SharaSMS
← Back to home

7 SMS Templates Every Kenyan Small Business Can Use

SMS is still the most reliable way to reach customers in Kenya. It works on every phone, needs no data and is read within minutes. These seven templates cover the messages most small businesses send. Each one is under 160 characters, so it costs one unit per recipient.

Replace the words in [brackets] with your own details.

1. Order confirmation

Hi [Name], we have received your order #[Number]. We will SMS you when it is on the way. Thank you for shopping with [Business].

2. Delivery update

Hi [Name], your order #[Number] is out for delivery and will arrive today before [Time]. Questions? Call [Phone].

3. Appointment reminder

Reminder: your appointment at [Business] is on [Day] at [Time]. Please arrive 10 minutes early. Call [Phone] to reschedule.

4. Payment reminder

Hi [Name], a friendly reminder that your balance of KES [Amount] is due on [Date]. Thank you for being a valued customer.

5. Special offer

[Business]: Get [Discount]% off [Product] this weekend only, until Sunday. Show this SMS at the counter. To stop offers, call [Phone].

6. Event or meeting notice

Dear member, our [Meeting] will be held on [Date] at [Time] at [Venue]. Your attendance is important. [Organisation]

7. Thank-you and feedback

Thank you for visiting [Business], [Name]! How was your experience? Reply with a number from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent).

Template 7 asks for a reply, so it needs a shortcode. Sender IDs cannot receive replies.

Tips for better results

  • Use the customer's name. Personal messages get more attention than generic ones.
  • Send at sensible times. Mid-morning and early evening work well. Avoid late nights.
  • Make the action obvious. Tell people exactly what to do next: call, visit, reply or pay.
  • Respect opt-outs. Add people who ask to stop to your blacklist so they are never messaged again.
  • Send from your own sender ID. Customers trust messages from a name they recognise. See how to register one.

Ready to try these? Create a Shara SMS account and send your first campaign today.