The Best Scheduling Software with Built-In Text Reminders
Last Updated on 16 September, 2025
If you run a business that offers classes or appointments, you may already be aware that scheduling software with built-in text reminders is essential to helping your clients keep their bookings.
Life is busy, and people usually don’t intend to be no-shows. But the truth is, empty classes and appointment slots cost you revenue. They also waste valuable staff time.
That’s why so many businesses rely on scheduling software that includes SMS reminders. It’s a feature you shouldn’t compromise on, especially if you own a business like a gym, fitness studio, yoga school, spa, salon, coaching business, or wellness clinic.
In this post, we’ll explore why text reminders matter, what to look for in a solution, and how different options compare. We’ll also break down why WellnessLiving is one of the best choices for management software that includes built-in text reminders.
Key takeaways: Best scheduling software with SMS reminders
- Text reminders work: Studies and real businesses show SMS reminders can cut no-shows dramatically, improving both revenue and retention.
- All features aren’t equal: The best scheduling software combines automation, customization, and two-way SMS to keep schedules full and staff time free.
- WellnessLiving leads: With included booking reminders in the U.S. and Canada plus proven client success stories, it’s a top choice for appointment-based businesses.
Why appointment scheduling software with text reminders matters
Text messages are the simplest, fastest way to reduce missed appointments.
Compared to email or phone calls, SMS reminders:
- Reach clients instantly (with some industry reports showing 90%+ open rates).
- Reduce confusion about dates and times.
- Give clients a chance to confirm, cancel, or reschedule.
- Reduce missed appointments by up to 38% compared to no reminders at all
These aren’t just healthcare wins. Whether you manage a salon or a coaching program, the best scheduling software with built-in text reminders can transform your client attendance and stabilize revenue.
What to look for in the best scheduling software with SMS
Not all tools are equal. When evaluating appointment scheduling software with text reminders, consider:
- Automation: Can you set reminders for 48h, 24h, or same-day notices?
- Customization: Do texts pull in the client’s name, service, and time?
- Two-way SMS: Can clients confirm or cancel by replying?
- Fallback channels: Email or app push if SMS fails.
- Cost structure: Are reminders included, or charged per message?
- Compliance: Opt-in/out options to keep you aligned with regulations.
The best scheduling software goes beyond “just send a text.” It integrates reminders smoothly into your booking system so you don’t need third-party apps or manual follow-ups.
For a deeper breakdown of how automated notifications can help reduce no-shows, check out our complete guide to building your business with automated notifications.
How appointment scheduling software with text reminders reduces no-shows
When clients forget an appointment, everyone loses. But with the right system in place:
- Clients stay engaged: A personalized text builds trust and accountability.
- Staff save time: No more chasing clients with manual calls.
- Schedules stay full: Reminders prompt cancellations early, giving you time to rebook.
For example, a yoga studio might send an SMS 24 hours before class, giving clients the chance to confirm or cancel. If one cancels, that spot opens for a waitlist client. That’s the power of effective appointment scheduling software with text reminders.
Comparing the best scheduling software options
Several popular platforms offer scheduling with some SMS functionality:
- Acuity/Squarespace Scheduling – Simple, but reminders are often one-way and customization is limited.
- Square Appointments – Includes SMS, but advanced automation and reporting are minimal.
- Mindbody – Widely used in fitness, but SMS reminders often require add-ons and come with extra costs.
In many cases, you’ll find hidden fees for SMS or clunky integrations with third-party apps. That’s where choosing the best scheduling software with built-in text reminders makes a difference: you want everything streamlined, included, and easy to use.
Why Wellnessliving is the best scheduling software for appointment-based businesses
WellnessLiving’s platform is designed for appointment-based service providers — from gyms to salons to wellness clinics — and its text reminder system is built right in.
WellnessLiving’s two-way SMS feature
Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Automated notifications: Send confirmations and reminders by SMS, email, or push.
- Custom templates: Personalize reminders per service, class, or event.
- Two-way messaging: Use WellnessLiving’s Message Center to manage conversations with clients who reply.
- Personalization: SMS variables automatically pull in names, times, and services.
- Cost efficiency: In the U.S. and Canada, automated booking reminders (transactional SMS) are included, while marketing texts count toward your Message Center plan.
- Client preferences: Customers can manage their own notification settings, ensuring compliance and satisfaction.
This all-in-one setup makes WellnessLiving a strong contender for any business searching for the best scheduling software with text reminders.
Real-world impact of appointment scheduling software with reminders
Deacon Carpenter, owner of YogaONE integrated wellness center, experienced measurable growth after switching to WellnessLiving’s automated communication system.
Since making the transition, his yoga and wellness business has seen a 35% increase in both business and client retention.
“You can do so much in it. You can use it to send text reminders, email reminders, run your MailChimp through it, run special promotions through it,” Deacon explains.
“We’ve probably had a 35% increase of both business and retention since we switched. I think from a pure number’s perspective, we’ve had a lot more retention because we can use WellnessLiving to engage clients more frequently.”
After trying multiple platforms, Deacon’s verdict is simple: “This is the one tool for it all. You don’t need anything else, other than WellnessLiving.”
When appointment scheduling software and SMS reminders are integrated, the impact isn’t just fewer no-shows. It’s smoother operations, happier staff, and clients who trust that your business is reliable.
How to choose the best scheduling software for your business
Here’s a step-by-step process to evaluate your options:
- Measure your no-show rate now — Know the revenue you’re losing.
- Define your reminder strategy — 24h, 48h, same-day? One reminder or multiple?
- Test customization — Can you brand the message, add client names, and include location/service details?
- Check two-way communication — Do clients have to call, or can they reply directly?
- Evaluate cost transparency — Are SMS reminders included, or an expensive add-on?
Once you compare, you’ll likely find that the best scheduling software with text reminders is the one that keeps reminders automated, customizable, and affordable.
Why WellnessLiving is the clear choice
When business owners search for the best scheduling software, they’re often looking for simplicity: a tool that saves time, reduces stress, and keeps clients engaged.
But when you add scheduling software with text reminders, you unlock even more value: lower no-shows, better communication, and steadier revenue.
WellnessLiving combines powerful appointment scheduling software with built-in SMS reminders, making it one of the strongest choices for appointment-based businesses. If you’re ready to streamline your operations and keep clients showing up, book a free WellnessLiving demo today.
