How to take online bookings without a website

Building and looking after a website takes time and money. What most service businesses actually need is simpler: a place where customers can see your services and prices, pick a time and book, at any hour, without messaging you first.

Step 1: Get a booking page

A booking page does the job of a website for most service businesses. It shows your services, prices, availability and location or service area, and lets customers book and pay a deposit. On Bookuro, your business gets its own profile and booking page when you join, free and with 0% commission.

Step 2: Put your booking link everywhere

• Instagram, TikTok and Facebook: add your booking link to your bio and pinned posts, and mention it in stories.
• WhatsApp Business: add the link to your profile and quick replies, so you can send it in one tap when people message to ask for a slot.
• Google Business Profile: add your booking link so people can book from Google Search and Maps. Here’s how.
• Email signature and invoices: every message becomes a chance to rebook.

Step 3: Use a QR code offline

Every Bookuro business has its own booking QR code. Put it on your window, mirror, van, business cards and flyers so people can scan and book on the spot. Get the most from your QR code.

Step 4: Be found by new customers

A booking link helps the customers you already have. To reach new ones, you need to be where they’re looking. The Bookuro app is map-based, so customers nearby can find and book local services across many categories in one app.

Step 5: Cut the back-and-forth

• Let customers pick from your real availability instead of messaging to ask.
• Take deposits when they book to reduce no-shows.
• Let automatic reminders do the chasing.
• Sync your calendar so you’re never double-booked.

Do you still need a website?

A website can still be useful, for example to tell your story, show a large portfolio or rank in search for your trade. But you don’t need one to start taking bookings online. Start with a booking page and add a website later if you want one; you can link the two together.