An SMS template is a message design that contains content and settings that you may customize, store, and reuse in messages delivered via the SMS channel. Text messages sent from campaigns or to a select group of people as direct or test messages can be created with SMS templates. When you generate an SMS template, you choose the settings and content you want to reuse in the body of messages that are generated from it. This material can be either static text or dynamic content created using a template system and message variables. When you make a message based on a template, your SMS marketing platform fills it with the settings and content you specified in the template.
The use of SMS templates is a common practice among businesses and marketers. However, not many understand how it evolved to be an effective marketing strategy that benefits businesses and customers. Here is a guide to everything you need to know about SMS templates, their definition, components, applications, and how you can use them in your marketing strategy.
What is an SMS Template?
A text template or SMS template is a text that you may reuse repeatedly. You should be able to choose it, copy it into a messaging conversation, customize it if necessary, and then send it after you create your template. SMS templates may include words, punctuation, and emojis, depending on the method used.
Shortcuts enable you to insert SMS templates into messaging conversations on your phone. If you’re texting for a company, a simple, dedicated button allows you to insert text templates into conversations. You may also use templates with your SMS marketing platforms to generate messages for your audiences.
Finally, SMS templates save you time. You may simply pick a text template and insert it instead of creating an entire message. It also aids in reducing the likelihood of producing a mistake when texting quickly because you don’t have to type out everything.
What is the Importance of SMS Template?
There are a variety of reasons why SMS Templates are essential and must be utilized. They enable enterprises of all sizes to stay in touch with their customers and prospects daily by providing a simple method to communicate through text messaging. Here are three significant reasons for its use.
SMS templates are clear, effective, and flexible.
An SMS template is a great way to ensure your message is clear and concise. It also lets you personalize the message for each customer, making them feel valued. You can use an SMS template for various purposes, such as appointment reminders, shipping notifications, or even a friendly check-in message.
SMS templates are time savers.
An SMS template can be a huge time saver if you send the same message to multiple people. You can create the template once and insert it into each conversation. This way, you don’t have to type out the entire message each time.
SMS messaging is commonly used and recognized in this digital age.
Texting is now the most common form of communication, even more so than phone calls. Because of this, it’s crucial to reach your customers through this channel. By utilizing SMS templates, you can send messages quickly and easily without typing out each one individually.
How to Create an SMS Template?
There are several options for you to start creating your SMS template using your mobile devices or through your SMS marketing platform. Your content will depend upon your goals or campaigns for such a strategy. We have instructions on the following:
- Creating SMS Template on iPhone
- Creating SMS Template on Android
- Creating SMS Template using SMS Marketing Platform
Creating SMS Template on iPhone
Text replacements are a simple way to generate and distribute text templates. As you type the keyword “meeting,” your iPhone will allow you to choose the phrase you previously identified, such as “Can’t text right now—I’m in a meeting!” The process for creating text replacements is simple:
- Open a conversation in the Messages app.
- Tap the “A” icon to access the keyboard.
- Tap and hold the globe icon to choose keyboards.
- Select “Add New Keyboard.”
- Choose “Text Replacement.”Select “+” to add a new phrase.
- For Phrase, type in the text you want to expand.
- For Shortcut, type in the shortcut you want to use.
- Tap “Save.”
Creating SMS Template on Android
Android phones do not have a dedicated text replacement feature like the iPhone, but you can still create text templates using a third-party keyboard app. We recommend using TextExpander, which allows you to create shortcuts for your most frequently used phrases. The process for creating text shortcuts is simple:
- Install the TextExpander app from the Google Play Store.
- Open the app and tap the “+” icon to create a new shortcut.
- In the “Phrase” field, type in the text you want to expand.
- In the “Shortcut” field, type in the shortcut you want to use.
- Tap the checkmark icon to save your new shortcut.
Creating SMS Template using SMS Marketing Platform
If you’re looking for a more robust solution, you can create text templates using an SMS marketing platform. These platforms typically have a drag-and-drop interface that makes creating and customizing your message templates easy. Many also offer features like A/B testing and automated delivery so that you can fine-tune your SMS campaigns for maximum impact.
To get started, sign up for an account with an SMS marketing platform like JookSMS. Once logged in, click the “Templates” tab and “Create Template.” You can enter your message content and customize your template to match your brand.
Where does SMS Template First Used?
SMS templates were first used for appointment reminders and shipping notifications.
Appointment reminders are still one of the most popular use cases for SMS templates. Using a template, you can quickly and easily send reminders to your customers without typing out each message individually. Shipping notifications are another famous use case for SMS templates.
You can read more about this in our related post about History of Messaging.
Where can I use SMS Template?
There are various use cases for SMS templates, and most of them are for business-related purposes. Here are some of the most popular use cases for SMS templates:
Marketing Content
SMS templates benefit businesses by providing a way to send out marketing content quickly and easily. You can use SMS templates to send promotional messages, coupons, and special offers to your customers.
Sales Responses
Companies also employ SMS templates to create answers to commonly asked questions during the sales process. Having these questions and answers in a template allows your sales team to quickly respond to prospects without having to type out each message individually.
Customer Support
SMS templates can also be used for customer support. You can use them to send out automated responses to common questions or problems. You can also use SMS templates to send appointment reminders, shipping notifications, and other critical customer service messages.
How to Use an SMS Template?
When utilizing text messages for commercial purposes, be sure that each statement has substance for the consumer, so they don’t feel like you’re spamming them. Generally, the most effective texts will include information on sales, specials, or coupons that are only available through texting.
Here is how you to use an SMS template for specific business processes:
- Confirm Opt-In/Opt-Out
- Send Appointment Reminders
- Send Updates and Order Status
- Conduct Surveys
- Re-engage Customers
- Automated Text Message Marketing
- Subscription Notification
- Promotions, Discounts, Deals
Who uses SMS Template?
SMS templates are used in almost all sectors and businesses. It makes the marketing and communication processes easier and faster, thus being very popular among organizations and teams. Some of the industries that benefit from SMS templates and marketing include:
- Healthcare and Medical Sector
- Banks and Financial Organizations
- E-commerce and Retailers
- Food and Beverage Industry
- Telecom and IT Companies
- Hospitality Sector
- Spa, and Salon Industry
- Retail Industry
Can SMS Templates be utilized for SMS Marketing?
Yes. SMS templates are typically used for SMS marketing. Businesses use SMS marketing templates to quickly and easily send out marketing messages, appointment reminders, shipping notifications, and other critical customer service messages.
You have the freedom to create and customize SMS templates for your marketing campaigns. It allows you to match your brand and send out messages most likely resonate with your target audience.
Templates save time and money. You won’t have to build messages from scratch since they already exist. They ensure that you deliver your message clearly and consistently. Not all of your team members write or express themselves similarly. Having a company-wide voice using text templates is beneficial when communicating with leads and consumers.
What are the Components of SMS Template?
There are three main components of SMS templates:
- The message body
- The sender name
- The call-to-action (CTA)
The message body is an essential part of the SMS template. It is where you include the information that you want to communicate to your audience. The sender’s name or number will appear on the recipient’s phone when they receive the message. The CTA is the call-to-action you want your recipients to take after receiving the message.
What are SMS Templates for Marketing?
SMS marketing templates are text messages you copy and paste, then fill in the blanks and send as texts to consumers. Consider templates to be general pre-written communications that you can modify in seconds.
Templates can save you a lot of time. They may also aid in the maintenance of consistency and prevent human mistakes, such as typing errors.
Almost every effective small business SMS platform includes efficiency features that streamline or eliminate routine activities. These efficiency tools, such as SMS templates for marketing, allow you to spend more time addressing customer needs rather than repeating the same actions over and over.