How to Send a Link in a Text Message

Can you send a link in a regular text message?

People have asked this question many times: Can you send a link in a regular SMS text message? The answer is yes, you absolutely can. In fact, sending a link via SMS is one of the easiest and most effective ways to share information quickly. Text messages aren’t limited to just words; they can include clickable URLs that direct your recipient to a webpage, document, form, or any other online resource.

Whether you’re confirming an appointment, providing a scheduling link, sharing a resource after a meeting, or sending a quick survey, links in text messages help streamline communication, reduce back-and-forth, and improve overall response times. They're especially helpful when your goal is to give someone a simple way to take action right from their phone.

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Why Should I Send Links in a Text Message?

Text messaging is one of the fastest and most direct ways to reach someone and including a link turns that quick message into an actionable one. Here’s why it makes sense to send links in a text:

• Convenience: People are already on their phones. Giving them a link to click means they can take action instantly, no switching devices, no checking email.
• Higher Engagement: Text messages typically have much higher open and response rates compared to email. Adding a link increases the chances that your recipient will follow through.
• Efficiency: Instead of explaining everything in the message, you can link to a webpage, form, or resource that contains all the details.
• Clear Calls to Action: Whether it’s “confirm your appointment,” “track your order,” or “complete this form,” a link gives your recipient a clear next step.
• Fewer Follow-Ups: When it’s easy for people to take action, you spend less time chasing down responses.

In short, links help you get things done faster and more smoothly while keeping your texts short, helpful, and to the point.

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Examples of Business-Friendly Link Messages

When sending links via SMS, keep your message clear, relevant, and action-driven. Here are a few examples of how links can be used in everyday business messaging:

• Appointment Confirmations
  “Hi Sarah, your appointment with Dr. Martinez is scheduled for Thursday at 3:30 PM. If you need to reschedule, use this link: [yourwebsite.com/reschedule].”
• Schedule Changes
  “Your training session has been moved to Friday at 10 AM. Please confirm your availability here: [yourwebsite.com/confirm].”
• Order Tracking
  “Your order has shipped! You can track it here: [yourwebsite.com/track123].”
• Client Resources
  “Thanks for attending today’s meeting. Here’s the resource guide we discussed: [yourwebsite.com/resources].”
• Feedback & Surveys
  “We’d love your feedback on your recent experience. Please take a minute to complete this short survey: [yourwebsite.com/survey].”

For more ideas on how to use text messages effectively in your business, click here to get the Text Templates for Ultimate Business Texting and streamline your communication.

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Send Links in Text Using Your Business Phone Number

Whether you use a traditional landline or a VoIP number for work, you don’t need to switch phone numbers to start texting. With a service like Texty Pro, you can text-enable your existing business number, allowing you to send and receive text messages from the number your customers already know and trust. Once your number is text-enabled, all you have to do is log in to the web app to send and receive messages, just like you would with email. You can also download the Texty Pro mobile app for iOS or Android to text from your business number right from your smartphone.

This means you can send links like appointment confirmations, order updates, or resource pages directly from your business line. It helps you:

• Build trust by using a number your clients recognize
• Increase response rates with quick, direct communication
• Avoid missed messages from lost emails or voicemail phone tag

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Avoid Shared Public URL Shorteners

It might seem like a good idea to shorten your links to keep your message short and looking clean, but be careful which tool you use. Avoid shared public URL shorteners like the free versions of Bitly, TinyURL, or similar services. U.S. mobile carriers often flag these links because they are frequently used by spammers and scammers. As a result, using them can increase the chances your message will be filtered, delayed, or even blocked entirely, with no way to appeal.

Instead, use full URLs from your own domain whenever possible, or choose a branded short link service that is tied to your business. This improves message deliverability and helps build trust with your recipients.

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Common Public URL Shorteners to Avoid in Business Texts

U.S. mobile carriers don’t publish official blocklists, but based on industry experience and messaging provider guidelines, the following public URL shorteners are commonly flagged or filtered by mobile carriers due to frequent misuse by spammers and scammers:

• bit.ly (free accounts)
• tinyurl.com
• goo.gl (discontinued but still in circulation)
• t.co (Twitter’s shortener, sometimes flagged if used outside their platform)
• ow.ly
• is.gd
• buff.ly
• rebrand.ly (free versions or unbranded links)
• cutt.ly
• shorte.st
• adf.ly

These services are shared across millions of users, which means even if you’re using them responsibly, your message could be flagged due to past abuse by others using the same domain.

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What to Use Instead

• A full URL from your own domain (e.g. yourbusiness.com/confirm)
• A branded link shortener tied to your domain (e.g. go.yourbusiness.com/track)

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Final Thoughts

Including links in your texts is a great way to make communication faster and more convenient. Just make sure you do it in a way that keeps your messages trusted and compliant.