How to Create a Link That Sends an SMS Text Message: 5-min Guide

February 19, 2026 - TXTImpact

TL;DR

Click-to-text links open messaging apps when clicked, saving users time.
They increase organic customer reach by making contact easier.
SMS hyperlinks are really simple to create using the HTML "sms:" protocol.
Test auto SMS links on iOS and Android, as they handle these links differently.
Place them on your contact us page and email signatures to attract more clicks.

Is your business missing out on potential customers because they can't reach you easily? Well, if that’s the case, we’ve got you covered.

The world today is fast-paced and mobile-centric, humans are observed with a shorter attention span, and as a result, they don't wanna take a long route of copying your number, opening their messaging app, pasting it, and then typing a message. That's too many steps, and thus, businesses see customer dropouts!

So, what if there's a simple hack that can turn casual website visitors into engaged leads with just one tap?

Here comes the picture, click-to-text – the underutilized trick that's greatly helping businesses from mom-and-pop stores to service-related firms in capturing more leads while their competitors still rely on contact forms.

In fact, many businesses report big increases in customer inquiries after implementing this solution, some seeing up to 30-40% more engagement in the very first month alone!

To throttle your business to the next level, we have curated this 5-min guide to show you exactly how to create these powerful links for your own business without any special technical skills.

But, before we actually jump to the tricks, let’s get a few basics cleared.

What Is a Click-to-Text Link?

Very simple, a click-to-text link (also called an SMS link or SMS URL) is a hyperlink that, when tapped, automatically opens the user's text messaging app.

The best part? It pre-loads both the recipient's phone number and even a custom message if you want. The perk of using this system is that it eliminates friction in the customer communication process, especially for mobile phone users.

What Is a Text Message Hyperlink?

A text message hyperlink (also called an SMS hyperlink or SMS link) is a special type of link that opens a user’s messaging app with a specific phone number and a pre-written message.

It helps users take action on the go, without filling out forms or making a phone call. So, if you’re wondering how to text a link or how to send a link in a text that opens the messaging app and saves time, this is the way to do it.

Why You Should Be Using SMS Links

There are actually many RoI driven reasons to implement SMS links on your company’s website; some are listed below:

Better User Engagement: By simplifying communication and customer reach out, you're more likely to hear from potential customers who might otherwise bounce from your site.
Lead Generation: When reaching out is just a tap away, more visitors convert to leads.
Customer Support: SMS hyperlinks give customers a direct line to ask questions or request help.
Effective Marketing: Personalized message templates make your outreach feel tailored and more relevant.

How to Create a Click-to-Text SMS Link: 3 Types

The good news is that creating SMS links is surprisingly an easy job. It all revolves around using the sms: URI scheme within your HTML file.

Type 1: Basic SMS Link with Just a Phone Number

The simplest version just needs a phone number:

When someone clicks this link, their messaging app opens with your number already entered.

Type 2: SMS Link with a Pre-Written Message

Want to make it more convenient for customers? Include a pre-written message:

<a href="sms:+911234567890?body=Hello%20there!%20I%20would%20like%20to%20know%20more%20about%20your%20services.">Text us about our services</a>

This link loads both your number and a starter message for the customer. Some examples for a service business could be“Hi there! I need help with a leaky faucet. Can you assist?” or for a restaurant to be "I'd like to order a large pepperoni pizza for delivery."

Type 3: SMS Link Without a Specific Recipient

Sometimes you might want to let users choose whom to send to:

<a href="sms:?body=I'm%20interested%20in%20your%20product.%20Please%20contact%20me.">Send a text inquiry</a>

This option pre-fills just the message, leaving the recipient field blank.

Head over to the TXTImpact click-to-text feature and start your free trial today!

Best Practices for SMS Links That Actually Convert

Since now you know exactly how to create these Auto SMS links, it's time to understand the best practices to get the most out of them in your favour. Here’s what marketing managers say:

Always URL-Encode Your Messages: Replace spaces with %20 and other special characters with their encoded equivalents to prevent technical issues.

Test Across Different Devices: Since iOS and Android handle SMS links in a slightly different way. Make sure to test on both platforms before floating in the market.

Use Clear Call-to-Action Text: Instead of basic and old-school CTAs like "Click here", use phrases that appeal to your audience.
Don’t Forget Desktop Users: Since SMS links work best on mobile, provide alternative contact methods for desktop visitors too.
Track Your Results: Monitor how often your SMS links are used to amplify their efficiency.

Pro Tip for Being Distinctive!

If you appreciate aesthetics and don’t want plain text links, we would recommend creating an SMS button that’s eye-catching and stylish. Here’s how to do it:

The above code creates a green button that’s a show-stopper on your page, appealing to visitors for more clicks.

Text Us Now

How to create a clickable SMS link for iPhone and Android: Platform-Specific Implementation

For iPhone Users

The HTML code for iPhone users requires an ampersand:

For Android Users

Android uses a question mark instead:

Common Problems with Click-to-Text SMS Links in Text Marketing

Click-to-text links only work on mobile, so desktop users might feel left out.
If you don’t format the link properly (like missing %20 for spaces), it might not work.
Not giving other options, like email or a form, can frustrate desktop users.
A user might feel frustrated if you use Irrelevant CTAs like “Click here”.
If you don’t test links on both iOS and Android, they might not open correctly.
Adding too many SMS links can feel spammy and annoy visitors.

Wrapping Up

Adding SMS links to your website could be the solution to bring in more leads if you haven’t implemented this strategy so far. Businesses on either side of the Atlantic have benefited a lot from this hack. The way it improves customer inquiries, adds a personal touch, and reduces the friction in communication also creates the narrative that, as a business, you actually care for your customers. And the cherry on top moment is that the hack is absolutely free!

Give them a try via TXTImpact and watch your customer interactions take off.

Frequently Asked Questions

♦ How to create a link that sends an SMS text message for free?

You can create click-to-text links using TXTImpact online tools without any cost, and no credit card is required.

♦ What is a personal message link?

A personal message link is a customized click-to-text link with a pre-fabricated message based on the user's context. It brings more relevance and improves user engagement to a great level.

♦ How do I share an SMS message?

If you are an iPhone user, Open Messages, tap and hold the message, select "More...", choose the messages to forward, and tap the forward arrow. For Android devices, the process varies by messaging app.

♦ Where should I place click-to-text links on my website?

The best placeholders for click-to-text links on your website are CTAs, the contact page, the footer, and the email signature.

♦ How do you create a mobile SMS link with a pre-written message body?

To create a mobile SMS link with a pre-written message, use this format:

and replace spaces with %20 for better formatting.