50+ SMS Notification Templates & Examples

SMS notifications deliver 98% open rates and drive higher engagement than any other channel. But crafting the perfect SMS message requires balancing brevity, clarity, and compliance—all within 160 characters.

This comprehensive library provides 50+ ready-to-use SMS templates organized by use case, complete with character counts, compliance notes, and optimization tips. Whether you're sending order confirmations, appointment reminders, or promotional offers, these templates will help you create effective messages that drive results.

For technical implementation guidance, see our Twilio SMS integration guide. To ensure your messages comply with regulations, review our SMS notification best practices.

How to Use These Templates

Template Structure:
Each template includes:

✉️ Message text with placeholders in [brackets]
📊 Character count (remember: 160 limit for standard SMS)
✅ Best practices for optimization
⚠️ Compliance notes where applicable

Customization Tips:

Replace [Brand] with your business name
Replace [Name] with customer's first name
Replace [link] with branded short URL
Test all messages before launching

Character Count Tool:
Use Character Counter to verify your customized messages stay within limits.

E-Commerce and Order Notifications

Order Confirmation

Template 1: Basic Order Confirmation (104 characters)

Hi [Name]! Thanks for your order #[12345]. We'll send tracking info when it ships. Questions? [link]

✅ Best Practice: Include order number for easy reference
✅ Best Practice: Set expectation for next communication

Template 2: Order Confirmation with Details (132 characters)

Order confirmed! #[12345] - [Product name]. Total: $[99.99]. Estimated delivery: [Date]. Track: [link]. Reply STOP to opt out.

✅ Best Practice: Include key details without being overwhelming
⚠️ Compliance: Include opt-out instruction for promotional senders

Template 3: Order Confirmation with Discount (156 characters)

Order #[12345] confirmed! As a thank you, here's 15% off your next purchase: [code]. Arrives by [Date]. Track order: [link]. Msg&data rates may apply.

✅ Best Practice: Incentivize repeat purchase
⚠️ Compliance: Include data rates disclosure for promotional content

Shipping Notifications

Template 4: Order Shipped (88 characters)

📦 Your order #[12345] shipped! Arrives [Date]. Track: [link]. Questions? [support-link]

✅ Best Practice: Emoji increases engagement by 20%
✅ Best Practice: Clear delivery date reduces support inquiries

Template 5: Out for Delivery (118 characters)

Your order is out for delivery today! Tracking #[123456]. Expected between [2-4pm]. Be sure someone's home: [link]

✅ Best Practice: Specific time window reduces missed deliveries
✅ Best Practice: Reminds customer to be available

Template 6: Delivery Confirmation (97 characters)

Delivered! Your order was left at your door at [3:42pm]. Enjoy! Rate your experience: [link]

✅ Best Practice: Timestamp provides confidence
✅ Best Practice: Immediate feedback request while experience is fresh

Order Issues and Updates

Template 7: Delayed Shipment (147 characters)

Hi [Name], your order #[12345] is delayed due to high demand. New estimated delivery: [Date]. We've applied a $10 credit to your account. Sorry!

✅ Best Practice: Apologize and provide compensation
✅ Best Practice: Set new expectations clearly

Template 8: Out of Stock (134 characters)

Sorry, [Product] from order #[12345] is out of stock. Choose: 1) Cancel item + $10 credit 2) Wait 5-7 days. Reply 1 or 2 or call [link]

✅ Best Practice: Provide clear options
✅ Best Practice: Enable SMS reply for quick resolution

Template 9: Failed Delivery Attempt (139 characters)

Delivery attempted for order #[12345] but no one was home. Package at [Location]. Pick up or reschedule delivery by [Date]: [link]

✅ Best Practice: Clear instructions for next steps
✅ Best Practice: Deadline creates urgency

Abandoned Cart Recovery

Template 10: Cart Reminder - 1 Hour (119 characters)

Still thinking about it? The items in your cart are waiting: [Product]. Complete your order: [link]. -[Brand]

✅ Best Practice: Friendly, not pushy
✅ Best Practice: Remind what they're missing

Template 11: Cart Reminder with Discount (141 characters)

Complete your order in the next hour & save 10% with code SAVE10. [Product name] + [X] more items waiting: [link]. Offer expires in 60 min!

✅ Best Practice: Time-limited offer creates urgency
⚠️ Compliance: Ensure user opted into promotional messages

Template 12: Last Chance Cart (132 characters)

Last chance! Items in your cart are selling fast. [Product] may be gone soon. Checkout now: [link]. Questions? Text back! -[Brand]

✅ Best Practice: Scarcity creates urgency
✅ Best Practice: Enable two-way conversation

Appointment Reminders and Scheduling

Healthcare Appointments

Template 13: Appointment Reminder - 24 Hours (118 characters)

Reminder: Your appointment with Dr. [Smith] is tomorrow at [2:30pm]. [Location]. Reply C to confirm, R to reschedule.

✅ Best Practice: Include all relevant details
✅ Best Practice: Easy reply options reduce no-shows
⚠️ Compliance: No PHI (Protected Health Information)

Template 14: Appointment Reminder - 2 Hours (104 characters)

Your appointment is in 2 hours at [2:30pm]. Address: [123 Main St]. Please arrive 15 min early. [link]

✅ Best Practice: Arrival instruction reduces late arrivals
✅ Best Practice: Link to directions/parking info

Template 15: Appointment Confirmed (89 characters)

Appointment confirmed for [Mon, Dec 11] at [10am] with [Dr. Smith]. See you then! [link]

✅ Best Practice: Simple confirmation reduces anxiety
✅ Best Practice: Calendar add link improves show-up rate

Service Appointments

Template 16: Home Service Reminder (135 characters)

Your [Plumbing] appointment is tomorrow [9am-11am]. Our tech will text 30 min before arrival. Please ensure access. Questions? [link]

✅ Best Practice: Set expectation for follow-up text
✅ Best Practice: Remind about access requirements

Template 17: Service Professional En Route (97 characters)

[John], your tech, is on the way! ETA: 15 minutes. View real-time location: [link]. -[Brand]

✅ Best Practice: Personalize with tech name
✅ Best Practice: Real-time tracking reduces uncertainty

Template 18: Service Completed (124 characters)

Service complete! Thanks for choosing [Brand]. Your receipt: [link]. Rate [John]'s service: [link]. Need help? Text back!

✅ Best Practice: Immediate feedback request
✅ Best Practice: Enable two-way support

Restaurant and Salon Bookings

Template 19: Restaurant Reservation (99 characters)

Table for [4] confirmed at [7pm] on [Fri 12/15]. We'll hold for 15 min. Cancel: [link]. -[Restaurant]

✅ Best Practice: Clear cancellation policy
✅ Best Practice: Easy cancellation link

Template 20: Salon Appointment (122 characters)

Hi [Sarah]! Haircut with [Emma] tomorrow at [3pm]. Running late? Text us! Cancel/reschedule: [link]. See you soon! -[Salon]

✅ Best Practice: Friendly, personalized tone
✅ Best Practice: Encourage communication if late

Promotional and Marketing Messages

Flash Sales and Limited Offers

Template 21: Flash Sale Announcement (134 characters)

🔥 Flash Sale! 30% off everything for the next 3 hours only. Use code FLASH30. Shop now: [link]. Ends [6pm EST]. Reply STOP to opt out.

✅ Best Practice: Emoji grabs attention
✅ Best Practice: Clear deadline creates urgency
⚠️ Compliance: Must include opt-out

Template 22: Exclusive VIP Offer (141 characters)

VIP early access! Shop our new collection 24hrs before everyone else. Extra 20% off with code VIP20. Unlock: [link]. Today only! -[Brand]

✅ Best Practice: Exclusivity increases perceived value
✅ Best Practice: Stackable discount incentivizes action

Template 23: Birthday Discount (110 characters)

Happy Birthday [Name]! 🎂 Enjoy 25% off anything today with code BDAY25. Treat yourself: [link]. -[Brand]

✅ Best Practice: Personalization increases conversion
✅ Best Practice: Birthday messaging builds loyalty

Product Launches and Restocks

Template 24: New Product Launch (138 characters)

Launching now: [Product name]! Be the first to get yours. Limited quantity available. Shop the launch: [link]. Free shipping today only!

✅ Best Practice: Scarcity and urgency combined
✅ Best Practice: Additional incentive (free shipping)

Template 25: Back in Stock Alert (104 characters)

Good news! [Product] you wanted is back in stock. Grab it before it's gone again: [link]. -[Brand]

✅ Best Practice: Addresses specific customer interest
✅ Best Practice: Creates urgency with scarcity

Template 26: Waitlist Notification (123 characters)

You're on the list! [Product] restocks [Friday 12/15] at [10am EST]. Set your alarm! Get notified 1hr before: [link] -[Brand]

✅ Best Practice: Specific restock time
✅ Best Practice: Option for additional reminder

Loyalty and Rewards

Template 27: Points Balance Update (127 characters)

You earned [250] points! Total balance: [1,340] points = $[13.40] in rewards. Redeem now: [link]. Points expire [Date]. -[Brand]

✅ Best Practice: Show concrete value
✅ Best Practice: Expiration creates urgency

Template 28: Reward Unlocked (99 characters)

🎉 You unlocked a reward! $15 off your next purchase. Code: REWARD15. Expires in 7 days: [link]

✅ Best Practice: Emoji creates excitement
✅ Best Practice: Time limit encourages quick use

Template 29: Refer a Friend (136 characters)

Love [Brand]? Give [friend's name] $20 off & you get $20 too! Share your link: [link]. Unlimited referrals. Start sharing! -[Brand]

✅ Best Practice: Clear mutual benefit
✅ Best Practice: No limit encourages sharing

Account and Security Notifications

Authentication and Security

Template 30: OTP Code (81 characters)

Your [Brand] verification code is: [123456]. Valid for 10 minutes. Never share this code.

✅ Best Practice: Clear expiration
✅ Best Practice: Security warning
⚠️ Compliance: Don't include marketing in security messages

Template 31: Login Alert (119 characters)

New login to your [Brand] account from [Chicago, IL]. Not you? Secure your account immediately: [link]. -[Brand] Security

✅ Best Practice: Location provides context
✅ Best Practice: Clear action if suspicious

Template 32: Password Reset (107 characters)

Password reset requested for [email@example.com]. Reset now: [link]. Expires in 1 hour. Didn't request? [link]

✅ Best Practice: Confirm email address
✅ Best Practice: Separate link if not requested

Template 33: Suspicious Activity Detected (130 characters)

Unusual activity detected on your account. For your security, we've locked it. Verify your identity: [link]. -[Brand] Security Team

✅ Best Practice: Immediate action required
✅ Best Practice: Brand name provides legitimacy

Account Updates

Template 34: Payment Method Expiring (126 characters)

Your payment method ending in [1234] expires soon. Update by [Date] to avoid service interruption: [link]. Questions? [support]

✅ Best Practice: Last 4 digits for identification
✅ Best Practice: Deadline for action

Template 35: Subscription Renewal (134 characters)

Your [Pro Plan] renews tomorrow for $[29.99]. Payment: [card-1234]. Manage subscription: [link]. Questions? Reply to this message.

✅ Best Practice: Transparency builds trust
✅ Best Practice: Easy management option

Template 36: Account Upgrade Offer (140 characters)

Ready for more? Upgrade to [Premium] and get [X feature]. First month 50% off ($[14.99]). Limited time! Upgrade now: [link]. -[Brand]

✅ Best Practice: Highlight key benefit
✅ Best Practice: Discount reduces friction

Customer Service and Support

Order Support

Template 37: Support Ticket Created (113 characters)

Thanks for contacting us! Ticket #[12345] created. We'll respond within [24 hours]. Track status: [link] -[Brand]

✅ Best Practice: Set response time expectation
✅ Best Practice: Provide ticket number for reference

Template 38: Support Issue Resolved (118 characters)

Good news! Your issue (#[12345]) is resolved. Let us know if you need anything else: [link]. Rate our support: [link]

✅ Best Practice: Positive framing
✅ Best Practice: Feedback request for improvement

Template 39: Return Instructions (145 characters)

Return approved for order #[12345]. Print label: [link]. Drop off at any [Carrier] location by [Date]. Refund processed within 5-7 days. -[Brand]

✅ Best Practice: Clear step-by-step instructions
✅ Best Practice: Set refund timeline expectation

Proactive Support

Template 40: Service Outage Alert (113 characters)

We're experiencing technical difficulties. Our team is working on it. ETA for resolution: [2pm EST]. Updates: [link]

✅ Best Practice: Acknowledge issue proactively
✅ Best Practice: Provide resolution timeline

Template 41: Service Restored (95 characters)

All systems are back online! Thanks for your patience. Questions? We're here: [link]. -[Brand]

✅ Best Practice: Confirm resolution
✅ Best Practice: Maintain support availability

Template 42: Scheduled Maintenance (132 characters)

Scheduled maintenance [Sun 2am-4am EST]. Service may be briefly unavailable. Plan ahead. No action needed. Details: [link] -[Brand]

✅ Best Practice: Advance notice
✅ Best Practice: Minimize concern ("no action needed")

Financial and Payment Notifications

Payment Confirmations

Template 43: Payment Received (99 characters)

Payment of $[99.99] received. Invoice #[12345]. Receipt: [link]. Thank you for your business! -[Brand]

✅ Best Practice: Confirm amount and invoice number
✅ Best Practice: Professional tone for financial messages

Template 44: Payment Failed (139 characters)

Payment of $[99.99] failed. Please update your payment method to avoid service interruption: [link]. Need help? Contact us: [support-link]

✅ Best Practice: Clear action required
✅ Best Practice: Offer support for sensitive issue

Template 45: Refund Processed (112 characters)

Refund of $[99.99] processed for order #[12345]. Allow 5-7 business days to appear. Questions? [link] -[Brand]

✅ Best Practice: Set timeline expectation
✅ Best Practice: Reference original order

Billing Reminders

Template 46: Payment Due Reminder (122 characters)

Friendly reminder: Payment of $[99.99] due [tomorrow]. Pay now to avoid late fees: [link]. Questions? [support] -[Brand]

✅ Best Practice: "Friendly" softens reminder
✅ Best Practice: Mention late fee consequence

Template 47: Overdue Invoice (134 characters)

Your invoice #[12345] for $[99.99] is now [5] days overdue. To avoid service suspension, please pay immediately: [link]. -[Brand] Billing

✅ Best Practice: State exact days overdue
✅ Best Practice: Clear consequence if not paid

Template 48: Payment Plan Confirmation (128 characters)

Payment plan confirmed! [4] monthly payments of $[25]. First payment: [Date]. Autopay enabled. Manage plan: [link]. -[Brand]

✅ Best Practice: Confirm payment schedule
✅ Best Practice: Note autopay status

Delivery and Food Services

Food Delivery

Template 49: Order Accepted (105 characters)

Order confirmed! [Restaurant] is preparing your food. Estimated delivery: [30-40 min]. Track: [link] -[Brand]

✅ Best Practice: Set delivery expectation
✅ Best Practice: Real-time tracking reduces anxiety

Template 50: Driver Assigned (97 characters)

[Mike] is delivering your order! ETA: [15 min]. Track in real-time: [link]. Bon appétit! -[Brand]

✅ Best Practice: Personalize with driver name
✅ Best Practice: Accurate ETA critical for food

Template 51: Delivery Arriving (85 characters)

Your order is arriving now! [Mike] is at your door. Enjoy your meal! Rate us: [link]

✅ Best Practice: Immediate notification
✅ Best Practice: Immediate feedback request

Template 52: Grocery Delivery Updates (129 characters)

Shopping update: [2] items out of stock. We replaced with similar items. See changes: [link]. Cancel changes? Reply C. -[Brand]

✅ Best Practice: Transparency about substitutions
✅ Best Practice: Easy opt-out option

Event and Entertainment

Template 53: Event Reminder (119 characters)

[Concert Name] is tomorrow at [7pm]! Venue: [Location]. Tickets on your phone: [link]. Doors open [6pm]. See you there!

✅ Best Practice: All essential details
✅ Best Practice: Door time reduces confusion

Template 54: Ticket Delivery (106 characters)

Your tickets for [Event] on [Date] are ready! Add to wallet: [link]. Show at door. Have fun! -[Brand]

✅ Best Practice: Digital ticket delivery
✅ Best Practice: Simple instructions

Template 55: Event Cancellation (133 characters)

We're sorry, [Event] on [Date] is cancelled. Full refund processing within 5-7 days. Check your email for details. Questions? [link]

✅ Best Practice: Immediate refund confirmation
✅ Best Practice: Direct to detailed communication

SMS Compliance Disclaimer Template

For all promotional messages, include:

Msg&data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. [Terms-link]

Character count: 80 characters (leaves 80 for your message content)

⚠️ Compliance Note: This footer is required for promotional SMS in the US. See our SMS best practices guide for full compliance requirements.

Template Optimization Tips

1. Personalization Increases Engagement by 30%

Basic:

Your order has shipped. Track: [link]

Personalized:

Hi [Sarah]! Your order has shipped. Track: [link]

Impact: 30% higher click-through rate

2. Emojis Can Boost Opens (Use Sparingly)

Appropriate:

📦 Shipping notifications
🎉 Celebrations, milestones
🚨 Urgent alerts
💰 Sales, discounts

Avoid:

Financial transactions
Security alerts
Healthcare communications
B2B messages

3. Front-Load Important Information

Users may only see the first 40-60 characters in their notification preview.

❌ Poor:

We wanted to let you know that your order #12345 has been shipped and should arrive...

✅ Better:

Order #12345 shipped! Arrives [Date]. Track: [link]

4. Include Clear Call-to-Action

Every message should have a purpose and next step.

Types of CTAs:

"Track order"
"Confirm appointment"
"Shop now"
"Reply YES"
"Call us"

5. Test Across Devices

iOS: Shows ~140 characters in lock screen preview
Android: Varies by manufacturer
Character encoding: Emojis/special characters count as multiple characters

Testing checklist:

Test on iPhone
Test on Android
Verify character count
Check link rendering
Test opt-out keyword

Industry-Specific Template Collections

Retail and E-Commerce

Order confirmations (Templates 1-3)
Shipping updates (Templates 4-6)
Abandoned cart (Templates 10-12)
Promotions (Templates 21-23)

Healthcare and Wellness

Appointment reminders (Templates 13-15)
Prescription ready notifications
Test results available (no PHI)
Wellness tips and reminders

Financial Services

Transaction alerts (Template 43)
Payment reminders (Templates 46-47)
Security alerts (Templates 31-33)
Account updates (Templates 34-36)

Food and Hospitality

Reservation confirmations (Template 19)
Delivery updates (Templates 49-51)
Table ready notifications
Loyalty program updates

SaaS and Technology

Onboarding steps
Feature announcements
Usage limits approaching
Security and authentication (Template 30)

Character Count Cheat Sheet

Element	Typical Characters	Notes
Greeting	10-15	"Hi [Name]!"
Order number	12-15	"Order #12345"
Short URL	20-25	Use branded shortener
Date	8-12	"12/15/25" or "Mon 12/15"
Time	5-8	"2:30pm" or "2-4pm"
Phone number	12-14	"(555) 123-4567"
Opt-out	25-30	"Reply STOP to opt out"
Full compliance	80-90	With msg&data rates

A/B Testing Your Templates

What to Test:

CTA placement - Beginning vs end
Emoji usage - With vs without
Personalization - Name vs no name
Urgency - "Today only" vs no deadline
Message length - Short vs detailed

Testing Methodology:

Split traffic 50/50
Minimum 1,000 sends per variant
Measure click-through rate
Run for 3-7 days

Example Test:

Control: "Your order #12345 shipped. Track: [link]"
Variant: "📦 Order #12345 on the way! Track: [link]"
Result: Variant had 23% higher CTR

Common SMS Template Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Mistake 1: All Caps

YOUR ORDER HAS BEEN SHIPPED. TRACK IT HERE: [LINK]

Problem: Appears as shouting, triggers spam filters

❌ Mistake 2: Too Many Links

Order shipped! Track: [link1]. View order: [link2]. Shop more: [link3]. Contact us: [link4]

Problem: Confusing, triggers spam filters

❌ Mistake 3: Vague Messages

Hi! Check your account for an update. Login: [link]

Problem: Phishing concern, low engagement

❌ Mistake 4: No Branding

Your order will arrive tomorrow. Track: [link]

Problem: User doesn't know who sent it

❌ Mistake 5: Missing Opt-Out (Promotional)

Flash sale! 50% off today only. Shop: [link]

Problem: TCPA violation for promotional messages

Implementing These Templates

Step 1: Choose Your Platform

SMS Provider Options:

Twilio - Most popular, robust features (see our Twilio integration guide)
MagicBell - Multi-channel platform with SMS support
Plivo - Good international coverage
Bandwidth - Direct carrier relationships

Step 2: Set Up Templates in Your System

Most platforms support template variables:

const template = "Hi {firstName}! Your order #{orderNumber} shipped. Track: {trackingLink}";

const variables = {
  firstName: "Sarah",
  orderNumber: "12345",
  trackingLink: "https://track.example.com/abc123"
};

Step 3: Test Thoroughly

Testing Checklist:

Verify personalization works
Check character counts
Test links are clickable
Verify opt-out keywords
Test on multiple carriers
Check timing logic

Step 4: Monitor and Optimize

Track These Metrics:

Delivery rate (should be >95%)
Click-through rate (benchmark 15-30%)
Opt-out rate (should be <0.5%)
Response time (for support messages)
Cost per message

For detailed metrics and optimization strategies, see our SMS best practices guide.

SMS vs Other Channels: When to Use Each Template

Use SMS for:

Time-sensitive alerts (delivery, appointments)
High-priority transactional updates
Security notifications
Users without app access

Use Push Notifications for:

Lower urgency updates
App-specific actions
Rich media content
Cost-sensitive bulk messages

Use Email for:

Detailed information
Receipts and documentation
Newsletter content
Long-form communication

For a detailed comparison, see our guide on push notifications vs SMS.

Conclusion: From Template to Strategy

These 55+ templates provide a solid foundation for your SMS notification strategy, but remember that the best template is one that's tested and optimized for your specific audience.

Next Steps:

Select templates for your primary use cases
Customize with your brand voice and details
Test character counts and rendering
Implement in your notification system
Monitor metrics and optimize
A/B test variations for improvement

Ready to implement these templates? Get started with MagicBell for a complete SMS notification solution, or follow our technical guides:

Pro Tip: Save these templates in a shared document for your team to ensure consistent messaging across all customer touchpoints.

50+ SMS Notification Templates & Examples | MagicBell