
August 2, 2021
12 SMS Templates for Your Back-to-School Marketing Campaign
It is that time of the year again - summer is coming to an end and students are already prepping up for the next school year... As the world is slowly getting back to normal, retailers need to help shoppers make a smooth transition: only this time from virtual learning into real-life classrooms.
2021 brings Back-to-School shopping to record levels
According to the NRF, consumers plan to spend record amounts for both school and college supplies. Parents with children in elementary, middle, or high school plan to spend an average of $848.90 compared to $789.49 last year. The expenses for a college student are expected to reach $1200.32 per family, again - breaking the record of $1,059.20 from 2020.
Overall, in 2021 Back-to-School spending is expected to reach $108.1 billion - an all-time high. It is not a surprise that the top product categories by spending this year will be: clothing and accessories, electronics or computer-related equipment, various school supplies, and shoes.
And while big-box retailers are betting on new brands to drive back-to-school sales, your online store will profit immensely from having a simple, yet powerful, text marketing strategy.
SMS Cheat Sheet
Sharpen your pencils, here are our 3 expert tips that will help you score an A+ with your Back-to-School SMS campaigns:
Schedule Smartly
Start NOW. Most families will use the second half of August to start looking for valuable offers. Extend your sales until the first weekend after the start of the school year, to make sure you benefit from procrastinating parents and their last minute-purchases. For best results send your first SMS now with a follow-up text message including a small incentive in the beginning of September.
Sell Smartly
Make your offer appealing. Now, more than ever, people are focused on saving money and are actively searching for discounts. Offer special promotions such as BOGO, free shipping, and extended return. Complementary items or exclusive Back-to-School bundles at marked prices will also help attract new customers and boost the AOV of your store.
Text Smartly
Use the good ol’ F.O.M.O. Remind shoppers the first school day is right around the (physical or virtual) corner, explicitly mention that your offers are time-sensitive and quantities are limited. Get personal in the copy of your text message, make your subscribers feel closer to your brand and products. Use some student lingo and try to add a pinch of humor, whenever possible.
And now it is time to present our list of 12 actionable SMS templates for A-graders: whether your products belong to the most purchased categories around this time of the year, or not - it is important to think outside the box and make an offer your customers can’t (and won’t) refuse.
Universal
SMS Template 1:
{FirstName}, we at {SiteName} did Your homework and prepared great school offers for the whole family. Enjoy A-grade discounts in the next 48h at: {SiteUrl}
SMS Template 2:
{SiteName}: Hey {FirstName}, make sure you check every item off your Back-to-School list before the first bell! All products now at {DiscountValue} off: {SiteUrl}
SMS Template 1:
{SiteName}: Hey {FirstName}, enjoy a {DiscountValue} discount and stock up on all the necessities for the upcoming school year! Valid until September 10! {DiscountCodeUrl}
SMS Template 2:
Sharpen your pencils and pay attention, class! Get ready for school with a {DiscountValue} sitewide discount at {SiteName}, valid while stocks last! {SiteUrl}
Clothing & Accessories
SMS Template 1:
{SiteName}: {FirstName}, time to suit up and get an A+ in style with our Buy One Get One promo - now available for all shirts and jackets: {SiteUrl}
SMS Template 2:
{SiteName}: They say you can never be overdressed or overeducated - but we can try! {FirstName}, enjoy {DiscountValue} OFF our brand new fall collection at: {SiteUrl}
School Supplies
SMS Template 1:
{SiteName}: {FirstName}, they say that 1+1=2. Well, not with us! Check out our Back-to-School bundles with free shipping until Sept 10! Grab one at: {SiteUrl}
SMS Template 2:
{SiteName}: Hey {FirstName}, it's Back-to-School time! Prep your family for excellence with the help of our wide selection of school supplies: {SiteUrl}
Electronics
SMS Template 1:
{SiteName}: Get ready for the first bell with some brand new earphones, {FirstName}. Now with special discounts and free shipping: {DiscountCodeUrl}
SMS Template 2:
{SiteName}: Work smarter and not harder... {FirstName}, can you imagine how easy that must be with a new laptop! Use code {DiscountCode} for {DiscountValue} OFF at: {DiscountCodeUrl}
Shoes
SMS Template 1:
{FirstName}, can you really be "Too Cool for School"? Let's try it out with our new shoe collection at {SiteName}! Free & contactless shipping! {DiscountCodeUrl}
SMS Template 2:
{SiteName}: Hey {FirstName}! School is coming and the kids might need new cool & comfortable shoes. Limited quantities left at: {SiteUrl}
Class dismissed!
Today's text marketing class might be over, but the real school year hasn't even started yet. Time to pack up your summer bags and head back to your store for your Back-to-school sale. Use our SMS templates for inspiration and start prepping your next text marketing campaign.
If you want to earn extra credits with your next SMS marketing campaign, check out our brand new A+ texts gallery - where you will find powerful text messages from industry leading eCommerce brands.

Mariya Arabadzhieva Todorova
Mariya is a Content Creator at SMSBump with strong passion for writing, crime novels and puzzles. Travel & Gaming enthusiast.
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