> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.cymbal.co/help/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.cymbal.co/help/text/sms-best-practices/how-to-launch-an-effective-sms-campaign.md).

# How to Launch an Effective SMS Campaign

Tips for writing, timing, and designing text campaigns that get fans to act.

Tips for writing, timing, and designing text campaigns that get fans to act.

## Write your message

* **Lead with your brand.** Start the text with your brand name, for example: `[BRAND]: Tickets are LIVE!`
* **Use one clear link.** Include a single branded, trackable URL, such as one from your [custom link shortener](https://docs.cymbal.co/help/setting-up-cymbal/domain-setup-dns/custom-link-shortener).
* **Link to one of your pages.** When you pick a page from the link picker in the text builder, Cymbal adds the page's real web address to your message (on your custom domain, if you have one). You see exactly the link fans will get, and it counts toward your message length.
* **Personalize it.** Including the recipient's first name increases click-through rate by 19%. Type `/` in the text box to add dynamic data like first name.

## Send at the right time

Event-related texts perform differently than standard retail texts.

* **Lunch break (12:00 PM – 1:30 PM):** high engagement for entertainment and nightlife.
* **Post-commute (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM):** another solid time to send.
* **Avoid Monday mornings.** Engagement is low.

## Get creative

SMS limits the type of content you can include, but there are still creative ways to engage your audience. For example, use a GIF to create video-like content in the message, or add a link at the bottom to generate a clean image preview.

## Related

* [Why Include your Sender ID](https://docs.cymbal.co/help/text/sms-best-practices/why-include-your-sender-id)
* [Why Include "Reply STOP to opt-out"](https://docs.cymbal.co/help/text/sms-best-practices/why-include-reply-stop-to-opt-out)
* [Custom Link Shortener](https://docs.cymbal.co/help/setting-up-cymbal/domain-setup-dns/custom-link-shortener)
* [Carrier rate limiting on Text campaigns](https://docs.cymbal.co/help/text/text-settings/carrier-rate-limiting-on-text-campaigns)