Most businesses already have a list of customers who said yes to hearing from them: the email list. Those subscribers know you, and many of them would rather hear from you by text. The catch is that email consent doesn't carry over to texting. You have to ask.

The good news is that asking is simple, and a single well-written email can move a meaningful share of your list over. Here's how to do it, with three templates you can adapt.

First: why you can't just import the numbers

Even if you have phone numbers for your email subscribers, from orders or bookings, that isn't permission to text them marketing messages. Texting requires its own opt-in, with clear language about what people are signing up for. Sending marketing texts without it is a legal risk and a fast way to get your number filtered by the carriers. Read our SMS compliance guide.

So the goal is simple: get your email subscribers to opt in to texts themselves.

Step 1: set up a web opt-in page

A web opt-in page is a short sign-up form with its own link. Subscribers tap it, enter their number, and agree to your texting terms in one step. It collects proper consent, and you can ask for details like birthday or favorite location at the same time. See Mobiniti's opt-in tools.

Write the welcome text before you launch, so new subscribers hear from you the moment they join.

Step 2: give them a reason to switch

"Join our text list" isn't a reason. A good invitation answers "what's in it for me?" Ideas that work for restaurants, studios and venues:

  • Early access to event tickets, reservations or class sign-ups
  • A welcome offer on their next visit
  • Same-day openings and last-minute specials
  • A birthday reward
  • Reminders they actually want, like class schedules or reservation confirmations

Be specific about how often you'll text, too. "A few texts a month, no spam" lowers the hesitation.

Step 3: send the invitation

Send a dedicated email rather than burying the link in a newsletter, and follow up once or twice for subscribers who didn't respond. Three templates to start from:

Template 1: The VIP invite

Subject: Want first dibs? We'll text you.

Hi [First Name],

We're starting a text list for our regulars, and you're invited. Text subscribers get first access to [events / reservations / new classes] and a welcome offer on your next visit.

Join in seconds: [opt-in link]

We'll text a few times a month, never more. Reply STOP anytime to opt out.

— [Your business]

Template 2: The convenience pitch

Subject: Skip the inbox

Hi [First Name],

Our best openings don't last long enough for email. Join our text list and you'll hear about same-day specials and open spots the moment they happen.

Sign up here: [opt-in link]

— [Your business]

Template 3: The last reminder

Subject: Last call to join our text list

Hi [First Name],

Quick reminder: text subscribers get [the perk] that we don't share anywhere else. It takes ten seconds to join.

[opt-in link]

See you soon,
[Your business]

Step 4: keep both lists growing

  • Add the opt-in link to your email footer, booking confirmations and receipts.
  • Connect your tools. Mobiniti integrates with popular email platforms and CRMs, with thousands more apps through Zapier, so new contacts and opt-ins stay in sync.
  • Promote it in person. A keyword or QR code at the front desk catches the customers who aren't on your email list at all.

Step 5: deliver on the promise

The first few texts decide whether new subscribers stay. Send the welcome offer you promised, keep to the frequency you said, and make every message worth opening. That's what turns a converted email subscriber into a text subscriber for good.

Ready to start? Book a demo and we'll help you set up your opt-in page and first campaign.