Appointment reminders via SMS/email

**Purpose**

1. Reduce no-shows and cancellations by reminding clients of appointments via SMS/email.

2. Deliver relevant details (date, time, practitioner, location, cancellation policy) prior to session.

3. Enable rescheduling or confirmation through direct reply or embedded link.

4. Improve professional image and enhance client satisfaction.

5. Automate repetitive outreach to save practitioner/administrator time.

**Trigger Conditions**

1. New appointment booked in scheduling system.

2. Upcoming appointment within 24–72 hours (configurable window).

3. Appointment status changes (e.g., rescheduled or canceled).

4. Manual override/urgent send by staff request.

5. Recurring appointments reaching next scheduled occurrence.

**Platform Variants**

1. Twilio (SMS)

- Feature: Messaging API; configure SMS template with dynamic appointment fields.
- Setting: Auth credentials, sender ID, webhook for delivery reports.

2. SendGrid (Email)

- Feature: Transactional Template; set up with appointment placeholders.
- Setting: API Key authentication, from/email addresses, webhook for events.

3. Nexmo (Vonage SMS)

- Feature: SMS API; configure message and sender.
- Setting: API secret, messaging endpoint, number pool.

4. Plivo (SMS)

- Feature: Send Message API; specify recipient and custom text.
- Setting: Auth ID/token, SMS callback URL, local compliance guidelines.

5. MessageBird (SMS)

- Feature: Programmable Messaging API; set up template, schedule send.
- Setting: Access Key, verification of sender, delivery tracking.

6. Mailgun (Email)

- Feature: Send Email API; configure email content and dynamic fields.
- Setting: Public/private keys, sender domain, click/webhook tracking.

7. WhatsApp Business API (via Twilio or MessageBird)

- Feature: Template Messaging; send appointment details via WhatsApp.
- Setting: Registered business number, approved templates, webhook setup.

8. Google Calendar (Email Reminders)

- Feature: Event Notifications; set reminder interval and notification content.
- Setting: OAuth2 authentication, event listener, update triggers.

9. Outlook Calendar (Email Reminders)

- Feature: Calendar Event Reminders; auto-email for upcoming events.
- Setting: MS Graph API connection, mailboxes, event preferences.

10. Slack (In-app or SMS notification via integration)

- Feature: Incoming Webhooks; push notifications to client channel.
- Setting: Webhook URL, message body, scheduling logic.

11. Salesforce (SMS/Email via Pardot or Marketing Cloud)

- Feature: Journey Builder; automate reminders for calendar events.
- Setting: CRM data sync, messaging journey, template configuration.

12. Zoho CRM (Email/SMS)

- Feature: Workflow Automation; trigger SMS/email reminder.
- Setting: SMS gateway integration, template mapping, schedule criteria.

13. HubSpot (Email Reminders)

- Feature: Workflow Email; auto-send based on appointment properties.
- Setting: Contact fields, enrollment triggers, email personalization.

14. ActiveCampaign (Email/SMS Automation)

- Feature: Automated Campaigns; send based on date fields.
- Setting: Appointment data sync, Twilio/SMS integration, template.

15. Freshdesk (SMS/Email Reminders via Freshmarketer)

- Feature: Event-based emails/SMS; select template and trigger timing.
- Setting: Contact segmentation, reminder logic, SaaS connector.

16. Calendly (Email/SMS Reminders)

- Feature: Automated Reminders; customize intervals and message content.
- Setting: Integration with SMS providers, reminder window, client data merge.

17. Acuity Scheduling (SMS/Email Reminders)

- Feature: Built-in Reminder System; customize template/timing.
- Setting: Sync with calendar, provider credentials, opt-out control.

18. Bookeo (Email/SMS Reminders)

- Feature: Notification Automation; set rules for reminders.
- Setting: Message templates, time triggers, API webhook for custom logic.

19. SimpleTexting (SMS Reminders)

- Feature: Scheduled Campaigns; deliver messages to list or individual.
- Setting: CSV import of appointments, time-based targeting, reply handling.

20. ClickSend (SMS/Email)

- Feature: API Messaging; configure templates for reminders.
- Setting: API authentication, contact imports, delivery receipts.

21. AppointmentCore (via external SMS/Email)

- Feature: Webhooks/Integrations; connect to messaging service for reminders.
- Setting: Appointment synced, webhook endpoint, dynamic data pass.

**Benefits**

1. Reduces last-minute cancellations and missed slots.

2. Personalizes client communication at scale.

3. Increases repeat bookings and patient reliability.

4. Allows staff to focus on client care, not manual outreach.

5. Provides audit trail and delivery confirmation for every reminder.