How to Write Short Text Messages

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Text message marketing is a great way for small business owners to engage customers and share information. When a text about sales or PSAs is too long, it can feel diluted, put off your reader, or get broken into multiple texts that get sent out of order. Thankfully, you can craft the perfect short text by including a few key pieces of information and carefully organizing your words for maximum impact. Read on for a list of strong openers, information to include, and ways to cut words that will leave your text messages engaging and impactful in 160 characters or less.

1

Identify yourself.

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you’re texting on behalf of a business or drafting an automated text, the first word or two of your message should identify you as the sender. Write your business name in all capital letters or add a colon afterwards to separate it from the rest of the message. For example:
    • “JOE'S HOT DOGS Your order is ready for pickup.”
    • “Ahmad's Flowers: Get 30% off rose bouquets this Valentine’s Day.”
    • “Lily’s Library: Your rental is overdue.”
    2. Advertisement
2

Personalize the message with the recipient’s name.

PDF download Download Article
  1. This is an effective way to set a friendly tone, introduce a call to action, or ask a question. Identify yourself in the first sentence if you opt to put their name first. [1] Try something like:
    • “Sharon, Register for Corner Shop rewards today!”
    • “Hi Emiliano, Your table at Corcoran’s Pub is ready.”
    • “Bev, Will you donate to Mark For Mayor?”
3

Open with an attention-getting fact or announcement.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Hook the reader with something catchy or interesting to encourage them to open the full message and read. Try a sentence about the sale or PSA you’re promoting or a fun fact related to the content of your message. For example:
    • “Did you know 80,000 acres of forest disappear every day? Sign our petition…”
    • “Dara, It’s our biggest sale of the year! Use code SALE…”
    • “1 in 5 children go hungry in the US each year. Will you donate…”
    2. Advertisement
4

Put the important information at the beginning.

PDF download Download Article
  1. They’re also more likely to remember information placed at the very beginning or very end of a written message. Place the most important facts or actions you want them to take in the first sentence. Next, add any relevant details and then conclude with background information if you have the space. [2] Some sample texts might look like this:
    • “Timmy’s Toy Shop: Your gift is ready for pickup at 123 Main St. Call 555-5555 for delivery. Send HELP for more info.”
    • “Oak Park Animal Shelter: Dozens of shelter dogs in Oak Park need homes. Learn more about pet adoption in your area at the link below. STOP to unsubscribe.”
    • “Darrel, Sign Free Tree’s petition to save historic oaks on Main St. We’re counting on your support! Click to sign, share & learn more info.”
5

Include a clear call to action.

PDF download Download Article
  1. They respond best to texts that are action-oriented and have a relevant time constraint, like a “this weekend only” sale or a deadline to sign up for an event. State your request in clearly and keep it to one sentence. Try something like:
    • “Subscribe to our email list by Jan. 31 for 10% off your next order.”
    • “Call your Alderman to oppose the new Zoning Ordinance before City Council meets on Friday.”
    • “Pick up your birthday cake today.”
    2. Advertisement
6

Double-check your message for easy readability.

PDF download Download Article
  1. You want your text to be understood by as many people as possible, so think of groups like students, people who speak English as a second language, or those who only have a second to glance at their phone. Even super readers will appreciate a short and sweet message. [3] Examples of simple language include:
    • “This ordinance is bad for trees along Main St” is easier to read than “This ordinance, if passed, will negatively impact the trees lining Main Street.”
    • Just say “This is our biggest sale of the year” instead of “We have a lot of sales every year but this one is the biggest.”
    • “Use code WIKI for 25% off boots” reads better than “If you want to get 25% off boots, use the code WIKI.”
    • While you're at it, make sure that there are no typos or grammatical errors in your message. [4]
7

Leave out jokes and strong emotions.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Jokes and witty remarks take up valuable space and could get misinterpreted, so leave those out and stick to the facts. If a recipient has subscribed to you, they’re probably already familiar with your brand’s personality and opinions. [5] For example:
    • Instead of “You know we love when our white chocolate is on sale,” just say “Our white chocolate is on sale!”
    • Ditch “Why did the chicken cross the road? To try our new winter menu!” for “Try our new winter menu.”
    • Trade in “We’re outraged by the new City Council proposal” for “Sign our petition to oppose City Council’s proposal.”
    2. Advertisement
8

Make it skimmable with lists or bullet points.

PDF download Download Article
  1. A lot of people are checking their texts on the go, so it’s important to lay out the facts in a way that’s quick to absorb. Type one option or item per line to make it visually appealing and easy to read. [6] An example list might look like this:
    • “Reply with your preferred time:
      • 11:30 AM
      • 12 PM
      • 1:45 PM”
    • Note: hitting “enter” to go to the next line counts as a character.
9

Take out any unnecessary words.

PDF download Download Article
  1. The clarity and meaning of your message probably won’t be affected by getting rid of descriptor words or repetition. Keep these in if they’re part of a branded phrase or the name of a place or business. [7] Take a look at these examples:
    • “Our super exciting Annual Sale” becomes “Our Annual Sale.”
    • “You’ll really love our new fall collection” gets shortened to “You’ll love our fall collection.”
    • “Stop by our giant superstore anytime this weekend” becomes “Visit our superstore this weekend”
    2. Advertisement
10

Reword your message to be more concise.

PDF download Download Article
  1. PSAs and calls to action are more memorable when they’re short, snappy, and clear. Usually, the shortest possible sentence is the best one to use. [8] Remember these easy grammar tips when you’re trying to save words:
    • Choose the active voice over the passive voice to cut words. For example, “1 in 5 children are affected by hunger” becomes “Hunger affects 1 in 5 children.” [9]
    • Cut unnecessary prepositional phrases. “Visit our downtown location on 11th & 45th” can just be “Visit our downtown location.”
    • Place the subject of the sentence at the beginning. Instead of “There are 6,000 stray cats that need homes,” try “6,000 stray cats need homes.”
11

Use contractions.

PDF download Download Article
  1. You’ll lose zero clarity when you use these, so throw them in wherever you can. If you’re pressed for characters, drop the apostrophe from your contractions and see if they’re still understandable. [10] Here are some examples:
    • “Do not” turns into “don’t.”
    • “Can not” turns into “can’t.”
    • “They are” turns into “they’re.”
    2. Advertisement
12

Use standard abbreviations for professional texts.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Only use them if they’re easily understood and don’t change the meaning or clarity of your message. Avoid casual text speak like “lol” or “ur” for business messages since that lingo is viewed as unprofessional. Some commonly recognized examples include:
    • “&” for “and”
    • “info” for “information”
    • “3 PM” in place of “3 p.m.” or “three o’clock”
    • “msg” for “message”
    • “US” for “United States”
13

Include a link with more information.

PDF download Download Article
  1. This is a good option if you want the reader to perform a task like purchasing a ticket or signing up for a meeting time. Use a free URL shortener online to cut down long web addresses. Keep the body of your text around 140 characters since the URL will use up the rest. Preface the link with a short description of where it will take the reader:
    • “Click for tix & more info: bit.ly/3rzhlT9”
    • “RSVP for our grand opening celebration: bit.ly/3rzhlT9”
    • “Take our customer satisfaction survey here: bit.ly/3rzhlT9”
    2. Advertisement
14

Only use periods when necessary.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Periods usually get interpreted as angry or passive-aggressive in texts, especially by younger readers. Your message might already sound terse since you’re shortening it, so drop a period where you can (as long as it doesn’t cause grammatical confusion). Plus, deleting them saves characters. [11]
    • Leave a period off of the final sentence or instruction: “...Limited time offer. Text STOP to unsubscribe”
    • Remove a period after an all-caps introduction: “WE NEED YOUR HELP Sign the petition…”

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      Virtual Truth or Dare Questions to Keep Things Interesting
      "Message Blocking is Active:" What to Do if You Can't Send Texts
      10 Ways to Keep a Girl Interested over Text
      How to
      Make a Guy Horny over Text
      The Best Messages to Send that’ll Make Him Smile
      How to
      Prank Someone over Text
      How to
      Talk to a Girl by Texting
      55+ Cute, Flirty, & Romantic “Can't Wait to See You” Messages
      12 Ways to Make Him Miss You Like Crazy over Text (with Examples)
      How to
      Make a Girl's Hormones Rise over Text
      13 Things to Do When a Girl Doesn't Reply to Your Texts
      11 Texts to Tell a Girl She's Beautiful
      105 Funny, Witty, & Random Things to Text Your Friends
      How to
      Reply to “What Are You Doing?” over Text: Creative Answers to Sound Fun & Flirty
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.glossy.co/sponsored/how-personalized-text-messaging-builds-brand-loyalty/
      2. ↑ https://www.utsa.edu/marcomstudio/resources/style-guides/writing-guide/web-writing.html
      3. ↑ https://www.utsa.edu/marcomstudio/resources/style-guides/writing-guide/web-writing.html
      4. ↑ Tami Claytor. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.
      5. ↑ https://www.utsa.edu/marcomstudio/resources/style-guides/writing-guide/web-writing.html
      6. ↑ https://www.utsa.edu/marcomstudio/resources/style-guides/writing-guide/web-writing.html
      7. ↑ https://www.writermag.com/improve-your-writing/revision-grammar/lean-and-clean/
      8. ↑ https://www.writermag.com/improve-your-writing/revision-grammar/lean-and-clean/
      9. ↑ https://journal.emwa.org/writing-better/how-to-shorten-a-text-by-up-to-30-and-improve-clarity-without-losing-information
      1. ↑ https://www.writermag.com/improve-your-writing/revision-grammar/lean-and-clean/
      2. ↑ https://www.npr.org/2020/09/05/909969004/before-texting-your-kid-make-sure-to-double-check-your-punctuation

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 25,746 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement