How to Send Text Reminders to Customers

Missed appointments are not just a nuisance––they’re a drag on your bottom line. They cost the US healthcare system $150B each year. And the issue of no shows isn’t unique to the healthcare industry. 

Let’s say you run a hair salon and have eight no shows a week: if your average revenue per customer is $46, that’s $288 per week. That translates to $1,152 a month, which ends up costing $14,688 per year.

Luckily, the use of text and SMS reminders continues to reduce the number of people missing appointments. It’s not just businesses’ profits that benefit either.

Our recent text message marketing report found that 46% of respondents are open to receiving texts from businesses about scheduling reminders/alerts.

While it’s unlikely you’ll prevent every single cancellation, over 37% of no shows in the healthcare industry and 62% of no shows in the salon industry say they forgot about their appointments.

With 98% open rates, text trumps phone and email reminders by a wide margin. When you couple this with customers’ preference for text reminders, it’s not a difficult decision. 

Here’s how to send text reminders to customers.

Here’s How to Use SimpleTexting as a Text Reminder Service

There are two ways to send text reminders: automatically using SimpleTexting’s Zapier integration or by using the SMS inbox to schedule them. We’ll walk you through both options.

Both methods require you to have a SimpleTexting account. You can start your 14-day free trial and get 50 outgoing text messages, unlimited incoming messages, full access to all our powerful features, and dedicated support 7 days per week. 

Most importantly, you can use your trial account to test out the process.

Automatically Send Text Appointment Reminders

If you want to send out automatic text reminders, you’ll need to set up the SimpleTexting and Zapier integration. 

If you’re unfamiliar with Zapier, it’s an online automation tool that connects your favorite software apps. They offer a free plan that includes 100 tasks per month–which equals 100 appointment reminder texts. 

Integrating SimpleTexting and Zapier can be done in a couple of clicks. Here are instructions on how to do it.

Below we provide instructions for Google Calendar and Acuity Scheduling. With over 2,000 apps available, chances are you can connect whatever appointment or scheduling software you use to SimpleTexting through Zapier.

If you use a custom-built scheduling software or don’t see your platform listed on Zapier, check out our SMS API–if you don’t know what an API is, read this beginner’s guide to using an API for SMS.

Google Calendar and SimpleTexting

It’s easy to automatically send text message reminders for appointments you schedule in Google Calendar using SimpleTexting and Zapier. This two-minute video explains the process. (If you prefer written instructions, then check out this article.) 

Acuity Scheduling and SimpleTexting

1. In Zapier you’ll choose the following fields for your Zap

2. You’ll need to sign in to your Acuity account. Underneath Customize Appointment Start, you’ll select the time before unit, the appointment type, the calendar, and the number of days or hours before.

In the below example, we set up a consultation appointment reminder that goes out one day before the appointment’s start date and time.

3. Next, you’ll log in to your SimpleTexting account. Underneath customize SMS, select the phone number field, and then write your message. You can even personalize your automated text reminders using fields from Acuity.

Now all you need to do is turn the Zap on.

Send Out Appointment Reminders From the SMS Inbox

Another option is to send out appointment reminders from SimpleTexting’s SMS inbox. Here’s how to make this process as seamless as possible.

1. Log in to your SimpleTexting account and select Inbox from the left-hand panel of your dashboard

2. Select the blue “new conversation” option beside the search bar

3. Then select the bookmark symbol and add template. Templates enable you to create a standard text message reminder. Their superpower is saving you from having to type up the same message again and again.

4. Now type up your template message.

5. Your message is ready to send! You can send it right away or schedule the text for later. To schedule a message for later, all you need to do is select the clock icon beside Send SMS once you’ve typed up your text and added a phone number.

6. You can see your scheduled message in your inbox. If someone cancels or reschedules their appointment, you can either delete the message or change the time it’s scheduled to send.

What Happens If Someone Replies?

All replies to your SMS reminders go straight to your SimpleTexting inbox. For example, if you send a reminder and someone asks if they can reschedule, you can respond with a new date and time. This quick video walks you through the ins-and-outs of the inbox.

Questions About Our Text Reminder App?

If you have questions about sending text reminders to customers, our team of experts would love to answer them. We’re available 7 days a week. Text or call us at (866) 450-4185 or use the chat at the bottom of your screen.