Find out how to introduce online appointment scheduling in the salon or surgery and solve problems with the phone, errors and cancellations.

How to Set Up Online Booking for a Salon or Clinic (Step by Step)

Whether you run a hair or beauty salon, or a clinic (cosmetic, dental, or private practice), you are probably dealing with the same daily problems:

• appointment booking via phone calls
• constant interruptions during work
• scheduling mistakes
• last-minute cancellations

The good news is that setting up online booking is simple and fast, whether you manage a salon or a clinic.

In this article, you will learn:

• how online booking works
• what you need before getting started
• how to introduce online booking step by step in your salon or clinic

Why Online Booking Matters for Salons and Clinics

Today’s clients and patients expect:

• to book appointments on their own
• not to call by phone
• to receive instant appointment confirmation

Salons and clinics that use online booking benefit from:

• fewer missed appointments
• better organization
• fewer phone calls
• more satisfied clients and patients

What You Need Before Setting Up Online Booking

Whether you run a salon or a clinic, the preparation is the same.

1) List of Services or Appointments

Create a clear list of:

• services (haircuts, treatments, massages…)
• or appointments and consultations in a clinic
• duration of each appointment
• prices (optional)

This allows the system to schedule appointments correctly.

2) Working Hours

Define:

• working days
• opening and closing hours
• breaks and days off

Accurate working hours prevent overlapping appointments.

3) Staff Schedules

If you have multiple staff members:

• hairdressers, beauticians, or therapists
• doctors, dentists, or assistants

you need to define:

• who works when
• which services or appointments they provide

Step by Step: How to Set Up Online Booking

Step 1: Choose an Online Booking System

A good system should:

• be designed for salons and clinics
• allow online booking 24/7
• include automatic confirmations and reminders
• be easy to use

Avoid tools that are not designed for appointment-based businesses.

Step 2: Add Services, Appointments, and Staff

Inside the system:

• add services or appointments
• set appointment duration
• assign staff to services
• define availability

This is the foundation of accurate scheduling.

Step 3: Enable Online Booking for Clients and Patients

Once everything is set up, users can:

• choose a service or appointment
• select a staff member (optional)
• see available time slots
• receive booking confirmation

The entire process takes less than one minute.

Step 4: Enable Automatic Confirmations and SMS Reminders

This is crucial for both salons and clinics.

SMS reminders:

• reduce no-shows
• remind clients and patients of their appointment
• make daily organization easier

Recommendation: send reminders 24 hours before the appointment.

Step 5: Share Your Booking Link

Make booking easily accessible:

• on your website
• on social media
• via your Google Business profile

The easier it is to book, the fewer empty time slots you’ll have.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

X Overly complicated booking process
X Outdated staff schedules
X Disabled reminders
X Hidden booking link
X Using systems not designed for appointment management

A good system should simplify your organization, not complicate it.

How 24book Helps Salons and Clinics

24book is an online booking and appointment management platform, developed with the help of over 100 salon owners and private practices.

With 24book, you get:

• online booking 24/7
• automatic SMS reminders
• easy management of services, appointments, and staff
• real-time appointment overview
• fewer phone calls and cancellations

No technical knowledge required.

How Long Does Setup Take?

Most salons and clinics can:

• complete setup in under 30 minutes
• start accepting online bookings the same day

You don’t need a website — a booking link is enough.

Conclusion

Introducing online booking in a salon or clinic leads to:

• better organization
• less stress
• fewer missed appointments
• more satisfied clients and patients

If you’re still relying on phone calls and notebooks — it’s time for a simpler solution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does online booking work for clinics?
Yes. The system is ideal for all appointment-based businesses.

Can I still accept bookings by phone?
Of course. Online booking is an additional option, not a replacement.

Is the system easy for clients and patients to use?
Yes. The process is simple and suitable for all age groups.

- Next step:
Set up online booking for your salon or clinic with 24book