How to Set Up SMS Marketing for Beginners (Without Tech Skills)

If you’re looking for a faster, more personal way to reach your customers, SMS (short message service) marketing might be your best opportunity.

Text marketing is one of the most direct and effective ways to connect with customers. It gives your business a simple way to share updates and reminders right on your customer’s phone.

But knowing how to set up SMS marketing the right way isn’t always easy. From choosing the right platform to staying compliant, there are important steps and common mistakes to be aware of.

In this guide, we will walk you through the setup process step by step. You’ll learn how to launch an effective SMS marketing program while avoiding the pitfalls that hold your business back.

How SMS Marketing Works

SMS marketing is the practice of sending transactional or promotional text messages to customers or leads directly on their mobile devices.

These messages are used to communicate time-sensitive offers, updates, reminders, or personalized messages.

Text message marketing works by using a software platform like Textellent that allows you to:

1. Collect contacts through opt-ins: Customers must give permission to receive texts. This usually happens through sign-up forms, keywords, or integrations with email and CRM systems.
2. Send targeted campaigns: You can send bulk messages to a list or segment based on customer behavior, location, or preferences.
3. Automate communication: Many platforms allow for drip campaigns, appointment reminders, or keyword-triggered messages that go out without manual effort.
4. Track results: You’ll be able to monitor delivery rates, clicks, opt-outs, and ROI through built-in analytics.

Because SMS marketing messages are delivered instantly and opened within minutes, it remains one of the most powerful tools for direct marketing and customer engagement.

How Can Businesses Use SMS Marketing?

Other than sending marketing messages, SMS marketing allows you to send the right message at the right time to the proper audience.

Whether you’re a local business or a growing brand, SMS can become a core part of your marketing strategy by delivering the right message at the right time to your target audience.

You can send transactional messages like appointment reminders, use promotional SMS messages to drive immediate sales, and deliver SMS notifications to keep customers informed. It’s a channel that helps you engage customers and improve customer satisfaction.

Real-World Examples of Promotional Messages

High-performing promotional SMS marketing starts with value and timing. Messages should be clear, brief, and focused on a single offer or outcome. Here are marketing examples businesses use to drive action:

Drive Sales With a Limited-Time Offer

If you’re running an online store, a flash sale is one of the fastest ways to boost revenue. This type of message works well for e-commerce, apparel, beauty, and digital products.

Example: 24-Hour Sale! Get 30% off your entire order today only. Use code FLASH30 at checkout: [link] Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

Urgency creates action, and this is a simple example of promo codes driving urgency.

Boost Foot Traffic With Local Offers

If you run a restaurant, café, or retail shop, this kind of message brings people through the door. It’s easy to redeem and creates a personal touch.

Example: Hungry? Show this text at checkout and get a free drink with any combo today only! Find us at [link]. Text STOP to opt-out.

Fill Appointments During Slow Hours

Salons, clinics, and service providers can use SMS to fill last-minute openings and encourage customer loyalty with exclusive discounts.

Example: Need a fresh look? We have two open spots today at 2 PM & 4 PM. Book now & get 20% off: [link] Reply STOP to cancel future updates.

Recover Abandoned Carts

Abandoned cart texts are a goldmine for e-commerce businesses. A well-timed reminder, especially when paired with a discount, can recover lost revenue with less effort.

Example: You left something behind! Here’s 10% off to complete your order: [link] Use code RETURN10. Offer expires in 24 hrs.

Promote Events and RSVP Invitations

Whether you’re launching a new store, hosting a webinar, or running a community event, SMS invitations create excitement. They’re easy to act on and feel more personal than emails.

Example: You’re invited! Join us this Saturday for our Grand Opening event. Free gifts + VIP discounts. RSVP now: [link]

Tip: Pair this with an email for added reach, but lead with SMS for higher RSVP rates.

Engage Loyal Customers With VIP Exclusives

Rewarding your most loyal SMS subscribers keeps them coming back. Exclusive access messages make people feel special and appreciated while driving sales.

Example: VIPs Only: Be the first to shop our new arrivals before they go live! Click here for early access: [link]

You can segment your SMS list by customer behavior (frequent buyers, high spenders) for smarter targeting.

Setting Up Your First SMS Campaign: A Step-By-Step Guide

Launching a successful SMS marketing strategy doesn’t have to be complex. With the right tools, you can start small and scale confidently. Here’s how to set up SMS marketing in six simple steps.

Step 1: Choose an SMS Marketing Platform

The foundation of any great SMS campaign is the platform you use to manage it. As a business, you need more than just a way to send texts. You need automation tools that help you stay compliant, reach the right audience, and grow your customer base.

SMS marketing tools like Textellent offer a full suite of features, including contact list building, message automation, audience segmentation, and performance tracking.

Textellent’s dashboard makes it easy to manage and launch your marketing campaigns without needing any technical background.

Sign up for a free trial or request a demo today and simplify every step of your SMS marketing!

Step 2: Secure a Dedicated Business Number

Before you start sending marketing messages, you’ll need a number of customers you can recognize and trust. Depending on your needs, this might be a local 10DLC number, a toll-free number, or a shortcode.

If you’re a service-based business operating locally, a 10DLC number keeps your messaging familiar and personal to your audience. If you’re running national promotions or high-volume campaigns, toll-free numbers or shortcodes may be the better fit.

Step 3: Build Your Subscriber List

SMS is permission-based, which means customers must give you explicit consent to receive messages. This might sound like a hurdle, but it’s a benefit as it makes sure you’re reaching people who want to hear from your business.

Textellent makes it simple to collect opt-ins through web forms, keyword campaigns, QR codes, and integrations with your CRM or booking software. You can add a form to your website where new clients can sign up for appointment reminders and exclusive offers via text.

The platform also includes built-in compliance tools to help you follow TCPA guidelines so your messages stay legal and respectful.

Step 4: Write Your First Message

Your first message doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs to be clear and relevant to your audience.

If you’re running a flash sale, let them know the discount, the deadline, and where to shop. If you’re welcoming new subscribers, offer them a small incentive for joining.

Textellent helps you personalize messages using customer data, such as names, appointment dates, or last purchases. This personalization can significantly boost engagement without adding complexity on your end.

The platform also provides templates, character count tools, and A/B testing features to help you get your message just right.

Step 5: Schedule and Send Your Campaign

Timing matters. A well-crafted message sent at the wrong time can be ignored or seen as intrusive. Textellent allows you to schedule your campaigns based on your customers’ time zones or peak engagement hours.

For example, if you’re running a weekday lunch promotion, you can schedule your message to go out at 10:30 AM, just before people start thinking about their plans. 

If you offer weekend services, you might send reminders on Thursday afternoon to get ahead of last-minute bookings.

The platform gives you the flexibility to schedule once or create recurring SMS marketing campaigns based on patterns you define.

Step 6: Track Performance and Optimize

Once your campaign is sent, Textellent’s analytics dashboard shows how it performed in real time. You’ll see key SMS metrics like delivery rates, clicks, opt-outs, and conversions broken down in a way that’s easy to understand.

Maybe your message was opened but not clicked. Maybe customers responded better in the morning than in the afternoon. With these insights, you can start making small tweaks that lead to better results over time.

Even better, Textellent stores campaign history so you can revisit what worked (or didn’t) and build smarter strategies moving forward.

Benefits of Using SMS Marketing for Your Business

One of the biggest benefits of SMS is its immediacy. Messages are delivered within seconds and typically read within minutes.

When used well, SMS doesn’t replace your existing channels but strengthens your overall marketing communications by filling the gap between emails, phone calls, and direct mail.

When paired with the right tools, like SMS apps or full-featured SMS marketing software, businesses can send more meaningful messages with less effort.

Let’s look at why SMS deserves a permanent place in your marketing toolkit.

Messages Actually Get Read

Unlike emails, which may be overlooked, SMS text messages get attention.

When a business sends a time-sensitive promotion or an appointment reminder, the customer sees it immediately on their mobile phone. That level of direct communication helps drive quick action and reinforces brand visibility.

If you’re sending a flash sale or last-minute appointment opening, there’s no better way to get in front of your audience fast.

Direct Connection With Your Customers

Texting feels personal. That kind of intimacy can build stronger brand relationships, especially when your marketing text messages are relevant and respectful of their time.

If you’re sending welcome messages to new subscribers or a personalized thank-you after a visit, those moments are small, but they build loyalty.

Platforms like Textellent make this kind of communication seamless. You can automate appointment reminders, personalize offers based on purchase history, and maintain consistent messaging across all customer touchpoints.

See how SMS works in customer retention.

Works for Nearly Every Industry

SMS adapts to almost any industry. You can use it to announce events, drive in-store traffic, share updates, or even collect customer feedback.

Since customers opt-in, you’re sending messages to people who actually want to hear from you. This improves engagement and reduces the risk of sending too many messages to the wrong audience.

SMS Drives Immediate Action

Because texts are short and easy to consume, they’re perfect for encouraging quick responses. If you want customers to book an appointment or check their cart, SMS automation gets those results faster than most other communication channels.

Textellent lets you create message flows that are both timely and action-oriented. For example, if someone abandons their cart, you can set up an automated text with a discount code that gets sent after an hour.

Easy to Track Results and Improve Campaigns

Just like email marketing, SMS gives you access to performance data. You can see how many people opened your message, clicked a link, or opted out. Platforms like Textellent provide visual dashboards, so you don’t have to guess what’s working.

You can test different send times, subject lines, or message lengths and gradually optimize your campaigns to improve engagement over time.

Doesn’t Compete With Email

SMS isn’t here to replace email. It works best when the two channels are used together. 

You might use email to send detailed content, like newsletters or product updates, while using SMS to drive immediate action, like reminding customers about a limited-time offer or an upcoming event.

Textellent supports both SMS and email integration, so you can simplify your communication strategy without jumping between tools.

Common Challenges You Might Face With SMS Campaigns

While SMS marketing is powerful, it’s not entirely foolproof. Like any marketing channel, it comes with its own set of challenges, especially if you’re just getting started.

But the good news is that most of these hurdles are easy to overcome when you know what to expect and have the right platform in place.

Let’s go over a few common challenges businesses run into and how to handle them.

Staying Compliant With SMS Regulations

One of the first challenges businesses face is navigating the legal side of SMS marketing. Between TCPA and CTIA guidelines, there are clear rules around how and when you can message your contacts.

If you don’t have explicit consent from your subscribers or you fail to provide a clear opt-out option, you could face fines or damage to your brand’s reputation.

Sending Messages That Don’t Feel Like Spam

Even if your intentions are good, poorly timed or overly frequent texts can come across as spammy. Customers don’t want to feel like they’re being sold constantly as they want messages that offer real value.

With Textellent, you can segment your list and schedule messages based on customer behavior so your texts feel personal rather than pushy.

Managing Message Timing Across Time Zones

If you have existing customers in different time zones, sending messages at the wrong hour, like late at night or too early in the morning, can lead to annoyance or even legal trouble in some regions.

Lack of Personalization or Relevance

Generic texts get ignored. Customers expect businesses to know who they are and tailor communication accordingly. If your SMS campaigns are too broad or irrelevant, they won’t deliver results.

Not Tracking Results or Learning from Data

If you’re not tracking opens, click-throughs, or opt-outs, you’re missing out on opportunities to improve.

A business that consistently sends SMS campaigns but never looks at results might not realize its messages are being delivered at the wrong time or missing the mark in tone.

Proven SMS Marketing Best Practices to Follow

Once your SMS campaign is up and running, make sure it performs at its best. Following a few core best practices can make the difference between an engaged audience and one that tunes out.

Here’s what you need to know to keep your messages effective and appreciated by your customers.

Always Get Proper Consent Before Messaging

SMS is a permission-based channel, which means you must have a clear opt-in from every customer you message. Other than adhering to the SMS compliance rules, you also need to respect your audience.

When customers willingly opt-in, they’re far more likely to engage. Whether you’re collecting phone numbers via a form on your website or through a text keyword like “JOIN,” make sure the terms are clear and customers know what they’re signing up for.

That’s why it’s essential to work with a platform like Textellent, which includes built-in compliance tools. From opt-in confirmation messages to automated unsubscribe handling, Textellent helps you stay within legal boundaries without extra effort on your part.

Respect Frequency and Timing

Sending too many texts or sending them at the wrong time can quickly lead to opt-outs. While there’s no one-size-fits-all rule, a good starting point is to send messages when your customer is most likely to take action. 

Late mornings and early afternoons on weekdays tend to perform well for most industries. Avoid sending texts outside of business hours unless your message is truly urgent or time-sensitive.

With Textellent, you can manage your SMS marketing frequency by scheduling texts in advance and adjusting for time zones to make sure your message arrives at the right moment.

Focus on One Clear Message Per Text

Each SMS should have one purpose. Whether it’s a discount offer, an appointment reminder, or a limited-time event, avoid combining too many ideas in one message. 

For example, instead of saying, “Don’t forget your appointment next week, and by the way, we have a new product launch and a giveaway,” focus on one message like “Reminder: Your appointment is this Friday at 2 PM. Need to reschedule? Reply YES to confirm or call us here: [link].”

The simpler the message, the more likely it is to be read and acted on.

Personalize Messages When Possible

Using a customer’s name, referencing a past visit, or tailoring the offer to their preferences makes your text feel more relevant.

If you’re using Textellent, personalization is built in. You can insert variables like names, service types, or appointment dates based on your existing contact records.

Make It Easy to Opt-Out

Every SMS you send should include an opt-out option. Not only is it required, but it builds trust with your audience. A simple “Reply STOP to unsubscribe” is usually all you need.

Textellent automates this process for you, so unsubscribes are handled instantly without manual intervention.

Track Results and Improve With Each Campaign

The more you learn from your campaign performance, the more effective your messages will become. Make it a habit to review open rates, click-throughs, and opt-outs after each send.

Are people clicking your link? Are they opting out after a certain type of message? These insights help you fine-tune your strategy so that every message brings you closer to your goals.

Textellent provides a full analytics dashboard to help you measure campaign results and identify areas for improvement.

Ready to Launch? Start Sending SMS With Textellent!

You already know the power of SMS marketing, and now, you’re just one decision away from putting it to work for your business.

With open rates nearing 98% and customers expecting faster, more personal communication, SMS is a competitive advantage.

Your audience is already on their phones, and Textellent makes sure your brand is, too. This SMS business solution is built for businesses that want simplicity without sacrificing strategy.

If you’re nurturing new leads or re-engaging past customers, Textellent gives you everything you need in one easy-to-use platform. You can collect opt-ins, personalize messages, schedule automated campaigns, and track every result.

Sign up for a free trial or request a demo today about what’s possible when texting becomes a business superpower!

FAQs About How to Set Up SMS Marketing

How do you set up SMS marketing?

Start by choosing a reliable SMS platform. Then, get a business texting number, build your contact list with opt-ins, and create your first message.

Over time, you can schedule future messages and automate parts of your campaign to save time and boost your marketing efforts.

Is SMS marketing legal in the USA?

Yes, but there are rules. You need permission from people before texting them, and every message must include an easy way to opt-out. You also need to be careful with your message frequency but don’t send it too often, or people may unsubscribe.

How much should I charge for SMS marketing?

SMS pricing depends on how many texts you send and how much work is involved. Many businesses charge a monthly fee based on list size, automation setup, and overall marketing efforts.

How does SMS marketing work?

SMS marketing lets you send short messages to people’s phones. It works best when you send messages to customers who want to hear from you.

You can write one-time promotions or schedule future messages that go out automatically. It’s fast, easy to use, and great for improving your message frequency without overwhelming your team.