This article will teach you how to write great SMS copy. We will cover what makes a good message. We'll also talk about why this is so important for businesses. Even if you're not a business owner, these tips can help you be a better communicator. Let's dive into the world of writing super short, super effective texts.
Why Every Word Matters in a Text Message
When you write a text message, you don't have a lot of space. "Your next customer is just an email away – discover more at telemarketing data." Most text messages have a limit on how many characters you can use. This means every single word has to work hard. There’s no room for extra fluff or long, boring sentences. A good SMS copywriter knows this. They pick words that are clear, exciting, and easy to understand.
Think of it like a quick puzzle. You have to fit all the important information into a tiny box. You need to tell people what the deal is. You also need to make them feel like they should act right now. This is a real challenge. It's a skill that can be learned and improved. In fact, many businesses are getting better at it. They understand that a well-written text can bring in a lot of customers.
What Makes an SMS Message "Good"?
A good text message for business isn't just about selling. It's about connecting with people. The best messages feel personal. They don't feel like they were sent to a million people at once. A good message is also helpful. It gives you something you want or need.
For example, a text message from a pizza place could say, "Hungry? Get 20% off your next large pizza today only!" This message is short. It's also exciting. It gives you a reason to act right away. On the other hand, a bad message might be too long. It might not tell you what to do. Maybe it just says, "Check out our new website." This is less effective.
Good SMS messages are timely. They arrive at the right time. They also use a clear "call to action." This is a fancy term for telling someone what to do. A call to action could be "Shop now," "Click here," or "Use code SAVE10." It's the most important part of the message.
Creating Urgency and Excitement
People often act on things that are urgent. This is why many text messages from businesses create a sense of urgency. They might say "today only" or "while supplies last." This makes people feel like they should hurry up. They don't want to miss out on a good deal.
To create urgency, you can use certain words. Words like "now," "hurry," "don't miss out," and "limited time" are very common. When you see these words, your brain tells you to act fast. This is a very powerful tool in SMS copywriting. However, it's important not to overuse it.
Another way to create urgency is to use numbers. A message that says "24-hour flash sale!" is more urgent than one that just says "flash sale." The number gives it a specific timeframe. This makes it feel more real and more important. You can also talk about a limited number of items available.
Finally, think about using emojis. Emojis can add a lot of personality to a text message. A little rocket ship emoji can make a message feel exciting and fast. A gift box emoji can make a deal seem like a special gift. Emojis are like little pictures that add feeling to your words.
The First Steps to Writing Your First SMS Campaign
So, you're ready to try writing some SMS copy. Where do you begin? The first step is to know your audience. Who are you talking to? Are they young students or older adults? The words you use should match who you're speaking to. This is also called finding your "voice."
Next, you need to decide on your goal. What do you want people to do? Do you want them to buy something? Do you want them to visit your website? Or maybe you just want them to know about a new product. Your goal will shape your entire message.
Once you know your audience and your goal, you can start writing. Remember the rules we talked about. Keep it short. Make every word count. Use a clear call to action. It can be helpful to write a few different versions of the same message. Then, you can choose the best one.
Best Practices for SMS Copywriting
Following some simple rules can make your SMS copy much better. Firstly, be respectful of people's time. Don't send too many messages. Sending a text every day can get annoying. People might even stop opening your messages. Secondly, always give people a way to stop getting messages. This is usually a simple instruction like "Reply STOP to unsubscribe."
Another important practice is to test your messages. Send them to a few friends first. Do they understand the message? Does it make them want to act? This feedback can be very helpful. You might think a message is great, but others might not feel the same way.
When you write, try to be conversational. Write like you are texting a friend, but with a purpose. Avoid big, complicated words. Stick to simple language that everyone can understand. For example, instead of "utilize," just say "use." This makes your message feel more human.
The time of day you send the message also matters. Most people don't want to get texts from businesses late at night or very early in the morning. Think about when your audience is most likely to be active and ready to shop. This is a small detail, but it can make a big difference.
The Power of Personalization
Personalization is a huge trend in SMS copywriting. It's when you make a message feel like it was written just for one person. A simple way to do this is to use the person's name. A message that says, "Hi Sarah! Here's a special offer just for you," is much more powerful than a message that just says, "Here's a special offer."
Beyond using a name, you can also personalize based on what people have bought before. A clothing store could send a text about a new sweater to someone who bought a sweater last month. This makes the message feel relevant and helpful. It's not just a random text; it's a recommendation.
Personalization makes customers feel valued. They feel like the business knows them. This builds trust and loyalty. When a customer trusts you, they are more likely to buy from you again and again. Therefore, it's worth the extra effort to add a little personal touch.
Finally, think about how you sign off your message. A friendly closing like "Your friends at Pizza Place" can make the message feel warmer and more personal. Avoid a dry, robotic tone. You want to sound like a real person, not a machine.
The Importance of Testing and Analyzing Results
After you send your SMS message, your work isn't done. You need to look at the results. How many people opened your message? How many people clicked the link? Did they end up buying anything? This is called "analyzing the data."
By looking at the results, you can learn what works and what doesn't. Maybe one message got a lot of clicks, but another one didn't. You can try to figure out why. Was it the words you used? Was it the time you sent it? This is a process of learning and improving over time.
A/B testing is a great way to do this. You send two different versions of a message to two small groups of people. For example, one message might say "25% off today!" and the other might say "Get your discount now!" You can then see which one performed better.
This constant learning is what makes a good SMS copywriter great. They are always trying to improve. They are always paying attention to what their customers are doing. They use the data to make their next message even better.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even good writers make mistakes. There are a few common ones to watch out for in SMS copywriting. First, don't forget to include a call to action. Without it, people won't know what to do. Your message will be a dead end.
Second, avoid using a lot of text talk or slang. It might seem cool, but it can also be confusing. Not everyone knows what "LOL" or "BFF" means. Stick to clear, simple English.
Third, don't make promises you can't keep. If your message says "50% off everything," make sure that is true. Lying to your customers is a quick way to lose their trust.
Finally, check your spelling and grammar. A simple typo can make you look unprofessional. It can make people think that you don't care about the details. Always read your message one more time before you hit send.
In conclusion, SMS copywriting is a powerful skill. It's about communicating a lot with very little. By following these rules and tips, you can write messages that are effective, engaging, and friendly. Remember to be short, be clear, and be helpful. With a little practice, you can become an SMS copywriting expert.