Introducing yourself or your business by text message can be incredibly tricky. You have a limited amount of space in which to craft your message (160 characters, to be precise, which equates to very few words!).
Writing a short yet memorable introduction text while simultaneously laying a strong foundation for a two-way conversation is a skill. This article shares some valuable tips and best practices on how to introduce yourself over text.
What is an introduction text?
An introduction text is the very first text message you send to someone you want to get acquainted with, such as a customer, colleague, supplier, or networking connection.
Introductory texts are also necessary when reaching out to customers after a long time, especially with a specific purpose in mind. For instance, your customers might be used to receiving marketing messages from you every few days or weeks. But when they finally place an order, it gives you the chance to start talking to them in a new context. Thus, crafting proper attractive messages for customers is essential to starting these new conversations.
No matter the recipient, it's essential to prepare your best introduction message, as positive and unforgettable as can be. Doing so helps pave the way for lasting personal and professional relationships and great business opportunities.
According to Gartner, text response rates are as high as 45% compared to email, which lies at a low 6%. So if you want to increase your chances of a response, SMS is one of the best channels via which to introduce yourself.
Related: 28 Important (and Fascinating) Facts About Texting
The basic structure of an introduction text
So what exactly should you include, and what's okay to leave out when you introduce yourself in chat? Here's how to structure your introduction message.
Start with a greeting – just like you would when you introduce yourself in person, say 'Hello'. Or just say 'Hi' to reduce the character count!
Explain who you are – include your name and business. You can do this via a signature at the end or weave it into the content at the beginning of your introductory text messages.
Say what you want – whether you're after referrals, wish to schedule a meeting, or want to help a customer with an enquiry, get straight to the point and explain the reason for your text as succinctly as possible.
Include a call-to-action – tell the recipient what you want them to do (for example, book a slot in your calendar or reply with an answer to your question). Make it easy for them by including a URL to visit or a phone number to call.
Here are a few well-structured introduction text templates. These will give you an idea of what a typical introductory text message should look like.
Hi Sue, nice to meet you at the networking group yesterday. Can we discuss swapping referrals? Here's my calendar: [URL] Tim Watson, Greenfields Accountants.
Hi Tomas, Alison from Marketing Whizz here. We're looking for a freelance copywriter. If available, please phone me on [NUMBER] for details.
Hi Peter, further to your email, I'm pleased to help you upgrade. Before we begin, click here to enter your support PIN for security. [URL] Ali, SmartTechCo.
Introduction message templates: How to introduce yourself in a text
Let's look at some specific scenarios where you might want to send introduction texts. Feel free to tweak these SMS templates to craft attractive messages for customers and employees alike.
SMS marketing
For marketing text messages, your first one should acknowledge that the recipient has subscribed and act as a reminder that they can unsubscribe at any time. You may also want to collect a double opt-in via this introduction SMS.
Here's an example of how to text someone for the first time ever professionally.
Templates:
Hi [Name], thanks for opting in to text marketing from [Business Name]. Please reply Y to confirm. You can unsubscribe at any time by texting STOP to [Shortcode].
Hi [Name], thanks for placing an order with [Company]. Here's your receipt: [URL]. We'll update you when it is on its way to you. Sit tight!
Networking
Sending a follow-up text message to a client or after making a new networking connection helps open the door for new business opportunities. You can also use a text message introduction to invite new subscribers or loyal customers to any special events hosted by your organisation.
Templates:
Hi [Name], great to meet you at [Event] on [Date]. Let's talk about ways to help our respective businesses. Let me know a good time to call. [Your Name], [Business Name].
Hey [Name], [Business Name] is hosting its monthly New Subs gala on [date/time/place] with food, drinks, and special discounts. We'd love to see you there!
Welcoming new customers
Whenever you get a new customer, you can use an introduction text to confirm their purchase. You can then use the same channel to communicate further information and encourage them for the same.
Template:
Welcome to [Company]. We're delighted to have you on board. Here are all your documents: [URL]. If you need assistance at any time, call [Number].
Thanking loyal customers
For customers who have been regulars at your outlet or online store, it's nice to have some sort of rewards system. Many businesses have a loyalty program. If you have one, you can welcome new members via a pleasant opening text message that reflects your aim of providing a non-stop extraordinary customer experience and steers them towards conversion.
Template:
Welcome to [Company]'s loyalty program! As a new member, you're now eligible for a 15% discount on your next purchase. Happy shopping!
Converting sales leads
Whether you're selling a product or service, you can use a data capture form on your website to collect interested leads and follow up with an introduction that helps convert them into customers. It could be in any form, from a straightforward prompt where users enter their phone numbers to 'Subscribe for SMS notifications' to a general enquiry form where a customer submits their question along with their mobile number. The introduction text message you send them should look something like this.
Template:
Hi [Name] thanks for your website enquiry. Please call us on [Number] so we can arrange for you to speak to one of our advisors. [Your Name], [Business Name].
New employee onboarding
Show new employees you value them by circulating an onboarding text with helpful information, e.g. link to the firm's newsletter or the intranet. You can also send out a nice introduction message featuring anyone new who joins the organisation. Here is an example of each.
Templates:
Welcome [Name]! Hope you're settling in well. Browse the intranet for the latest company news and upcoming internal events. [URL]. [Your Name], HR Department.
Hi everyone! Please join me in welcoming [New Employee Name, Job Title] to the [Department] team at [Company]. F2F intros at lunch! [Your Name], HR Department
Tips and tricks for introductory text messaging
There are a few clever techniques to use when crafting your text message to ensure you provide a great introduction.
Use friendly language – even though this qualifies as business texting and you may be expected to have a proper tone, there's no need for an overly formal text message. You don't want it to sound too stuffy. Text communication is generally informal – we mostly text with friends and family, right? So it's perfectly okay to keep the tone conversational.
Personalise your message – address the recipient by name to add impact and familiarity.
Opt-out option – Always include a short prompt at the end of not only your introduction messages but also all other types of marketing texts.
Consider Verified SMS – if you're text messaging existing or prospective customers, use Verified SMS (branded messages) to help you build trust and enhance your content.
Use automation to save time and resources – in the case of SMS marketing, you may be able to automate introductory (welcome) texts so that they're triggered and sent whenever a new contact opts in to receive them.
State your purpose clearly – An important aspect of effective communication is that the receiver should know what the crux of your message is. The same applies to introduction texts. When texting a new client, make sure to include all the necessary details they would like to see in that particular context.
Note: With marketing text messages, recipients must first subscribe and give permission for you to send them. Additionally, you must always provide details of how to opt out of future marketing messages within your message content.
In conclusion...
For a great introduction by text message, include the following elements: a greeting, a clear and concise reason for texting, a call-to-action, and of course, your contact details.
Keep your text introduction friendly and conversational rather than official and formal. Don't forget to personalise your text message with the recipient's name to make a strong impact impression and add familiarity. And, if you're sending SMS marketing welcome messages, consider using a branded sender ID to communicate brand awareness and increase trust.
To get started, use our text message templates to introduce yourself or your business. Why not try Messente's intuitive SMS platform to test your intro message and see how it looks from a recipient's perspective? Sign up for a free Messente account today.
