> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.nixflex.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# SMS booking agent

> Take bookings and answer questions entirely over text message.

This guide builds an agent that handles bookings and questions over SMS. Callers text your number, and the agent replies, checks your calendar, and books appointments — all in a text conversation, no call required.

## What you'll build

An SMS agent that:

* Replies to incoming texts on your number
* Answers questions and books appointments over text
* Uses the same calendar connection as your voice agent

<Note>
  The SMS agent shares the booking tools connected to the number. If your number can book over a call, it can book over text — no separate setup.
</Note>

## Before you start

* A phone number with SMS enabled, attached to an agent
* A calendar connected to that number (see the [Appointment-booking receptionist](/guides/booking-receptionist) guide)

## Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Write the SMS agent's instructions">
    The SMS agent uses its own text prompt, so you can shape how it writes — shorter and more direct than speech. Tell it what it can do.

    ```text SMS prompt (excerpt) theme={null}
    You handle text messages for Brightsmile Dental.
    You can answer questions and book appointments.

    Keep replies short and clear — this is a text conversation.
    When someone wants an appointment, offer open times and confirm once booked.
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Let it book over text">
    Because booking tools are connected to the number, the SMS agent can check availability and book appointments the same way the voice agent does — the caller just does it by text instead of by voice.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Test the conversation">
    Text your number and ask for an appointment. The agent should:

    * Reply in text
    * Offer times that are open on your calendar
    * Confirm the booking once you choose a slot

    Check your calendar — the appointment should be there, just as it would be from a call.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What's next

* Read the [SMS agent](/sms/sms-agent) page for the full behaviour and settings.
* See [SMS campaigns](/sms/sms-campaigns) to send texts to many people at once.
* Add [Post-call analysis](/advanced/post-call-analysis) to capture what people ask.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="SMS agent" icon="comment-sms" href="/sms/sms-agent">
    Everything the text agent can do.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Appointment-booking receptionist" icon="calendar-check" href="/guides/booking-receptionist">
    Connect the calendar this guide relies on.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>