SMS Opt-In Examples: How to Do It Right in 2025

In recent years, businesses are leveraging the capabilities of SMS marketing since it is a direct and effective communication channel. However, one crucial element is obtaining proper consent from recipients. If you are interested in delving into this type of marketing, research for SMS opt-in message examples to ensure that your customers have explicitly agreed to receive text messages from your brand.

In this article, we will explore different SMS opt-in examples suitable for all industries and business types.

Part 1: Opt-in Text Message Means?

Before we give you some specific SMS opt-in form examples, we are going to briefly explain what SMS opt-in refers to. In essence, it is the process by which users provide explicit consent to receive text messages from a business or organization. It’s a crucial component of SMS marketing , ensuring that your communications will be both legal and welcome.

The SMS opt-in message examples motivate users to voluntarily sign up for the updates through various methods, such as online forms, keyword texting, or in-person agreement in the case of a retail store. Then, they will start receiving promotional offers, updates, or alerts depending on the purpose of your brand’s campaigns. This practice not only helps you adhere to regulatory standards but also fosters trust and engagement with your customer base.

Why SMS Opt-in Matters

Another important element that comes up when studying SMS opt-in form examples, is the necessity for this practice. As we’ve already mentioned, this form is a compliance requirement. However, it is also more than that, as it is the foundation of a trust-based relationship between your business and customers.

Part 2: What Is Required to Comply with SMS Regulations and Compliance?

Right now, SMS marketing is regulated by a set of strict laws and guidelines that governments have put in effect to protect consumer rights. Non-compliance can have severe consequences for your company, and for this reason, it is important to ensure that you adhere to them. The best way to do that is to create SMS opt-in message examples that follow the laws and regulations of your region, or the region you are targeting.

Here are the essential elements you need to include:

#1 Explicit Consent

One of the most important things that you need to remember is that you must obtain clear consent from your customers before sending any text messages to them. This typically involves a double opt-in process where users confirm their subscription via an additional step, such as replying "YES" or clicking a confirmation link.

#2 Transparent Information

Another thing to keep in mind is that before customers subscribe, they should understand:

• The purpose of the messages, such as promotional offers, updates, alerts, etc.
• The frequency of messages they can expect.
• Any associated costs, such as carrier fees.

All of this information should be mentioned in the SMS opt-in form examples that you are going to create.

#3 Opt-out Instructions

Your SMS marketing strategy should always include an easy way for recipients to unsubscribe. A common practice is to have them text you back a word, such as "STOP" or "UNSUBSCRIBE" .

#4 Compliance with Regional Laws

The truth is that SMS compliance laws vary by region. For example:

• United States:

  The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) mandates explicit consent and requires businesses to keep records of user agreements.

• European Union:

  The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) enforces strict data protection and opt-in procedures.

• Other Countries: Each region has its unique regulations. Therefore, understanding international compliance is crucial for global SMS campaigns.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

If your SMS opt-in examples fail to adhere to SMS regulations, then you are facing grave consequences. Indicatively, the punishment for non-compliance can result in:

• Fines up to $1,500 per violation in some regions of the world.
• Legal battles that damage your reputation.
• Loss of customer trust and increased unsubscribe rates.

Part 3: Best Practices for SMS Opt-in Message Examples

Once you are aware of the compliance laws, you can start creating your messages. However, crafting engaging SMS opt-in message examples is both an art and a science. The goal is to strike a balance between clarity and persuasiveness so that you encourage users to subscribe while being open about your strategy. In this section, we are going to explain some of the best practices you can follow.

#1 Keep It Short and Simple

Your opt-in message should be concise and easy to understand. For this reason, avoid unnecessary jargon and get straight to the point.

#2 Highlight Benefits

In your SMS opt-in form examples, you should emphasize the value subscribers will receive from signing up. These can be exclusive discounts, updates, or early access to sales.

#3 Include a Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)

Your message must guide users on what to do next. Recipients are much more likely to complete a task if they are asked to do so. Therefore, you should use action-oriented language and clear CTAs to drive responses.

#4 Use Personalization

When you are sending your SMS campaigns, address the recipient by name or tailor the message to their interests to make it more engaging. This way, they are more likely to sign up for your texts.

#5 Ensure Transparency

Your SMS opt-in examples should always let users know what they’re signing up for. For instance, mention what type of alerts they will get, and even how often they’ll hear from you.

#6 Optimize Timing

Send opt-in messages at a time when your audience is most likely to engage, such as during business hours or early evening. This is a crucial element to consider, especially if you are targeting a global audience, where time difference plays a significant role. In this case, we recommend using audience segmentation based on the users’ geographic locations.

#7 Test and Iterate

Experiment with different SMS opt-in form examples that utilize different formats, tones, and CTAs to determine what resonates best with your audience. A/B testing proves to be invaluable in refining your approach.

Part 4: 20 Different SMS Opt-in Examples for All Business

In this section, we are going to give your 20 SMS opt-in examples tailored to various industries and audiences. Feel free to use them as templates and customize them for your business needs. All of the examples were created in EngageLab, which is the top platform for your SMS marketing campaigns.

#1 Retail

A retail business can use these SMS opt-in message examples to entice customers to subscribe. This way, it can create leads that will translate into more sales when they are running the promotional upgrades. For this reason, this example text promises exclusive updates and discounts.

#2 Food & Beverage

The SMS opt-in form examples are widely common in the food and beverage industries. Therefore, you can use it in your restaurant to promote your new menu items and send offers, and menu deals to your customers. This way, you can entice users to visit your restaurant, order takeaway, or have food delivered to them.

#3 Health & Wellness

The next one of our SMS opt-in examples is suitable for businesses in the health and wellness industries. In this case, you want to attract users who care about their health and are investing in their self-care. For this reason, the example follows their journey to a healthy and happy body and soul.

#4 Travel & Hospitality

In the following example, we are focusing on businesses in the travel and hospitality industries. In their cases, many consumers know that the earlier they book their holidays, the greater deals they will get. This is why we are mentioning the early bird offers in the text.

#5 E-commerce

When it comes to e-commerce, businesses have a fierce competition. For this reason, the SMS opt-in message examples should focus on elements that will attract customers to that particular e-shop. A flash sale is always a great way to motivate users to subscribe.

#6 Education

In education, it is important to offer something of value to your customers. Taking this into consideration, this template offers free studying tips to the recipients. This way, they have a great motive to opt in and receive your campaigns.

#7 Entertainment

The SMS opt-in form examples for the entertainment industry usually focus on the thrill of the business, as well as sharing your passion. This is also exactly what you are promising to the recipients of this opt-in message.

#8 Nonprofits

Nonprofits often use SMS marketing to raise awareness about their cause and increase donations. For this reason, you can use a relevant keyword that users will send to subscribe, such as HOPE. For this template, you should be as short as possible.

#9 Real Estate

When people are searching for their dream home, they want to be alerted as soon as one becomes available. For this reason, you should focus on this element when you create your opt-in form.

#10 Beauty & Personal Care

Businesses in the beauty and personal care industry can also make great use of SMS marketing. This template promises to make your recipients glow by taking advantage of your services.

#11 Fitness

The following of our SMS opt-in message examples is perfect for businesses in the fitness industry. In this case, we have added a personalization element to the text as the fitness journey is unique for each recipient. This way, they will feel extra motivated to take part in it.

#12 Automotive

People interested in businesses in the automotive industry are looking for deals as both cars and services can be quite pricey. For this reason, we are using the possible future deals as a way to motivate them to opt in.

#13 Technology

One more of our SMS opt-in message examples shows you what you need to include in a form for tech companies. Make sure to promise useful tech tips to your recipients, as well as exclusive offers on new and exciting products.

#14 Finance

Brands in the finance industry need to offer something of value to their customers. In this spirit, you can offer advice on investments and savings, depending on your target audience. In this template, we have focused on customers looking for potential investments.

#15 Events

Event organizers benefit from SMS marketing. With this opt-in template, you can build the hype for your event by allowing recipients to learn news on the schedule.

#16 Healthcare

Businesses and organizations in the healthcare industry use text messages to raise awareness and keep recipients up-to-date with their appointments. In this template, you are letting your customers know that you will send them reminders as you value their health.

#17 Groceries

Grocery stores can also see great results by using these SMS opt-in form examples. In this case, you will promise to inform your customers of your weekly deals, as well as in-store promotions that they can take advantage of.

#18 Local Businesses

Local businesses need to utilize every possible marketing tool to attract customers and fight the global market. This opt-in example is a great way to let customers know of ongoing deals and generate more sales for the local community.

#19 Sports

Sports-related businesses foster a community, and this is something that should be present in your opt-in message. With this template, you make your customers feel like a part of the team which makes them more invested in your company.

#20 Seasonal Campaigns

In some cases, you might want to set up seasonal campaigns, or your brand might specialize in seasonal items. In this instance, you should use a template that promises fun and thrilling deals that are perfect for the holidays.

Wrapping Up

These SMS opt-in examples are illuminating when you are trying to create your SMS marketing strategy. Take this critical step in building successful text campaigns while staying compliant with regulations. In EngageLab, you can craft engaging opt-in messages and adhere to the best practices, thus maximizing your audience’s engagement and trust. Sign up for EngageLab today and use the templates above to delve deeper into this strategy.