Best Practices
The Complete Guide to Automated Appointment Reminders
December 5, 2022
•8 min read
•By James MartinezAppointment reminders are one of the most effective tools for reducing no-shows and keeping your schedule full. But not all reminders are created equal. This guide covers everything you need to know to set up reminders that work.
SMS vs Email: Which is Better?
SMS reminders have a 98% open rate compared to 20% for email. However, email works well for detailed information and confirmations. The best strategy uses both channels strategically.
Perfect Timing for Reminders
Research shows the optimal reminder schedule is: initial confirmation immediately after booking, a reminder 3 days before (email), 24 hours before (SMS), and 2 hours before (SMS) for high-value appointments.
Crafting Effective Messages
Keep reminders short, personal, and actionable. Include the date, time, service, location, and easy options to confirm or reschedule. Personalization increases effectiveness by 40%.
Automation is Key
Manual reminders don't scale and are prone to human error. Automated systems ensure every client gets timely reminders without any effort from your team.
Conclusion
Well-designed reminder systems practically pay for themselves by reducing no-shows and protecting your revenue. The investment in automation is one of the best decisions any appointment-based business can make.
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