Definition
Promotional SMS is any text message whose purpose is to market products, services or offers. It is usually subject to opt-in consent, opt-out handling, sending-hour limits and sender ID rules.
Examples include discounts, product launches, event invitations and re-engagement messages. Because recipients did not trigger them, regulators apply stricter rules than to transactional SMS.
Common obligations are prior consent, a free and simple opt-out, honouring do-not-disturb registries and avoiding late-night sending. Exact rules vary by country.
In the UAE, promotional SMS conventions have included an “AD” marker for promotional sender IDs; in Saudi Arabia and other GCC markets, operators and regulators also distinguish promotional sender IDs. Confirm current requirements at onboarding.
Keep messages short, identify the brand, include a clear call to action and a tracked link, and measure conversions rather than sends.
Example
Acme: 20% off all shoes this weekend. Shop acme.example/s Reply STOP to opt out.