How to Write Text Messages That Get Results

You hit send, feeling confident—this was the one. The text was friendly, packed with value, maybe even had a cute emoji or two. But then... crickets. No replies, no clicks, no sales. Just silence echoing in your inbox.

Before you assume texting doesn’t work, let’s pause for a second. Because the truth is—it does work, but perhaps you haven't been taught to use it the right way.

Most direct sellers fall into one of three traps:

1. They haven't put thought into what makes a good text message.
2. They overwhelm their audience without realizing it.
3. They give up after poor engagement, thinking texting is a lost cause.

When Simple Wins: Why a Clear Message Gets Read

The most common mistake consultants make is trying to fit everything into one message. “Shop now! RSVP here! Check out this new product! Oh, and don’t forget the sale ends Friday!”

The problem? A confused mind says no.

Texting isn’t about information overload—it’s about creating a clear, doable next step. Each message should have one focus and one call to action. When your audience knows exactly what to do next, they’re far more likely to do it.

Start asking yourself, What’s the one thing I want them to do right now? Then build your message around that. Clarity builds confidence—and confidence brings action.

Keep It Short: Why Less Really Is More

Let’s be honest—if your customer has to scroll to read your text, they probably won’t. My daughters love to remind me: “Only old people and businesses send texts that you have to scroll to read!” Ugh! That hurts!

But in truth, long messages feel heavy. Short ones feel easy.

I have a consultant who messages me every couple of months using every single character she can cram into a text and guess what? I don't read it. Never. Not once.

The sweet spot? Two or three sentences. A quick greeting, a simple message, and one clear next step. Think of your texts as quick check-ins, not newsletters. You’re waving hello, not writing a novel.

If you struggle to keep things brief, imagine saying it out loud. Would you really say all that in one breath? If not, trim it down.

Connection Over Perfection: Be Human, Not a Billboard

Texting is meant to feel personal—not polished. Yet so many consultants sound like walking advertisements.

Here’s the shift: Remember there's a human on the other end of that phone. Talk to people, not at them.

Your customers don’t want perfectly branded language. They want you. Use their name. Use your name. Talk like you would in real life. A simple “Hey Sarah! It’s Ja from Leading Socially—just wanted to make sure you saw this week’s deal! Want me to drop you the link so you can take a peek?” feels friendly and real.

Because people buy from people, not promotions.

The Power of One Clear Call to Action

Think of your call to action (CTA) as the bridge between conversation and conversion. It’s the gentle nudge that turns curiosity into movement. But when you stack multiple CTAs in one message, that bridge collapses.

Your audience doesn’t need a dozen directions. They need one clear, easy choice.

Instead of “Shop now, RSVP here, and follow me on Facebook,” try “Want me to drop you the link?” It’s natural, conversational, and simple to answer.

Good texting isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about inviting better.

Texting Isn’t a Promotion—It’s a Conversation

Texting isn’t another version of social media or email. It’s a relationship tool. When done right, it builds trust faster than any platform because it happens in a space your customer already checks daily—their phone.

So stop thinking of your texts as promotions and start seeing them as personal connections. Ask questions. Say thank you. Check in. Celebrate wins. When you focus on connection first, the sales naturally follow.

How to Put This Into Action

1. Choose one purpose per message. Clarity drives action.
2. Keep it under three sentences. You’ll double your read rate.
3. Add your name. It’s polite, it builds trust (and it’s part of text marketing regulations).
4. Make it sound like you. Talk like a friend, not a flyer.
5. End with a question. That’s how conversations (and relationships) grow.

Small changes like these are what turn texting from a chore into a powerful business tool.