Online booking: get started in five steps
Online booking saves you phone calls and long message threads, because customers can see your free times and book for themselves. You can have it up and running in a single evening if you follow these steps in order.
1. Decide what customers can book
Write out your services as meeting types: name, duration, price and a short description. A good name tells customers straight away whether the service is right for them, for example "Haircut, short hair (45 min)".
Start with a few of your most important services. It is easy to add more later.
2. Set your availability
Set your working hours for each day of the week and add a break between appointments if you need one. Also decide how close to the appointment people can still book, and how far ahead your calendar is open.
- Minimum notice: for example at least 2 hours before
- Booking window: for example 8 weeks ahead
- Exceptions: block out holidays and public holidays in advance
3. Ask for what you need in advance
Booking questions let you collect information before the appointment, such as what the visit is about, any requests or an address. Only ask what you really need: every extra field makes booking slower.
4. Check your messages
Confirmations, reminders and cancellation messages are sent automatically. Add your address, parking instructions or anything else customers often ask about. A reminder the day before the appointment means fewer people forget.
5. Share your booking link wherever your customers are
Add the link to your website, your Google Business Profile, your Instagram and Facebook profiles and your e-mail signature. The more places people can book from, the fewer bookings come in by phone.
Get started with Calendo
Calendo's Starter plan is free: you get your own booking page, e-mail confirmations and a calendar connection with your Google or Microsoft account. A new account also gets every Pro feature for 14 days, no card needed.