[Infographic] How to Write the Perfect SMS Message
Is there such a thing as a “perfect” SMS message?
Yes, there is, but there isn’t just one example of a perfect message. There are so many uses for SMS messages that each of them would have their own perfect example. How many different types are there? Here’s a short list of some types:
- Banking alerts
- Payment reminders
- Appointment confirmations
- Marketing messages
- Promotional messages
- Polls
- Contests
If you think about the list, you’ll probably agree that they could be grouped together into similar categories. I narrowed it down into three: Reminders, Info & Alerts, and Marketing.
Each of those categories has a different purpose and syntax to the messages. But, every message has 3-4 required components in order to be a perfect message. These are common across the three categories (with one extra for marketing) but how they are implemented is different. These components are:
- The identifier. If the message recipient doesn’t know who you are, then the message might as well be spam.
- The details. What is the message about? It needs to be complete and useful.
- Call to action. What should the recipient do when they read the message?
- Opt out instructions. This is required for marketing, but could be included in the others too.
The infographic below looks at the three categories of messages, shows the context of each required component, and provides examples of good and bad messages. Consider it a guide to crafting the perfect message for your organisation or business!
Share this Image On Your Site
Related Articles
13 Words That Inspire Action in Your SMS Messages
Because they are so short, word choice is important in SMS messages. You need to convey instructions and the benefits of following those instructions in few words. If you’ve ever struggled to find just the right one, check out our list of action inspiring words for SMS messaging.
What Makes a Great Call to Action in an SMS Message?
Marketing messages, whether in print or electronic have many parts to them. In the beginning there’s the hook that entices someone to continue reading, and near the end is the call to action. That’s where you make it clear what you want someone to do after reading the message. There are many parts in between these two, but these are, arguably, the two most important.
SMS Marketing Ideas To Celebrate Wimbledon
5 Phrases for Your Spring SMS Marketing Campaign [Infographic]
Should You Tease Your SMS Marketing List?
Teasing is a tried and true marketing technique. But there’s a lot you can learn from some recent examples in the video game industry. In particular, how you can create the same kind of frenzy in your SMS list – but only if you do it right.
[Infographic] How to Write the Perfect SMS Message
Is there such a thing as a "perfect" SMS message? Yes, there is, but there isn't just one example of a perfect message. There are so many uses for SMS messages that each of them would have their own perfect example. How many different types are there? This infographic includes a short list of some types.
How a Text Marketer can Learn Valuable Lessons from Long-Form Copywriters
In terms of storytelling, SMS text messaging is probably as far removed from long-form, direct-action copywriting as you could be. However, the SMS marketing writer can still learn a lot of lessons here with regard to overall approach, content and composition.
Do Your Customers Want Emoji in their SMS Messages?
Emoji are showing up everywhere. Should you be using these cute, fun, and illustrative icons in your SMS marketing? Your customers probably want you to. Around 72% of people have positive feelings about brands who use emoji. But before you get started, you’ll want to find out the details in this blog.
10 Super Successful SMS Marketing Phrases
6 SMS Marketing Faux Pas To Avoid
SMS marketing can be an incredibly useful tool for successful mobile marketing campaigns. However, it is not without its pitfalls. We have compiled a list of six of the worst SMS mobile marketing faux pas, so that you can avoid them and text your way to marketing success.