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From zero to send: Your first 6 SMS campaigns

SMS drives serious results but most promoters aren’t using it. Use this lack of competition to your advantage with these 6 simple campaigns you can run today.

Published on

Apr 16, 2025

Written by

Kait Huziak

16x higher clickthrough rates. 488% more revenue. 31x ROI.

Compared to email, SMS is outperforming across the board. These numbers come straight from recent industry stats focused on the live events space.

And yet, SMS is still one of the most underused channels in event marketing. That’s a huge opportunity for early adopters. Since texts don’t get buried like emails do, your messages are more likely to get seen—and acted on.

Of course, diving into something new can feel a bit overwhelming. So we’re keeping it simple: in this article, we’ll break down what you need to get started, share quick tips for success, and walk you through six SMS campaigns you can run today.

 

What you need to start sending SMS campaigns

Before you jump into sending your first message, there are a few housekeeping items to check off your list. Here are the basics to make sure you’re ready to go:

  • Get set up for SMS: Verify your business and secure an SMS phone number (you’ll need this before anything goes out).
  • Build your SMS list: Fans have to opt in to receive texts even if they’ve already signed up for your emails.
  • Stay compliant: There are a few rules around opt-ins and messaging that you’ll need to follow to stay in the clear.
💡 Pro tip: Already feeling overwhelmed? Don’t stress! This SMS guide covers everything you need to know about compliance and growing your list the right way.

 

 

6 campaigns to launch your SMS strategy

Once you're set up, it's time to hit send. These are six simple, persuasive campaigns to help you kick things off. Best of all, there are no complicated workflows or fancy automation required so you can get real results, fast.


1. Promote your SMS list (via email)

So, this technically isn’t an SMS campaign, but it’s a crucial first step. Before you can send great texts, you need people to send them to. And the easiest place to start is your email list. These fans already know and trust your brand, which makes them prime candidates for SMS. Send a quick email with a signup form link to let fans know you’ve launched texts and why it’s worth signing up. Exclusive presales, early announcements, and VIP perks are great incentives to drive opt-ins.

email newsletter

  • When to send it: Right after your SMS setup is complete.
  • Why it works: Fans already engaged with your brand are the most likely to opt in. A clear CTA and incentive (like early access or exclusive perks) can grow your list quickly.
2. Event announcements

When a new event is announced, your SMS list should be the first to know. Announcement texts are short and exciting. They’re just enough to tease the artist, venue, and date while giving fans something to act on. Whether you’re inviting them to sign up for a presale or letting them know when the general on-sale begins, the goal is to build hype and drive early interest. Texts tend to get opened within seconds, making them perfect for creating momentum before the broader announcement drops.