30 SMS Opt-in Message Examples for Compliant Campaigns

An SMS opt-in message is a message businesses send to customers to get permission to text them in the future. This message complies with regulations, such as the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), which requires businesses to obtain consent from the customer before sending promotional or marketing messages.

SMS opt-in messages are one of the best practices for SMS marketing. They let customers know what kind of messages they’ll receive and how often. They also include clear instructions to stop receiving the messages whenever they want. A clear opt-in message builds trust and attracts only people who want to hear from your brand.

There are three types of SMS opt-in messages: single, double, and soft opt-in. These types are categorized based on the number of steps it takes to confirm a subscriber's consent.

• Single Opt-in: In this type, customers provide their phone number through a form or by texting a keyword. Once they do this, they’re automatically added to your SMS list.
• Double Opt-in: With double opt-in, after customers provide their phone number, they get a confirmation text. They need to reply “YES” or click a link to confirm their consent to receive messages.
• Soft Opt-in: In this case, businesses can send marketing texts to existing customers without prior consent. While soft opt-ins may work for existing customers, it's still recommended to provide clear options for unsubscribing and avoid violating SMS marketing regulations.

You can collect SMS opt-in consent through text-to-join keywords, website sign-up forms, QR codes, verbal permission, paper forms, and checkout prompts.

1. Text-to-Join (SMS Keywords): You can invite people to text a keyword (like JOIN or YES) to a short code or number. It’s a quick and easy method to get consent from the recipient.
2. Website Forms: This method involves adding a sign-up form on your website or landing page. You can use a clear checkbox for consent in the SMS opt-in form.
3. QR Codes: You can print a QR code on posters, flyers, or receipts. When scanned, it takes customers directly to your opt-in page.
4. Verbal Opt-in: This method involves asking customers in person if they want to receive text updates. You can confirm consent by recording their answer and following up with a confirmation text.
5. Paper Form Opt-in: You can use a printed form where customers fill in their number and sign to agree to receive messages.
6. Checkout Opt-in: You can add an opt-in option when customers check out online after purchasing your product. Simply include a checkbox or a prompt before completing the checkout process.

Businesses need SMS opt-in consent to comply with legal SMS marketing rules, avoid fines, and reduce spam complaints. Text message consent also ensures that messages reach people who actually want them, open rates, and customer trust.

• Meet Legal Requirements: Laws like TCPA require businesses to get permission before sending SMS marketing messages. Thus, obtaining consent beforehand helps avoid fines and lawsuits.
• Build Trust: Customers feel safe knowing they agreed to receive messages, and they’re more likely to open and read texts.
• Keep Contact Lists Clean: Opt-in helps keep your contact list updated and relevant. You only send messages to interested people, improving your reach.
• Avoid Spam Filters: When people agree to receive texts from your business, they rarely report spam or block your number.

Here are 30 SMS opt-in message examples and templates tailored for various business sectors, departments, and scenarios. Each example is compliant, transparent, and built to drive sign-ups. Feel free to personalize and use them as needed.

A single opt-in message works well for simple promotions, quick sign-ups, and low-risk updates. The text includes a clear welcome, appointment reminders, and alerts.
 

1. Welcome Opt-in

2. General Alert Opt-in

3. Appointment Reminders Opt-in

Businesses use a double SMS opt-in to be extra sure the person really wants to get texts. This helps avoid mistakes, spam complaints, and keeps the business safer under strict privacy rules.
 

4. Initial Opt-in Request

5. Confirmation Message

Businesses use verbal opt-in when they need direct, spoken consent from customers. The consent is collected over the phone or in person. Verbal opt-in is typically recorded for compliance purposes to prove that consent was given.
 

6. In-Store Verbal Opt-in

7. Phone Call Verbal Opt-in

8. Confirmation Text After Verbal Opt-in

Different departments in a business have unique goals and messaging needs. Tailored opt-in messages for each department ensure the content is relevant to the recipient, increasing engagement and conversions.
 

9. Customer Support Department

10. Sales Department

11. Marketing Department

12. HR and Internal Communications Department

1. IT / System Alerts Department

14. Logistics or Shipping Department

Promotional marketing opt-in messages are used when businesses want to offer discounts, sales alerts, or special deals to customers via SMS. These messages target individuals who are more likely to engage. This helps improve customer satisfaction and response rates.
 

15. Flash Sale Alert

16. New Product Launch

17. Special Offer

18. Exclusive Early Access

19. VIP Access

Transactional updates opt-in messages inform customers about account activities, like order status or delivery updates. They are typically used for shipping confirmations and payment receipts.
 

20. Order Confirmation

21. Shipping Update

Businesses use event opt-in messages to obtain consent before sending event-related updates, reminders, or promotions. These messages are used when inviting customers to events, confirming their participation, or sending event details.
 

22. Event Invitation

23. Webinar Reminder

24. Exclusive Event Access

Alerts opt-in messages are commonly used for sending time-sensitive updates, such as subscription reminders, financial transactions notifications, or fraud warnings. They improve customer experience by providing timely, relevant information.
 

25. Subscription Alert

26. Emergency and Safety Alert

27. Financial Transaction Alerts

28. Fraud Alert

Loyalty program opt-in messages offer customers incentives for sign-up and ongoing participation. Businesses use these messages to inform customers about rewards, promotions, or exclusive deals. It helps keep customers connected and encourages them to return for more purchases.
 

29. Loyalty Program Invitation

30. Loyalty Status Update

The best practices for writing opt-in text messages include being clear, concise, and compliant with regulations. You must also clearly state your business identity and offer an easy opt-out option in your message.

People read texts quickly, so keep your message brief and clear. Avoid long sentences or complicated wording. Get straight to the point and use plain language.

Clearly state your business's name, number, and, if relevant, your department or title. People should immediately know who’s sending the message.

Make sure people know exactly what kind of texts they’ll get and how often they will get the message. This sets the right expectation and builds trust.

Spell out the action you want them to take, whether clicking a link, texting a keyword, or filling out a form. Clear instructions make it easy for people to follow through.

Tell people how to stop receiving messages right in the opt-in or welcome message. This shows respect for their choice and is essential when sending business messages.

Messaging rules vary by country and state. Familiarize yourself with regulations like the TCPA in the U.S., the GDPR in the EU, or other local privacy laws. Additionally, if you’re a healthcare company, ensure your business utilizes a HIPAA-compliant texting system.

Getting proper SMS opt-in consent isn’t just about following the rules; it’s about respecting your customers’ time and trust. By using the right tone, providing clear instructions, and offering an easy opt-out option, you can increase the chances of getting their consent.

A well-crafted SMS opt-in message also helps keep customers engaged. It clearly explains what kind of messages they’ll receive and how often. When done correctly, it builds trust, strengthens relationships, and helps grow a loyal customer base.

An SMS opt-in message must include a clear call to action (CTA), a description of the service or offer, information about message frequency, and instructions on how to opt out if desired.

The frequency of SMS messages should match customer expectations. Respect their time and only send relevant updates, offers, or reminders.

To ensure compliance, clearly explain the purpose of the messages, obtain explicit consent, offer an easy opt-out option, and follow local regulations like A2P 10DLC in the U.S.

Yes, businesses must provide an option for customers to easily opt out of SMS messages at any time. Most of the businesses offer the option to opt out by replying with the text keywords like “STOP”, “UNSUBSCRIBE”, “CANCEL”, and “QUIT”.