How to Text Prospects: 7 Examples of Effective SMS to Boost Replies
If you’re looking to increase conversion rates for sales outreach, texting is a great place to start. While the average open rate for emails hovers from 26-42%, almost all (98%) of text messages are read.
Though most text messages are read, not all are responded to. Do you know what will keep you from getting left on read? What should your message content actually look like?
Here at Verse, we text millions of customers weekly—and we know which messaging performs best.
In this article, we’ll go over seven surefire ways to boost your reply rate for sales text messaging, using real sales text message examples that include dos and don’ts.
Sales Text Message Examples (Based on Real Data)
DO: Double text
Don’t be afraid of double texting!
Double texting refers to when you open a conversation with two messages: the first for compliance purposes and the second to sound human.
Here’s an example of double texting versus single texting.
Double text:
Single text:
This is likely because the first text gets all the important compliance information out of the way: identifying yourself and providing an opt-out. The second text seems like it came from a human.
With the single text, people may think it’s entirely automated.
DON’T: Just “check in”
Follow up is extremely important. When re-engaging leads via SMS, be direct, to the point, and brief.
Whatever you do, don’t “check in”.
We’ve consistently seen that open-ended messages, especially those referencing “checking in”, perform more poorly than messages that get to the point.
People likely see the text message and don’t immediately know what to reply. Once they read it, they’ll probably forget you even said anything.
Checking in is not a direct question, and it’s not referencing any earlier conversation. Make sure it’s relatively obvious what you want the prospect to do.
Something like “Is now a good time to chat?” works substantially better for SMS because it warrants a quick reply—whether that’s a yes or no.
Even if the prospect answers with a “not right now”, it shows that they still care enough to get back to you. You can then easily try to schedule a time to talk in the future.
DO: Be extra friendly
Texting differs from phone calls in the way that your tone is not always clear. For that reason, it’s best to be extra-friendly so that your positive tone is crystal clear.
Here’s a pair of sales text message examples of what to say versus what not to say:
In this example, “Still interested?” could come off as cold or dry. Though adding “by chance?” is a small thing, it changes the tone of the SMS entirely, reducing any implied pressure and adding humility.
Text messaging is also less serious than email. Though it’s best practice to avoid overusing emojis, “:)” can work well for sales texting when used appropriately.
DO: Be direct
Decision-makers are often busy people—heck, many of us are.
SMS is fast, easy, and to the point—that’s the beauty of it. When you’re not direct in SMS sales outreach, people are much less likely to reply.
Here’s a couple of sales text message examples of what to say versus what not to say:
Instead of sending a lengthy text, send a short question. Like with “checking in”, it’s way better to make sure the recipient knows what you want them to do.
DON’T: Send long texts
Again, texts are great because they’re short, sweet, and to the point. Though long messages can be necessary and helpful, save those for email.
Here’s one sales text message example to avoid: an SMS that’s written like an email.
Texting is not as formal and polite as email. No one wants to read a long text, so skip the intro and get right to the point. Keep sales texts short and to the point.
At Verse, we most often keep our text messages in the 30-39 character range—especially when talking to new leads. It’s always best practice to keep text messages under 320 characters.
Don’t make texts longer than they need to be, or use formalities that should be reserved for emails.
DO: Qualify via SMS
Make sales texting your new qualification engine. Our data consistently shows that leads are more likely to reply to qualifying questions via text.
It is important to note that we will only ask qualifying questions once a lead has engaged in the conversation, so they are therefore more likely to respond.
However, this trend still points to customers’ willingness to respond to simple and relevant questions.
Here’s a few sales text message examples of qualifying questions:
DO: Nurture leads via SMS
So your prospect isn’t ready to talk now, or anytime soon, and you’re not sure what to do.
Do you just keep texting them “Let me know”’s? Definitely not.
Instead, prospects are usually much more responsive to receiving marketing communications that may interest them.
This is a great example of a sales SMS from a mortgage company:
This way, you can continue to nurture the lead via SMS, providing them with any helpful information. Extremely important in lead generation, nurturing helps ensure that every lead gets to its full potential.
Not only does nurturing keep you top-of-mind for the prospect, it also establishes you as a helpful resource.
Fully-managed SMS for sales
Two-way texting is tough. While texting itself is time-consuming, texting is extra difficult when prospects don’t reply, or reply at odd times—but still expect a prompt response from you.
That’s why Verse takes care of every aspect of customer texting for sales and marketing teams.
We fully-manage your customer conversations, meaning that we engage with, follow up with, and qualify every single lead for you.
Reap the benefits of SMS without any of the hassle with fully-managed, 24/7 SMS coverage.
See how much money you could make with Verse today. Try our ROI calculators!