![\"\"](\"https:\/\/messagemedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Zapier-Flow-copy.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAPI, which stands for Application Programming Interface, allows two applications to communicate with one another. API keys specify what information or communications can pass between those two applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Usually, a developer will code a bridge between two applications (also known as an integration) using API documentation and a key. Third-party connectors like Zapier, however, allow those with no coding experience to create bridges between applications with just a few clicks of a button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
RELATED:<\/strong> Understand the basics behind SMS integrations<\/a>, including how they work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Making these \u2018bridges\u2019 just requires a few steps which we will take you through. The best part about it is that they are entirely customisable. Once you get the hang of building automations in Zapier, you\u2019ll start creating even more! Let\u2019s get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Objective:<\/strong> After a customer books an appointment, a text message is sent out one day in advance to remind the customer about their upcoming booking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n NOTE:<\/strong> Google Calendar is free for personal use. Zapier offers free and paid accounts \u2014 the free version will allow you to run 100 automations a month (so you can send 100 appointment reminders). MessageMedia offers a free trial with 25 SMS credits, and then you can choose the right plan<\/a> for your business. You do not need a credit card to set up any of these accounts, so feel free to try before buying with total peace of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Log into your Google Calendar<\/a> and add a meeting to occur at least 24 hours from now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n NOTE:<\/strong> it\u2019s important that you add your own mobile number to the location for the meeting, and that your number is internationally formatted (like 61400111222). If you’d like to enable local numbers (like 0400111222), check this article on our Support site<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n You’ll need to create an API key in the MessageMedia web portal to enable the connection with Zapier. It’s easy to do \u2014 just follow the steps in this support article<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Zaps<\/strong> are automated no-code workflows that connect your apps and services together through Zapier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can create a Zapier automation from scratch, but we\u2019re going to use a template that will get you all set up within just a couple of minutes and with absolutely zero coding required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve created your Zapier account, click here<\/a> to copy our easy-to-use Zapier template. It will automatically send an appointment reminder one day before, which says: \u201cThis is a reminder that your next appointment is tomorrow at [TIME]. Please reply \u201cC\u201d to confirm or call to cancel.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n Note:<\/strong> View this in-depth article on our support site<\/a> if you\u2019d like to learn more about customising your message to include more information, such as your business name or phone number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you click Google calendar SMS reminder template<\/a>, you\u2019ll be prompted to sign in to your Google account:<\/p>\n\n\n Choose your account, and then click allow<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This will take you back to the Zapier page, where you then choose the calendar you want to connect. This is usually the top option but could vary depending on how many calendars you have:<\/p>\n\n\n Once that\u2019s done, you need to connect Zapier to your MessageMedia account so Zapier knows which account to send your text from (and where to put your customers\u2019 replies).<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the second box here, choose your MessageMedia account, or click on the Connect new account<\/strong> option:<\/p>\n\n\n On the next screen, we\u2019ll need your API key, which you saved earlier. Just pop the details in and click Yes, continue<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n There are many ways you can configure your Zap too. You could send a reminder one hour before the appointment, or use locally formatted numbers, or perhaps you want to add your business name to your message template for immediate recognition. To learn more about configuring your Zap, check out this support article<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\r\n We have messaging specialists on hand to help you set this up. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
6 simple steps for automating SMS calendar reminders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Set up your free accounts<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n
2. Add a test meeting<\/h4>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/messagemedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Calendar-FYI.png\")
3. Create your API key<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Create zaps that will connect your calendar to SMS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
4. Connect Google Calendar to Zapier<\/h4>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/messagemedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/appointment_reminder-2.png\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/messagemedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/2-Connect-Google-1.png\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/messagemedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/2-Connect-Google-4.png\")
5. Connect Zapier to MessageMedia<\/h4>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/messagemedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/3-Connect-MM-1.png\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/messagemedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/3-Connect-MM-2.png\")
6. Turn on your Zap!<\/h4>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/messagemedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/4-Turn-on-Zap-1.png\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/messagemedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/4-Turn-on-Zap-2.png\")
Congrats! You’ve successfully set up a 24-hour reminder for your clients. <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\r\n Still need help? <\/h2>\r\n\r\n
![\"Image](\"https:\/\/messagemedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Signup.webp\")
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