Everyone likes to win something. From lottery tickets to office pools, the thrill of possibly scoring a prize never gets old. And text messages? They’ve become the go-to way to communicate. They’re quick, direct, and practically impossible to ignore.
Put the 2 together, and you’ve got text-to-win promotions. There are no apps to download or clunky forms to fill out—just a quick text message and the chance to score a prize. It’s an easy way to grab attention, grow your list, and see real results, without adding more work to your day.
Now that you know why it works, let’s talk about how to make it work for you. In this article, you’ll learn all the basics, plus tips to help you run a successful campaign.
What does text-to-win mean?
Text-to-win is an SMS marketing tactic where customers enter a giveaway by texting a keyword to your number (like JACKPOT to 12345). It instantly opts them into your SMS list while giving them a shot at winning your prize.
You can promote the giveaway through various marketing channels:
- Online ads
- Social media
- Email footers
- Website banners
- In-store signage
- Product packaging
- Event flyers
- Direct mail
- Receipts
You can also collaborate with influencers to spread the word. When they share your keyword with their target audience, it helps you reach more potential customers and adds social proof to your promotion.
Already have people on your SMS list? Send them a heads-up about the giveaway, and let them jump in. Say something like, “One lucky winner will score a $500 shopping spree—just text WIN to enter!” It’s a fun way to keep the relationship going and make your texts feel like something worth checking out.
Benefits of a text-to-win contest
Giving something away is fun, but with a text-to-win campaign, you also create real chances to grow your brand. Here’s what makes the effort worth it.
- Get more subscribers: People are way more likely to sign up for your SMS marketing list if it feels fast, fun, and worth it, like entering to win a prize in seconds.
- Attract new customers: A giveaway gives people a reason to check you out. They might come for the prize, but they’ll stay when they like what they see, and maybe even buy something.
- Strengthen brand loyalty: People stay on your list when they feel appreciated. Letting them in on the contest first or giving bonus entries goes a long way.
The cool thing is that these results don’t stop with one campaign. They build on each other, creating a steady flow of growth and engagement.
Text-to-win campaign setup made simple
You’ve got the idea. Now, it’s time to make it happen. These steps will walk you through setting up a text-to-win contest from start to finish.
Step #1: Define your SMS marketing goal
Before you set anything up, define your marketing goals for this campaign. Are you looking to pump up your subscriber list with new contacts? Or maybe you want to build some serious buzz around a new product launch? Whatever the goal, it’ll help guide the rest of your decisions.
Step #2: Decide which campaign format to use
Next, you’ll need to pick your campaign format. You have several options to consider:
- Instant-win contest: People text in and find out instantly if they’ve won. It’s an excellent fit for high-energy moments like product launch days.
- Scheduled SMS sweepstakes: Set a specific date to pick a winner. You get more time to promote the contest across all your channels and build hype around your brand.
- Recurring prize drawings: Host weekly or monthly drawings. Every text blast could announce new winners, giving people regular reasons to stay subscribed.
- Rolling entry contests: You pick winners throughout your campaign, while entries add up. This format helps keep interest high during longer promotions.
Step #3: Choose something worth winning
Your prize is what draws people in, so it better be good. Don’t just toss in a random freebie. Consider what your customer base would get excited about, and make sure it feels special and tied to your brand.
For an instant-win contest, you could go with something small, like a popular product under $100. But for scheduled contests, offering something worth the wait is important, such as a limited-edition item, a VIP experience, or a big shopping spree.
Step #4: Create your keyword and short code
Keep it simple. Your keyword should be short, memorable, and relevant to your campaign. Something like WIN, SUMMER, or BONUS could work well. The easier it is to text correctly, the more entries you’ll get.
Most SMS marketing platforms let you choose a 5-6-digit short code, but if that’s not in the budget, you can use a regular 10-digit phone number instead. That said, a simpler code is worth the expense because it’s quick to type and can handle many messages simultaneously.
Step #5: Set the SMS contest rules and entry details
Every SMS sweepstakes campaign needs clear rules so everyone knows what to expect. You don’t need pages of fine print. Just make sure the basics are covered, such as:
- Entry period (start and end dates)
- Eligibility requirements (Age, zip code, etc.)
- How you’ll notify the winners
- Any limits on entries per person
- Clear opt-in language for compliance
Step 6: Build and promote your text message sweepstakes
Set up your campaign in your text marketing platform. Most tools make it easy with built-in templates and automations. Don’t forget to use SMS automation to respond immediately and confirm each entry.
Then, get the word out. Share your contest using all your preferred marketing methods, such as social media posts, email drip campaigns, and in-store displays. Also, send a quick text to your current SMS subscribers, letting them know how to enter your contest.
Step #7: Select and notify the lucky winners
Pick your winners once your contest ends or at each drawing date if it’s recurring. Use a random selection tool in your SMS platform or export your entries and use a randomizer to keep it fair.
Send a personal text to the winners letting them know they’ve won and share any next steps to claim their prize. After that, announce the winner publicly and plan your next SMS contest.
Key takeaways
- Win big with text: Text-to-win campaigns are a fast, fun way to grow your list and keep current SMS subscribers engaged with your brand.
- Choose a format wisely: The right reward grabs attention, so choose something exciting, on-brand, and worthwhile.
- Make the prize count: Instant wins generate quick buzz, while scheduled or rolling contests promote long-term engagement.
- Promote everywhere: Share your SMS giveaway across all channels, from social media to in-store signage.
- Maintain momentum: Each campaign builds on the last, turning short-term excitement into lasting brand loyalty.