Feature Updates

Our New Bookings Feature Is Here! What You Need to Know

Written by Bettina Diaz | Nov 20, 2024 6:00:00 AM

We've just introduced a game-changing new feature for our active paying business members —Bookings.

Designed with busy tradies in mind, our Bookings feature allows customers to book appointments directly into your calendar, saving you time on back-and-forth communications and streamlining your workflow.

This feature is a big step forward in helping you grow your business, manage your time better, and ultimately, increase your earning potential. Let’s dive into how you can make the most of it.

What Can You Do with the Bookings Feature?

With the Bookings feature, customers can easily schedule an appointment with you to discuss their project, arrange an on-site quote, or set up a follow-up or maintenance visit. This streamlined option lets you manage bookings based on customer needs, whether it's an initial consultation, job assessment, or ongoing service. You’ll have full control over how to handle each appointment, allowing you to tailor your approach and run your business efficiently.

Sync Your Calendar for a Seamless Experience

Tradies are no strangers to juggling multiple jobs, meetings, and personal commitments. With ServiceSeeking’s Bookings feature, all customer appointments are automatically synced to your calendar of choice—whether you use Google or Outlook. This means no more double bookings, forgotten appointments, or frantic rushing between job sites.

You can also set default appointment lengths to suit the nature of your work. Need 60 minutes for a sales call but only 30 minutes for a service call? No problem! This flexibility helps you manage your day more effectively.

Stay in Control with Custom Notice Periods and Travel Time Buffers

We know tradies work hard, but we also know you need time to prepare for appointments. That’s why our Bookings feature allows you to set minimum and maximum notice periods. Whether you prefer a bit of breathing room with 48-hour notice or you’re happy to take same-day bookings, the choice is yours. It’s about making the system work for you.

And for those tradies who are always on the road, you can add travel time buffers to ensure you have enough time between appointments. Whether your jobs are five minutes away or across town, this feature will keep you on schedule and avoid last-minute stress.

Easy to Set Up from Your Dashboard

Getting started with Bookings is simple. You can turn it on from your Dashboard or Account Settings. Just log in to your account on the website (note: this feature is currently only available on the web, not the mobile app), and within a few clicks, your customers will be able to book appointments directly with you.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up the Bookings Feature

Follow these steps to enable and customise the Bookings feature on ServiceSeeking.com.au, helping you streamline your workflow by letting customers book appointments directly into your calendar.

Step 1: Log in to Your ServiceSeeking.com.au Account

Step 2: Access the New Dashboard

  • Once logged in, ensure you're using the new dashboard.
  • If you’re still in the old version, a pop-up will appear at the top of your account. Click “Click here” to activate the new dashboard.

Step 3: Enable the Bookings Feature

  • Once you're in the new dashboard, a pop-up about the new Bookings feature will appear.
  • Click “Go to Settings” to enable the feature. Alternatively, you can manually navigate to My Account Settings.

Step 4: Confirm Cal.com Account Creation

  • A pop-up will notify you that ServiceSeeking’s third-party provider, Cal.com, will create a new account for you.
  • Click “Confirm” to proceed.

Step 5: Connect Your Personal Calendar (Optional)

You can sync your ServiceSeeking bookings with your personal calendar to keep everything in one place.

  • To connect with Google Calendar, click “Google Calendar”.
  • This will open a new tab where you'll be prompted to give Cal.com access to your Google Calendar.
  • Tick “Select all” to allow access, then click “Continue”.

Step 6: Refresh the Page

  • Once access is granted, return to the ServiceSeeking page and refresh it.
  • You should see a message confirming that your Google Calendar is now connected.

Step 7: Set Up Your Booking Preferences

  • In your settings, you can now customise your booking preferences:
    • Set appointment durations.
    • Add travel time buffers between jobs.

Step 8: Block Out Specific Days (Optional)

If there are certain days when you’re unavailable, such as public holidays or personal events, you can block out those dates to ensure no appointments are booked.

  • In the Settings section, locate the Block Out Days option.
  • Click “Add Block Out Day” and select the date(s) you want to block, such as Christmas or any other days when you won’t be taking appointments.
  • Once selected, these days will appear as unavailable to customers in your booking calendar.

Step 9: Save and Manage Your Bookings

  • After setting up, click “Save” to finalise your preferences.
  • You can view all upcoming bookings by going to the “My Bookings” section.
  • Additionally, you will receive notifications of new bookings both via SMS and on your personal calendar (if synced).

From the moment you activate the feature, your profile will display available time slots, making it easier for customers to lock in a time that works for both of you. This saves you the hassle of juggling calls and messages, and lets you focus on getting the job done.

The Benefits of Using the Bookings Feature

Now, you might be thinking, “I’m doing fine without it—why should I start using Bookings?” Here’s why:

  1. Save Time on Admin: With customers able to book directly into your calendar, you spend less time coordinating appointments and more time focusing on your jobs. Less admin means more productive hours in your day.

  2. Increase Your Visibility: A tradie who offers a seamless, easy-to-book service stands out from the crowd. When customers see they can book you with just a few clicks, they’re more likely to choose you over someone who’s harder to reach.

  3. Keep Organised: Syncing with your personal calendar means all your appointments are in one place, helping you stay organised and avoid overbooking or missed opportunities.

  4. Attract More Business: By offering different appointment types—whether it’s a quick phone call or an on-site quote—you can cater to a wider range of potential customers and increase your chances of winning new jobs.

Don’t Have a Profile Yet? Now’s the Time to Get Onboard!

If you’re not yet on ServiceSeeking.com.au, our new Bookings feature is just one more reason to join. You’ll be able to showcase your skills, stand out with easy-to-book services, and attract more customers in your local area.

Setting up a profile is easy, and once you’re registered, you’ll have access to a range of tools that can help grow your business, including customer reviews, quoting, and now, Bookings.

Already Have a Profile? Here’s How to Maximise It

If you’re already a registered tradie on ServiceSeeking.com.au, why not take advantage of the Bookings feature to make your profile even more appealing?

Turn on Bookings today and let your customers book appointments in real-time. You’ll save yourself admin time, keep your schedule organised, and attract even more customers by offering a more professional, hassle-free service.

Final Thoughts

The Bookings feature is all about making your life as a tradie easier and helping you grow your business. Whether you're new to ServiceSeeking or a long-time user, this tool will streamline your workflow, save you time, and make it even easier for customers to choose you.

So, what are you waiting for? Log in, set up your Bookings, and let ServiceSeeking.com.au do the rest!