Quick Summary

Q1 is when budgets reset, pipelines need filling, and your leads are ready to take action. This guide covers 15 SMS campaigns you can run to book more meetings, re-engage cold leads, and kick off your strongest quarter yet.

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It’s January, and your pipeline from Q4 has gone quiet. Half the deals you were working on went dark over the holidays. Now leadership wants to know how you’re going to hit your Q1 numbers.

Sound familiar?

Here’s the good news. Q1 is prime time to reach leads and customers. Budgets have reset, decision-makers are back, and everyone’s focused on yearly goals.

Cutting through the noise is the main challenge. Inboxes are full of unread December emails, and voicemails are ignored. But texts get read quickly.

That’s why more businesses are adding SMS to their Q1 marketing mix. It’s direct, personal, and gets responses when other channels don’t. Let’s look at how you can leverage texting in your Q1 plans.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through 15 text campaigns you can run in Q1 2026. Whether you’re in B2B sales, run a marketing agency, work in higher ed, or manage a service business, you’ll find campaigns you can start using this week.

Why Q1 is the best time to start texting

Most businesses slow down after the holidays. That’s a mistake.

Q1 is when your prospects are most motivated to make changes. They’re setting goals. Evaluating vendors. Looking for solutions to problems they’ve been putting off.

And they’re overwhelmed with emails.

The average professional came back to hundreds of unread messages in January. Your carefully crafted nurture sequence? It’s buried somewhere around email 47.

Texting cuts through that clutter.

With SMS, your message lands directly on their phone. No spam folder. No promotional tab. Just a notification they’ll actually see.

That’s why businesses using Salesmsg see response rates 8x higher than email. When you need to book a meeting, confirm an appointment, or re-engage a cold lead, texting gets it done.

15 SMS campaigns to run in Q1 2026

1. Speed-to-lead texts for new inquiries

When a potential client fills out a form on your website, every minute matters.  Responding to leads in under 5 minutes makes you 21x more likely to close the sale than waiting 30 minutes.

But most businesses take hours. Sometimes days.

That’s where automated speed-to-lead texts come in. The moment someone submits a form, they get a text. Not a generic autoresponder. A real message that starts a conversation.

Strategy: Set up a HubSpot workflow that triggers an instant text when a form is submitted. Ask a qualifying question or offer a link to book a call. This works while your team is in meetings, at lunch, or asleep.

Example Text:

Hi [Name], thanks for reaching out to [Company]! Quick question: what's the main challenge you're trying to solve right now? Just reply here and I'll point you in the right direction.

How Salesmsg makes this work: Our HubSpot integration lets you add SMS to any workflow in a few clicks. You can also use AI Agents to qualify leads automatically and book meetings without any manual effort.

2. Re-engage your cold Q4 pipeline

You had deals that went dark in November and December. It happens every year. Prospects got busy with holidays, budgets froze, and conversations stalled.

January is your chance to restart those conversations.

A simple check-in text can bring deals back to life. It’s low-pressure, easy to respond to, and shows you’re still thinking about their needs.

Strategy: Pull a list of leads who went cold in Q4. Send a personalized text that references your previous conversation and offers a fresh starting point for the new year.

Example Text:

Hi [Name], happy new year! We spoke back in November about [topic]. Curious if that's still on your radar for Q1? Either way, no pressure. Just wanted to check in.

How Salesmsg makes this work: Sync your CRM data to Salesmsg and create a segment of stalled deals. Then send a broadcast or set up a re-engagement workflow that triggers based on deal stage and last activity date.

3. Webinar and virtual event reminders

Q1 is prime webinar season. Everyone’s launching new content, hosting virtual events, and trying to fill their pipeline with fresh leads.

But here’s the problem. Webinar no-show rates average 35-45%. That’s a lot of registrants who never see your presentation.

Text reminders change that. A quick SMS the morning of your event can boost attendance by 20% or more.

Strategy: Send a reminder text 24 hours before and again 1 hour before your webinar starts. Include the link to join so attendees can click right in.

Example Text:

Hey [Name], just a reminder: our webinar on [Topic] starts in 1 hour. Here's your link to join: [Link]. See you there!

How Salesmsg makes this work: Build a simple workflow in HubSpot, Salesforce, or Salesmsg that triggers reminder texts based on your event date. You can also send a follow-up text after the event with the replay link.

4. New year check-ins with existing clients

Your existing clients are your most valuable asset. But when’s the last time you reached out just to check in?

January is the perfect time to reconnect. A simple “how’s the new year going?” text strengthens relationships and often uncovers new opportunities.

Strategy: Send a personal check-in to your active clients in the first two weeks of January. Don’t pitch anything. Just ask how they’re doing and if there’s anything you can help with.

Example Text:

Hi [Name], happy new year from the team at [Company]! How are things going? Anything we can help with as you kick off Q1?

This kind of outreach builds loyalty. And it often leads to referrals, upsells, or conversations about expanded services.

5. Appointment and consultation booking

If your business relies on consultations, demos, or discovery calls, texting is one of the fastest ways to get meetings on the calendar.

Why? Because texts create urgency. When someone gets a text asking if they’re free on Thursday at 2pm, they respond. Emails with calendar links sit unread for days.

Strategy: After an initial inquiry or conversation, send a text with a direct booking link. Keep it simple and make it easy to say yes.

Example Text:

Hi [Name], great connecting with you! Here's a link to grab time on my calendar for a quick call: [Link]. Looking forward to it.

How Salesmsg makes this work: Use merge fields to personalize each message with the contact’s name and relevant details. Pair this with a custom Calendly link so they can book instantly without back-and-forth.

6. After-hours lead response with AI Agents

Your website generates leads around the clock. But your team can’t respond at 10pm on a Tuesday.

That’s where AI Agents come in.

With Salesmsg, you can set up AI-powered text responses that engage leads instantly, answer common questions, and even book meetings while your team sleeps.

Strategy: Configure an AI Agent to handle after-hours inquiries. Train it with your business information, common questions, and booking links. When a lead texts in, the AI responds immediately and keeps the conversation moving.

Example Text (from AI Agent):

Hi [Name], thanks for reaching out to [Company]! I'm here to help. What questions can I answer for you?

How Salesmsg makes this work: Our built-in AI Agents use your knowledge base and saved replies to handle conversations naturally. You set the rules, and the AI handles the rest.

7. New customer onboarding sequences

The first 30 days after a customer signs up are critical. That’s when they’re most engaged and most likely to become long-term users.

Texting helps you stay connected during onboarding without overwhelming their inbox.

Strategy: Create a simple SMS onboarding sequence that sends helpful tips, check-ins, and resources over the first few weeks. Space them out so you’re adding value, not noise.

Example Text:

Hi [Name], welcome to [Company]! Quick tip: most customers start by [action]. Here's a guide to get you going: [Link]. Questions? Just reply here.

How Salesmsg makes this work: Build an onboarding workflow in HubSpot that triggers texts at key milestones. Day 1, day 3, day 7, day 14. Each message should help them get value faster.

8. Annual renewal and review reminders

If you have subscription customers or annual contracts, Q1 is often renewal season.

Don’t let renewals slip through the cracks. A well-timed text reminder ensures customers know their renewal is approaching and gives them an easy way to reach out with questions.

Strategy: Send a reminder 30 days before renewal, then follow up at 14 days and 7 days if they haven’t responded. Keep the tone helpful, not pushy.

Example Text:

Hi [Name], just a heads up: your [Product/Service] renewal is coming up on [Date]. Want to hop on a quick call to review before then? Reply here or book time: [Link]

This approach reduces churn and opens the door for upsell conversations.

9. Referral requests from happy customers

Your best customers can become your best marketers. But most won’t refer you unless you ask.

Q1 is a great time to reach out. Clients are thinking about their plans for the year, and a referral request feels natural after the holiday break.

Strategy: Identify your happiest customers (high NPS scores, recent positive feedback, long tenure). Send a personal text asking if they know anyone who could benefit from your service.

Example Text:

Hi [Name], hope your year is off to a great start! Quick question: do you know anyone else who might benefit from [service you provide]? Introductions always mean a lot. No pressure either way!

How Salesmsg makes this work: Use CRM data to segment your most engaged customers. Then send a personalized broadcast or 1-on-1 messages to request referrals.

10. Higher ed enrollment deadline reminders

For higher education institutions, Q1 is crunch time. Spring enrollment deadlines, financial aid forms, and admission decisions all happen in a compressed window.

Students live on their phones. If you’re only reaching them by email, you’re missing them.

Strategy: Send text reminders for application deadlines, enrollment confirmations, financial aid submissions, and orientation registration. Keep messages short and action-oriented.

Example Text:

Hi [Name], reminder: the deadline to enroll for Spring 2026 is [Date]. Complete your enrollment here: [Link]. Questions? Reply to this text and we'll help.

How Salesmsg makes this work: Integrate with your student information system through HubSpot or Salesforce. Trigger automated texts based on enrollment status and upcoming deadlines.

11. Tax season outreach for financial and legal services

If you’re a CPA, financial advisor, bookkeeper, or attorney, Q1 is your busiest season.

Texting helps you manage the chaos. Send appointment reminders, document requests, and deadline alerts without playing phone tag.

Strategy: Create automated workflows for tax season communication. Remind clients of document deadlines, confirm appointments, and follow up on outstanding items.

Example Text:

Hi [Name], tax season reminder: please send over your [Document] by [Date] so we can keep your filing on track. You can upload it here: [Link] or reply with questions.

How Salesmsg makes this work: Set up a tax season workflow that triggers based on client status. Clients who haven’t submitted documents get reminders. Clients with upcoming appointments get confirmations.

12. Q4 event follow-up

Did you attend conferences, trade shows, or networking events in Q4? Those business cards you collected are going stale.

January is your last chance to follow up while the connection is still warm.

Strategy: Send a personal text to contacts you met at Q4 events. Reference where you met and offer a specific next step.

Example Text:

Hi [Name], we met at [Event] back in [Month]. Hope you had a great holiday season! Would love to continue our conversation about [Topic]. Open to a quick call this week?

These follow-ups convert well because you’re referencing a real interaction. It’s not a cold outreach.

13. Re-activation campaigns for churned customers

Customers who cancelled or didn’t renew aren’t gone forever. Many just needed a break or had timing issues.

Q1 is a natural time to reach back out. New year, new budget, new opportunity.

Strategy: Segment customers who churned in the last 6-12 months. Send a friendly text checking in and offering a reason to return.

Example Text:

Hi [Name], it's been a while since we worked together. Things have changed a lot at [Company] and I thought of you. Open to a quick chat to see if it makes sense to reconnect?

How Salesmsg makes this work: Build a re-activation segment in your CRM based on churn date. Send a broadcast or create an automated workflow that reaches out at the 90-day, 180-day, and 365-day marks.

14. NPS and feedback requests

Want to know what your customers really think? Ask them.

Text-based NPS surveys get much higher response rates than email surveys. And the feedback you get helps you improve and identify customers who might churn.

Strategy: Send a simple NPS text after key milestones: post-onboarding, post-project completion, or at the 90-day mark. Keep it to one question.

Example Text:

Hi [Name], quick question: on a scale of 0-10, how likely are you to recommend [Company] to a friend or colleague? Just reply with a number. Thanks!

Follow up with promoters (9-10) to ask for reviews or referrals. Follow up with detractors (0-6) to understand what went wrong.

15. Strategy session and planning call booking

Q1 is the planning season. Your clients and prospects are thinking about their goals for the year and what they need to get there.

Position yourself as a strategic partner by offering planning sessions or strategy calls.

Strategy: Reach out to existing clients and warm leads with an offer to help them plan their Q1. Frame it as a value-add, not a sales pitch.

Example Text:

Hi [Name], now that Q1 is here, are you set on your [marketing/sales/growth] plan for the year? Happy to hop on a quick call to brainstorm if it'd be helpful. No pitch, just ideas. Want me to send some times?

This positions you as a partner, not just a vendor. And it often leads to expanded engagements.

Best practices for Q1 texting campaigns

Before you start texting, keep these fundamentals in mind.

Get permission first

Every contact on your SMS list needs to have opted in. No exceptions. Use compliant opt-in language on your forms and make sure you’re registered for 10DLC compliance.

Keep it short

Texts work best when they’re concise. Aim for 160 characters when you can. Get to the point, make your ask, and include a clear next step.

Personalize when possible

Use merge fields to include first names, company names, and relevant details. A personalized text feels like a 1-on-1 conversation, not a blast.

Time it right

Avoid early mornings, late nights, and weekends unless your audience expects it. Mid-morning (10am-12pm) and late afternoon (4pm-6pm) tend to work well for business communication.

Don’t overdo it

More texts aren’t always better. A good rule of thumb is one promotional text for every four emails you send. Save SMS for messages that matter.

Track your results

Use Salesmsg analytics to monitor delivery, response, and opt-out rates. Let the data tell you what’s working.

Start texting your way through Q1

Q1 is full of opportunity. Budgets are fresh. Decision-makers are engaged. And your leads are ready to hear from you.

The businesses that win this quarter are the ones that show up consistently, with the right message, in the channel that actually gets seen.

Texting gives you that edge.

With Salesmsg, you can send broadcast campaigns to your full list or targeted segments, automate workflows that trigger at the perfect moment, and personalize every message with CRM data. You can even use AI Agents to respond to leads while you sleep.

Ready to make Q1 your strongest quarter yet?

Start your 14-day free trial of Salesmsg and see what texting can do for your business.

FAQs

Which Q1 campaigns should I start with?

Start with what you already have. If you have stale leads from Q4, run a re-engagement campaign first. If you're booking demos or consultations, set up appointment reminders. Pick one or two campaigns, get them working, then expand from there.

What if I don't have a big SMS list yet?

Start building now. Add SMS opt-in checkboxes to every form on your site. Run a simple campaign asking email subscribers if they'd like text updates. Even a small list of 100 opted-in contacts can drive real results when you're texting people who actually want to hear from you.

Can I run these campaigns if I'm not using HubSpot?

Yes. Salesmsg integrates with Salesforce, ActiveCampaign, Pipedrive, and other CRMs. You can also build workflows directly inside Salesmsg without any CRM at all. The campaigns in this guide work regardless of your tech stack.

How do I know if my Q1 campaigns are working?

Track response rates, click-through rates, and conversions for each campaign. Salesmsg analytics show you exactly how your messages perform. Then, compare results across different campaigns to see which ones drive the most engagement and revenue for your business.