Do I need Reply STOP to opt out in every text?

It is expected in the first message and should appear regularly. Many senders include it in every marketing text to be safe.

How long should an event text be?

Aim for 160 characters or less. Longer messages are split into multiple segments, each billed separately.

Yes, sparingly. Emoji switch a message to a different encoding that allows fewer characters per segment, which can raise the cost.

Can I use a public link shortener?

It is better not to. Carriers often filter public shorteners. Use your own domain or a branded short link.

Guide

SMS message examples for events

By Encore Text Team · October 12, 2026

Good event texts are short, specific and clearly from you. Below are examples for each stage of an event, from the first announcement to the thank-you afterwards. Each one starts with a brand name and ends with opt-out language, which carriers and regulators expect. Replace the example brand, dates and links with your own. Keep links on your own domain or a branded link rather than a public link shortener.

A few rules for every message

Start with your brand name so recipients know who is texting.
Make one point per message and include at most one link.
Include Reply STOP to opt out, at least in the first message and periodically after.
Stay within the frequency you promised at sign-up.
Send within daytime hours in the recipient's local time.
Keep to 160 characters where you can; longer messages split into more segments and cost more.
Avoid all caps, excessive punctuation and emoji-heavy copy that reads like spam.

Welcome and confirmation

Send right after someone joins so the first text is expected.

Northside Live: You're in! Expect event alerts and presale codes, up to 4 msgs/month. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to opt out.

Announcement

Lead with the news and the date. Save details for the link.

Northside Live: Just announced: DJ Halcyon, Sat Nov 14 at The Foundry. List members get presale first. Details: nsl.example/halcyon Reply STOP to opt out.

Presale code

Give the code, the start time and the time zone.

Northside Live: Your presale code is FOUNDRY14. Opens tomorrow 10 AM ET: nsl.example/tix Reply STOP to opt out.

Northside Live: Presale is live now with code FOUNDRY14. Tier 1 tickets are limited: nsl.example/tix Reply STOP to opt out.

Tier change and last call

Use urgency only when it is true. Exclude people who already bought.

Northside Live: Tier 1 for Halcyon ends tonight at 11:59 PM ET. After that prices go up: nsl.example/tix Reply STOP to opt out.

Show-day logistics

Send to ticket holders who opted in. Practical details reduce questions at the door.

Northside Live: Tonight! Doors 9 PM, Halcyon on at 11:30. ID required, 21+. Bag policy: nsl.example/entry Reply STOP to opt out.

Northside Live: Heads up, doors are delayed 30 min tonight to 9:30 PM. Thanks for your patience. Reply STOP to opt out.

Guest list and tables

Northside Live: Guest list for Friday closes at 6 PM. Add your name: nsl.example/gl Reply STOP to opt out.

Northside Live: 3 tables left for Saturday. Book here (21+): nsl.example/tables Reply STOP to opt out.

Picture message (MMS)

Attach the flyer and keep the text short. MMS costs more than a single SMS segment, so use it for big announcements.

[Flyer image] Northside Live: The fall lineup is here. Presale for list members Thursday 10 AM ET. Reply STOP to opt out.

After the show

Northside Live: Thanks for coming out to Halcyon! Photos are up: nsl.example/photos Next show: Dec 5. Reply STOP to opt out.

Keyword replies

If you run a keyword, the automatic replies should be just as clear.

Northside Live: Thanks for texting VIP! You'll get event alerts, up to 4 msgs/month. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to opt out.

Northside Live: For help, email hello@northside.example. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out.

Northside Live: You're unsubscribed and won't receive more messages. Reply START to rejoin.

Canada and French versions

For Canadian recipients, include a way to identify the sender, such as a link to your sender information page, and accept French opt-outs. For Quebec, prepare a French version.

Northside Live : Prévente demain 10 h HE avec le code FOUNDRY14 : nsl.example/tix Infos expéditeur : nsl.example/id Répondez ARRET pour vous désabonner.

Personalization

Merge fields such as a first name or city can lift engagement, but always set a fallback so a missing name does not produce an awkward message. Test the message on your own phone before sending to the full list.

In Encore Text, the cost preview shows segment counts as you write, so you can trim a message that tips into a second segment before it costs more.

Testing before you send

Before a campaign goes to the full list, send it to yourself and a teammate. Check that the brand name is first, the link opens on a phone, the code works, merge fields filled in correctly and the opt-out line is present. Read it once more as a fan would: does it make sense on its own, without context? Small mistakes are expensive at scale, because every recipient sees them and every segment is billed.

Encore Text shows the recipient count, segment count and total cost before you approve a campaign, and reviews it for brand name and opt-out language.

Planning an on-sale sequence

A typical sequence for a ticketed show is an announcement, a presale code the day before, a presale-live message, a general on-sale reminder and a show-day logistics text. That is five messages over one to three weeks. Spread them out, exclude people who have already bought from the sales reminders, and keep the logistics message for ticket holders only. If some recipients are in states that limit messages on the same subject per day, keep the presale and on-sale texts on different days.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need Reply STOP to opt out in every text?: It is expected in the first message and should appear regularly. Many senders include it in every marketing text to be safe.
How long should an event text be?: Aim for 160 characters or less. Longer messages are split into multiple segments, each billed separately.
Can I use emoji?: Yes, sparingly. Emoji switch a message to a different encoding that allows fewer characters per segment, which can raise the cost.
Can I use a public link shortener?: It is better not to. Carriers often filter public shorteners. Use your own domain or a branded short link.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws and carrier rules change and depend on your situation, so talk to a qualified lawyer about your messaging program.

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