Use Square Online as a Service Based Business FAQ
Review answers to frequently asked questions about Square Online if you own a service based business of any size.
Getting Started
Is Square Online a good tool for my service based business?
Yes. Square Online is a great tool for showcasing your services online. Customers can learn more about what you offer, and place a service request or book right on your website.
You can also use Square Online if you use Square Appointments for online bookings. Learn more about Square Appointments.
How can I learn more about Square Online?
To learn more about Square Online, take a look at getting started with Square Online.
How can I effectively build a website for my service based business?
With Square Online, you can create a professional website to offer a seamless way to receive service requests or appointment bookings. Learn more about how to navigate the Square Online site editor to start building your site.
You can also learn more about adding a contact form to your site so customers can reach you to do things like receive custom quotes or book with you. You can then charge your customer using your site, or you can send them a custom invoice using Square Invoices. If you need to embed custom content like third party booking services, try adding embed code to your website.
If you already have a Square Appointments subscription, you can add a navigation link to your site that will automatically link to your Square Appointments calendar, making it easier for customers to book services with you. You can also build a customizable site by adding an online booking page to Square Online.
Note: Your online booking page can be powered by Square Online, but you may also still be using an older booking page powered by Square's previous booking software. Additionally, you can embed booking buttons and widgets on a website built outside of Square. For additional information on building your online booking page using Square Online and other tools, learn more about how to set up online bookings with Square Appointments.
Can I use Square Online if I have an existing website?
Yes. Learn more about how to use Square Online with an existing website.
Does Square Online integrate or work with social media?
Yes. You can set up your service items with Facebook Shops to sell on social platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about how to connect Square Online to Facebook and Instagram.
How can I spread the word about my website?
Here are some suggestions to help you grow your website traffic:
- Spread the word: Tell your customers, family, and friends about your site.
- Optimize for search engines: Make sure people can find your website or items when they search online by following our Ultimate SEO Guide.
- Update regularly: Keep your website content fresh with bog-style Stories to give visitors a reason to come back.
- Use your social networks: Post your site to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, LinkedIn, or other social networks whenever you update your content. You can even connect Square Online to Facebook and Instagram to make your online store items shoppable on those networks.
- Promote your site: Add a link to your email signature, and include a link to your site when you post to forums or comment on articles.
- Start an email newsletter: Use newsletter signup popups on your site as a tool to bring visitors back to your website, and continue email promotions with Square Marketing.
- Get reciprocal links: Swap links with other websites that have a similar audience to drive free, qualified traffic. Join our Seller Community to get connected with other sellers that also use Square Online.
Setting Up Your Service Based Business Online
How do I set up my services?
Learn how to add items and categories in Square Online. You can also learn how to sell non-physical items such as services, and limit availability for non-physical items so that service items are only available for purchase in a desired region.
To highlight certain items on your menu, try using a featured items section for your service items.
Can I set up multiple locations with Square Online?
Yes. When your customers place a service request or book online, they can specify the location if you have more than one.
Can I manually set up categories in Square Online?
Yes. From your Square Online Overview page, go to Items > Site Categories, and select Add Category. Give your new category a name, and add any items you want to include by selecting Choose items.
Learn more about adding items and categories in Square Online.
Will Square Gift Cards work on Square Online?
Yes. If a customer has a Square Gift Card associated with your business, they’ll be able to apply their balance during the checkout flow.
Will customers who place an order or book through my Square Online site be added to my customer directory?
Yes. Customers who place orders or book on your site will be added to a list in your Customer Directory. Learn more about Customer Directory.
Services and Bookings
How do I set up my checkout page?
You can set up the checkout page for your Square Online site in your Square Online Overview page in Settings > Checkout or Shared Settings > Checkout. Learn more about checkout settings and options in Square Online.
How do I set up taxes?
You can set up taxes for your website in your Square Online Overview page in Settings > Sales Taxes or Shared Settings > Sales Taxes. Learn more about setting up taxes in Square Online.
Why didn’t I receive notification when my customer placed an order?
Depending on your email provider, notifications will sometimes be filtered to your spam folder. Double check your spam folder, and add the following email addresses to your contacts:
Will customers receive my customized digital receipts for online purchases?
When a customer places an order through Square Online, they’ll receive a receipt from the Square Online site only. These can be customized in the store emails section of your Square Online Overview page. Learn more about customizing store emails in Square Online.
You can also send a customer a digital receipt with Square at any time from your app or online Square Dashboard.