6 Prompts for SMS Marketing Campaigns

**Introduction **

Did you know that SMS marketing has a 98% open rate? That’s nearly five times higher than email. People check their phones constantly—whether they’re waiting in line, commuting, or scrolling before bed. If you’re not using SMS marketing, you’re missing a huge opportunity to reach customers where they already are.

But here’s the catch: SMS messages are short. Really short. You only have 160 characters to grab attention, spark interest, and drive action. That’s less space than a tweet. How do you write something that actually works? Many businesses struggle with this. They send messages that are too vague, too pushy, or just plain boring. The result? Low engagement, ignored alerts, and wasted effort.

That’s where these 6 prompts come in. They’re designed to help you craft high-impact SMS marketing campaigns—fast. Whether you’re promoting a flash sale, sending an urgent alert, or reminding customers about an abandoned cart, these prompts will give you a clear framework to follow. No more staring at a blank screen, wondering what to say.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this article:

• How to write urgent, action-driven messages that get clicks
• The best ways to personalize SMS without sounding robotic
• Examples of real SMS campaigns that worked (and why)
• Tactics to avoid common mistakes that kill engagement

By the end, you’ll have everything you need to create SMS marketing campaigns that convert. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in.

Why SMS Marketing Still Dominates in 2024

Think about the last time you checked your phone. Chances are, you opened a text message within minutes—maybe even seconds. Now compare that to your email inbox, where unread messages pile up for days. That’s the power of SMS marketing. In 2024, it’s not just surviving; it’s thriving. And if your business isn’t using it, you’re missing out on one of the most effective ways to reach customers.

The Unmatched Power of SMS

Let’s talk numbers. SMS boasts an open rate of 98%, with most messages read within three minutes of delivery. Compare that to email, where open rates hover around 20-30%, or social media ads, which often get lost in crowded feeds. And it’s not just about opens—SMS drives action. Response rates for SMS are 7.5 times higher than email, and click-through rates can reach 36% for well-crafted messages.

Take the case of Sephora, for example. The beauty giant used SMS to send personalized product recommendations and flash sale alerts. The result? A 30% increase in conversions and a 20% boost in repeat purchases. Why? Because SMS cuts through the noise. It lands directly in a customer’s pocket, where they’re already spending hours every day.

Why Customers Prefer SMS for Promotions

Here’s the thing: customers want brands to text them. A recent survey found that 75% of consumers are okay with receiving SMS promotions from businesses they trust. And 64% of shoppers say they’d rather get a text than an email for time-sensitive offers. Why? Because SMS is fast, convenient, and doesn’t require logging into an app or digging through spam folders.

But there’s a catch. Customers only want SMS if it’s relevant and valuable. Bombarding them with generic messages will get you blocked faster than you can say “unsubscribe.” The key is personalization. Use their name, reference their past purchases, or send offers tailored to their interests. For example, a coffee shop could text a loyal customer: “Hey [Name], your usual latte is waiting! Show this text for 10% off today.” Simple, personal, and effective.

The 160-Character Challenge

SMS isn’t like email or social media, where you can ramble on for paragraphs. You’ve got 160 characters to make an impact—that’s about two short sentences. And if you go over? Your message gets split into multiple texts, which looks messy and annoys customers.

So how do you make every character count? Start with a clear goal. Are you driving urgency? Promoting a sale? Reminding them about an abandoned cart? Then, cut the fluff. No jargon, no filler words. For example: ❌ “We’re excited to announce our biggest sale of the year! Don’t miss out on these amazing deals!” (Too vague, too long.) ✅ “Flash sale! 50% off all shoes—today only. Shop now: [link]” (Short, urgent, actionable.)

Common mistakes brands make? Overcomplicating messages or forgetting a call to action. If you don’t tell customers what to do next, they won’t do anything. Always include a link, a promo code, or clear instructions like “Reply YES to claim.”

The Bottom Line

SMS marketing isn’t going anywhere. It’s fast, personal, and—when done right—highly effective. The brands that win with SMS are the ones that respect their customers’ time, keep messages short and sweet, and deliver real value. So ask yourself: Is your business taking full advantage of SMS? If not, now’s the time to start. Because in 2024, the inbox that matters most isn’t email—it’s the one in your customer’s pocket.

The 6 Essential SMS Marketing Prompts

SMS marketing is like having a direct line to your customers’ pockets. It’s fast, personal, and—when done right—can drive serious sales. But here’s the thing: most businesses struggle with what to say. Too long, and customers ignore it. Too generic, and they unsubscribe. The secret? Using the right prompts to craft messages that grab attention and get results.

These 6 SMS marketing prompts are your shortcut to writing messages that convert. Whether you’re running a flash sale, reminding customers about abandoned carts, or giving VIPs early access, these templates will help you say the right thing at the right time. Let’s break them down.

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1. The Flash Sale Alert

Flash sales create urgency. Customers see a great deal, and they don’t want to miss out. The key is to keep the message short, exciting, and actionable.

Template: ”🔥 [Product] is [X]% OFF for 24hrs! Use code [CODE] at checkout. Shop now: [Link]”

When to use it:

• Limited-time discounts (e.g., Black Friday, end-of-season sales)
• Holiday promotions (e.g., Valentine’s Day, Cyber Monday)
• Clearing out old inventory

Why it works: A fashion brand used this exact template for a 12-hour flash sale. They sent the SMS at 9 AM, and by noon, they’d already made $50K in revenue. The secret? A clear discount, a short deadline, and a direct link to shop.

Pro tip: Add a countdown timer in your SMS if possible. Even better, send a reminder 2 hours before the sale ends.

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2. The Abandoned Cart Reminder

Did you know that nearly 70% of online shopping carts get abandoned? That’s a lot of lost sales. But a simple SMS reminder can bring customers back.

Template: “Forgot something? Your [Product] is waiting! Complete checkout now: [Link]”

Best practices:

• Timing is everything. Send the message within 1 hour of abandonment. Any later, and they might have already bought from a competitor.
• Personalize it. Include the product name or even a photo if your SMS platform supports it.
• Add a small incentive. Example: “Complete your order in the next 30 mins and get free shipping!”

Case study: An e-commerce brand tested this strategy and recovered 15% of abandoned carts. That’s 15% more revenue without spending extra on ads.

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3. The VIP Early Access

Your best customers deserve special treatment. Giving them early access to sales or new products makes them feel valued—and more likely to buy.

Template: ”🎁 Exclusive early access! [Sale] starts in 1hr for VIPs only. Shop first: [Link]”

How to segment your audience:

• Loyalty program members
• Customers who’ve made multiple purchases
• Subscribers who’ve engaged with your emails or SMS before

Example: A beauty brand used this prompt to launch a new product. They sent early access to their VIP list, and pre-orders jumped by 40%. The best part? The product sold out before it even officially launched.

Pro tip: Pair this with a small gift or discount for VIPs. Example: “First 50 shoppers get a free sample!“

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4. The Urgency-Driven Restock Alert

Nothing creates FOMO (fear of missing out) like a product that’s back in stock—but only for a limited time.

Template: “⚠️ [Product] is back in stock! Only [X] left. Grab yours: [Link]”

Why scarcity works:

• People hate missing out on something they want.
• Limited inventory makes the product feel more valuable.
• It pushes customers to act fast instead of waiting.

Example: A direct-to-consumer (DTC) brand sent this SMS for a popular item that had sold out. Within 3 hours, the product was gone again. The key? They made it clear there were only a few left.

Pro tip: If possible, include a live inventory counter in your SMS. Example: “Only 3 left—hurry!“

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5. The Post-Purchase Follow-Up

The sale isn’t the end—it’s the start of a relationship. A simple follow-up SMS can build trust, reduce support tickets, and even encourage repeat purchases.

Template: “Thanks for your order! Track it here: [Link]. Reply ‘HELP’ for support.”

Why it works:

• It shows you care about the customer’s experience.
• It reduces the number of “Where’s my order?” emails.
• It opens the door for future engagement (e.g., reviews, referrals).

Example: A subscription box company sent post-purchase SMS to new customers. The result? A 20% drop in churn (customers canceling). Why? Because they felt supported from day one.

Pro tip: Add a personal touch. Example: “We hope you love your [Product]! Let us know what you think.”

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6. The Event or Webinar Reminder

Hosting a live event, webinar, or sale? SMS is the best way to remind people to show up.

Template: ”🚀 Don’t miss [Event] tomorrow at [Time]! Join here: [Link]”

Best practices:

• Send two reminders: One 24 hours before and one 1 hour before.
• Include the RSVP link so they can join with one tap.
• Keep it short. Example: “See you at 3 PM! [Link]”

Case study: A SaaS company used SMS reminders for their webinar. Attendance jumped by 50% compared to email-only reminders. The reason? SMS is harder to ignore.

Pro tip: For extra engagement, ask a question in the reminder. Example: “Got questions? Reply now—we’ll answer live!”

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Final Thoughts

SMS marketing isn’t about sending random messages. It’s about sending the right message at the right time. These 6 prompts give you a starting point, but don’t be afraid to tweak them for your audience.

Quick recap:

1. Flash Sale Alert – Create urgency with limited-time offers.
2. Abandoned Cart Reminder – Bring customers back to complete their purchase.
3. VIP Early Access – Reward loyal customers with exclusive deals.
4. Restock Alert – Use scarcity to drive quick sales.
5. Post-Purchase Follow-Up – Build trust and reduce support tickets.
6. Event Reminder – Boost attendance with timely SMS.

Now it’s your turn. Pick one prompt, test it, and see how it performs. The best SMS marketing campaigns are the ones that keep evolving. So start small, track your results, and refine as you go. Your customers—and your sales—will thank you.

Crafting High-Converting SMS Messages: Pro Tips

SMS marketing is like texting a friend—but with a purpose. You have just 160 characters to grab attention, make an offer, and get a click. That’s not much space. So how do you make every word count? Let’s break it down.

The Anatomy of a Perfect SMS

A great SMS message has four parts: a hook, an offer, a call-to-action (CTA), and a link. Think of it like a tiny billboard in someone’s pocket.

• Hook (first 3-5 words): This is your attention-grabber. Use urgency, curiosity, or personalization. Example: “Your exclusive deal inside…”
• Offer (next 10-15 words): What’s in it for them? Be clear and specific. Example: “50% off all sneakers—today only!”
• CTA (last 5-10 words): Tell them what to do next. Example: “Shop now: [link].”
• Link (short and trackable): Use a URL shortener like Bitly to save space and track clicks.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of a weak vs. strong message:

Weak: “Check out our sale. Click here: [longlink.com].” Strong: ”🔥 50% off sneakers—today only! Shop now: [bit.ly/abc123].”

The strong version is shorter, more urgent, and includes an emoji to stand out. Small changes make a big difference.

Personalization Beyond the Name

Most brands stop at adding a customer’s name. But real personalization goes deeper. Use data like purchase history, location, or browsing behavior to make messages feel tailor-made.

• Purchase history: “Loved your last order? Here’s 20% off your next one: [link].”
• Location: “Rainy in Chicago? Get 15% off umbrellas today: [link].”
• Behavior: “Forgot something? Your cart is waiting—complete checkout now: [link].”

Tools like Klaviyo or Attentive make this easy. They pull data from your CRM and insert it into messages automatically. For example, if a customer bought a coffee maker last month, you could send: “Your coffee maker needs filters! Get 10% off: [link].”

Urgency and Scarcity: The Psychology of FOMO

People hate missing out. That’s why urgency and scarcity work so well in SMS marketing. Use phrases like:

• “Only 3 left in stock!”
• “Sale ends in 2 hours!”
• “First 50 customers get free shipping!”

This taps into Robert Cialdini’s principle of scarcity—people want what they can’t have. A study by ConversionXL found that adding urgency to a CTA increased conversions by 332%. That’s huge.

But don’t overdo it. If every message says “LAST CHANCE!”, customers will stop believing you. Save urgency for real deadlines or limited stock.

A/B Testing: The Secret to Higher Conversions

You won’t know what works until you test it. A/B testing means sending two versions of a message to small groups and seeing which performs better. Here’s what to test:

• CTAs: “Shop now” vs. “Grab yours”
• Emojis: With or without? Which ones work best?
• Send times: Morning vs. evening
• Offer phrasing: “50% off” vs. “Buy 1, get 1 free”

For example, a clothing brand tested two versions of a flash sale message:

Version A: “Flash sale! 40% off everything. Shop now: [link].” Version B: ”🔥 40% off—today only! Shop now: [link].”

Version B, with the emoji and urgency, had a 25% higher click-through rate. Small tweaks can lead to big results.

Compliance: Don’t Get Blocked (or Fined)

SMS marketing has rules. In the U.S., the TCPA requires you to get explicit consent before texting customers. In Europe, GDPR means you need clear opt-ins and an easy way to unsubscribe.

Here’s how to stay compliant:

• Get opt-ins: Use checkout checkboxes, keyword campaigns (e.g., “Text JOIN to 12345”), or pop-ups.
• Include opt-outs: Every message should have “Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”
• Respect time zones: Don’t send messages at 3 AM.

Avoid spammy language like “URGENT!” or “ACT NOW!”—carriers may flag your messages. Keep it professional and valuable.

Putting It All Together

Crafting high-converting SMS messages isn’t about luck. It’s about structure, personalization, urgency, testing, and compliance. Start with a strong hook, make the offer clear, and always include a CTA. Use data to personalize messages, and test different versions to see what works best.

Ready to try it? Pick one tip from this list and test it in your next campaign. Track the results, tweak, and repeat. The best SMS marketers aren’t the ones with the fanciest tools—they’re the ones who keep improving.

Tools and Platforms to Automate SMS Campaigns

SMS marketing works great, but doing it manually? That’s a headache. You have to write messages, send them at the right time, and track who opens them. Luckily, there are tools that do all this for you. The best part? They save time and make your campaigns smarter.

Let’s look at the top platforms and how they can help your business.

Best SMS Marketing Tools (With Comparison)

Not all SMS tools are the same. Some are better for e-commerce, others for small businesses. Here’s a quick look at the best options:

Tool	Best For	Key Features	Pricing
Klaviyo	E-commerce	Segmentation, abandoned cart SMS, Shopify integration	Starts at $20/month
Attentive	DTC brands	AI-powered personalization, high deliverability	Custom pricing
SMSbump	Shopify stores	Easy setup, automation workflows	Starts at $19/month
SimpleTexting	Small businesses	Affordable, basic automation	Starts at $29/month
Twilio	Developers	Custom API, flexible but complex	Pay-as-you-go

Which one should you pick?

• If you run an online store, Klaviyo or SMSbump are great choices.
• For big brands with big budgets, Attentive offers advanced features.
• If you’re a small business, SimpleTexting is easy and affordable.

How to Connect SMS Tools to Your Store

Sending SMS manually is slow. The real power comes when you connect your SMS tool to your store or CRM. For example:

• Shopify + Klaviyo: Automatically send abandoned cart messages.
• WooCommerce + SMSbump: Trigger order confirmations via SMS.
• Zapier + Any Tool: Set up custom workflows (e.g., “If customer buys X, send SMS Y”).

Example: A clothing store used Klaviyo to send abandoned cart SMS. They saw a 23% increase in recovered sales just by automating reminders.

AI Tools for Better SMS Copy

Writing good SMS messages is hard. They have to be short, clear, and engaging. AI tools like Copy.ai or Jasper can help. Here’s how:

1. Generate ideas: Give the AI a prompt like “Write a 160-character SMS for a flash sale on shoes.”
2. Test variations: Try different versions (e.g., “Last chance!” vs. “Only 3 left!”).
3. Refine tone: Make sure the message sounds like your brand.

Pro tip: Always test AI-generated messages with real customers. What works in theory might not work in practice.

Track Your Results (And Improve Them)

Sending SMS is just the first step. You also need to track what works. Key metrics to watch:

• Delivery rate: Are messages reaching customers?
• Click-through rate (CTR): Are people clicking links?
• Conversion rate: Are they buying?

Example: A coffee shop tested sending SMS at different times. They found morning messages had a 40% higher CTR than afternoon ones.

Final Thoughts

Automating SMS campaigns saves time and boosts sales. The right tool depends on your business size and needs. Start with a simple platform, connect it to your store, and use AI to refine your messages. Then, track results and keep improving.

Ready to try? Pick one tool from the list and set up your first automated campaign today. Your customers (and your sales) will thank you.

Case Studies: Brands Winning with SMS Marketing

SMS marketing isn’t just a trend—it’s a game-changer for businesses that use it right. But how do you know if it will work for your brand? The best way is to look at real examples. Here are three brands that turned SMS into a powerful tool for sales, engagement, and customer loyalty.

1. How an E-Commerce Brand Boosted Revenue by 40% with Flash Sale Alerts

Many online stores struggle with low engagement on email promotions. One fashion retailer faced this exact problem—their emails were getting lost in crowded inboxes, and sales were stagnant. They needed a way to reach customers fast and directly.

Their solution? SMS flash sale alerts. Instead of long emails, they sent short, urgent messages like:

”🔥 24-HOUR FLASH SALE! 30% off everything—ends tonight. Shop now: [Link]”

The results were impressive:

• 40% increase in revenue from SMS campaigns
• 95% open rate (compared to 20% for email)
• 3x higher click-through rate than email

Why it worked: The messages were short, urgent, and easy to act on. Customers didn’t have to dig through their inbox—they got the deal right away.

2. A SaaS Company That Doubled Webinar Attendance with SMS Reminders

Webinars are a great way to generate leads, but getting people to show up is a challenge. One software company had a problem: only 30% of registrants actually attended their live sessions. They needed a way to remind people without being annoying.

Their solution was simple: SMS reminders. They sent two messages:

• 24 hours before: “Hi [Name], your webinar starts tomorrow at 2 PM! Don’t miss it—[Link to join].”
• 1 hour before: “Your webinar starts in 1 hour! Click here to join: [Link]”

The results?

• 50% higher attendance than before
• 20% more sign-ups for future webinars
• Fewer no-shows (people actually remembered!)

Why it worked: SMS is hard to ignore. Unlike emails that get buried, text messages get seen within minutes. The reminders were helpful, not pushy.

3. How a Subscription Box Reduced Churn by 20% with Post-Purchase SMS

Subscription boxes have a big problem: customers cancel after a few months. One beauty box company noticed their churn rate was too high—they needed a way to keep customers engaged after they bought.

Their solution? Automated SMS follow-ups. After each delivery, they sent:

• Tracking updates: “Your box is out for delivery! Track it here: [Link].”
• Thank-you messages: “We hope you love your new products! Need help? Reply HELP.”
• Referral offers: “Love your box? Share it with a friend and get $10 off!”

The results:

• 20% reduction in churn (fewer cancellations)
• 15% increase in referrals (happy customers brought friends)
• Higher customer satisfaction (people felt more connected)

Why it worked: The messages were personal and useful. Instead of just selling, they focused on helping customers—making them more likely to stay.

Key Takeaways: What You Can Learn from These Brands

These case studies show that SMS marketing works—but only if you use it the right way. Here’s what you can take away:

✅ Timing matters – Send messages when they’re most useful (e.g., right before a sale or event). ✅ Keep it short – 160 characters or less is ideal. Get to the point fast. ✅ Personalize when possible – Use the customer’s name or past purchases to make it feel special. ✅ Add urgency – Words like “limited time” or “ends soon” push people to act. ✅ Don’t just sell—help – Follow-ups, reminders, and support messages build trust.

How to apply this to your business:

• If you run flash sales, try SMS alerts instead of (or alongside) email.
• If you host webinars or events, send SMS reminders to boost attendance.
• If you have a subscription service, use SMS to keep customers engaged after they buy.

SMS marketing isn’t complicated—it’s about sending the right message at the right time. The brands that succeed are the ones that make it easy for customers to say yes. So ask yourself: What’s one SMS campaign you can test this week? Start small, track the results, and see how it works for your business.

Common SMS Marketing Mistakes to Avoid

SMS marketing can be powerful. A short message can reach customers fast and get quick results. But many businesses make mistakes that hurt their campaigns. Some send too many messages. Others forget important rules. These errors can annoy customers or even get you in legal trouble. Let’s look at the most common SMS marketing mistakes and how to avoid them.

Sending Too Many Messages (And Losing Subscribers)

One big mistake is sending too many texts. Customers sign up for SMS because they want useful updates—not daily spam. If you message too often, they’ll unsubscribe or ignore you. Worse, they might mark your messages as spam, which hurts your sender reputation.

How often should you send SMS? Most experts say 2-4 messages per month is safe. Some brands push this limit and send weekly messages, but that’s risky. For example, a clothing store once sent daily SMS about sales. Within a month, 30% of their subscribers opted out. The lesson? Quality matters more than quantity. One well-timed message with a strong offer works better than five weak ones.

Ignoring Legal Rules (And Risking Fines)

SMS marketing has strict laws, like the TCPA in the U.S. If you break these rules, you could face fines up to $1,500 per message. One common mistake is not getting proper consent. You must have clear permission before sending texts. Another error is not including an opt-out option. Every message should say, “Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”

What happens if someone opts out? You must stop messaging them immediately. Some businesses keep sending texts after an unsubscribe request, which is illegal. Always use a reliable SMS platform that handles opt-outs automatically. It’s not just about avoiding fines—it’s about respecting your customers.

Weak CTAs (And Low Click-Through Rates)

A vague call-to-action (CTA) like “Check this out!” won’t get results. Customers need clear instructions. Tell them exactly what to do: “Shop now,” “Use code SAVE20,” or “Reply YES to claim.” Strong CTAs create urgency and make it easy for customers to act.

For example, a restaurant sent an SMS with a weak CTA: “We have a special offer!” Only 5% of customers clicked the link. When they changed it to “Get 50% off your next order—use code HUNGRY50 by Friday!” their click-through rate jumped to 35%. The difference? A clear, time-sensitive CTA.

Forgetting Mobile Optimization

Most people read SMS on their phones, so your links must work well on mobile. Long URLs look messy and take up space. Instead, use short links (like Bit.ly or TinyURL). Also, check that your landing page loads fast on mobile. If it’s slow, customers will leave before seeing your offer.

Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test can help. Just enter your landing page URL, and it will tell you if the page works well on phones. Fix any issues before sending your SMS. A smooth mobile experience means more conversions.

Blasting the Same Message to Everyone

Not all customers are the same. Sending the same message to your entire list is a waste. For example, a customer who bought shoes last week doesn’t need a message about shoes again. But they might be interested in socks or accessories.

Segment your audience for better results. Group customers by purchase history, location, or interests. A beauty brand once sent the same discount to all subscribers. Their conversion rate was 8%. When they segmented customers by past purchases, their conversion rate jumped to 22%. Personalized messages work better.

Final Thoughts

SMS marketing is powerful, but only if you do it right. Avoid these common mistakes:

• Don’t send too many messages.
• Follow legal rules and respect opt-outs.
• Use strong, clear CTAs.
• Optimize for mobile.
• Segment your audience for better results.

Start with small tests. Track what works and improve over time. Your customers will appreciate the right messages at the right time—and your business will see better results.

Conclusion: Your SMS Marketing Action Plan

You now have six powerful SMS prompts to make your campaigns stand out. Let’s quickly recap when to use each one:

• Flash sale alerts – Perfect for last-minute deals or limited-time offers.
• Abandoned cart reminders – Win back customers who left items behind.
• Event invites – Boost attendance with short, urgent messages.
• Loyalty rewards – Make VIP customers feel special with exclusive perks.
• Order updates – Keep buyers informed and reduce support questions.
• Feedback requests – Get quick reviews after a purchase or service.

Which one will you try first?

Your Next Steps

SMS marketing works best when you test and improve. Here’s how to get started:

1. Pick 1-2 prompts that fit your business goals.
2. Run A/B tests – Try different versions of the same message to see what works.
3. Check your results – Look at open rates, clicks, and conversions.
4. Tweak and repeat – Keep what works, drop what doesn’t.

Want More?

Grab our free cheat sheet with all six prompts + real examples. Download here. And if you try one of these, let us know how it went in the comments!

Need more help? Check out our guide on SMS vs. Email Marketing or the best tools to automate your campaigns. Small changes can lead to big results—so start today!