Online SMS

Updated Apr 6th, 2025 - 9 mins

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Text Message Invitations Why Text Message Invitations Work How to Build an Effective SMS Invitation Strategy Best Practices for Sending SMS Invitations Use Cases for SMS Invitations Measuring Success and Optimising SMS Campaigns How to Send Invitations via Text Message with Notifyre Common Mistakes to Avoid When Sending SMS Invitations Start Sending SMS Invitations with Notifyre

Promote Your Next Event: Text Message Invitation

Today, businesses are constantly looking for ways to improve engagement and drive conversions. One powerful yet often underutilised tool is SMS invitations. With higher open and response rates than email, an invitation through text message offers a direct channel to invite customers to events, courses or workshops.

In this guide, we’ll explore why invitation text messages work well for businesses, how to create your own online text message invitation, best practices for sending them, and how to measure their success.

laptop and a woman with text invites

Why Text Message Invitations Work

Text message invites outperform other communication channels because they are:

More likely to be read – SMS messages have a 98% open rate, compared to emails, which average around 20%.
Delivered instantly – Unlike email or direct mail, SMS reaches recipients within seconds, making it perfect for time-sensitive promotions and event reminders.
Personal and direct – People check their phones over 90 times a day, ensuring that SMS invitations are seen quickly and are easy to respond to.

If you're looking to increase attendance at events, boost sales with exclusive offers, or enhance customer engagement, SMS invitations are a game-changer.

How to Build an Effective SMS Invitation Strategy

A well-planned SMS invitation strategy ensures higher engagement and aligns with business goals. To make your invitations more effective, consider these key factors and psychological triggers:

1. Segment Your Audience

Group recipients based on demographics, past interactions, or purchase history to ensure messages feel relevant and personal.

2. Use Psychological Triggers to Drive Responses

Urgency & Scarcity – Encourage immediate action with phrases like "Limited spots available!" or "Offer ends today!"
Social Proof – Boost engagement by highlighting participation: "Over 500 guests have already RSVPed, don’t miss out!"
Personalisation & Exclusivity – Make recipients feel valued with exclusive invites: "You're invited to our VIP event, secure your spot now!"

3. Choose the Right Timing and Frequency

Send invitations when recipients are most likely to respond. Avoid excessive messaging to prevent opt-outs.

4. Maintain Message Consistency

Ensure a uniform brand voice, tone, and messaging style across all SMS communications to reinforce trust and recognition.

Best Practices for Sending SMS Invitations

To maximise engagement and conversions, follow these best practices when sending SMS invitations:

1. Keep Messages Clear and Concise

SMS messages have a 160-character limit, so every word counts. Make sure your message is easy to read and gets straight to the point.

Invitation Text Message Example:
"Hi [Name], don’t miss our exclusive VIP sale this Saturday! Click here to RSVP: [ShortLink]"

2. Personalise for Better Engagement

Using the recipient’s name or referencing past interactions makes messages feel more relevant and personal.

Invitation Text Message Example:
"Hi Sarah, we’d love to see you at our grand opening! RSVP now and enjoy a free welcome drink: [ShortLink]"

3. Include a Strong Call-to-Action (CTA)

Your SMS should clearly direct the recipient on what to do next. Use CTAs like:

RSVP Now
Claim Your Discount
Confirm Your Spot

Including a shortened link makes it easy for recipients to take action immediately.

Invitation Text Message Example:
"Limited seats available! Secure your spot now for our exclusive webinar: [ShortLink]"

4. Follow SMS Compliance Regulations

Companies are required to adhere to SMS rules such as 10DLC in the U.S. and confirm that recipients have consented to receive messages. An opt-out option should always be provided.

Invitation Text Message Example:
"Hi [Name], enjoy 20% off your next purchase! Click here to redeem: [ShortLink]. Reply STOP to opt out."

Use Cases for SMS Invitations

SMS invitations can be used for various business needs, including:

Event Registrations and Reminders

Boost attendance by sending timely event invites and reminders.

Example:
"Hi James, don’t forget about our networking event tomorrow at 6 PM! RSVP here: [ShortLink]"

Exclusive Promotions and Sales

Encourage customers to act fast with time-sensitive offers.

Example:
"Flash Sale! Get 20% off today only. Show this message in-store or use code SMS20 online. Shop now: [ShortLink]"

Customer Feedback and Surveys

Gather insights and improve customer experience with post-purchase surveys.

Example:
"Thank you for your visit, John! We’d love your feedback. Take our quick survey and get 10% off your next order: [ShortLink]"

Appointment Confirmations and Follow-Ups

Reduce no-shows and improve customer communication.

Example:
"Reminder: Your appointment with Dr. Smith is tomorrow at 3 PM. Reply YES to confirm or call to reschedule."

Measuring Success and Optimising SMS Campaigns

To ensure your SMS invitations are effective, track key performance metrics:

1. Track Click-Through and Conversion Rates

Use URL tracking to measure how many recipients clicked on your CTA link and completed the desired action.

2. A/B Test Different Message Formats

Test different CTAs, message lengths, and personalisation tactics to see what resonates best with your audience.

3. Automate and Schedule Messages for Efficiency

Use automation tools like Notifyre to schedule SMS invitations at the most effective times for your audience.

How to Send Invitations via Text Message with Notifyre

Follow these steps to send SMS invitations using Notifyre:

1. Log in to Notifyre

2. Access the SMS Dashboard

Select SMS Messaging from the menu.

3. Add Recipients

Enter phone numbers manually.
Upload a contact list for bulk messaging.

4. Compose Your Message

Keep it concise and include key event details with a call to action.

6. Send or Schedule

Send immediately or set a future delivery time.
Use mass text messaging for bulk invitations.

7. Track Delivery and Responses

Monitor real-time status and engagement through Notifyre’s reporting dashboard.

8. Ensure Compliance

Follow SMS regulations and ensure recipients have opted in and include an opt-out option.

Example:
"Reply STOP to unsubscribe."

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Sending SMS Invitations

To ensure the success of your SMS campaigns, avoid these common pitfalls:

Sending Messages Without Consent – Always obtain proper opt-ins to comply with regulations.
Overloading with Information – Keep messages concise and avoid unnecessary details.
Failing to Provide a Clear CTA – Every message should guide recipients toward a specific action.
Ignoring Message Timing – Avoid sending messages too early in the morning or too late at night.

Start Sending SMS Invitations with Notifyre

SMS invitations are a powerful tool for increasing engagement and conversions. Whether you’re promoting an event, running a sale, or gathering customer feedback, Notifyre's online SMS service makes it easy to send, track, and optimise SMS marketing campaigns.