Case Study
Streamlining online bookings and reducing fees for an independent hair stylist. The solopreneur needed a cost-effective booking system to reduce reliance on third-party platforms and grow his client base.
Challenges
- High booking fees (35%) for new clients through Treatwell
- Inability to create a Google Business profile due to location restrictions
- Limited online visibility of personal website
- Reliance on third-party platform for online bookings
Benefits one – Simplicity
We set up a Calendly link within WordPress, providing a fee-free booking option for repeat customers. This link can be sent directly via SMS and email, reducing dependence on Treatwell and lowering booking costs.
Benefits two – Engagement
By syncing booked appointments with Google Calendar, we created a single source of truth for Benjamin’s schedule. This integration enhances efficiency and reduces the risk of double-bookings.
Benefits three – Exposure
A new WordPress page was created to showcase Benjamin’s range of services and host the Calendly booking link. This additional web page contributes to better SEO, increasing the visibility of Benjamin’s personal website.
Benefits four – Enhanced client communication
We set up automated appointment reminders and thank you notes to minimize no-shows and improve client engagement. A link for Google reviews was included in the post-appointment messages to boost online reputation and further enhance SEO.
Objectives
“I want to reduce my booking charges and find an alternative to Treatwell’s expensive platform.”
Having started from a tech-anxious perspective, Gavin of GW Functional Fitness was keen to make the most of the software tools he’d become used to and get them to work harder as inquiries for a new service were growing. His initial motivation was to give clients a smoother booking and communication experience, having received grumbles about changes in the process as new services were being offered.Starting from scratch in December 2023, Benjamin Hayman Hair aimed to build a solid client base and earn a fair living. With three client types – new clients booking through Treatwell, regular pre-booked clients, and walk-ins – Benjamin needed a solution to reduce booking fees while maintaining a professional online presence.
Solutions
Our team implemented a multi-faceted approach to address Benjamin’s needs:
- We integrated Calendly with WordPress, creating a fee-free booking option for repeat customers. This reduces reliance on Treatwell and associated fees.
- Google Calendar integration ensures all appointments, regardless of booking source, are centralized in one place.
- A new WordPress page was developed to showcase services and host the Calendly booking link, improving online visibility and SEO.
- Automated communication workflows were established using Calendly and email integration, enhancing client engagement and reducing no-shows.
- We provided assistance in purchasing and setting up Calendly, ensuring Benjamin could fully utilize the platform’s features.
By implementing these solutions, Benjamin Hayman Hair now has a more cost-effective booking system, improved online presence, and streamlined appointment management. This sets a strong foundation for growing his client base and reducing reliance on third-party platforms with high fees.
