Glossary
What is an appointment reminder?
Definition
An appointment reminder is an automated message sent to a customer ahead of a scheduled appointment to prompt them to attend or reschedule. Reminders are commonly delivered by text message, email, or automated phone call. Their main purpose is to reduce missed appointments and keep schedules running smoothly.
01How appointment reminders work
When an appointment is booked, the system schedules one or more reminders to go out at set intervals before the appointment, such as a day ahead and an hour ahead. Each reminder typically includes the date, time, and location, and may let the recipient confirm, cancel, or reschedule with a reply or link. The timing and channel are usually configurable.
02Why reminders matter
People forget appointments or double-book their own time, and a timely nudge gives them a chance to show up or free the slot for someone else. For a small business, fewer no-shows means more productive hours and less lost revenue. Reminders also create a natural moment to share prep instructions or policies.
Frequently asked questions
When should reminders be sent?
A common pattern is one reminder around 24 hours before and a shorter nudge a few hours prior, but the ideal timing depends on the type of appointment and how far ahead it was booked.
Do reminders reduce no-shows?
Reminders are widely used to lower no-show rates because they give customers a prompt to confirm or reschedule, though results vary by business and audience.
See also
Related terms
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