When you think of online booking for businesses, hotels and salons probably come to mind. But did you know you can apply online booking software to a range of businesses? Dentists, financial advisors, lawyers, doctors, educators, and even tattoo artists and coaches can use this technology to make scheduling appointments easier with clients.
What makes using this software so worth it? According to GetApp research, 70% of customers actually prefer booking online appointments when they are available.
And of those existing clients out there, 31% of them would switch to a provider who offered online booking appointments. These statistics prove that if you can offer online booking appointments, you really need to consider it.
However, a business owner can’t expect to simply install the software from https://missed.com/ and expect flawless booking services. Let’s look at three great ways you can increase your booking appointments online that are relatively easy to accomplish and incredibly effective.
1) Utilize Word-of-mouth Customer Referrals
Once you have online booking appointments in place, focus on getting the word out to ensure your customers know what you offer. WOM marketing is free, reliable, and one of the most effective ways to attract people to make an appointment. Jim Rohn even says, “One customer, well-taken care of, could be more valuable than $10,000 worth of advertising.”
The best way to achieve word-of-mouth referrals is to ask your existing customers to post a review if they had a good experience and share your services with friends and family.
As a bonus, encourage customers to share with friends that it’s easy to make an appointment online with your management system. They’ll be more likely to follow through knowing that your contact method will be low-effort on their part.
2) Increase your Search Engine Visibility
Search engine searches are at the top of the list of things to improve when you’re trying to get new clients to book online appointments. Additionally, for businesses offering tours, it’s essential to explore comprehensive methods on how to sell tours online effectively. Implementing sophisticated booking solutions and understanding the dynamics of online sales can significantly augment your bookings and revenue stream. Wouldn’t you rather have customers find a link to your online booking system through Google search results directly than having to go through your website?
Optimizing your website with the best SEO practices will improve your search engine rankings in the long term. However, this strategy takes time to create results, and you may need a professional’s help. SEO experts focus strictly on improving your ranking on a search engine so you can continue to focus on managing other aspects of your business.
3) List your Business in Local Directories
If you are a local business, you need to generate local marketing that is effective in your area. Otherwise, your customers will never know you offer the fantastic service you do and won’t make an appointment through your booking system.
Sure, you could create a billboard in town, but using Google My Business and other local directories will catch a customer’s attention while they’re already at their computer. The conversion process will be much faster when they see your business has a professional GMB page, a link to your website, and then an easy booking interface.
You can learn more about how to get started with Google My Business here. Otherwise, type “local business directories” into your search engine, and the result will provide you with options.
Bottom Line
While it’s important to meet customer expectations and utilize booking software, you still have to attract prospective customers to your listing.
Fortunately, these are some of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to increase your online booking appointments and, therefore, your bottom line. Creating word-of-mouth can happen simply by offering amazing service and encouraging customers to share their experiences. SEO and GMB listings require more time, but they’re worth every second spent – we guarantee you’ll see both short and long-term results!
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