Opt In Text Messages: 6 Essential Guidelines & Examples
                                           Opt In Text Messages: 6 Essential Guidelines &   Examples
Text messaging has a high open rate, making it a widely used channel for businesses to engage 
customers. In the United States, around 44 percent of GenZ and 47 percent of millennials prefer 
businesses contacting them through text messages. However, marketers must get users' consent 
before contacting them through text messages. It is not just an essential requirement but legal 
compliance for businesses to have the customer's consent. That is when opt in text messages come 
into the scene. Wondering what does opt mean in text message? Quest Labs explains everything 
about an opt-in text message, best practices, and opt in message examples.
What Is Opt In Message?
An opt in text message implies that the customer gives the business explicit consent to contact them 
through marketing text messages. Since consent is a legal requirement for businesses, it's essential to
be aware of and follow best practices in obtaining customer consent. A business can obtain a 
customer's consent verbally and use a tracking system to disclose how the customer provides 
consent. Marketers can also use a website form, checkbox at checkout, QR codes, and text messages 
to obtain consent from customers.
 Single Opt-In:
Marketers ask customers if they want to join the SMS list and instantly add interested customers 
without confirmation.
 Double Opt-In:
When a customer requests to join the SMS list, they get a confirmation text message, letting them 
verify their choice to join the list.
 Soft Opt-In:
Marketers contact customers on the email list and ask if they want to join the SMS list.
Opt In vs. Opt Out Messages
Factor Opt In Text Messages Opt Out Messages
Obtain user consent to join the Allow customers to withdraw user consent to 
Purpose
marketing message list receive marketing messages
Before sending customers any 
When to Contact? After customers receive marketing messages
marketing messages
Customer Action Proactive action to subscribe Proactive action to unsubscribe
Clearly explain what they subscribe
Message Content Clearly explain how to unsubscribe
to
Regulatory Compliance with laws like GDPR, 
CAN-SPAM
Compliance TCPA, and CAN-SPAM
Customer 
Builds customer trust and loyalty Maintains customer satisfaction
Relationship
It is good to have a high High engagement rates demand better 
Engagement Rate
engagement rate marketing strategies
6 Guidelines for Creating Irresistible Opt In Text Message Service
1. Clarity and Transparency
Clarity and transparency are important to building trust among customers. It's essential that 
customers understand exactly what they sign up for. Clear messages prevent customers from 
unsubscribing from the SMS list due to misunderstandings.
But how can marketers improve the clarity of the messages
 Be Direct:
It's essential to be direct in the messages and clearly explain what customers subscribe for.
 Specify Details:
Marketers should clarify the frequency and type of messages the customers receive.
 Use Simple Language:
Marketers must refrain from using complex sentences so everyone can understand.
2. Compliance
It's essential for businesses to ensure that the messages comply with relevant laws. In other words, 
customers should know how companies use their data before consenting.
Relevant Law What’s it? Opt in Text Message Example
General Data Businesses should obtain explicit Reply YES to receive promotional 
Relevant Law What’s it? Opt in Text Message Example
Protection consent from customers before messages from [Your Brand]. By replying, 
Regulation sending them marketing messages. you consent to our data use policy.
Telephone Reply YES to receive promotional 
Marketers should disclose that consent
Consumer messages from [Your Brand]. Consent is 
is not a condition of purchase.
Protection Act not a condition of purchase.
Reply YES to receive promotional 
Businesses should allow users to 
CAN-SPAM Act messages from [Your Brand]. You can opt 
unsubscribe from marketing emails.
out at any time.
3. Conciseness
Clear and concise messages are easy for customers to understand. They also prevent 
misunderstandings and encourage customers to sign up.
 Attention Span:
Customers usually have short attention spans. Therefore, they are more likely to respond to short 
and clear opt in text messages.
 Higher Engagement:
Customers are more likely to respond positively when messages are short and straightforward.
 Effective Communication:
Short and straightforward messages help marketers effectively convey the message to customers.
 Legal Compliance:
Marketers can use short messages to convey necessary information clearly, which regulatory bodies 
prefer.
Let's learn from Sephora's opt in message example. Their message is clear, and they effectively 
mention the benefits of opting in. Moreover, it eliminates any doubts about the signup process by 
making it simple.
4. Value Proposition
Marketers should convey why users should subscribe to the SMS list to encourage them to do so. For 
instance, they can highlight customers' benefits from opting in. Marketers should also clearly state 
the exclusive offers, discounts, or insider news in these messages. It is also essential to explain the 
specific advantages of opting in that the customers get. It makes the message more appealing and 
worthwhile for the customer. Eventually, it needs to encourage more customers to opt in.
5. Call to Action (CTA)
A factor in an opt in message that needs maximum care is the call to action, which encourages 
customers to opt in.
 Be Clear and Direct:
Marketers can use simple language in the CTA to make users clear about what action they should 
take.
 Emphasize the Benefits:
Businesses must highlight the benefits of joining the SMS list.
 Create Urgency:
Marketers can add a limited-time offer to encourage users to sign up faster. This conveys what users 
will miss if they do not subscribe before the offer ends.
Look at one of the noteworthy SMS opt-in message examples from Home Depot. They convey the 
benefits of opting in and let users choose what messages they wish to receive.
6. Confirmation Messages
When customers consent, businesses should still send them a confirmatory message. This follow-up 
text verifies the user's subscription and reiterates what they have signed up for.
 Verification:
The message confirms that the customer subscription request was successful.
 Reassurance:
It gives the customer a summary of what they can expect and improves transparency.
 Legal Compliance:
Sending a confirmation message helps meet legal requirements and provides a record of consent.
6 Compelling SMS Opt-In Message Examples
1. A Website Popup Form
When customers visit a website, marketers can show them a popup message to collect their initial 
consent. When they click the button on the popup screen, it takes them to a text message on the 
phone that customers send to confirm opting in. Businesses can follow up on this message by clearly 
conveying what they have signed up for and letting them know how to unsubscribe.
2. Website Footer Form
A footer form appears towards the bottom of a website and allows website visitors to join the SMS 
marketing list. For instance, businesses can ask for their phone numbers and contact them, 
explaining how to join the marketing list. Marketers can provide the necessary follow-up if the 
customer opts into the service.
Checkbox Form to sign users up for email and SMS lists
3. Checkbox Form
Checkbox forms are also an ideal communication channel for obtaining user consent for marketing 
messages. Marketers can include multiple options in the checkbox forms and attract customers to 
mailing or SMS lists. Domino's uses a Checkbox form on its website to attract users to its mailing and 
SMS lists. Customers can sign up for either or both of these lists.
4. SMS Keyword
Marketers can promote an SMS keyword that helps customers to opt into their service. It is also 
essential to provide users with a opt in SMS mobile number to which they can text the SMS keyword.
When users text the code, marketers should follow up with an opt-in message encouraging them to 
consent. If the user proceeds to sign up for the SMS marketing list, clearly explain how they can 
unsubscribe.
5. Website Forms
Another opt-in text message service example is to set up a landing page to collect user consent. To 
make the offer more appealing, businesses can provide discounts or unique offers to customers who 
sign up. When users sign up, marketers can then follow up with their messages and provide them 
with further details to remain in the service or unsubscribe.
6. QR Code
A QR code starts a text message between the customer and the business. So when the user scans the
QR code, marketers can give them the proper follow-up that conveys the privacy policy and other 
details.
Winning Opt-In Messages Templates That Convert
1. Discounts and Updates:
Highlight the benefits of joining the list and use a simple CTA. Ensure users understand what they 
gain from joining the SMS list, i.e., the exclusive discount.
 Example:
Join our VIP list! Text JOIN to 12345 for exclusive deals and a 20% discount on your next purchase.
2. Welcome Offer:
Give users a welcome message and an exclusive discount on their first purchase while creating a 
sense of urgency. It is vital to point out any other benefits they gain from opting in.
 Example:
Welcome! Text WELCOME to 12345 to get 15% off your first order and be the first to know about our 
new collections.
3. Sales Alerts:
During sales, it's essential to create a sense of urgency that encourages them to take immediate 
action. At the same time, the message should clearly show the benefits of joining the list.
 Example:
Don't miss out! Text FLASH to 12345 to receive alerts on our flash sales and exclusive discounts.
4. Weekly Newsletters:
Marketers can improve the open rate of newsletters by reminding users through text messages. 
Here's a perfect example of how a message to encourage users to receive such alerts should look 
like.
 Example:
Stay informed! Text NEWS to 12345 to subscribe to our weekly newsletter and receive the latest 
updates directly to your phone.
Takeaway
Sixty percent of marketers prefer text marketing because of its higher engagement rate. At the same
time, 53 percent of marketers say text marketing has impressive click-through and open rates, 
making them prefer it. Marketing through text messages starts with getting consent from users, 
which is not an add-on but a legal requirement. However, getting the user's consent is a more 
significant milestone for marketers than getting them to open the messages.Quest Labs has 
discussed 6 essential tips for creating irresistible opt in text messages and customizable message 
templates. We have also shared examples of obtaining messages to enable your strategies. Wish to 
know more about how Quest Labs can help you engage and retain customers? Book a free 
demo and talk with us.
FAQs
 How to opt back in to text messages?:
Customers can send the business an opt in message to opt back into text messages. However, the 
process might vary for companies where they wish to receive marketing messages.
 Do you have to opt in for text messages?:
It is all up to the customers to opt in for marketing messages. Opting in to text messages is not 
compulsory for completing a purchase.