To send effective messages, knowing how to write an SMS involves planning the content, the recipient, and the delivery method. The recommended process is:

1. Define the goal of the message
2. Select the audience
3. Write the SMS content
4. Personalize the message
5. Review and test the message
6. Send and monitor results

By following these steps, you’ll not only learn how to write a message, but also how to create one with clear objectives.

Selecting the Recipient from Your Contact List

Before sending an SMS, the first step is to define who it’s for. In professional SMS platforms, you can:

• Select individual contacts from your database.
• Create segmented groups based on criteria such as location, purchase history, or customer profile.
• Ensure each contact receives the right message.

Knowing how to write a message for a targeted audience makes communication more relevant and effective.

Using the Virtual Keyboard to Write the Message

In a business setting, it’s not just about writing an SMS — it’s about crafting a message that’s impactful and clear. Some recommendations:

• Use short and direct sentences.
• Maintain a professional tone consistent with your brand identity.
• Check spelling and grammar before sending.

Example:
Dear Carlos, your appointment with our financial advisor is tomorrow at 10:00. Confirm attendance: [link]

Knowing how to write an effective message is key to maintaining a professional image and increasing response rates.

Options for Sending the Message Once Written

Corporate SMS platforms offer advanced features to streamline message management:

• Schedule delivery at the most suitable time for each customer segment.
• Send personalized bulk messages while maintaining professionalism.
• Shorten links to make the most of SMS character limits and improve user experience.

Learning how to create a professional message with these tools helps maximize communication effectiveness.

Writing Effective SMS Messages for Campaigns

In SMS communication, every word matters. To know how to write an effective SMS:

• Limit the message to essential information.
• Avoid unnecessary jargon that might confuse the reader.
• Use clear and simple language.

Example:
Reminder: Your order #3456 has been shipped. Track it here: [link]

Knowing how to write a short and precise message ensures clarity and builds trust.

For practical inspiration, see some SMS text ideas to send to your customers.

The Importance of Clarity and Conciseness

Each SMS has a 160-character limit, so knowing how to write a clear and concise message is crucial. Clarity and brevity ensure that your message:

• Is understood quickly: customers receive many messages daily and must grasp the content in seconds.
• Avoids confusion: redundant or poorly structured information can cause errors.
• Drives action: a concise message guides the recipient to the next step, such as confirming an appointment or clicking a link.

Practical tips to achieve this:

• Put the most important information first: dates, order numbers, benefits, or required actions.
• Use short, direct sentences, avoiding filler words.
• Check for spelling errors and ensure links work properly.
• Combine clarity with a professional tone that reflects your brand identity.

Comparative Example:
Less effective: We kindly remind you that your session with our advisor is very important and should not be missed; we look forward to seeing you at 10:00.
More effective: Reminder: Your meeting with our advisor is tomorrow at 10:00. Confirm attendance: [link]

This kind of writing shows how to create a message that’s effective, direct, and professional.

Also, check out 10 commercial and informative SMS examples for your clients to explore use cases and message ideas.

Using Effective Calls to Action (CTAs)

Every commercial SMS should include a CTA. To write a message that drives action:

• Use clear, imperative verbs: “Confirm your booking”, “Buy now”, “Reply YES”.
• Combine text with short, functional links.
• Focus on the action you want the recipient to take.

Example:
Exclusive offer today: 20% off our services. Get it here: [link]

Knowing how to write a message with a CTA increases conversions and engagement with your brand.

Personalizing Messages to Increase Impact

Personalized messages generate higher response rates. To know how to write a text message that connects:

• Include the customer’s name or reference their purchase history.
• Adjust the sender name according to your company identity.
• Show warmth and professionalism without losing formality.

Example:
Hi Laura, your Premium subscription will renew tomorrow. Manage it here: [link]

Learning how to craft personalized messages is essential for effective campaigns.

Tone and Style Considerations

The tone of a corporate SMS should reflect the company’s voice:

• Formal or semi-formal depending on the audience.
• Clear and direct to avoid confusion.
• Avoid excessive capitalization or exclamation marks, which may seem unprofessional.

Knowing how to write a message with the right tone protects your company’s image and improves customer perception.

Tips for Writing the Perfect SMS

Writing an effective business SMS combines strategy, clarity, and personalization. To ensure every message fulfills its purpose, it’s essential to:

• Define the goal and audience: segment your contacts and determine if the SMS is informational, promotional, or a reminder.
• Write clear and concise messages: every word counts — start with key details and avoid unnecessary wording.
• Include calls to action (CTAs): guide the reader toward the desired response to boost effectiveness.
• Personalize the content: use names, references, or relevant data to increase trust and connection.
• Optimize length and format: use short links and dynamic variables to convey all information within 160 characters.
• Choose the right time and segment carefully: send SMS at strategic hours and to specific groups for better open and response rates.

By applying these guidelines, your company will master how to write a message, how to make it effective, and how to craft a professional text message that communicates clearly, drives action, and strengthens customer relationships.

Strategies to Capture Attention from the Start

The beginning of the message is key to capturing attention. To know how to write an SMS that hooks the reader from the first line:

• Start with the most relevant information.
• Highlight specific benefits or expected actions.
• Avoid unnecessary introductions.

Example:
Important reminder! Your meeting with our support team is tomorrow at 3:00 p.m.

Optimizing Content to Meet Character Restrictions

Due to the 160-character limit per SMS, it’s essential to optimize your content:

• Summarize information without losing clarity.
• Shorten links and use dynamic variables for personalization.
• Avoid repetitive wording that wastes space.

Knowing how to write an optimized text message ensures it arrives complete and readable for every recipient.

The Importance of Timing and Audience Segmentation

The sending time directly affects SMS open and response rates. To know how to make a message more effective:

• Send SMS at optimal times for your target audience.
• Consider time zones and audience routines.
• Segment contacts by interests, age, or location to maximize relevance.

By applying these strategies, learning how to write an effective corporate SMS will greatly improve your campaign results. And if you want to learn how to create full campaigns, visit SMS Marketing: How to Create a Campaign Step by Step.

Want to improve your SMS campaigns? Contact us and discover how to optimize your messages.