How do you write a discount message that really works? Are you sure you're doing it right? Seriously, do you realize how much a well-crafted promo text can change the game for your business?
A surprising fact: 98% of SMS messages actually get opened! And get this: 60% are read within just 1 to 5 minutes. Mind-blowing, right? Even better, promotional texts hit an incredible 45% conversion rate, leaving emails and most other digital channels in the dust.
In a world stuffed with endless emails and over-the-top social media ads, SMS marketing is like the ultimate hack. It cuts through the noise, grabs attention fast, and builds customer loyalty like nothing else.
Looking for some solid tips on writing a winning discount message? You’re in the perfect spot. Let’s get into it!
What Is a Discount or Promotional SMS?
Before we answer the big question, “How do you write a discount message?”, let’s first take a step back and look at what discount messages, or promotional SMS, actually are.
Simply put, discount messages are a straightforward but super-effective marketing tool. They’re the text messages businesses and stores send out to promote special offers, deals, or discounts to their customers.
It’s like a direct line to your audience, delivering value straight to their phones. Whether it’s a flash sale or other types of discounts, these messages are designed to grab attention and drive action.
10 Types of Discount Messages Examples
It might sound a little surprising, but a simple text message, with just a few characters, can be incredibly effective for your business.
Here’s why: the average open rate for an SMS campaign is a whopping 98%. That’s 5 times higher than email, which sits at just 20%. As a business owner, when you tap into this powerful tool, you’re already ahead of the game. And the best part? You can make it even more impactful by using creative strategies to connect with your audience.
To get you started, here are 10 common sales text message examples, along with their definitions, to inspire your next campaign. Let’s dive in!
1. Flash Sales Discounts messages
Flash Sales are all about creating urgency: they’re short and time-sensitive discounts that vanish almost as quickly as they appear, usually lasting just a few hours. The idea is to drive immediate action, making customers feel like they have to act fast or miss out.
You can easily use flash sales through a promotional SMS like this:
“3-Hour Flash Sale! Get 30% off everything. Hurry, ends at 3 PM! Shop now: [link].”
It’s quick, clear, and straight to the point, exactly what you need for a successful flash sale.
2. Percentage-Based Discounts
A percentage-based discount SMS is as simple as it sounds: it offers customers a specific percentage off a product or service. Here’s a promotional message example with a percentage-based discount:
“Hot Deal Alert! Take 30% off sitewide this weekend only. Use code HOT30 at checkout. Shop here: [link].”
3. Free Shipping Discount Messages
Did you know that 48% of shoppers abandon their carts because of extra costs like shipping fees? It’s a major reason for lost sales. But here’s the good news: you can change their minds with a simple free shipping offer sent via SMS!
Here’s how it could look:
“Shop today and enjoy FREE delivery—no code needed! Ready to save big? Click here: [link].”
It’s a win-win: your customers save on shipping, and you close more sales!
Read this article to get more information about free-shipping marketing strategies.
4. Welcome Discount Messages
A welcome discount is a super easy way to say “thank you” and make people feel appreciated for joining your community. It’s a small gesture that can go a long way in building loyalty and trust.
Here’s a simple promotional SMS example:
“ Welcome to our community! Enjoy 15% off your first order. Use code WELCOME15 at checkout. Shop now: [link].”
5. The Abandoned Cart Discount Message
It happens all the time! People load up their cart, get to the final step, and then… poof! They abandon it, close the tab, and move on with their day. Frustrating, right? But don’t worry! It’s not the end of the road. You can turn things around with an abandoned cart discount message.
Here’s a promotional sms example that can bring them back:
“Oops! Looks like you left something behind... Want to grab it before it’s gone? Use code FINISH10 for 10% off your order. Hurry! Items are going fast! [Link]”
6. BOGO Discount Message
BOGO, short for Buy One, Get One, is a fantastic way to attract customers, give your sales a serious boost and also move your inventory!
Here’s a sales text message example to understand how you could word it:
“Double the fun! Buy 1, get 1 FREE on select items today. Don’t wait! Shop now: [link].”
Do you know what BOGO discount is?
7. New Product Launch Discount Message
Excited about launching a new product and can’t wait to share the news with your customers? A promotional SMS is the perfect way to spread the word and get early adopters on board. It’s not just about informing them; it’s about creating excitement and offering an exclusive deal to encourage them to act fast. Here is a promotional message example you can send:
“Be the first to experience our new [product]! Enjoy 15% off with early access. Shop now: [link].”
8. Loyalty Discount Message
Loyalty discounts are a brilliant way to show some love to your most loyal customers, the ones who keep coming back for more! It’s a thoughtful way to thank them for their continued support and encourage even more repeat purchases.
Here’s a promotional SMS example of how you can use this method:
“ Exclusive for you, [Customer Name]! As a VIP, enjoy $10 off your next order. Use code VIP10 at checkout. Hurry! This offer expires in 3 days! [Link]”
9. Seasonal Discount Message
High-traffic periods like summer sales, winter clearance, or back-to-school season are golden opportunities to attract customers and boost sales. By crafting a quick, targeted SMS, you can engage your audience and turn those busy seasons into big wins!
Here’s an example of a seasonal discounts text message:
“Winter Sale Alert! Kick off the season with 20% off your entire order. Use code WINTER20 at checkout. Hurry, the offer ends Dec 24th! [Link]”
10. Birthday Discount Message
A birthday is a special day for anyone, and receiving a thoughtful message from your business can make you unforgettable! People love feeling appreciated, and this is a fantastic way to show your customers that you care about them on a personal level.
Here’s an example of a birthday message you could send:
“ Happy Birthday, [Customer Name]! Celebrate your special day with $10 off your next order. Use code BDAY10 at checkout. This offer is valid for 7 days! [Link]”
Key Advantages of Discount Message (Promotional SMS)
At the start, we asked the big question: “How do you write a discount message?! Our goal was to introduce you to the most creative and effective ways to write a discount message. Now that we’ve explored some of the most common and successful promotional SMS examples, we’re getting closer to finally answering that question.
But before we dive into the specifics, let’s take a moment to explore the top benefits of discount messages. Understanding their impact will give you the perfect foundation for crafting messages that truly work. Let’s dig in!
1. High Open Rate
SMS campaigns boast an impressive average open rate of 98%, according to SMS Comparison Data. This is astonishingly high compared to email’s 20% open rate. This means that nearly every text you send will be seen by your audience.
2. High Click-Through and Conversion Rates
Promotional SMS doesn’t just get opened! Sales text messages achieve a click-through rate (CTR) of 19%, significantly outpacing email (4%) and Facebook (1%). Even better, DDIY reports an average conversion rate of 45% for SMS marketing campaigns.
3. Easy to Write
As we saw in the discount messages examples above, these messages are short and sweet, typically around 160 characters. There’s no need to stress over long-form content like in email marketing or social media posts. Plus, promotional SMS skips the need for complicated design or visual formatting, making it quick and simple to execute.
4. Strengthened Customer Loyalty
Sending discounts via SMS creates a sense of personal connection. According to SMS Comparison Data, 48% of customers prefer business communications through text messages. By delivering value directly to their phones, you build trust and foster more loyal customer relationships.
5. Cost-Effective Marketing
Compared to traditional marketing channels like TV or radio, promotional SMS is incredibly cost-effective. It delivers high ROI with minimal investment, making it an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes.
How to Write a Discount Offer Message? Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s the moment you’ve been waiting for! To write the most attention-grabbing discount offer sms, follow the steps below:
Obtain Explicit Opt-In Consent from the Recipient
Here’s the deal: if you’re planning to send discount offers via SMS, you can’t just fire off messages to anyone. In some countries like the U.S. or Canada, you’ve gotta play by the rules. Step one? Get clear, explicit permission from the recipient.
How do you do that? It’s easier than you think. People can opt-in by signing up on your website, entering a contest, or texting a keyword to you.
Now, here’s the slightly less fun part but super important: compliance. Laws like GDPR or TCPA set the ground rules for using customer data. Basically, they make sure you’re respecting people’s privacy while doing your marketing thing. So, double-check you’re following these laws before hitting “send.”
Write a Clickable Heading
Promotional SMS messages are short and sweet! Just 160 characters max. Want to make yours stand out? Start with a catchy, clickable phrase right at the beginning. Trust me, it grabs attention and makes your message way more effective!
Use Emoji
How do you stand out in a crowded customer inbox? The secret is simple: emojis! 🎉✨ They add emotion, improve readability, enhance your brand personality, and boost engagement. Give them a try! 😊
Clarify What You Are Offering
Keep it simple and straight to the point! Your audience should instantly know what you're offering. And honesty is the key! Make sure your promotion is clear, truthful, and doesn’t overpromise.
Create FOMO
If you're sending a discount through SMS, make it feel urgent! People are way more likely to act fast when they see time-sensitive phrases like "Offer ends tonight!" It taps into that little voice in their head saying, "Don’t miss out!"
Target Right Segmentation
Make sure your SMS lands with the right customer. For example, if you're telling people about a new branch in a specific city, it wouldn’t make sense to text someone lounging on a bench in another town, right? Segment your audience wisely: location, preferences, or past purchases. It’s all about being relevant!
Have a Call to Action
When it comes to marketing, people are more likely to act if you just tell them what to do. So, don’t skip the Call to Action (CTA)! Wrap up your SMS with something direct, like asking them to click a link, visit your store, or even reply to the message.
Provide Opt-Out Options
For those who aren’t into receiving promotional SMS, no hard feelings! You’ve gotta give them an easy way out. Always include a clear opt-out option, like “Reply STOP to unsubscribe.” It’s simple, respectful, and keeps things professional!
Are Discount Messages Suitable for You?
Now, if someone asks you, "How do you write a discount message?" you’ve got the most practical tips to share with them! But maybe you’re wondering: Is using promotional SMS right for my business?
Well, that totally depends on your audience. Do your customers prefer getting texts over emails or social media updates? You can figure this out by running A/B tests to compare methods and see what clicks (literally).
Here are a few more tips to decide if promotional SMS is the way to go for your business:
- Check your customers' engagement patterns.
- Experiment with small campaigns to gauge interest.
- Analyze feedback and adjust your strategy accordingly.
FAQs
What is an example of a discount text message?
You can write discount offer messages using different types of discounts. A Promotional SMS example could be like this: ❄️ Winter Sale Is Here! Stay cozy with up to 40% off sweaters & jackets! 🧥 Shop now! [link]
How to send promotional SMS?
Before sending a promotional text message, make sure to follow a few essential tips: obtain explicit opt-in consent from the recipient, write a catchy headline, clearly communicate your offer, and include a strong (CTA) to guide your audience on the next steps, such as "Shop Now" or "Claim Your Discount.
