Jacob Morrow
2025-01-02 11:35:36
For any appointment-based business, no shows are one of the biggest problems. During a survey, 29% of respondents said they missed an appointment because they forgot the date or time. Sending text reminders can significantly reduce the no shows and keep schedules on track. Businesses such as salons, doctor’s offices, and auto mechanics can benefit from setting up automated text reminders.
Text Reminders are highly targeted and directly making them perfect for instant communication. However, speed is just one benefit of text reminders. This article covers some lesser-known benefits of using text reminders. Most importantly, we will list down the 10 best text message reminder services to help you make a better choice.
Part 1: What are Text Reminders?
Text Reminders are exactly what they sound like they are short messages meant to remind or inform clients about an appointment or event. The key purpose of text reminders is to reduce the likelihood of missed commitments. Overall the goal behind text reminders is improving customer experience which ultimately improves profits.
Text reminders also ensure that you don’t waste time due to missed reminders. You don’t have to manually send text appointments to each client. A reliable text reminder service ensures that your reminders get delivered on time automatically. Text reminders include key information about the appointments including date, time, and location. When customers have all the information they need they can arrive for their appointments in time.
Features of text reminders
Here are some features of text reminders that make them essential for appointment based businesses:
- The interactive nature of text reminders allows clients toconfirm, cancel, or reschedule appointments.
- You can track the delivery status and other metrics related to sent reminders.
- Text messages can be custom-tailored for a more personalized client
- Reputed text reminder services ensure timely delivery.
- A low-cost way to send timely reminders to clients.
Use cases for text reminders
Text reminders have a wide range of uses for a variety of businesses. Here are some common use cases for this marketing strategy:
1 Healthcare
One of the industries that benefits from text reminders is healthcare. Providers can streamline their scheduling process, reducing complications for both clinics and patients.
2 Events
If you are an event organizer, then text reminders can help ensure the maximum possible attendance. Event organizers can send last-minute updates with directions and other necessary details using text reminders.
3 Retail
Retailers send text reminders to customers regarding flash sales, promotions, and other relevant updates. Text reminders are a great way to improve sales and engage buyers.
4 Education
Educational institutions benefit from the prompt communication offered by text reminders. Schools can use a text message reminder service to notify students of fee payments, assignment deadlines, and other important updates.
5 Fitness & Wellness
Gyms and fitness centers utilize text reminders to remind clients about their training sessions or updates on their gym memberships.
6 Transportation services
Transportation companies can use a text message reminder service to notify passengers about train, bus, or flight delays, cancellations, or booking confirmations.
Part 2: 10 Best Text Reminder Service Providers for Businesses
By now, we have covered everything that you should know about text reminders. When it comes to picking the best text reminder service providers there are plenty of options to choose from. While all the text reminder service providers help automate the notification process each comes with unique features, and its own pros and cons. Here are the 10 best text reminder service providers you can use to improve your customer experience:
1. EngageLab
EngageLab is an omnichannel messaging service provider that is focuses on providing customer interaction solutions. This SMS reminder service offers seamless integration with carriers in more than 200 countries around the globe. The core focus of EngageLab’s text reminder service is to ensure all notifications your business sends to customers are 100% legal and delivered on time.
Key Features
- The message sending time can be preset for different regions.
- Real-time tracking for ensuring the targets are being met.
- Uses advanced systems to automatically switch to optimal SMS channels.
- Complies with international and local regulations.
- Preview the message interface to ensure the best reading experience
Pricing
- The price depends on the number of messages and the destination where the message is sent. Businesses can calculate costs very clearly based on their needs.
Target Audience
- EngageLab is designed for appointment based businesses of all sizes including healthcare providers, salons, automotive repair shops, and other service providers.
Pros
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Scalable pricing
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Reliable delivery and performance
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Versatile SMS communication option
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In addition to sms, also provides various marketing channels such as AppPush, WebPush, Email, WhatsApp, etc
Cons
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Its interface can be a little bit complex for some users
2. GoReminders
GoReminders is another reliable text reminder service provider known for its wide range of text message focused functionalities. This text reminder service lets you send automated reminders with personalized templates. This platform allows businesses to set appointment reminders up to a month in advance. With mass texting support GoReminders is a great option for both small and large appointment based businesses.
Key Features
- Customizable reminder text
- SMS reminder scheduling
- Ability to send reminders in multiple languages
- You can sync GoReminders with all popular calendar apps
Pricing
- GoReminders comes with a short free trial option. Once the free trial expires you can choose between three pricing plans with the starter plan starting at $30/month.
Target Audience
- GoReminders is ideal for most service based business that use appointments. However, it may not be a good fit for large organizations with advanced integration needs.
Pros
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Quick and easy to setup text reminders
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Fully automated hands off solution
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Works well for individual and bulk reminders
Cons
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Can be costly due to the subscription model
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Not suitable for large organizations
3. ClickSend
ClickSend is one of the lesser known text reminder service for business that promise seamless client communication. This tool makes it easy to set up a contact list and start sending text reminders. The great thing about ClickSend is that you don’t have to pay for all the different types of client communication services they offer. You can subscribe to their SMS plan if you only need the appointment reminder functionality.
Key Features
- Simple and quick integration with a wide range of apps
- Purpose build client communication tool
- Allows you to maintain two way text message communication
Pricing
- ClickSend offers a free trial and their per SMS price starts at $0.4492.
Target Audience
- Small to medium sized businesses with individual and bulk text message reminder needs.
Pros
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You don’t have to pay for all the services as a bundle
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Cost effective with pay as you go model
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Less complex compared to other bundled text reminder services
Cons
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Character limit restricts for reminder texts
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Limited features for advanced text reminder management
4. Acuity Scheduling
Acuity Scheduling is a purpose built scheduling solution that lets you automate text reminders. This text reminder service for businesses has a self scheduling feature that lets clients pick a schedule that suits them. Once an appointment has been booked Acuity will send automated reminders to your clients making it a highly efficient solution.
Key Features
- Provides self scheduling for clients
- Comes with the option to book appointments across multiple time zones
- Integrated payment processing
- Offers add ons along with appointments
Pricing
- Acuity Scheduling comes with a free trial option and once it expires it is $16 per month for the base plan.
Target Audience
- Ideal for most appointment based businesses including gyms, clinics, beauty services, automotive shops, and other service focused operations.
Pros
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User friendly interface
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Allows for scheduling flexibility
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Integrated with all major calendar apps
Cons
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Advanced features are only available with more expensive plans
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Text reminders aren’t included in the free trial
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Can be tricky to send bulk messages
5. GReminders
GReminders comes with one of the best integration options with support for most CRM software. This text reminder program also supports other forms of client communication including call and email notification options. With GReminders service based businesses can take care of all their appointment scheduling and reminder needs.
Key Features
- Automatic new contact creation
- Automated rescheduling and cancellations
- Set the exact time for sending reminders prior to the appointments
- Allows meeting recordings
Pricing
- Comes with a free version and the full version starts at $8 per month.
Target Audience
- Ideal for small to medium range appointment based businesses.
Pros
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Affordable option for businesses that want to automate text reminders
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Easy to set up and use
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Allows you to send reminders via text, email, and call
Cons
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Relies on calendar syncing for accurate reminders
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No text reminders with a free version
6. Square Appointments
Square Appointments is an all in one scheduling and text reminder solution. This text reminder service for business combines scheduling, client management, POS, and other key functionalities in a single package. If you are looking for a stand alone text reminder service Square Appointments is not it. However, if you are looking for a versatile scheduling solution that also automates text reminders then this service is worth a try.
Key Features
- Dedicated app for beauty and personal care services
- Automated replies with Square Assistant let you send a reminder textat the correct time
- Allows you to view customer communication history for each client
Pricing
- Comes with a free version with decent functionality. The paid plans start at $29 per month.
Target Audience
- Square Appointments is designed for small to medium service based businesses. Their core functionalities are geared towards beauty salons and fitness centers.
Pros
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You can send a reminder textwith both free and paid versions
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An all in one scheduling, reminders, and POS solution
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Allows you to manage client communication across multiple mediums
Cons
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High processing fee which is mandatory, not optional
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Limited customizations for reminders
7. Apptoto
Apptoto is an AI powered text reminder and messaging service provider for businesses. This tool simplifies the process of scheduling and automating text reminders. One of the key selling points of Apptoto is its focus on text communication automation. While this tool also offers a payment processing feature its core functionality is text reminder automation.
Key Features
- Allows self scheduling for clients
- Supports two way text communication
- Automates text reminders and confirmation
- Works with most calendar apps
Pricing
- Apptoto has a 14 day free trial and the base price for this text reminder service is $39 per month.
Target Audience
- Apptoto is designed for small appointment based businesses such as salons, clinics, fitness centers, and automotive repair shops.
Pros
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Simple and easy to use
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Offers plenty of integration options
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Comes with a money back guarantee
Cons
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Setting up text reminders with Apptoto can be complex
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Message credit system can be confusing
8. SimplyBook.me
SimplyBook.me comes equipped with automated appointment booking and reminder features. This tool lets you book appointments through your business website, Facebook, Instagram or Google Business Profile. Once an appointment is booked SimplyBook.me makes it easy to create custom reminders to be sent automatically ahead of the appointment date.
Key Features
- Charges upfront deposits to reduce cancellations
- Comes with a waiting list option when your services are over booked
- Prevents double booking through calendar synchronization
- Allows you to accept onsite and online payments
Pricing
- SimplyBook.me offers a 14 day free trial. The paid version starts at $9.90 per month. There are also separate SMS packages for businesses with high text reminder delivery needs.
Target Audience
- SimplyBook.me is designed with the needs of small, medium, and large appointment focused businesses across all major industries.
Pros
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Offers simple and easy to use text reminder functionality
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Specialized booking and reminder solutions for a wide range of industries
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Allows you to control when the appointment reminders get sent
Cons
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SMS reminders aren’t available with the free version
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Pricing plans can be confusing
9. Sign-In Scheduling
Sign-In Scheduling is a purpose built text reminder service provider for managing appointments. The sole purpose of this tool is to make sure your appointments are easy to book and clients don’t miss them. Sign-In Scheduling was formerly known as 10to8 which always had a reputation for being a dedicated client communication service.
Key Features
- End to end visitor management solution
- Offers a centralized calendar to keep the appointments organized
- Text, and voice reminders to reduce no shows
- Detailed analytics
Pricing
- Sign In Scheduling has a free trial option and their base plans start at $460 per year with no monthly payment option.
Target Audience
- Sign In Scheduling is ideal for small scale businesses from the healthcare, finance, and education sectors.
Pros
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Purpose built appointment scheduling and text reminder service provider
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Offers plenty of integrations
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Allows businesses to schedule appointments effectively
Cons
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No monthly payment option
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Limited pricing plans
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Interface can be complex to navigate
10. SimpleTexting
SimpleTexting is basically an SMS marketing platform that lets you automate a wide range of business communication. This service also lets you schedule and send text reminders to your clients making it a versatile option. It is mostly an SMS marketing focused tool that can serve as a text reminder service. However there are no specific functionalities designed specifically for sending automated text reminders.
Key Features
- Comes with AI assistance to help you write engaging text
- Allows you to have two way communication
- Integrates with all major web apps
- Offers text message automation
Pricing
- SimpleTexting comes with a free trial option. The starting cost for the paid version is around $39 per month for 500 credits.
Target Audience
- SimplyTexting is mostly built for businesses the want to automate their text marketing campaigns. However, it can be repurposed to send text reminders.
Pros
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Simple interface
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Plenty of integrations
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Allows you to set up a contact list quickly
Cons
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Can be costly for small businesses
Part 3: Benefits of Using a Text Message Reminder Service
Here are some key benefits of using a text message reminder service:
1 Increased revenue
The most obvious benefit of using text reminders is the increased revenue from consistent attendance. When more clients are following through with their appointments, your business will generate higher profits.
2 Cost effective
Text reminders are an affordable way to maintain communication with your clients. Most reliable text reminder service providers charge around $0.0091 for delivering SMS reliably in the US.
3 Reduced burden on your staff
Text reminders reduce the burden on your staff with fewer rescheduling and appointment conflicts. As a result, they can focus on key operations to improve customer satisfaction.
4 Customers prefer SMS notifications
SMS is the preferred means of communication for up to 52% of customers. That is because SMS notifications don’t require internet connectivity to view. Besides, most smartphone users check their SMS multiple times a day. So, if the reminder is about something urgent, like a same-day appointment or a departure, text messages are the preferred medium.
5 Quicker actions by recipients
While other forms of communication, such as email, are great for detailed messages, SMS is a better option for time sensitive communication. Since text reminders are meant to be read instantly, they result in quicker actions, resulting in reduced no show rates.
6 Serve as a reference
Text reminders are easy to retrieve in case the client needs to re-read them from their SMS inbox. They can easily find the reminder text and retrieve all the information they need for the appointment.
7 Text inboxes are less competitive
Email inboxes are notoriously crowded and frankly overflowing with promotional emails from hundreds of brands. SMS inboxes, on the other hand, don’t have such high competition. So, when a business uses text reminders for instant communication, they are less likely to get buried under messages.
8 Reduced human error through automation
Automated text reminder services reduce the need to remember each appointment and manually send out reminders. The automation significantly reduces the risk of errors such as forgetting to send the reminder or sending incorrect information.
9 Eco friendly communication
Similar to email communication, a text message reminder service eliminates the need for sending physical mail to clients’ addresses. Your business can maintain its zero waste status by switching to text reminders.
Part 4: Event Reminder Text Message Samples
Here are some engaging event reminder text message sample templates that you can use for your text reminders:
1 Conference Reminder
Sample 1
- Hi [First Name], a quick reminder that [Company Name]’s [Confrence Name] is starting at [Date] at [Time] at [Venue]. Make sure to arrive early so you can get the best seats and enjoy the pre-event refreshments!
Sample 2
- Hello [First Name], we’re thrilled to have to at [Confrence Name]! Mark your calendar for [Date] at [Time]. Venue: [Location]. Don’t forget to bring your entry pass!
2 Webinar Alert
Sample 1
- Hi [First Name], Our Webinar, '[Topic for Webinar],' is going live on [Date] at [Time]. Save this link for the session: [Link]. We can’t wait to see you there!
Sample 2
- Reminder: [Topic for Webinar] goes live tomorrow! Join us on [Date] at [Time]. Access the webinar link here: [Link]. Don’t miss the chance to learn from the experts!
3 Workshop Invitation
Sample 1
- Hey [First Name], this is your reminder for the [Topic] workshop on [Date] at [Time]. We have hands-on activities lined up at [Location]. Bring your enthusiasm!
Sample 2
- Hello [First Name], your seat is reserved for our [Topic] workshop on [Date] at [Location]. Doors open at [Time]. Don’t forget to bring [Required Items]!
4 Charity Event Reminder
Sample 1
- Dear [First Name], our heartfelt thanks for supporting [Cause]! A reminder that our charity event is happening on [Date] at [Venue]. Let’s make a difference together!
Sample 2
- Hi [First Name], we’re excited to see you at [Organization Name]’s [Charity Event Name]! Join us on [Date] at [Time] at [Venue]. Together, we can achieve so much more.
5 Networking Event Notice
Sample 1
- Hi [First Name], get ready to connect at [Networking Event Name] on [Date] at [Time]. Venue: [Location]. Bring your business card and make new connections!
Sample 2
- Hello [First Name], just a reminder that [Networking Event Name] is happening soon – [Date]. [Time] at [Venue]. Dress code: [Specify]. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to network!
6 Product Demo Confirmation
Sample 1
- Hello [First Name], your [Product Name] demo is scheduled for [Date], at [Time]. Join us online at [Link]. We can’t wait to show you how [Product] can make a difference!
Sample 2
- Hi [First Name], excited to see you at the [Product Name] demo on [Date]. We’ll meet at [Time] via [Link]. Have your questions ready for our Q&A session!
You can customize these event reminder text message samples to fit your own business events.
Conclusion
Text reminders are a simple yet effective way to reduce no shows by up to 90%. If you didn’t know which text reminder service provider you should choose this article should make your decision easier.
The number one text reminder service remains EngageLab with its on time delivery and ease of set up. Now that you know the best text reminder service provider you can boost the revenue of your appointment based business in 2025.
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