SMS remains the channel with the highest open rate and fastest response. The difference between 'meh' and '$' isn’t the tool—it’s how you prompt the AI to write the message. Here’s the best SMS campaign prompt… multiplied by 50, ready to use and automate.

What Is an SMS Prompt and Why It Affects Conversion

A prompt is the instruction you give to AI to generate the SMS text. If the prompt is generic (“write me a promo SMS”), the output will be generic. If the prompt specifies the goal, audience segment, offer, tone, personalization, CTA, and character limit, the AI produces focused, measurable messages. In SMS, every character matters: an optimized prompt drives conversion and respects deliverability policies.

Key Components of a Winning Prompt in 160 Characters

1. Clear Goal
   State if you're aiming for a sale, cart recovery, retention, reminder, or feedback. AI will prioritize the message for that outcome.

2. Defined Segment
   Specify the audience: new, VIP, cart abandoner, inactive 30 days, post-purchase. This changes tone, incentive, and CTA.

3. Offer or Incentive
   Define the value: {discount_pct}, {free_shipping}, {gift}, {installments}, {demo}. Without this, there’s no urgency.

4. Tone and Personalization
   Request a style (direct, friendly, premium) and variables: {name}, {product}, {category}, {store}, {city}. Personalization boosts CTR.

5. Urgent Call to Action
   Ask for clear, short CTAs with urgency/stock: “Buy today”, “Book now”, “Use code before {expires}”.

   Golden Rule of SMS Prompts: Max 160 characters, 1 goal, 1 CTA, 1 incentive.

Best Practices for Writing SMS Marketing Prompts

1. Be specific with variables {name} {product}
   State what fields come from the CRM and where to insert them. E.g.: “Include {name} and {product} in the first line.”

2. Ask for A/B test variants
   Request “5 versions with different hooks” or “3 tones (direct, friendly, premium).”

3. Limit spam-risk words
   Avoid: “FREE”, “URGENT”, “CLICK HERE”, “100% guaranteed”, “winner”, “prize”, excessive symbols/ALL CAPS.
   Alternatives: “no shipping cost”, “today”, “open to see”, “easy returns”.

4. Check length and emojis
   Indicate: “≤160 characters, max 1 emoji, no accents if GSM-7 required by your gateway.” Keep URLs short and branded.

5. Include inclusive language
   Request: “respectful tone, no stereotypes, neutral Spanish.”

How to Customize the Prompt Based on Customer Journey

Cart Abandonment
Structure: pain point (“you left {product}”), incentive (“{discount_pct}%”), deadline (“expires {time/date}”), CTA (“{cta_url}”).

Cross-sell
Structure: reference to previous purchase, suggested add-on, benefit, CTA.

Subscription Welcome
Structure: thank you, what they’ll receive, first-purchase incentive, CTA, opt-out.

Renewal Reminder
Structure: expiration date, renewal benefit, soft incentive, CTA.

Post-purchase Survey
Structure: thank you, 1 benefit of feedback (improve service), short link, estimated time, opt-out.

The 50 Highest-Converting SMS Prompts for 2025

Format:
Objective: …
Full Prompt: (exact instruction for AI)
Expected Result: …

Cart Recovery (1–10)

1. Objective: Recover cart with soft discount
   Full Prompt:
   "Write 1 SMS ≤160c for {name} who abandoned {product}. Offer {discount_pct}% until {expires}. Direct tone, 1 emoji max, clear CTA to {cta_url}. Include opt-out 'STOP'."
   Expected Result: Short message with soft urgency and applicable code.

2. Objective: Recover cart without discount (value test)
   Full Prompt:
   "Generate SMS ≤160c for abandoned cart. Highlight value/benefits of {product} and free shipping today. CTA {cta_url}. No excessive caps; opt-out."
   Expected Result: Recovery based on perceived value.

3. Objective: 2-hour reminder
   Full Prompt:
   "Create SMS ≤160c: 'running out soon' without sounding pushy. Mention {product}, limited stock {stock}, CTA {cta_url}. 0–1 emoji. Include 'Reply STOP'."
   Expected Result: Push through real scarcity.

4. Objective: Abandonment with social proof
   Full Prompt:
   "SMS ≤160c with mini testimonial (5–7 words) about {product} + CTA {cta_url}. Friendly tone. Avoid spam words. Opt-out at the end."
   Expected Result: Quick social validation.

5. Objective: Happy hour incentive
   Full Prompt:
   "Write SMS ≤160c: 'Happy hour' to recover {product} with {discount_pct}% only until {hour}. Add code {code} and {cta_url}. 1 emoji, opt-out."
   Expected Result: Conversion spikes in short window.

6. Objective: Multi-item abandonment
   Full Prompt:
   "SMS ≤160c: 'We saved your cart ({cart_items})'. Offer {free_shipping} today. CTA {cta_url}. Helpful tone, no pressure. Opt-out."
   Expected Result: Comeback through convenience.

7. Objective: VIP recovery
   Full Prompt:
   "Create SMS ≤160c for VIP segment: {name}, your {product} is waiting. Exclusive benefit: {vip_benefit} until {expires}. CTA {cta_url}. Premium tone. Opt-out."
   Expected Result: Sense of exclusivity and belonging.

8. Objective: Abandonment with recommendation
   Full Prompt:
   "SMS ≤160c: 'If {product} wasn’t the one, try {alternative}'. Link {cta_url}. Consultative tone, 0–1 emoji, no spam words. Opt-out."
   Expected Result: Redirect to compatible option.

9. Objective: Final notice (win-back)
   Full Prompt:
   "Generate SMS ≤160c: gentle final reminder about {product}. Include micro-incentive {discount_pct}% and expiry {expires}. CTA {cta_url}. Opt-out."
   Expected Result: Closing the abandonment loop.

10. Objective: Abandonment with micro FAQ
    Full Prompt:
    "SMS ≤160c: 'Questions about {product}? Easy returns/exchange.' CTA {cta_url}. Reassuring tone, 1 emoji max, opt-out."
    Expected Result: Reduce final friction.

Flash Offers (11–20)

11. Objective: 24h flash offer
    Full Prompt:
    "SMS ≤160c for {segment}: {discount_pct}% off in {category} until {expires}. Code {code}. CTA {cta_url}. No caps; 1 emoji; opt-out."
    Expected Result: Immediate traffic and purchases.

12. Objective: End-of-season clearance
    Full Prompt:
    "Write SMS ≤160c: 'Last sizes in {category}'. Prices from {price_from}. {cta_url}. Urgent but polite tone. Avoid 'FREE'. Opt-out."
    Expected Result: Sell remaining stock.

13. Objective: Savings pack
    Full Prompt:
    "SMS ≤160c: 'Buy 2 {product} and save {savings_pct}%'. Link {cta_url}. Clear tone, no jargon. 0–1 emoji. Opt-out."
    Expected Result: Higher average order value.

14. Objective: Early-bird
    Full Prompt:
    "Generate SMS ≤160c: early access for {segment} to {event/offer}. Expires {hour}. {cta_url}. VIP tone, opt-out."
    Expected Result: Temporary exclusivity.

15. Objective: BOGO (buy 1 get 2)
    Full Prompt:
    "SMS ≤160c: '2x1 in {category} today'. Code {code}. {cta_url}. Avoid spam words; 1 emoji. Opt-out."
    Expected Result: Increase items per order.

16. Objetivo: OObjective: City-based offers
    Full Prompt:
    "Create SMS ≤160c segmented by {city}: local offer at {store}. {discount_pct}% until {expires}. {cta_url}. Friendly tone. Opt-out."
    Expected Result: Local relevance.

17. Objective: End-of-month
    Full Prompt:
    "SMS ≤160c: 'Close the month with {discount_pct}% off in {category}'. Limited stock. {cta_url}. 0–1 emoji. Opt-out."
    Expected Result: Inventory clearance.

18. Objective: Mystery discount
    Full Prompt:
    "Write SMS ≤160c: 'Surprise discount at checkout'. Applies to {category} today. {cta_url}. Fun tone, no absolute promises. Opt-out."
    Expected Result: Curiosity and clicks.

19. Objective: Weather-based offer
    Full Prompt:
    "SMS ≤160c: '{city} with {weather}: {weather_product} on promo'. {cta_url}. Contextual tone, 1 emoji, opt-out."
    Expected Result: Context = high CTR.

20. Objective: Re-engagement after 60 days of inactivity
    Full Prompt:
    "Generate SMS ≤160c: 'We miss you, {name}'. {discount_pct}% on your favorite {category}. {cta_url}. Warm tone, opt-out."
    Expected Result: Reactivate dormant base.

Loyalty Programs (21–30)

21. Objective: Earn points
    Full Prompt:
    "SMS ≤160c: '{name}, today {x2_points} on {category}'. {cta_url}. Rewarding tone, 1 emoji. Opt-out."
    Expected Result: Increased purchase frequency.

22. Objective: Level-up reminder
    Full Prompt:
    "Create SMS ≤160c: 'You’re {missing_points} points away from level {level}'. Benefit: {level_benefit}. {cta_url}. Motivating tone. Opt-out."
    Expected Result: Incremental purchase.

23. Objective: Birthday
    Full Prompt:
    "Write SMS ≤160c: '{name}, happy birthday 🎉'. Gift {gift} valid until {expires}. {cta_url}. Warm tone. Opt-out."
    Expected Result: Conversion through gesture.

24. Objective: Customer anniversary
    Full Prompt:
    "SMS ≤160c: '{name}, 1 year with us'. Bonus {bonus_points}. {cta_url}. Grateful tone. Opt-out."
    Expected Result: Strengthened loyalty.

25. Objective: Favorite repurchase
    Full Prompt:
    "Generate SMS ≤160c: 'Your favorite {product} is back'. Loyalty benefit {benefit}. {cta_url}. Personal tone. Opt-out."
    Expected Result: Quick repeat purchase.

26. Objective: Referrals
    Full Prompt:
    "SMS ≤160c: 'Invite & earn'. Every referral = {bonus}. {cta_url}. Simple tone, avoid spam words. Opt-out."
    Expected Result: Organic growth.

27. Objective: Exclusive survey for members
    Full Prompt:
    "Create SMS ≤160c: 'Help us improve and earn {points}'. Survey {link} (2 min). Respectful tone, opt-out."
    Expected Result: Insights + engagement.

28. Objective: Expiring points alert
    Full Prompt:
    "SMS ≤160c: '{name}, your points expire on {expires}'. Redeem at {cta_url}. Clear tone, 1 emoji, opt-out."
    Expected Result: Point redemption.

29. Objective: Early access to new products
    Full Prompt:
    "Write SMS ≤160c: 'Members first: {new_product}' today. {cta_url}. Exclusive tone; no ALL CAPS. Opt-out."
    Expected Result: Launch sales.

30. Objective: Surprise benefit by level
    Full Prompt:
    "Generate SMS ≤160c: '{name}, secret benefit for level {level}'. Find out: {cta_url}. Premium tone. Opt-out."
    Expected Result: Clicks driven by curiosity.

Special Events (31–40)

31. Objective: Black Friday teaser
    Full Prompt:
    "SMS ≤160c: '{name}, save this date: {date}'. Early access to BF. {cta_url}. Anticipatory tone, opt-out."
    Expected Result: Pre-event warm list.

32. Objective: Black Friday live now
    Full Prompt:
    "Create SMS ≤160c: 'It’s on: {discount_pct}% on {category}'. Code {code} today. {cta_url}. No ALL CAPS; opt-out."
    Expected Result: Massive traffic.

33. Objective: Personalized Christmas
    Full Prompt:
    "Write SMS ≤160c: 'Gifts for {interest_person}'. Ideas at {cta_url}. Warm tone, 1 emoji, opt-out."
    Expected Result: Holiday carts.

34. Objective: Back to school
    Full Prompt:
    "SMS ≤160c: 'Get {category} ready for school'. Savings pack {savings_pct}%. {cta_url}. Helpful tone. Opt-out."
    Expected Result: Seasonal sales.

35. Objective: Mother’s Day
    Full Prompt:
    "Generate SMS ≤160c: 'For mom: {collection}'. Free shipping today. {cta_url}. Emotional tone, no absolute promises. Opt-out."
    Expected Result: Occasion-based conversion.

36. Objective: Local in-store event
    Full Prompt:
    "SMS ≤160c: '{city}: demo of {product} on {date} {time}'. Limited spots. RSVP {cta_url}. Friendly tone. Opt-out."
    Expected Result: Confirmed attendance.

37. Objective: Live shopping
    Full Prompt:
    "Create SMS ≤160c: 'Live now: {benefit} + live code'. Join at {cta_url}. Dynamic tone, 1 emoji. Opt-out."
    Expected Result: Live sales peak.

38. Objective: Beta launch
    Full Prompt:
    "Write SMS ≤160c: 'Be first to try {new_product}'. Limited spots. {cta_url}. Innovative tone; opt-out."
    Expected Result: Qualified leads.

39. Objective: Appointment reminder
    Full Prompt:
    "SMS ≤160c: '{name}, your appointment is on {date} {time} at {location}'. Reschedule: {cta_url}. Clear tone, opt-out."
    Expected Result: Fewer no-shows.

40. Objective: Final hours of event
    Full Prompt:
    "Generate SMS ≤160c: 'Last hrs for {event}'. Benefit {benefit}. {cta_url}. Urgent but friendly tone. Opt-out."
    Expected Result: Strong event close.

Feedback & Surveys (41–50)

41. Objective: NPS 0–10
    Full Prompt:
    "SMS ≤160c: 'How likely are you to recommend {store}? 0–10 here: {nps_link} (20s)'. Respectful tone, opt-out."
    Expected Result: Quick responses.

42. Objective: Delivery rating
    Full Prompt:
    "Create SMS ≤160c: 'Did your {product} arrive okay? 1–5 ⭐: {quick_link}'. 1 emoji max; opt-out."
    Expected Result: Fault detection.

43. Objective: Post-support feedback
    Full Prompt:
    "Write SMS ≤160c: 'Did we resolve your case {ticket_id}? Tell us in 30s: {link}'. Empathetic tone, opt-out."
    Expected Result: Quality CX insights.

44. Objective: Incentivized review
    Full Prompt:
    "SMS ≤160c: 'Your opinion counts. Leave a review and get {benefit}'. {link}. Avoid aggressive tone; opt-out."
    Expected Result: Authentic reviews.

45. Objective: Subscription cancellation survey
    Full Prompt:
    "Generate SMS ≤160c: 'Sorry to see you go. What went wrong? {link}'. Humble tone, 0 emoji, opt-out."
    Expected Result: Churn insights.

46. Objective: Content preferences
    Full Prompt:
    "SMS ≤160c: 'Choose what promos to get (Fashion/Tech/Home)'. Set preferences: {link}. User-control tone. Opt-out."
    Expected Result: Better relevance.

47. Objective: Post-purchase thank you
    Full Prompt:
    "Create SMS ≤160c: 'Thanks, {name}. Anything we could improve? {short_link}'. Human tone, opt-out."
    Expected Result: Continuous improvement.

48. Objective: Beta testers feedback
    Full Prompt:
    "Write SMS ≤160c: 'Your experience with {beta_product} helps us. 1 min: {link}'. Collaborative tone; opt-out."
    Expected Result: Roadmap insights.

49. Objective: Logistics survey
    Full Prompt:
    "SMS ≤160c: 'Rate delivery (timing/condition/service). {link}'. Neutral tone, 0–1 emoji, opt-out."
    Expected Result: SLA improvement.

50. Objective: Post-event
    Full Prompt:
    "Generate SMS ≤160c: 'Thanks for attending {event}. What did you like most? {link}'. Thankful tone; opt-out."
    Expected Result: Impact measurement.

Measurement and Optimization: CTR, Response, and A/B Testing

1. Define KPIs by Objective

• Sales: CVR, RPM (revenue per message), SMS ROAS

• Engagement: CTR, response rate

• Retention: repeat purchase rate, opt-out rate (should decrease) 

2. Set Up A/B Testing
   Test one change at a time (hook, incentive, CTA). Use a minimum sample size per variant and a consistent time window. Mark winners and scale them.

3. Analyze Results and Adjust Prompts
   Document learnings: effective words, optimal lengths (120–150c usually perform well), best-performing send times. Refine monthly.

Avoid Spam: Legal Compliance and Risky Words

Mandatory Opt-in and Opt-out

Send only to subscribers. Include a clear exit (“Reply STOP”). Keep a record of consents.

Trigger Word List

Avoid ALL CAPS and trigger terms (“FREE”, “CLICK HERE”, “WINNER”, “URGENT”, “100% GUARANTEED”). Prefer neutral alternatives.

Recommended Sending Times

Respect local time zones (e.g., 09:00–20:00). Avoid late nights, sensitive dates, and frequency overload.

FAQs About SMS Marketing Prompts

How do I adapt these prompts for different markets without losing effectiveness?

Keep the structure (goal, incentive, CTA) and adapt language, cultural references, and offers. Validate with A/B tests by country or city.

Can I combine multiple objectives in one SMS prompt?

Better to stick to one goal per message for clarity. If you need two, prioritize one and mention the second without shifting the CTA.

What if my CRM doesn’t have all the fields required by the prompt?

Define fallbacks (“{name}→hi”, “{product}→your selection”). Prioritize adding new fields based on personalization impact.

How often should I update my SMS marketing prompts?

Review monthly: rotate hooks, incentives, and CTAs based on KPIs and seasonality. Maintain a winner repository by segment.