How to Write Effective Business SMS Messages
Writing a great SMS message may sound simple - but with only 160 characters to get your message across, it takes skill, structure, and clarity to do it well.
Whether you send marketing campaigns through MyLINK MarketingPlatform, transactional updates through MyLINK SMS API, or customer communications via MyLINK Engage, the quality of your copy will directly impact performance.
In this guide, we cover how to write business SMS messages that drive results—along with examples, best practices, and the structure of a strong SMS. These tips apply no matter which LINK solution you use, helping you craft clear, actionable, and compliant messages across every touchpoint.
Copywriting in Just a Few Characters
SMS is one of the most direct and effective communication channels available, but it comes with built-in limitations. You must deliver your message quickly, clearly, and in a tone that feels relevant and human - all while respecting space constraints and avoiding spam triggers.
Good SMS copywriting is not about squeezing in more - it is about focusing on what truly matters.
What Makes a Business SMS Message Effective?
In a crowded inbox, your SMS message has just seconds to make an impact. With limited space and no room for fluff, the best-performing messages are those that are intentional, focused, and respectful of the recipient’s time.
Whether you are sending a time-sensitive offer or a delivery notification, your message should always aim to inform, engage, and drive action - without overcomplicating the experience.
An effective SMS message is:
Clear
It gets to the point fast.Action-oriented
It includes a purpose or CTA (Call to Action).Personal or relevant
It speaks to the recipient’s needs or interests.Compliant
It follows GDPR, opt-out, and local rules.
Key Elements to Focus On in SMS Copywriting
Effective SMS copy is about more than just choosing the right words, it is about making strategic decisions that increase engagement, trust, and clarity.
Below are the most important elements to consider when writing and structuring your business SMS messages, and why each one matters:
Structure of a Strong SMS Message
Even with limited characters, a well-structured SMS can deliver clear value and drive action. The key is to guide the reader through your message in a logical flow, so they instantly understand who it is from, why it matters, and what to do next.
Here is a proven structure you can follow:
1) Identify the sender
Your brand name should appear clearly - either as the sender ID or at the start of the message.
2) Deliver the core message
Say what the message is about in the first 1-2 sentences. Be specific and skip the fluff.
3) Include a clear CTA
What do you want the user to do? Click, reply, confirm, show up, etc.
4) Add urgency or context (optional)
Make it timely, relevant, or exclusive - but avoid overly pushy tactics.
5) Keep it short and clean
Break long sentences. Avoid ALL CAPS. Use punctuation wisely.
Examples of Strong SMS Message Structure
Here are four examples showing how to apply the SMS structure in real-world scenarios. Each includes a clear sender, core message, and an actionable next step.
Promotional / Marketing
Use this type of message to drive sales or highlight time-sensitive offers. Keep it personal and actionable.
→ Clear offer, name used, urgency, and CTA
Appointment Reminder
Perfect for service-based businesses. Focus on clarity and include all key details so the recipient knows exactly what to do.
→ Clear details, confirmation option, and self-service flexibility
Delivery Notification
These messages should be practical and informative. Make sure the sender is clear and include tracking details to reduce customer uncertainty.
→ Recognizable sender, clear delivery window, direct tracking link
Action-Oriented Service Reminder
Ideal for hospitality. Use a warm tone and make checkout simple with a direct link and clear instructions.
→ Personal greeting, deadline, self-checkout link, friendly closing
Event or Service Alert
Perfect for local promotions or neighborhood-based services. Create excitement and make it easy for people to check details.
→ Playful tone, clear timing info, direct link, opt-out included
Re-engagement
Use re-engagement messages to win back attention. Keep the tone light and make it easy to take the next step.
→ Conversational tone, incentive, direct CTA
How to Keep Your SMS Tone Helpful and Natural
Your SMS tone should reflect your brand personality - but also feel like something a real person could have written. Messages that are overly formal or robotic risk being ignored, while those that are too casual can feel unprofessional.
Aim for short, active language that sounds natural and respectful. Keep it direct, friendly, and easy to understand. Avoid jargon, legal phrases, or filler words that add complexity without value.
Here are a few simple swaps to make your SMS copy feel more human:
5 General Tips for Better SMS Copy
Be specific
Vague messages get ignored.Use names or details
If your platform supports it, personalize.Test before you send
Read it out loud or A/B test variations.Avoid jargon
Keep language natural and easy to digest.Be mindful of character count
Emojis and special characters may impact SMS encoding and split messages into multiple parts.
All these tips apply whether you are building journeys in MyLINK MarketingPlatform, sending one-off campaigns in MyLINK Engage, or automating messages through MyLINK SMS API.
Putting SMS Copywriting into Practice
In SMS messaging, every word counts. The best messages feel personal, respectful of your time, and clear in their purpose. With tools like MyLINK Engage and MyLINK MarketingPlatform, you can structure, personalize, and schedule high-performing SMS campaigns that respect these copy principles.
And if you work with MyLINK SMS API, your developers can use these same principles programmatically - delivering well-crafted messages triggered by customer behavior, system events, or campaign logic.
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