SMS Message Examples

Ready-to-use 160-character SMS message templates for business, appointments, marketing, and customer service. All examples fit within standard SMS limits.

💡 SMS Character Limits:
  • Standard SMS: 160 characters (GSM-7 encoding)
  • With emojis/special chars: 70 characters (UCS-2 encoding)
  • Longer messages: Split into multiple segments, charged accordingly

Appointment Reminders

Healthcare

Doctor Appointment Reminder

Hi [Name], reminder: Your appointment with Dr. [Last Name] is on [Day] at [Time]. Reply C to confirm or R to reschedule. [Clinic Name]
143 characters - Within 160 limit ✓
Salon/Spa

Salon Appointment Reminder

[Salon Name]: Hi [Name]! Your haircut appointment is tomorrow at [Time]. See you soon! Reply CANCEL if you need to reschedule.
134 characters - Within 160 limit ✓
Professional Services

Generic Appointment Reminder

Appointment reminder: [Date] at [Time]. Location: [Address]. Questions? Call [Phone]. Reply YES to confirm. - [Business Name]
128 characters - Within 160 limit ✓

Order & Delivery Updates

E-commerce

Order Confirmation

Thanks for your order #[OrderID]! We're preparing your items. Track your order: [ShortURL]. Questions? Reply HELP. - [Store Name]
128 characters - Within 160 limit ✓
Shipping

Delivery Notification

Your package will arrive today between [Time Range]. Track: [ShortURL]. Make sure someone is home to receive it. - [Company]
134 characters - Within 160 limit ✓
Food Delivery

Food Order Ready

[Restaurant]: Your order is ready for pickup! Order #[ID]. Pick up at [Address]. Enjoy your meal!
104 characters - Within 160 limit ✓

Marketing & Promotions

Retail

Flash Sale Alert

FLASH SALE! 30% off everything! Today only. Use code FLASH30 at checkout. Shop now: [ShortURL]. Reply STOP to unsubscribe. - [Store]
137 characters - Within 160 limit ✓
Restaurant

Special Offer

[Restaurant Name]: Buy 1 Get 1 FREE on all entrees this week! Show this text when ordering. Valid until [Date]. See you soon!
134 characters - Within 160 limit ✓
Birthday/Loyalty

Birthday Discount

Happy Birthday [Name]! 🎉 Here's a special gift: 25% off your next purchase. Use code BDAY25. Valid for 30 days. - [Store Name]
134 characters - Note: Emoji uses more characters

Customer Service

Service Update

Service Delay Notification

We're running 15 minutes behind schedule. Your appointment at [Time] is now expected at [New Time]. Apologies for the delay! - [Business]
147 characters - Within 160 limit ✓
Payment

Payment Reminder

Payment reminder: Invoice #[ID] of $[Amount] is due on [Date]. Pay online: [ShortURL]. Questions? Call [Phone]. - [Company Name]
135 characters - Within 160 limit ✓
Feedback Request

Customer Feedback

How was your recent visit to [Business]? Share your feedback: [ShortURL]. Your opinion helps us improve! Thanks, [Name]
127 characters - Within 160 limit ✓

Verification & Security

2FA/OTP

Verification Code

Your verification code is: [123456]. This code expires in 10 minutes. Never share this code with anyone. - [Company Name]
125 characters - Within 160 limit ✓
Account Alert

Security Alert

Security alert: New login detected on your account from [Location]. If this wasn't you, reset your password immediately at [URL].
139 characters - Within 160 limit ✓

Event & Registration

Event Reminder

Event Tomorrow

See you tomorrow at [Event Name]! [Date] at [Time]. Location: [Venue]. Check-in starts at [Time]. Bring this text for entry. - [Organizer]
145 characters - Within 160 limit ✓
Registration

Registration Confirmation

You're registered for [Event]! Confirmation: [Code]. Date: [Date], Time: [Time]. Details: [ShortURL]. See you there! - [Organizer]
134 characters - Within 160 limit ✓

Best Practices for SMS Marketing

  • Get permission - Always get opt-in consent before sending marketing messages
  • Include opt-out - Provide clear unsubscribe instructions (e.g., "Reply STOP")
  • Identify yourself - Include your business name in every message
  • Be concise - Get to the point quickly; respect your customer's time
  • Time appropriately - Send between 9 AM - 8 PM in recipient's timezone
  • Add value - Make messages useful, exclusive, or urgent
  • Use short URLs - Bit.ly, TinyURL, or custom domains to save characters
  • Test first - Send test messages to verify character count and formatting
  • Avoid spam words - Excessive caps, "FREE!!!", multiple exclamation points
  • Comply with laws - Follow TCPA (US), GDPR (EU), and local regulations

Pro tip: Use our Character Counter to verify your SMS fits within 160 characters before sending!