> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.mercuri.cx/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.mercuri.cx/features/automations/automated-workflow-for-booking-related-events/booking-reminder-template.md).

# Booking Reminder Template

### Use Case: Automated Booking Reminder for Service-Based Businesses

For businesses that offer appointments through **Wix Bookings**, such as salons, clinics, fitness studios, or consultation services, missed appointments can result in lost revenue and operational inefficiency.

By automating **booking reminder messages** via WhatsApp and SMS, businesses can ensure that customers are well-informed and less likely to forget their scheduled appointments.

{% hint style="info" %}
With Mercuri CX, you can schedule automated reminders at two key intervals — 24 hours and 30 minutes before the appointment — ensuring your customers stay informed and show up on time.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/bDqkfGPHdd3xkPYb2Y8Y" alt="" width="374"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Steps involved in setting up an Automated Workflow

{% hint style="info" %}
If you have already set up the WhatsApp / SMS template for the **Booking reminder** event, then jump to this [section](#b.-adding-the-whatsapp-sms-template-to-the-automated-workflow).&#x20;
{% endhint %}

<details>

<summary><mark style="color:blue;"><strong>A.1.Setting up WhatsApp Template</strong></mark></summary>

1. **Navigate to WhatsApp Templates**

<figure><img src="/files/SFuB5eiJN1zMtMmrWo02" alt=""><figcaption><p>Step 1  : <strong>Navigate to WhatsApp Templates</strong></p></figcaption></figure>

&#x20;1\. Go to **Templates > WhatsApp** in the Mercuri CX dashboard.

2. Click **Create Template**.

3. Select the **WhatsApp Account** that will be used to send out WhatsApp messages.

4. **Configure Template Details**

<figure><img src="/files/S6omiIqlOAUQdXPf3HBW" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Fill in the basic template info:**

* **Template Name:** `booking_reminder_whatsapp` (Use an easy name to identify later)
* **Language:** `English` (or as per your customer base)
* **Category:** `UTILITY` (since it’s an informational message) &#x20;

[\[ *Understand the different categories of WhatsApp templates*\]](https://docs.mercuri.cx/features/automations/automated-workflow-for-booking-related-events/pages/y1Hhk9EVYdDwzdINHEqz#id-1.-template-category)

3. **Fill Template Components**

<figure><img src="/files/pA9p4bPRB0XAaazAI3tL" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Header (Optional):**

*Note: Headers can contain only one variable if needed.*

[\[*Click here to explore different media that can be added to the header* \] ](https://docs.mercuri.cx/features/automations/automated-workflow-for-booking-related-events/pages/y1Hhk9EVYdDwzdINHEqz#id-2.-template-header)

**Body:**

1. Add the message content in the **Body** section of the template.
2. To include dynamic information like customer name and service details, use the **"Add Variable"** button located at the right end of the Body field.&#x20;

***Sample message :***&#x20;

`Hi {{1}}, 👋`\
`This is a friendly reminder from`` `**`{{2}}`**`.`\
`You're scheduled for`` `**`{{3}}`**` ``on`` `**`{{4}}`**` ``.`

`We look forward to seeing you!`

**Variables** :&#x20;

Add a variable value to the corresponding placeholders with a sample value&#x20;

Note: Each `{{ }}`  It is a placeholder that gets replaced dynamically during automation:

* `{{1}}` → Customer name
* `{{2}}` → business name
* `{{3}}` → service title
* `{{4}}` → Start Date and Time

Note: Assign sample values for each variable before submitting for approval.

3\. Click on **Create template** after filling in all the required details.

</details>

<details>

<summary><mark style="color:blue;"><strong>A.2.Setting up SMS Template</strong></mark></summary>

<figure><img src="/files/kKtPmqAsoVLu4LDoh7Da" alt="" width="506"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

1. Go to the **Templates** section in the left-hand menu of the Mercuri dashboard, and select **SMS**.
2. In the top-right corner, click **Create Template** to begin.

**3. Fill in Template Details**

You’ll be directed to the SMS template creation form. Fill in the following:

* **Template Name**: Enter a short, descriptive title so it’s easy to identify the purpose of the message.

**Example**

```
booking reminder SMS 
```

* **Template Text**:\
  Craft a clear and concise message (within 160 characters). You can personalize it using dynamic variables.<br>
* Click the **Add Variable** button in the bottom-right corner of the body section to insert placeholders.

  **Example:**

  ```
  Hi {{name}}, reminder: You have an appointment for {{service}} at {{business_name}} on {{date and time}}.

  ```

**4. Variable Mapping**

Map each `{#var#}` to the actual data fields, like **customer name** , **service title, start date and time .**

**5. Preview**

View the **SMS Preview** to see how the final message will appear to customers.

<figure><img src="/files/VPFfIU5pyTBE5oPC0Eyu" alt="" width="441"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**6. Save the Template**

Click **Create** to save your SMS template. It will now be available to use in campaigns, automations, or workflows.

</details>

### B. Adding the WhatsApp / SMS template to the Automated workflow

* Go to the **Automation** section in the dashboard.
* Click on **Create Automation**.
* Choose the **automation type** as `Booking reminder` from the list.
* Select the preferred communication channel as **WhatsApp/ SMS** for delivering the automated message.
* Choose the approved `booking_reminder`template that we created in earlier steps.

***

### Video Tutorial

<mark style="color:blue;">**Video Tutorial for WhatsApp Automation**</mark>

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/BL0Fo4snWbw>" %}

***

<mark style="color:blue;">**Video Tutorial for SMS Automation**</mark>

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/jyPAG-JIbRo>" %}