Phase 6~3 hoursMedium
6.2 Online Booking System
Step-by-Step
Choose a booking platform
Pick based on your business type:
- Service businesses (tradies, consultants, coaches): TidyCal ($29 one-time, lifetime) or Setmore (free for 1 user)
- Appointment-based (salons, clinics, PTs): Square Appointments (free for individuals, includes payments)
- Complex scheduling (multiple staff, services, locations): Acuity ($20/mo) or Fresha (free for beauty/wellness)
Key criteria: Google Calendar sync, email/SMS reminders, embeddable on your website, mobile-friendly interface.
Configure your availability and services
Set up your booking system with:
- Business hours -- when you're available for bookings. Add buffer time between appointments (15--30 min) for travel or prep.
- Service types -- create a booking type for each service. Include name, duration, price (optional), and a short description.
- Intake questions -- add 1--2 questions the customer answers when booking. Keep it minimal.
- Calendar sync -- connect to Google Calendar or Outlook. Two-way sync prevents double-bookings.
Set up automated reminders
No-shows cost real money. Reduce them by 40--60% with automated reminders:
- Confirmation email -- sent immediately after booking with date, time, location, and what to bring/prepare
- 24-hour reminder -- email or SMS the day before. Include a reschedule/cancel link.
- 1-hour reminder (optional) -- SMS only. Short: "Reminder: your appointment with [Business] is in 1 hour."
- Most booking platforms include reminders. If yours doesn't, use Google Calendar's built-in reminders as a minimum.
Embed on your website
Your booking system should be accessible from multiple points on your site:
- Dedicated booking page -- embed the full booking calendar
- CTA buttons -- add "Book Now" or "Check Availability" buttons on every service page linking to the booking page
- Navigation -- add "Book" to your main navigation menu, ideally as a highlighted/contrasting button
- Mobile -- test the booking flow on your phone. If it takes more than 3 taps to complete a booking, simplify it.
Test the full booking flow
Book yourself as a test customer. Check:
- Can you complete a booking in under 60 seconds?
- Does the confirmation email arrive immediately?
- Does the appointment appear in your Google Calendar?
- Does the 24-hour reminder send correctly?
- Can you reschedule or cancel from the confirmation email?
- Does it work on mobile?
Pro Tip
Add your booking link to your Google Business Profile, email signature, social media bios, and your chatbot (section 6.3). Every touchpoint should give people a way to book. The fewer steps between "interested" and "booked," the more bookings you get.
You're Done When
- Booking system is live and synced with your calendar
- At least one service type is configured with correct duration and description
- Automated confirmation and 24-hour reminder emails are working
- "Book Now" buttons appear on your homepage, service pages, and navigation
- Full booking flow tested on both desktop and mobile
Still here? You're basically an agency now.
59 hours of DIY, or one phone call to us.