Best SMS Reminder Tools for Small UK Businesses in 2026

Missed appointments cost UK service businesses thousands of pounds every year. According to NHS data, missed hospital appointments alone cost over 750 million pounds annually, and the pattern is identical across garages, salons, clinics, and trade businesses.

The solution is simple: send your customers an SMS reminder before their appointment or when their recurring service comes due. Text messages have a 98% open rate and most are read within three minutes. But with dozens of tools on the market, how do you choose the right one for your small business?

We tested and compared seven of the most popular SMS reminder platforms available to UK businesses. This guide breaks down what each tool does best, what it costs, and which type of business it suits.

What to look for in an SMS reminder tool

Before we compare specific tools, here is what matters most for a small UK service business:

UK phone number support. You need a tool that can send SMS from a UK number or alphanumeric sender ID (with an easy-to-recognize name). Some US-focused tools have limited UK support or charge premium rates for international messages.

Ease of setup. If you run a garage, salon, or trade business with 2-5 employees, you need something that works in minutes, not weeks.

Automation. The whole point is to set it and forget it. Look for tools that send reminders automatically based on dates or calendar events.

Pricing transparency. Some platforms charge per message, others per month. Make sure you understand the total cost for your volume.

Recurring service support. Many businesses need reminders for annual or periodic services: MOT tests, boiler servicing, dental check-ups, pet vaccinations. Not every tool handles recurring dates.

GDPR compliance. UK businesses must handle customer data responsibly. Look for tools that help you manage consent and data in line with UK data protection rules.

Quick comparison table

1. Remindlo - best for recurring service businesses

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Remindlo is built specifically for small UK service businesses that need to bring customers back for recurring services. Rather than simply reminding people about already-booked appointments, it focuses on customer reactivation: reaching out when an annual MOT, boiler service, dental check-up, or pet vaccination is coming due.

How it works

You create a campaign (for example, "MOT Reminder" with messages at 30 days and 7 days before the due date), add your customers with their service dates, and reminders go out automatically. The recurrent service feature means you can set a customer's service to repeat every 6 or 12 months, and the system automatically calculates the next due date after each cycle, with no manual work.

Main advantages

• Purpose-built for recurring service reminders, not a general messaging platform adapted to reminders

• Recurrent service scheduling automates the entire cycle of repeat visits

• Lightweight contact database with search, filters, and notes acts as a practical mini-CRM

• Google Calendar integration pulls appointments and schedules reminders automatically

• API and AI assistant integration (MCP server for Claude, works with Zapier and Make)

• Fast setup (under 5 minutes for most businesses)

• UK-focused with GDPR guidance

• Free tier lets you test with real customers before committing

Limitations

• Smaller feature set than full messaging platforms (no bulk marketing campaigns)

• Currently focused on SMS and email, no voice or WhatsApp channel

• Newer platform with fewer third-party reviews compared to established players, yet they add new stuff way faster than "older" competitors

Pricing

One-time SMS packages available for seasonal peaks. All plans include email sending, contact management, campaign templates, and API access.

Best for

Garages, MOT stations, vet practices, dental clinics, HVAC businesses, salons, and any service where customers need to come back at regular intervals. The recurring service feature alone saves hours of manual diary management.

👉 Try Remindlo free | See how garages use it | MOT reminder setup guide

2. ClickSend - best for high-volume multi-channel messaging

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

ClickSend is an Australian-headquartered messaging platform used globally by businesses of all sizes. It is powerful and developer-friendly, offering SMS alongside voice, email, fax, and even physical post. However, it is a general messaging infrastructure, not a reminder-specific tool. You build reminder functionality on top of it.

How it works

ClickSend provides an SMS gateway. You send messages through their dashboard, API, or integrations with tools like Zapier. To create automated reminders, you need to connect ClickSend to your own scheduling logic, whether that is a CRM, spreadsheet, or automation platform.

Main advantages

• Excellent deliverability through 232+ premium direct carrier connections

• Very competitive per-message pricing at higher volumes

• Multi-channel: SMS, MMS, voice, email, fax, post from one platform

• Strong API documentation and developer tools

• No message credit expiry

• 24/7 customer support

Limitations

• Not a reminder tool out of the box. You need to build reminder logic yourself

• No built-in appointment scheduling or recurring service date tracking

• No Google Calendar sync for automatic reminders

• Can feel overwhelming for a small business owner who just wants reminders

• Pricing can accumulate when factoring in dedicated numbers and carrier fees

• No free trial (small credit on signup)

Pricing

Dedicated UK numbers from approximately 2.50 GBP/month. No monthly subscription fee. Pay only for messages sent.

Best for

Technically confident businesses or those with developers who can build custom reminder workflows. Also works well if you need SMS alongside other channels (voice calls, direct mail). Not ideal for a small garage or salon owner who just wants reminders to go out automatically.

👉 Visit ClickSend

3. GoReminders - best for scheduling + reminders in one platform

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

GoReminders combines appointment scheduling with automated SMS and email reminders. Customers can book online through a scheduling link, and reminders go out automatically before each appointment. It is a solid option if you want a booking system with built-in reminders.

How it works

You set up a booking page where customers can schedule appointments. GoReminders then sends automatic reminders via SMS and email at your chosen intervals. Customers reply "C" to confirm. You can also add appointments manually or sync from Google Calendar, Outlook, or iCloud.

Main advantages

• All-in-one scheduling plus reminders in one tool

• Customers can self-book and confirm via text

• Clean, simple interface

• Good customer support (frequently praised in reviews)

• Claimed 80% reduction in no-shows

• Mass texting for promotions and announcements

• Multi-calendar sync (Google, Outlook, iCloud)

• Zapier integration and open API

Limitations

• Primarily designed for appointment-based businesses, less suited to recurring service reminders where there is no fixed booking

• US-headquartered. Works in UK but product experience is US-centric

• Limited recurring service date management

• Starting price of 30 USD/month may feel steep for a small business sending few reminders

Pricing

SMS costs may be additional depending on plan and volume.

Best for

Clinics, salons, and service providers who want customers to book appointments online and receive automatic reminders. Less suitable for garages or HVAC engineers where the customer has not booked yet but needs a prompt when their annual service is due.

👉 Visit GoReminders

4. SMS Client Reminders - best for simple calendar-linked reminders

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

SMS Client Reminders is a straightforward service that connects to your existing calendar (Google, Outlook, or iCloud) and sends text or email reminders to clients before their appointments. It does one thing and does it simply.

How it works

Connect your calendar, configure your message templates and timing, and the system monitors upcoming appointments. When an appointment approaches, it sends the reminder automatically. Multiple templates can be set up for different appointment types or staff members.

Main advantages

• Very simple to set up and use

• Low entry price

• Calendar integration means no double data entry

• Multiple message templates for different appointment types

• Available in the UK, US, Australia, and many other countries

• Straightforward pricing with no hidden fees

Limitations

• Limited to appointment reminders. No recurring service date tracking

• No online booking or scheduling features

• Basic feature set: no two-way messaging, no marketing tools

• No contact database or CRM-like features

• Not suited for proactive service reminders (only already-scheduled appointments)

Pricing

No contracts, cancel anytime.

Best for

Businesses that already manage all appointments in Google Calendar or Outlook and want a simple, affordable way to send reminder texts before each booking. No frills, no complications.

👉 Visit SMS Client Reminders

5. Square Appointments - best for businesses already using Square

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)

Square Appointments is part of the Square ecosystem. If you already use Square for payments, adding appointment scheduling with built-in SMS and email reminders is seamless. The basic plan is free for a single user.

How it works

Customers book through your Square booking website. Square sends automatic email and SMS reminders and confirmations at your chosen intervals. The system syncs with Google Calendar and handles payments, cancellation policies, and multi-location scheduling.

Main advantages

• Free basic plan for solo operators

• Tight integration with Square POS and payments

• Professional booking website included

• Strong brand recognition and trust

• Clearpay integration for flexible payments

• Cancellation and no-show fee policies

Limitations

• Locked into the Square ecosystem

• SMS content cannot be customised (only email templates)

• No recurring service reminders. Designed for booked appointments only

• Higher-tier plans get expensive quickly

• Not designed for customer reactivation

Pricing

Transaction fees apply for card payments.

Best for

Salons, spas, and appointment-based businesses already using Square for payments. Less suitable for garages, tradespeople, or businesses that need recurring service reminders.

👉 Visit Square Appointments

6. Textmagic - best for two-way SMS and marketing

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Textmagic is a UK-based business messaging platform with over 14 years in the market. It offers comprehensive SMS tools including mass texting, two-way chat, and marketing automation. More of a communication platform than a dedicated reminder tool.

How it works

You upload contacts or connect via API, compose messages with personalisation fields, and send manually or schedule them. Two-way conversations allow customers to reply, and messages are managed in a shared inbox. You can combine SMS with email, WhatsApp, and Facebook messaging.

Main advantages

• UK-based company with strong UK market knowledge

• Comprehensive messaging features beyond just reminders

• Two-way conversations allow customers to reply

• Good for combining reminders with marketing messages

• Strong compliance credentials (GDPR, SOC 2)

• 14+ years in business, well-established

• SMS, email, WhatsApp, and Facebook from one platform

Limitations

• Not specifically built for appointment or service reminders

• No built-in scheduling or booking features

• No calendar integration for automatic reminders

• Setup requires more effort than purpose-built reminder tools

• Per-message costs can add up for regular reminder sending

Pricing

Dedicated UK numbers available. No monthly commitment required.

Best for

Businesses wanting to combine customer reminders with broader SMS marketing. For example, a salon that sends appointment reminders and monthly promotions by text. Not ideal for a simple set-and-forget reminder system.

👉 Visit Textmagic

7. Apptoto - best for appointment confirmation workflows

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)

Apptoto focuses on appointment reminders with strong confirmation and two-way messaging. It syncs with calendars and sends automated reminders via SMS, email, or voice call, updating your calendar when clients confirm or cancel.

How it works

Connect your Google Calendar, Outlook, or Exchange. Apptoto reads upcoming appointments and sends reminder sequences via text, email, or voice. When a client replies to confirm, cancel, or reschedule, your calendar updates automatically.

Main advantages

• Strong appointment confirmation workflow (replies update calendar)

• Multi-channel reminders (text, email, voice calls)

• Good calendar integrations (Google, Outlook, Exchange)

• Custom branding on booking pages

• Trusted by over 3,000 companies

• 14-day free trial

Limitations

• Designed for appointment confirmation, not proactive service reminders

• US-focused product

• No recurring service date management

• Pricing can be high for small businesses with few appointments

• Feature-rich interface may feel complex for simple use cases

Pricing

14-day free trial available.

Best for

Professional service businesses (consultants, therapists, financial advisors) who need clients to confirm appointments with replies that automatically update the calendar. Less suitable for trade businesses or garages.

👉 Visit Apptoto

Summary: which tool should you choose?

Our recommendation

If your customers come back on a predictable cycle (annual MOT, 6-monthly dental check, yearly boiler service): choose Remindlo. It is the only tool on this list designed specifically for recurring service reminders, with automatic date cycling built in.

If you run an appointment-heavy business and want customers to book online: choose GoReminders for scheduling plus reminders, or Square Appointments if you already use Square.

If you just need basic calendar-linked reminders at the lowest cost: choose SMS Client Reminders.

If you want a full messaging platform with two-way chat, marketing, and high-volume sending: choose Textmagic (UK-based) or ClickSend (better for multi-channel).

If you need appointment confirmations with automatic calendar updates: choose Apptoto.

Frequently asked questions

How much does an SMS reminder cost in the UK?

Individual SMS messages in the UK typically cost between 3p and 20p depending on the platform and volume. Platform subscription fees range from free to around 50 GBP per month. For a small business sending 50-200 reminders per month, expect to spend between 15 and 50 GBP monthly in total.

Do I need customer consent to send SMS reminders in the UK?

For appointment reminders about services the customer has already engaged with, you can generally rely on "legitimate interest" under UK GDPR. This applies when the message is directly relevant to an existing business relationship (reminding a customer their MOT is due at your garage, for example). For marketing messages or promotional texts, you need explicit opt-in consent.

Can I send SMS reminders from my business name instead of a phone number?

Yes. Some UK SMS platforms support alphanumeric sender IDs, meaning your customer sees your business name (like "Park Vets" or "Smith Auto") or a provider name that's easy to recognize instead of a random number. Remindlo, ClickSend, Textmagic, and others all support this for UK messages.

What open rate do SMS reminders get?

SMS messages have an average open rate of 98%, with most read within three minutes. This compares to roughly 20% for email. For time-sensitive communications like appointment reminders, SMS is significantly more effective than any other channel.

Can I integrate SMS reminders with Google Calendar?

Several tools offer Google Calendar integration: Remindlo, SMS Client Reminders, GoReminders, Square Appointments, and Apptoto all sync with Google Calendar. The depth varies: some simply read events, while others (like Remindlo) automatically create reminder workflows from calendar data.

Which is better for a small garage: a full SMS platform or a dedicated reminder tool?

For most small garages, a dedicated reminder tool will be easier to set up and maintain than a general SMS platform. Full platforms give you more flexibility but require more technical knowledge. If your primary goal is getting customers to come back for their annual MOT or service, a purpose-built tool will get you there faster.

Video comparison of the 7 best SMS reminders for UK businesses:

Final thoughts

There is no single "best" SMS reminder tool for every UK small business. The right choice depends on whether you need appointment reminders, recurring service reminders, or a broader messaging platform.

For service businesses with repeat customers on predictable cycles (MOT stations, garages, vets, dental practices, HVAC engineers), a tool specifically designed for recurring service reminders will save you the most time and deliver the clearest ROI. For appointment-heavy businesses like salons and clinics, a scheduling plus reminder platform gives you the most value.

The most important thing is to start. Every missed appointment or forgotten service renewal costs your business real money. Even a basic SMS reminder system pays for itself within the first month.

👉 Start sending reminders for free with Remindlo

This comparison was last updated in February 2026. Prices and features may change. We recommend checking each provider's website for the most current information.

Remindlo is one of the products compared in this article. We have aimed to provide an honest assessment of all tools listed, including our own limitations.