Need to send an SMS to your customers but don’t know what to write?

A business SMS has very little space to get your message across. You may need to confirm an order, remind a customer about an appointment, collect a payment, share an offer, or simply tell someone that their request has been received.

The challenge becomes bigger in India because business SMS also needs to follow DLT rules.

So, before you copy an SMS template and start sending it, you need to know two things:

1. What makes an SMS clear and useful for customers?
2. What DLT rules do you need to follow before sending it?

This guide covers both.

Below, you’ll find 76 ready-to-use SMS templates for businesses, including templates for:

• Promotional offers
• Order and delivery updates
• Appointment reminders
• Payment reminders
• Customer support
• Feedback and reviews
• Cart recovery
• Education and admissions
• Healthcare
• OTPs and account alerts
• Customer win-back campaigns

You’ll also learn how DLT registration works, how many characters an SMS can contain, when to send different types of messages, and why some business SMS fail to get delivered.Important: Treat these templates as examples. Before using one for your business, make sure it matches your approved DLT template and the rules that apply to your message category.

What is an SMS template?

An SMS template is a pre-written message that a business uses to communicate with customers.

For example, instead of writing a new order confirmation every time someone buys something, you can create a template like:

[Brand]: Your order [Order Number] has been confirmed. We’ll notify you when it ships.

When a customer places an order, the variables can be replaced with their actual information.

This makes business messaging faster and more consistent.

In India, however, SMS templates have another important purpose. Businesses sending commercial SMS need to follow the DLT framework, which means the message content needs to be registered and approved according to the applicable category.

What is DLT and why does your business need it?

If you’re new to business SMS in India, DLT can sound complicated.

DLT stands for Distributed Ledger Technology. It is the system used by telecom operators to manage and regulate commercial messages.

Before sending business SMS, you generally need to complete steps such as:

1. Register your business or entity.
2. Register your sender ID or header.
3. Register your SMS content templates.
4. Register consent-related templates where required.

The important part is simple:

You cannot normally write a completely different SMS every time and expect it to be delivered. Your message needs to follow the approved template structure.

The original source describes entity, header, content-template and consent-template registration as the main stages.

1. Register your business

First, your business needs to be registered with a DLT platform operated by a telecom provider.

You may need business documents such as GST or PAN details, business proof, and an authorisation letter.

After registration, your business receives an Entity ID.

2. Register your sender ID

A sender ID, also called a header, identifies the sender of the SMS.

For example, a customer may see a short brand identifier instead of a normal mobile number.

Your sender ID should be related to your business and should be registered under the correct category.

3. Register your SMS templates

This is where your actual SMS content comes in.

Suppose your approved template is:

[Brand]: Your order [Order Number] has been shipped. Track it here: [Link]

You can change the order number and other approved variables, but you should not freely rewrite the fixed part of the message.

This is why it is better to prepare the SMS templates your business will actually need before launching a campaign.

4. Register consent where required

Some types of messages require explicit customer consent.

If your message category requires consent registration, make sure your business has the appropriate consent process and records in place.

One important rule: don’t mix service messages with offers

Consider this message:

Your order has been shipped. Get 20% off your next order with code NEXT20.

The first part is an order update. The second part is promotional.

Putting both into one message can create a category problem.

A better approach is to send:

Message 1:

Your order has been shipped.

Then, if applicable, send the promotional offer separately under the appropriate promotional category.

What are the different types of business SMS?

Not every SMS sent by a business is treated in the same way.

The main categories covered in the source are:

SMS category	Common examples	Consent	Sending window
Transactional	OTP and authentication messages	Depends on applicable rules	24×7
Service-Implicit	Order updates, delivery updates, appointment reminders	Based on customer relationship/action	24×7
Service-Explicit	Certain service messages requiring specific consent	Explicit consent	Restricted
Promotional	Offers, discounts, launches and campaigns	Explicit opt-in	9 AM–9 PM

The exact category matters because it can affect consent, sending time, sender ID and other requirements.

8 examples of better business SMS

Before getting into the 76 templates, let’s look at a few common mistakes.

1. Appointment reminder

Too long:

Hi there! Just wanted to remind you that you have an appointment coming up tomorrow at 3 PM. Please let us know if you need to reschedule!

Better:

Shreya Dental: Appointment tomorrow at 3 PM. Reply C to confirm or R to reschedule.

The second version tells the customer what they need to know without unnecessary words.

2. Promotional offer

Too vague:

Big savings are happening right now! Come check out our amazing deals before they’re gone.

Better:

Kanha Retail: Flat 30% off winterwear till Sunday. Shop: [Link]. Reply STOP to opt out.

The customer immediately knows the offer, product category and deadline.

3. Multiple calls to action

Don’t ask customers to shop, follow you on Instagram and join your loyalty programme in the same SMS.

Give them one clear action.

4. Payment reminder

Too apologetic:

We’re really sorry to bother you, but we noticed that your invoice might be slightly overdue…

Better:

Meridian: Invoice 4021 for Rs 4,800 is overdue. Pay here: [Link] or reply to discuss a payment plan.

5. Too many emojis

Emojis can change the message encoding and reduce the number of characters available.

If an emoji doesn’t add anything useful, leave it out.

6. Feedback request

Instead of:

We would really value your feedback about your recent experience…

Try:

How was your visit to Shreya Dental today? Reply 1 (poor) to 5 (great).

7. Shipping update

Don’t tell customers to check another channel for basic delivery information if you can include it directly.

Kanha Retail: Order 8814 shipped and arriving Thursday. Track: [Link]

8. Mixing a service message with a promotion

Instead of:

Your order has been delivered. Get 20% off your next order!

Separate the service update and promotional offer into the appropriate messages.

76 SMS templates for businesses for Indian Businesses

Below are 76 business SMS templates covering common customer communication needs.

Replace the words inside [brackets] with your information and make sure the final message matches your approved DLT template.

1. Welcome and opt-in SMS templates

1. Subscription confirmation

Use this when a customer subscribes to your SMS updates.

[Brand]: You’re subscribed. You’ll receive [message type] about [frequency]. Reply STOP to opt out.

2. Welcome with an offer

Welcome to [Brand], [Name]. Get [offer] on your first order: [Link]. Reply STOP to opt out.

3. Missed-call or keyword confirmation

Thanks for contacting [Brand]. We’ll send you [message type]. Details: [Link].

4. Communication preference

Welcome to [Brand]. Reply OFFERS, ORDERS or BOTH to choose your updates. Reply STOP to opt out.

5. Simple welcome message

Thanks for subscribing to [Brand]. We’ll only text you when it matters. Reply STOP to opt out.

6. Consent confirmation

[Brand]: Reply YES to confirm you’d like to receive updates from us. Reply STOP to cancel.

2. Promotional SMS templates

Use promotional SMS to share offers, discounts, launches and other marketing messages. Make sure you have the required consent and follow the applicable DLT rules.

7. Percentage discount

[Brand]: Get [X]% off [category] with code [CODE]. Offer ends [date]. Shop: [Link]. Reply STOP to opt out.

8. Flat discount

Save Rs [amount] on your next [Brand] order. Offer ends [date]: [Link]. Reply STOP to opt out.

9. Flash sale

[Brand] flash sale: Get [offer] for the next [X] hours. Shop: [Link]. Reply STOP to opt out.

10. Free delivery

Get free delivery from [Brand] today. No code needed: [Link]. Reply STOP to opt out.

11. Bundle offer

Buy [item] and get [bonus] free at [Brand]. Offer ends [date]: [Link]. Reply STOP to opt out.

12. Festive offer

[Brand] [Festival] offer: Get [X]% off [category] till [date]. Shop: [Link]. Reply STOP to opt out.

13. Last-chance offer

Last call: [Offer] at [Brand] ends [time] tonight. Shop: [Link]. Reply STOP to opt out.

3. Cart recovery SMS templates

A customer may add products to their cart and leave without completing the purchase. These messages can remind them about the unfinished order.

14. Simple cart reminder

Still deciding? Your [Brand] cart is saved: [Link]. Reply STOP to opt out.

15. Offer help

Having trouble checking out? Reply to this message and we’ll help. Your [Brand] cart: [Link].

16. Cart discount

Complete your [Brand] order and get [offer]. Valid till [date]: [Link]. Reply STOP to opt out.

17. Low-stock reminder

[Product] in your cart is almost sold out at [Brand]. Complete your order: [Link]. Reply STOP to opt out.

18. COD reminder

Cash on delivery is available for your [Brand] cart. Complete your order: [Link]. Reply STOP to opt out.

4. Product and restock SMS templates

19. Back in stock

[Product] is back in stock at [Brand]. Get it here: [Link]. Reply STOP to opt out.

20. Low-stock alert

Almost gone: [Product] is running low at [Brand]. Shop now: [Link]. Reply STOP to opt out.

21. Waitlist notification

You asked us to notify you. [Product] is now available at [Brand]: [Link]. Reply STOP to opt out.

22. Price drop

Price drop: [Product] is now Rs [new price], down from Rs [old price]. Shop: [Link].

23. New product launch

It’s live. [Product] has launched at [Brand]. See it here: [Link]. Reply STOP to opt out.

5. Order, shipping and delivery SMS templates

These messages keep customers informed after they place an order.

24. Order confirmation

[Brand]: Your order #[number] has been confirmed. We’ll notify you when it ships. Details: [Link].

25. Order shipped

[Brand]: Your order #[number] has shipped and is arriving [date]. Track: [Link].

26. Out for delivery

[Brand]: Your order is out for delivery today. Keep Rs [amount] ready for COD. Track: [Link].

27. Order delivered

[Brand]: Your order #[number] has been delivered. Need help? Just reply.

28. Delivery delay

Hi [Name], your [Brand] order #[number] is delayed. New delivery date: [date]. Details: [Link].

29. Failed delivery

[Brand]: Delivery for order #[number] could not be completed. New attempt: [date]. Reschedule: [Link].

6. Appointment and booking SMS templates

Appointment reminders can help businesses reduce missed appointments.

30. Booking confirmation

Your [service] at [Business] is booked for [date] at [time]. Change it here: [Link] or call [phone].

31. 48-hour reminder

[Business]: Your [service] is on [date] at [time]. Need to change it? [Link] or reply CHANGE.

32. 24-hour reminder

Hi [Name], your appointment at [Business] is tomorrow at [time]. Reply YES to confirm or NO to reschedule.

33. Same-day reminder

[Business]: Your appointment is today at [time]. Questions? Just reply to this message.

34. Arrival instructions

[Business]: See you at [time]. We’re near [landmark]. Parking: [detail]. Directions: [Link].

35. Table or queue ready

[Restaurant]: Your table is ready, [Name]. Please come to the counter.

36. Rebooking reminder

Hi [Name], it’s been a while. [Business] has appointments available this week. Reply BOOK or visit [Link].

7. Payment and billing SMS templates

Payment messages should be clear and professional. Avoid making the customer feel uncomfortable or pressured unnecessarily.

37. Upcoming payment

Hi [Name], invoice #[number] for Rs [amount] from [Business] is due on [date]. Pay: [Link].

38. Payment due today

[Business]: Invoice #[number] for Rs [amount] is due today. Pay here: [Link]. Need help? Reply.

39. Overdue payment

Hi [Name], invoice #[number] for Rs [amount] from [Business] is overdue. Pay: [Link] or reply for help.

40. Payment plan

[Name], [Business] can arrange instalments for invoice #[number]. Reply PLAN and we’ll help you.

41. Subscription renewal

[Business]: Your plan renews on [date] for Rs [amount]. Manage your plan: [Link].

42. Payment received

[Business]: We received your payment of Rs [amount]. View your receipt: [Link]. Thank you.

43. Failed payment

[Business]: Your Rs [amount] payment didn’t go through. Try again here: [Link] to avoid interruption.

44. EMI reminder

[Business]: Your EMI of Rs [amount] for [product] is due on [date]. Pay here: [Link].

8. Customer support SMS templates

45. Support ticket received

[Brand]: We received your message. Your ticket number is [number]. We’ll reply within [time].

46. Support update

Hi [Name], we’re still working on your [Brand] request. We’ll update you by [time].

47. Information needed

[Brand]: We need [detail] to continue with your request. Reply whenever you’re ready.

48. Escalation message

[Brand]: Your request has been sent to our [team]. Someone will contact you within [time].

49. Issue resolved

[Brand]: Your issue has been resolved. If you need anything else, just reply.

50. Missed call follow-up

[Brand]: Sorry we missed your call. We’ll call you back by [time], or you can reply here.

9. Feedback and review SMS templates

51. Quick satisfaction survey

How was your visit to [Business] today? Reply 1 (poor) to 5 (great).

52. NPS survey

[Brand]: How likely are you to recommend us from 0–10? Reply with a number.

53. Review request

Hope you’re happy with your [product], [Name]. We’d appreciate a quick review: [Link].

54. Survey invitation

[Brand]: Take our 2-minute survey and enter the draw for [prize]: [Link]. Reply STOP to opt out.

55. Poor feedback follow-up

Hi [Name], we’re sorry your experience at [Business] wasn’t great. Can we fix it? Reply here and I’ll help.

10. Loyalty and repeat-purchase SMS templates

56. Points expiring

[Name], your [X] points at [Brand] expire on [date]. Redeem them here: [Link]. Reply STOP to opt out.

57. Early access

Early access is now open, [Name]. Shop [sale] before everyone else: [Link]. Reply STOP to opt out.

58. Loyalty tier upgrade

You’ve reached [tier] at [Brand]. See your new benefits: [Link]. Reply STOP to opt out.

59. Reorder reminder

Running low on [product]? Reorder from [Brand]: [Link]. Reply STOP to opt out.

60. Birthday offer

Happy birthday, [Name]! Here’s [offer] from [Brand], valid till [date]: [Link]. Reply STOP to opt out.

61. Referral offer

[Name], refer a friend to [Brand] and you both get [offer]: [Link]. Reply STOP to opt out.

11. Win-back SMS templates

These messages can be used to reconnect with customers who haven’t purchased or interacted with your business for some time.

62. Simple win-back message

Still want updates from [Brand]? See what’s new: [Link]. Reply STOP to opt out.

63. Win-back offer

It’s been a while. Come back to [Brand] and get [offer]: [Link]. Reply STOP to opt out.

64. Update communication preferences

Want fewer messages from [Brand]? Update your preferences here: [Link]. Reply STOP to opt out.

65. Final message

[Brand]: We’ll stop sending updates unless you’d like to continue. Reply YES to stay on the list.

12. Education and admission SMS templates

These can be useful for schools, colleges, coaching institutes and education businesses.

66. Enquiry confirmation

[Institute]: Thanks for your interest in [course]. Our counsellor will call you by [time]. Details: [Link].

67. Admission deadline

[Institute]: Applications for [course] close on [date]. Apply here: [Link]. Reply STOP to opt out.

68. Fee reminder

[Institute]: Fee of Rs [amount] for [student] is due on [date]. Pay here: [Link].

69. Class or exam reminder

[Institute]: Your [class/exam] is on [date] at [time], [location]. Bring [requirement].

70. Demo class invitation

[Institute]: Join our free [course] demo on [date] at [time]. Register: [Link]. Reply STOP to opt out.

13. Healthcare and diagnostic SMS templates

Keep healthcare SMS simple and avoid sharing sensitive clinical information unnecessarily.

71. Reports ready

[Lab]: Your reports are ready. Download them here: [Link] or collect them from [location].

72. Prescription ready

[Pharmacy]: Your prescription is ready for pickup at [location] till [time]. Call [phone] for help.

73. Health check-up reminder

[Clinic]: It’s time for your [check-up]. Book an appointment: [Link] or call [phone].

14. OTP and account SMS templates

These messages should be short and should not contain promotional content.

74. OTP

[Brand] OTP: [CODE]. This code is valid for 10 minutes. Never share it with anyone.

75. Login alert

[Brand]: A new sign-in was detected from [device/location]. If this wasn’t you, secure your account: [Link].

15. Employee and staff SMS templates

76. Shift confirmation

Hi [Name], your shift at [Business] is on [date], from [start] to [end] at [location]. Reply YES to confirm.

What should a good business SMS look like?

Customers don’t read SMS like a blog post.

They usually glance at a message and want to understand it immediately.

A simple business SMS should answer four questions:

Who is sending this?

Why did I receive it?

What do I need to know?

What should I do next?

For example:

Shreya Dental: Your appointment is tomorrow at 3 PM. Reply C to confirm or R to reschedule.

The message is short, but it gives the customer everything they need.

A simple SMS formula

Brand + reason + important information + action

For example:

[Brand]: Your appointment is tomorrow at [Time]. Reply YES to confirm.

This is usually better than starting with a long greeting or unnecessary explanation.

When should you send a business SMS?

There isn’t one perfect time for every type of SMS.

The right time depends on what you’re sending.

Message	Suggested timing
Promotional SMS	10 AM–12 PM or 5 PM–8 PM
Flash sale	Morning + one reminder before the offer ends
Cart recovery	1 hour, 6 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours after abandonment
Appointment reminder	48 hours and 24 hours before appointment
Order update	When the order status changes
Payment reminder	Around 9–11 AM on working days
Feedback request	Soon after the customer interaction
Win-back	Mid-morning, preferably during the week
OTP	Immediately

For promotional SMS, the source notes a 9 AM–9 PM sending window.

Always follow the current rules applicable to your message category and DLT setup.

SMS vs WhatsApp: Which one should your business use?

SMS is useful, but it isn’t the best option for every message.

Use the channel based on what you want the customer to do.

If you want to send…	Consider using…
OTP or security code	SMS
Time-sensitive alert	SMS
Order update	SMS or WhatsApp
Delivery update	SMS or WhatsApp
Product catalogue	WhatsApp
Image or visual offer	WhatsApp
Customer conversation	WhatsApp
High-value lead follow-up	Call + SMS
Broad SMS communication	SMS

A simple way to think about it is:

SMS is great when the message needs to reach the customer quickly and simply.

WhatsApp is better when the customer needs to see images, browse products or have a conversation.

A call is better when the customer needs personal assistance or when the lead has high value.

How to improve your SMS templates

Creating a template is only the first step. You should also test how customers respond to it.

1. Keep the message focused

Don’t try to explain everything in one SMS.

Give the customer the most important information and one clear next step.

2. Test different CTAs

For example:

Reply YES to confirm.

versus:

Reply C to confirm.

versus:

Confirm here: [Link]

Different audiences may respond differently.

3. Test one change at a time

If you change the message, offer and sending time at the same time, you won’t know which change affected the results.

4. Track the right metrics

Monitor:

• Delivery rate
• DND block rate
• Click-through rate
• Reply rate
• Conversion rate
• Opt-out rate

These numbers help you understand whether your SMS is actually doing its job.

Best practices for writing business SMS

Before sending an SMS, check these simple points:

• Keep the message short.
• Tell customers who the message is from.
• Explain why they received it.
• Put the most important information first.
• Give one clear action.
• Avoid unnecessary greetings and filler words.
• Don’t use too many emojis.
• Keep regional-language character limits in mind.
• Use approved templates.
• Don’t mix promotional content into service messages.
• Use clear and recognisable links.
• Make sure your variables contain the information you actually need.
• Follow the applicable DLT and consent requirements.

Final thoughts

A good business SMS doesn’t need to be complicated.

The best messages are usually short, clear and useful. Tell the customer who you are, why you’re contacting them, what they need to know, and what they should do next.

But when you’re sending SMS in India, good copy is only one part of the process. Your business also needs to follow the applicable DLT, template and consent requirements.

Use the 76 templates in this guide as starting points, adapt them to your business, and make sure the final versions match your approved templates before sending them.

When SMS is the right channel, keep it simple. When the customer needs a conversation or visual information, consider WhatsApp or a call instead.