Text Message Marketing Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Text Message Marketing facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the 'click-through rate' (CTR) in an SMS campaign? → The percentage of message recipients who clicked a link included in the text
2. Which writing technique creates a sense of urgency that encourages immediate action in SMS marketing copy? → Using time-limited language like 'Offer ends tonight' or 'Only 3 hours left'
3. What is a 'keyword' in SMS marketing? → A word users text to opt in or trigger an action
4. How does SMS marketing support omnichannel strategies? → It complements email, social, and apps for broader reach
5. What is the purpose of including a trackable URL shortener in an SMS marketing message? → To save characters, direct subscribers to content, and track click-through rates
6. Which entity oversees enforcement of the TCPA in the United States? → Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
7. Why is SMS considered a highly personal marketing channel? → Messages go to a device people keep close all day
8. What benefit does SMS offer for delivering coupons and promo codes? → Codes are easily accessible on the phone at checkout
9. What does 'subscriber lifetime value' (LTV) represent in SMS marketing? → The total revenue a subscriber generates over their entire time on your SMS list
10. Which SMS platform feature helps manage inbound replies from multiple subscriber conversations in one interface? → Shared inbox or conversation view
11. What is the best day of the week and time to send promotional SMS messages for retail brands in the US? → Tuesday through Thursday between 10 AM and 2 PM local time
12. How does SMS marketing benefit businesses targeting customers without internet access? → It works on any mobile phone, including basic feature phones
13. A brand that texts customers without consent risks penalties under which US law? → TCPA
14. How can SMS marketing benefit customer feedback collection? → By enabling quick reply-based surveys and ratings
15. How can SMS marketing improve customer retention? → By sending timely reminders, offers, and loyalty updates
16. Which type of SMS campaign sends a message to the entire subscriber list at a scheduled time? → Broadcast campaign
17. Which type of language should SMS marketers avoid to prevent messages from being flagged as spam by carriers? → ALL CAPS phrases, excessive punctuation, and misleading claims
18. What is the recommended maximum length for a standard SMS marketing message to avoid character splitting? → 160 characters
19. What is the best way to ensure that every employee gets the information you want to send them at the right time? → Using SMS for your internal communication
20. Which platform feature lets a business send a message at the optimal time automatically? → Scheduling/automation
21. How does SMS marketing benefit cart abandonment recovery? → It sends timely reminders that recover lost sales
22. When including a discount offer in SMS copy, which format is most effective? → Specific numeric value: 'Save 30%' or 'Get $10 off'
23. What is 'response rate' in two-way SMS marketing analytics? → The percentage of message recipients who sent a reply to the message
24. What benefit does SMS provide for flash sales? → Instant delivery drives immediate traffic
25. What is the open rate for SMS marketing? → 98%
26. What is a personalization token in SMS copywriting? → A placeholder variable that inserts subscriber-specific data such as a first name
27. What is a best practice regarding message frequency disclosure? → Tell subscribers the expected message frequency at opt-in
28. What is the purpose of maintaining a 'suppression list' in SMS marketing? → To ensure opted-out numbers are never messaged again
29. What role does the 'value-first' principle play in SMS copywriting? → It ensures the subscriber understands the benefit before being asked to take action
30. What does 'two-way SMS messaging' enable that one-way broadcast messaging does not? → Real-time back-and-forth conversations between the brand and individual subscribers