Business text abbreviations

1. EOD: End of day
2. FAQ: Frequently asked question
3. AKA: Also known as
4. ASAP: As soon as possible
5. DIY: Do it yourself
6. LMGTFY: Let me Google that for you
7. NP: No problem
8. N/A: Not applicable or not available
9. OOO: Out of office
10. TIA: Thanks in advance
11. COB: Close of business
12. FYI: For your information
13. NSFW: Not safe for work
14. WFH: Work from home
15. OMW: On my way
16. WDYT: What do you think?
17. WYGAM: When you get a minute

Social media text abbreviations

1. SMP: Social media platform
2. DM: Direct message
3. FB: Facebook
4. IG: Instagram
5. LI: LinkedIn
6. YT: YouTube
7. FF: Follow Friday
8. IM: Instant message
9. PM: Private message
10. OP: Original post
11. QOTD: Quote of the day
12. OOTD: Outfit of the day
13. RT: Retweet
14. TBT: Throwback Thursday
15. TIL: Today I learned
16. AMA: Ask me anything
17. ELI5: Explain like I’m 5
18. FBF: Flashback Friday
19. MFW: My feeling when
20. HMU: Hit me up

Text message marketing acronyms and jargon

1. CTA: Call to action
2. UGC: User-generated content
3. UX: User experience
4. SMS: Short message service
5. MMS: Multimedia messaging service
6. RCS: Rich communication services
7. ROI: Return on investment
8. CTR: Click-through rate
9. CPC: Cost per click
10. CR: Conversion rate
11. SMB: Small/medium business
12. TOS: Terms of service
13. SEO: Search engine optimization
14. 5G: 5th generation, meaning the newest generation of mobile communications
15. TCPA: Telephone Consumer Protection Act
16. Text Broadcast: A single message send to a large group of people
17. Text to Join: A method people can use to opt into your text list
18. Text to Win: A contest you run through text message
19. Text to Landline: When you send or receive text messages on a landline phone

How To Use Text Abbreviations

Sometimes, text abbreviations just make sense. They’re especially helpful when you’re trying to keep your texts within a certain character limit, or when you’re using very common abbreviations that don’t need to be written out. Using a text message abbreviation in the right way can also help you break through to consumers and speak to them in a natural way, especially if you’re reaching out for ecommerce marketing initiatives.

Here are examples of where text abbreviations fit naturally within the body of the message.

Example 1:

Thank you! Your customer service request has been logged. A specialist will reach out by EOD.

Example 2:

ICYMI: Storewide sale this weekend only. Show this text at the counter for an additional 10% off. BTW, store hours are 9AM-7PM Sat and Sun.

Example 3:

TGIF! Celebrate the start of the weekend at [RESTAURANT NAME]. Show this text for two-for-one appetizers.

Example 4:

NOTICE: We’ve had to delay our event today due to weather. A new day is TBD, and we’ll let you know as soon as it’s decided!

Example 5:

HBD! Celebrate your big day with 25% off your next order with code [NAME][DATE].

Best Practices for Sending Mass Texts with Abbreviations

These are merely a few examples of how you can use a text abbreviation to establish a rapport with your customers when sending automated text messages. No matter how you decide to use text shorthand, try to keep these guidelines in mind.

1. Keep it simple

Because text slang and text message abbreviations can be personal, you don’t want to get caught trying to use abbreviations that don’t quite make sense — especially when you’re sending business text messages. Sticking with the classics, like using BTW to say by the way, is always a good idea. Also, don’t try to cram too many letters into one abbreviation. If it gets too cluttered, it loses the purpose of simplifying what you’re trying to say.

2. Stay professional

Definitely avoid abbreviations with foul language in them when you’re sending business text messages. It’s already hard to convey tone through text, and adding edgy abbreviations just complicates this task. Play it safe and stick to family-friendly slang.

3. Add media to your texts

The great thing about text message marketing is you’re not limited to only text! By sending an MMS message you can actually attach an image or a GIF. If you’re sending a TGIF appetizer special, for example, attaching an image to the mobile coupon can help you look more professional and compelling.

Avoid Abbreviation Mistakes

Even though text abbreviations can be useful, it’s also quite easy to go wrong when trying to use them. Part of the reason for this is that slang changes rapidly, and using a text message abbreviation that’s no longer in vogue can make you stand out — in the wrong way. Avoid these mistakes in order to come across in your best light when texting.