Have You Got An Online Booking System

BY NICK BENDEL

Young people text, they don’t talk. And they want everything to be online so that they can manage it from their mobiles. But it’s not just young people; everyone seems to be following this trend. That’s why it is important you allow your customers to book their haircuts online, automatically, without having to talk to anyone, through an online booking system.

An online booking system will free you up to spend more time with your customers and will also show your schedule to your customers, so they know when you’re available. They’ll love the convenience of being able to make appointments at any time of the day, without having to call you.

One benefit of online booking systems is they do a lot of things automatically, like sending your customers appointment reminders or letting them make recurring appointments they can easily change.

Another benefit is they drive customers to your website, which boosts your website traffic and Google ranking. Also, because you know exactly which website page your customers will land on, you know exactly where to place your latest promotions.

Most booking systems require customers to login or register, which means they also help you build an up-to-date database. You can then target your database with email and SMS marketing.

Where do I start?

Choosing the right booking system is a daunting task because there are so many systems out there, ranging from free to about $200 per month. Here are five options (listed in alphabetical order):

1. Appointy

Appointy has a free entry-level version and will provide you with a webpage if you don’t yet have your own website. This app supplies website integration, Google bookings and automatic reminders. It also integrates with social media, so customers can book directly from Facebook or Instagram.

2. Bookedin

Bookedin is automated appointment software that is easy to use, and that allows recurring appointments and customised booking forms, so you know ahead of time if your customer is coming in for a quick cut or a new colour and style. There’s a free, 14-day trial version available.

3. Booksy

Booksy targets hair salons, barbers and other businesses in the beauty and wellness industry. Customers looking for a hair stylist can simply login and Booksy will show them all the salons in their area on a map. They can book an appointment at any time, and also cancel it from either the app or website.

Booksy also allows repeat bookings and chain bookings: for example, a customer can book a haircut and a pedicure straight after. Booksy’s developers are working on waiting lists so that if a customer cancels, there’s already another customer standing by. The software also offers promotional and marketing services, and you can use its fully integrated system to manage your customer records, team, and performance metrics, such as identifying your top hairstylists and customers.

4. Fresha

Fresha is another app that is customised for salons and spas. This free software integrates appointment scheduling, payment processing, point of sale, marketing, and analytics. You can use it to manage your product inventory and even sell your inventory online with Fresha’s software.

5. Square Appointments

Square Appointments has a free entry-level plan. It integrates an app, website and point-ofsale system with the usual automated email and text reminders. It further helps you manage your staff and customer relationships and can even integrate with several accounting packages, although those integrations cost extra.

Final note

Keep in mind that when software companies offer you a free booking system, there’s always a catch, because they must make money somewhere – perhaps by charging a commission on the payments they process.

If you don’t have an automated online booking system, you should seriously consider getting one, because it will significantly improve your marketing and customer service.

Nick Bendel is the director of Hunter & Scribe, a copywriting / content marketing agency that writes blogs, social media posts, website text and other content for businesses.