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If you’re a service-based business, the ability to accept appointments online is a must-have. A PwC report found that consumers now expect a high level of convenience when they converse with businesses – and they want more interaction, not less.
Square Appointments’ online scheduling software makes it seamless for customers to book in a time with you. It allows them to schedule a service, staff member and time that works for them. Plus, it all syncs with Google Calendar – showing your most up-to-date available time slots from any device.
Thousands of businesses in the health, beauty, and services industries now use Square Appointments to make scheduling as easy as possible for their clients. We took a look at how businesses are using Square appointments and uncovered some interesting customer behaviour insights that may help frame your approach to your business’s online presence.
Customers book through mobile devices.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, customers are using mobile devices more and more to shop and interact with businesses. This holds true for making appointments as well — 74% of visitors to our merchant booking sites come from mobile, and 78% percent of online bookings come through mobile devices.
Square Appointments is mobile optimised to ensure a seamless experience for clients across all devices. But it’s important to make sure the rest of your site is also optimised. Check out Square Online to learn more about mobile optimisation for your online store.
It’s also a smart idea to add the Square Appointments scheduling link to multiple pages on your website so customers don’t have to search to complete a booking.
They prefer to book during off-hours.
It’s not just the convenience of mobile scheduling that people are after, it’s the ability to book appointments when a business might not be physically open. 48% percent of appointments made through Square Appointments are booked after-hours It’s often easier for people to take care of tasks after they get home from work, or on the weekends.
Online scheduling software like Square Appointments keeps your business open to take appointments 24/7. Consider what other aspects of your business you could automate so that you’re reachable after hours. Maybe it’s customer service?
They book more than one service.
With Square Appointments, all available appointments and appointment add-ons are in the same place making it quick and easy to select a haircut, colour and conditioning treatment in one. Make sure you’re clearly including all the additional services that can be booked on top of a base appointment — it helps educate customers about what you offer and can land more sales.
Offering customers the ability to book online is key to competing as a local service-based business.
