Writing effective SMS reminders: a complete guide

How can you write high-quality reminder messages for your customers?

Are you looking to keep your customers motivated and regular as a sports coach or gym manager? Reminder messages are here to help. These small SMS messages can be very important for reminding you of an appointment, a training session or to signal a change. You can keep your clientele engaged and avoid last-minute cancellations.

In this article, we'll give you some practical tips for writing the best SMS reminders. The aim is clear: to attract your customers' attention, encourage them to respect their commitments and consolidate your relationship with them. Thanks to these tips, you'll be able to improve your communication and offer your customers a more professional and attentive service, all thanks to SMS.

The importance of SMS as a reminder

Customer loyalty

Periodic reminders are essential for keeping your customers loyal. By sending reminders, you show your customers that you care about them and that their progress is constant. Small gestures strengthen the bond between you and your customers, encouraging them to remain loyal. For example, an individualized session reminder can remind them of their goals and encourage them not to miss their workout.

Fewer absences

It is also possible to reduce absenteeism from classes and training sessions by using reminders. Customers are less likely to forget or schedule other things when they receive an SMS before their session. This allows you to have a fixed schedule and maximize your resources. So a simple reminder can be the key to your success in increasing participation and keeping your customers on track.

Improving customer relations

Sending regular SMS messages to your customers keeps them informed and engaged: reminding them of an appointment, notifying them of a schedule change, sharing fitness news, wellness tips or motivational SMS messages. It's important to communicate regularly to avoid misunderstandings and show your customers that you're always available.

The essential elements of a quality SMS.

Clear and concise

The reminder must be concise and clear. Your customers are often in a hurry and can't read long texts: get to the point. "Hello Marie, don't forget your yoga session tomorrow at 6pm in room 3". This kind of brief SMS prevents confusion and ensures that the main information is received.

Personalize every SMS

Personalizing your reminders can have a huge impact. Use your customer's name to tailor content to their preferences and goals. "Hi Jean, are you ready for weight training tomorrow? It seems to me that your favorite session is working on the upper body." This personalization shows your customers that you know them well and that you take their wishes and objectives into account.

Integrate CTAs (Call To Action)

Include an effective call to action (CTA) in your messages to encourage your customers to reply or confirm their presence. Use phrases such as "Confirm your presence by replying to this SMS" or "Click here to confirm your appointment". You can increase response rates and reduce no-shows with a clear, motivating CTA. "Reply 'Yes' to confirm your session tomorrow at 10am".

The timing

The timing of your reminders is crucial to their effectiveness. It's best to schedule an initial reminder 24 hours before the appointment, then another a few hours before. Your customers can prepare and plan their day around this time. It's also a good idea to remind customers of their appointment the day before and again in the morning, to make sure they don't forget.

Our tips for optimizing your SMS and reminder messages

Use user-friendly language

A welcoming tone fosters a positive bond with your customers and shows your concern for them. For example, rather than an overly formal "Your workout is scheduled for tomorrow at 6pm" message, write a friendlier "Hi Julie!" text message. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow at 6pm for our workout!

Indicate important information

Be sure to include all essential information in your reminder messages. This includes the date, time and location of the session, as well as any other relevant information. A well-written, comprehensive SMS helps customers prepare. "Reminder: Yoga session with Paul tomorrow at 10am in the downtown gym".

Vary your means of communication

If you use multiple communication channels, your reminders will be more effective. Text messages, emails and app notifications are all beneficial. Text messages are usually read quickly, emails allow you to add more detail, and app notifications are ideal for real-time reminders. It's possible to increase the chances of your customers seeing and receiving your SMS messages by combining these channels.

Try and adjust

It's important to test different formats and modify your messages according to your customers' feedback. Try out different types of SMS to find out what works best, and ask your customers directly what they prefer. For example, you'll find that some customers are more receptive to reminders by e-mail than by SMS. By regularly adjusting your strategies, you'll improve the effectiveness of your reminders.

Specific advice for fitness professionals

Reminders for training sessions

Reminders of individual and group training sessions are essential to ensure good participation. Here are some examples of SMS messages:

Individual coaching: "Hello Sarah! Personal coaching reminder tomorrow at 9am. I'm happy to work with you on your goals! 💪"

Group coaching: "Hi everyone! We have a Zumba class tomorrow at 6pm. Feel free to move and have fun! 🎉"

SMS reminders for subscriptions

Communicating subscription renewal reminders or special offers is essential to keeping loyal customers. Here are a few recommendations and examples:

Subscription renewal: "Hello Marc, your subscription expires in a week. Renew now to enjoy our services without interruption."

Promotion: "Hello Laura! Take advantage of our spring promotion: 10% discount on all annual subscriptions. Don't miss out!"

Reminders for events

Organizing events is a great way to build customer loyalty. Some examples of SMS:

• "This Saturday at 10am, don't miss our fitness marathon. A friendly event with surprises in store!"
• "Join us for our outdoor yoga session this Sunday at 3pm."

Customer care and support

Sending follow-up SMS messages after a workout is a great way to show your customers that you care about their progress.

• "Congratulations on today's session, Jean, you're making remarkable progress. It's important to keep well hydrated now. I suggest you schedule another session, when are you available?"
• "Hi Sophie, great job today! Here are some tips to help you bounce back: gentle stretching and a protein diet. At your service if you have any questions."

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Conclusion

In short, SMS reminders are indispensable tools for fitness professionals wishing to maintain a strong link with their customers. We urge you to put these tips into practice to improve your communication with your customers.

To find out more, contact us for personalized advice and additional resources. At AZEOO, we're here to help you succeed and provide you with the tools you need to grow your business.

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