The benefit of online booking software is that you are always ready to take reservations. So, whether still in lockdown or because you don’t work evenings, people can still book time with you, for a service, class or consultation. Getting them set up will drastically reduce the amount of time you spend taking bookings on the phone or answering emails.
These days there are a variety of systems available and w
e love that these are low cost and easy for small business owners to use.
A favourite of ours is Calendly. With a free option for you to try it out, and more robust options available for well under £20 a month, it is easy to set up and can be cancelled at any time.
With any online booking system you choose, you set up the framework to suit your business What are your hours, what different appointment types will you offer and what will the length of appointments to be? Will you need time in between the appointments? Should someone be able to book for an hours’ time, or do you need 2 days’ notice? Anything that is particular to your business can be set up as your structure before you take online bookings.
Once you have set up your rules, you can link your calendar easily to Facebook or your website, or perhaps put a link in a newsletter. If you open up your calendar for bookings now and start to communicate this out, you are making it easy for people to book as soon as they are out of lockdown.
Appointment based companies, such as hairdressers and therapists will be obvious winners with online booking systems, but what about using it short term for shops? Perhaps lockdown will be relaxed rather than removed and you want to ensure people maintain social distancing, whilst you restart your business – could you set up an online booking system to maintain a steady stream of visitors to your showroom, your florist or hotel. People will still want to discuss events, weddings, home improvements for next year, and being able to book to discuss these through social media may mean you get ahead of your competitors.
Online booking systems can be set up with automated reminders, they reduce no shows, and you could even set them up to take payments too.
You can set these systems up yourself. Our Pink Spaghetti PAs have experience of working with these two, so do feel free to get in touch for some help. If you would like a system set up, with 3 types of appointments to cover the next 4 weeks, we will get it created for you for £150 to get you prepared for the end of lockdown.
As soon as it is announced that lockdown is over, there will be a flurry of activity. Why not get ahead and get your online booking system set up and communicated out? Be ready for the end of lockdown.
Contact Us to see how your Pink Spaghetti PA can help you prepare for the end of lockdown. We are more than happy to have a no-obligation 15-minute chat – virtual of course!
